Share ‘nice ‘n easy’ ways to impress at job interviews - win £300 voucher! NOW CLOSED

[RebeccaEMumsnet]

Here at Mumsnet we’re really excited about our upcoming event – Workfest 2016, which is happening on 14th May 2016. Workfest is one-day conference aimed at women who are returning to work post maternity or after an extended career break. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear great speakers, gather tips on how to hone their CV from professionals, and get fired up about starting their own business.
nice ‘n easy is one of the sponsors of Workfest 2016, and to spread the positive energy about returning to work, they want to know what would your top tips be for making a good impression at a job interview?

Here’s what nice ‘n easy have to say: “Returning to work can be daunting and to come across as confident you need to feel your best. To boost your self-confidence start by picking an outfit you feel comfortable in, rather than something you have never worn or brand new shoes that may cause blisters. Indulge by pampering yourself, especially if it has worked in the past to maximize your positive energy: a manicure, a skin treatment, a specific haircut, your favourite nice ‘n easy hair colour. We at nice ‘n easy have a philosophy that you are at your best when your hair colour is ‘as real as you are’. Finally, avoid any jewellery that you may involuntarily play with, such as a long necklace, as this may be perceived as a sign of stress. You will have enough to think about during the interview so free up your mind from all of the above, so that you are not self-conscious or distracted during the discussion.”

So, what are your top tips for feeling confident and impressing at an interview? Do you like to perfect that firm handshake, think about your posture, or have a lucky charm? Perhaps you get crisp new haircut or invest in a new outfit? Do you practice your answers to standard interview questions (what’s your favourite biscuit?! ). Whatever you do, let nice ‘n easy know.

Please add your comment or tip below and you'll be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 Love2Shop gift voucher.

Insight T & Cs Apply

Workfest 2016
Workfest 2016 Tickets

[loosechange]

Research the job, and who is likely to be on the interview panel. If they meet applicants pre interview and encourage a visit make sure you schedule time for this. It prevents "I wish I had......" thoughts on the day.

Act like the person whose job you want, showing how you have the qualities they need. Remind yourself they have shortlisted you, so now is your chance to impress.

[ThomasRichard]

Research the company and what they offer, then think about how you would apply your skills to that particular product/service. I hate it when people arrive for interview with no knowledge whatsoever about what the company does. It's so easy to have a quick look at the website!

[manifestdestiny]

Ask the interviewer what they like about their job!

It shows you are interested in them.

Interview the interviewer!

[Chelsea26]

Think before you speak. It doesn't look bad, it is good to consider what they have asked you and formulate a through, well thought out response so pause, plan then answer. Don't babble!

[EmpressOfTheSevenOceans]

I always arrive nearby an hour early & then settle down in the nearest coffee shop to run through my notes. It means I 'm always as relaxed & prepared as possible when the interview starts.

[peachypips]

Make sure you take time to answer questions thoroughly. Smile lots, sir forward in the chair and sell yourself well.

[DinosaursRoar]

Arrive early, so you aren't flustered. Make sure you've been to the loo and eaten before Hand so you can focus! Don't be afraid to ask questions, this is as much a chance for you to work out if this is a company you want to work for as for them to decide if they want you on their team.

[WineOrSleep]

Always have a question tailored to be job ready for that inevitable moment of "so do you have any questions for us?"

It shows you've researched and thought about the company and stops you looking like a fish caught out of water!

[RhubarbAndMustard]

Prepare answers to all standard interview questions especially example based ones. Have lots of examples of showing initiative, a time when you excelled, a time when you found something difficult, etc or examples specific to your role, so you always have an answer to fall back on but make sure you tailor it to the question.

Research the company and also look at company values and mission statements. Say how you align to those values.

Find out a bit about the team and say how you will fit into this well.

Spend time planning your outfit and look before hand, especially if you haven't worn 'office wear' for a while. Hair, nails, skin, whatever makes you feel confident and glowing.

[BellaVida]

• Do your homework! Read up about the company/ organization and your potential role and responsibilities.
  
• Prepare some questions of your own. They always ask if you have any!
  
• Make sure you know exactly where you are going and who to ask for when you arrive.
  
