Put your best foot forward

So, you’ve managed to get that sacred interview. Awesome! Now you just need to ensure that you don’t blow it.

When it comes to interviewing, there are a few simple do’s and don’ts to follow:

Do’s

Show Enthusiasm

Without doubt, the single most important attribute to show is to come across as very enthusiastic, showing lots of energy, keen to make a difference and add value.

Do your homework

Research the company and the people you are meeting. Be able to demonstrate that you have done this. It will make such a difference as most people never do it.

Be thoughtful

Be able to demonstrate why you want to work at that company – if they ask you why you want to work here, be sure to have an answer.

Whenever you are making a point, always have a real-life example you can refer to, to reinforce your point.

Put your best foot forward

Get a feel for the culture

Understand, ask questions about the culture of the firm.

Most people never focus on this, whereas the reality is that it’s the most important factor.

The culture of the firm needs to suit your personality.

Demonstrate your communication skills

Demonstrating your communication skills and ability to influence people is key – be able to show with examples.

Ask lots of questions

Be sure to ask lots of questions – interview them as much as they interview you. Show your curious nature.

Understand human psychology

Likability – people want to work with those they like, so make sure you build rapport. People like those who are like them so look for common ground with the interviewer.

Psychology studies show us that focussing on making a really good first impression and a really good last impression are what matters most.

People tend to remember the beginning and end of conversations and forget the middle.

Don’ts

Come across as flat and uninterested

Pay attention to your body language and the tone of your voice.

Don’t come across like someone who wants to be somewhere else.

Have no understanding of the role or the company

This will show you have not done any research and doesn’t exactly differentiate you from the rest of the candidates.

Have no questions to ask

Nothing is worse than interviewing a candidate who has no questions to ask.

Culture is King

Dare to ignore it

So many candidates get sucked into focussing on the company, the job title, the money, and pay little to no attention to the culture and whether this company is a suitable fit to their personality.

Trust us, if the culture doesn’t fit you then nothing else matters as you will end up being miserable.

We would go so far as to say that this is the most important factor to focus on when interviewing with a company.

Ignore it at your peril.