How do you prepare for an interview

[Mearabade]

I've an online interview for a job tomorrow. I just hate interviews!

I always get anxious and I feel I don't do myself justice in the interview. I start mumbling.

It's just a lot of pressure. Like you really have to be your best self for thirty minutes.

It's the feeling like when you do your driving test. You have to drive perfectly!

How do you prepare for interviews. And how do you not be too anxious?

I have all my main notes written out of what I want to say. I'll have that notepad beside me when I do the interview.

My notes mainly have key points from my CV, to remind me of when I did what in the past.

Write down 3 to 5 examples of things you're proud of or accomplished and definitely want to make sure you say at some point.

Have a listen to the Interview Boss podcasts they're really helpful.

I prepare by reading up about the company - what do they do, what's their service/product, are they doing anything exciting (expanding etc.) that you can ask about at the end e.g. will your new units in Manchester expected to impact the teams workload?' or something.

Think about the role & get your stock answers prepared - a situation where you had to work under pressure/ use teamwork/ be self motivated/ deal with aggression/ build a rapport quickly... whatever suits.

It helped me loads to discover that interviewers can get nervous too. The pressure is on them to find the right fit, ask the right questions without committing a HR slip up. They have to impress you as much as you impress them - you don't want to work for someone who can't interview you properly (thinking about a terrible interview I wasted an afternoon for).

And just smile. Be human. If you're suitable for interview you probably know the answers, and if you don't know the answers it's okay to say that, but add that you're a quick learner and have been successful learning new skills in the past.
They're not looking for a robot, they're after a real life human who might make a mistake but tries their best under pressure.

Online interviews I have to have something to hold in my hands or I fidget my hands a lot. I put key words on notes around my screen to help keep me focused on point. Set up early so you can check you're not in the dark or glare and to put your mind at rest that there are no technical issues. Start with a cheerful hello and smile so they can see you are positive! And remind yourself that you are through to interview stage so have as good a chance as anyone else as getting the role.

Yes to reading about the company. Helps you be prepared for questions to ask as well.

To help get into the zone, prepare a 2-3 min (no longer) potted history of your CV. Practise saying it out loud to yourself so it is slick.

At the start of the inteview, ask if they would like you to run through it. From my experience, most people will say yes. Whilst some interviewers prepare by reading your CV in advance, others may have glanced at your CV literally minutes before the interview. If they are read it, they may be too polite to turn you down at the start. Which is a good sign that they are prepared to listen. If they brush you aside, that is ok but not the best start.

As you go through the paces, it will help to centre you and set up up with confidence for the rest of the interview.

Write down any questions you may have about the role.
Do research on the organisation
Practice talking about why you're a good candidate for the job and what qualities you can bring, practice with a friend if you can.

Thanks everyone. I'm going to try to get a good night's sleep tonight too.