Submitting an application is considered to be the easy part of the job-seeking process. If you’re lucky enough to secure an interview it’s important that you shine from the beginning to end.
Interview Pitfalls to Avoid
Submitting an application is considered to be the easy part of the job-seeking process. If you’re lucky enough to secure an interview it’s important that you shine from the beginning to end.
As with everything in life the first impression lasts. You need to make sure you look the part which means wearing the appropriate attire. Even if you wouldn’t normally wear a business suit for office job interviews it’s a must. However, if you’re applying for a job as a kindergarten teacher arriving in a business suit will seem very out of place. Do your research and adjust your clothing accordingly.
Then comes the next key part – the handshake. A firm grip and a good solid shake will make you seem confident. Don’t squeeze too hard though, you don’t have to hurt the person in front of you, but whatever you do, avoid the “dead fish” grip. This is when your hand is completely lose and relaxed instead of involved in a hand shake.
In addition to your hand shake, your body language says a lot about yourself. If you’re feeling nervous it’s easy to start fidgeting and your hands might suddenly feel out of place no matter what you do with them. You will be sitting during your interview so practice sitting at home. Lean back on the chair, cross your legs and put your hands in your lap, one on top of the other. Then use your hands to gesticulate a little during your interview.
When answering questions, try to avoid replying in clichés. “I always give 110%”, is a good example. It says nothing about you apart from the fact that you don’t understand percentages. As the Guardian advices, be yourself, be polite and be honest about your skills. Practice how you might present your professional background and experience.
Do your homework! Come prepared with questions to ask the interviewer about the position and ask the interviewer about their job and how they like working for the company. He or she could have spent all day talking to potential employees and they will surely appreciate the opportunity to talk about themselves for a little while.
When the interview is over and you’re waiting to hear from them, don’t be tempted to discuss your interview in social media. It could have you lose the position before you’ve even been offered it.
If you’ve avoided all those pitfalls but still get rejected, don’t worry! Think of it as a practice round. Work through what you could have done better; improve if needed and next time you’ll be one step closer to that dream job.
Helpful Resources:
RHUL Employment – Come see our vacancy section, we have opening for paid employment throughout the university.
Working Mums Magazine - Working Mums provides a vast knowledgebase of career opportunities specialising in part time work.
National Union of Students – The NUS champions students and offers unmatched support in the world of job seeking.