• Arrive early, so you are not rushing and flustered.
  
• Be smart, but comfortable. Style/ colour your hair, do your nails, pick a nice outfit. You will feel more confident.
  
• Watch your body language. They will be.
  
• Be open and honest. Tell them your real motives and show your enthusiasm.
  
• Don't be afraid if you are taking a new career direction, or have had a long break. You still have experience and loads of transferable skills.

[foxessocks]

Research the company
Be friendly and smile and make eye contact
Dress smartly
Shine your shoes!

[mumsnit]

Squeezing your buttocks together when you are shaking hands with the interview panel stops your hands from shaking.

Practice using the STAR method for answering competency based interview questions - it will stop you from waffling and better enable the interviewer to assess the skills you used in the situation.

[Theimpossiblegirl]

Make sure you are well groomed so you feel confident. Then do your research so you are ready to answer any questions.

To buy thinking time, say "That's an interesting question" rather than jumping in or looking like a rabbit stuck in headlights.

Arrive early.

Don't eat the chocolate biscuits.

Don't drink too much tea/coffee then need a wee.

Don't eat anything smelly.

[Getzbaby]

My tips are:

Arrive promptly - not too early as don't want to appear over keen but definitely don't arrive late.

Do your homework and research the company.

Ask for a guided tour to show interest.

[Scootering]

Find out who is on your interview panel and look them up on LinkedIn: it really helps if you know what they look like and a bit about their own background. It can also give you an idea of what they might want to hear.

LAUGH AT THEIR JOKES. I can't emphasise this enough... :) Everyone wants colleagues that they will have a good time with. Be smiley!

Don't be late. I'm amazed at how many people turn up late for interviews!! It's rubbish!

[voyager50]

Find out as much as you can about the company before you go.

Make sure you turn your phone off and check you don't have food in your teeth before you go in!

If you can't think of an answer straight away don't blurt out the first thing that comes into your head - take a litttle while to think about it if you need to and if you can't think of a suitable answer be honest.

Speaking of honesty - if you tell lies in an interview they will catch you out eventually so stick to the truth!

[forkhandles4candles]

Know the company well, but also ask an intelligent question about how things work. Be well prepared. Listen well. Be prompt. Be friendly. People want not just your skills, but someone who appears to be a good colleague.

[OneFlewOverTheChickenHutch]

Don't go laden with belongings so you aren't faffing as you enter & take a seat in the interview room.

There's nothing wrong in taking notes/prompt cards with you.

Look well groomed & smartly dressed, but make sure your clothes are comfortable to sit in, you could be in the interview for hours!

[elmersfud]

Always dress smartly for an interview.

Take a copy of your CV and application form along plus any up to date company info relating to any questions you may have.

When you see the job advertised with some additional info about contacting Joe Bloggs for an informal discussion about the role, ALWAYS call and let them know how much you match the job description.

Don't lie on your CV ever.

Always email to thank the interviewers for their time.

[Inarightpickleandchutney]

I'd try to do a practise run of the journey in before the interview because the traffic varies.

When I was going back after maternity I remember being shocked at rush hour, I hadn't done it for so long!

A dry run on getting out the door would be my top tip.

[TrixieBernadette]

Research the place and the job role. Look into rival/similar companies and roles. Have questions to ask them - nothing worse than being asked if you have any questions and sitting going "eeeer". Smile at people and be nice, especially to the receptionist, even if you're going managerial. Take copies of your work and CV. Look at your body language, dress smartly but comfortably.

[Bluelilies]

I've been involved in recruitment interviews. We often ask people why they think they would be the best person for the job and it's amazing how many completely fail to answer it and instead tell us how much the job would be good for them.

[Lovewhereilive]

Be friendly with everyone. Remember it's not the only job in the world and its not life or death!

[sharond101]

Smile, it makes you appear confident and if you don't know the answer to a question explain where or how you would find the answer.

[purplepandas]

Sit well and don't slouch. Good posture makes you look taller but also more confident. An eminent professor was recently telling us that you need to 'own your own space' by reaching your arms out either side of you. This is supposed to increase confidence but clearly needs to be done before seeing anyone (e..g in a private space). I have not tried it though.