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.

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Workfest 2016
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[gBean]

Lots of eye contact, smile and do your research. Try to find out what sort of interview, ie is it competency based - so you are prepared. Be enthusiastic and honest.

[purplepandas]

Prepare, prepare and prepare some more. Really look into the organisation, what it offers, it's history and think about how you would fit in.

[domesticslattern]

Do your research. I am always stunned by people who I interview who haven't even managed to scan our Annual Report, our twitter feed etc. You can have all the manicures you like but if you don't understand what kind of company we are and what our current challenges, successes, plans etc. are, you won't get the job.

[MsMims]

Breathe! And take your time answering questions.

When I'm stressed I speak too quickly, so trying to force myself to slow down as above has been helpful in past interviews.

[hann24]

If the interviewer is a lot older than you then think of them as an Aunt/Uncle it makes them seem much less scary and helps you relax.

[wherethefuckisthefuckingtuna]

Always say yes to a glass of water. You can take a sip to give you time to think about your answer to a difficult question.

When asked "what is your biggest weakness" always respond with "public speaking". Everyone can relate to that and it is completely understandable.

[ButterflyOfFreedom]

Arrive in plenty of time
Smile
Stand tall / sit upright
Answer questions honestly & concisely
Ask them a question as your parting shot
Look good, feel good, be confident!

[Peppassista]

Before the interview, practice answering some mock questions OUT LOUD to a friend.
Don't assume that the interview panel have remembered your answers from your written application!
Write down some questions, and if they are answered in the interview, you can still refer to them - "I was going to ask you about blah and blah, but you have answered them already"
Thank the interviewers by name as you shake their hand.

[SweetPeaPods]

Do your homework. Have a look at the companies website first so you are familiar with what they do, who they are etc.
Look interested and keen.
Look smart.
Be yourself.

[SweetPeaPods]

Do your homework. Have a look at the companies website first so you are familiar with what they do, who they are etc.
Look interested and keen.
Look smart.
Be yourself.

[FeelingSmurfy]

Be slightly early, know the names of who you will be meeting with, be honest

[KeepOnPlodding]

Try your outfit on and then sit down in it.

Will your skirt ride up too much when you sit down? What about if you end up sitting in a low chair; can you get up without flashing your pants? Does your blouse gape when you're not standing up straight?

Ideally have one bag that contains everything - big enough for your folder of notes/copy of CV etc. It's hard to shake hands when you're juggling a coat, two bags and an umbrella.

[joeyhanmum]

Firm handshake - a limp one is really off putting

Do your research

Ask a friend to put you through a mock interview to test your answers to standard questions

Ask at least 3 questions yourself at the end

[FireandBrimstone]

I agree with all of the posts above but my two top tips are:

• know how to shake hands properly. Nothing is more offputting than a limp, weak shake and you'll do it twice in the space of an hour-long interview! If in doubt - practice it and get feedback (I already do this with my children, 10 and 8: you're never too young to learn how to do a good handshake!)
  
• wear something striking. A piece in a bright colour, an unusual item of jewellery. You're there because of your impressive capabilities and your suitabilty for the role, but it will help you stand out amongst other candidates and leave a more lasting impression.

[CMOTDibbler]

Research the job, the company and their competitors. Read the annual report.
And smile and breathe

[HeadTilt]

Be cheerful. A little appropriate humour goes a long way.

Make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing etc.

Don't worry if you seem nervous. It is good for people to know you want the job.

[HeadTilt]

Oh yes, and be early!

[MelanieCheeks]

Once the interview is over, take yourself off somewhere quiet and note down all the questions you were asked.

[torthecatlady]

This thread has been really useful for me as I am currently looking for work and expecting interviews!

My top tips are:

Take a small mirror in your bag, so that you can take a quick look before heading in.

Arrive 15 minutes early.

Take a note pad and pen to jot down anything important at the end of the interview.

Research the company beforehand and take a few (maybe 5) questions with you to ask.

Be friendly - do not forget to smile, shake hands and introduce yourself as you walk in.

They will always ask you of your interests, so make sure you have an idea of what to say beforehand.
Don't wear anything uncomfortable, you will regret it! Whether it is a tight dress or too many layers or high heels if you're not used to them.

And breathe!!

[finova]

Take your time answering questions.
Be well groomed, think about hair, nails and shoes.
I know someone who missed out on a job partially because her hair was styled over her face!

[borninastorm]

Look up the kind of questions you're likely to be asked for the job role in the industry you've applied for.

Then write down excellent answers to each question you may be asked.

Create note versions of these answers, then work out a method to remember these in association with the type of question they work with. Often the answers are transferable to several different questions.

As many others have pointed out - research the company, visit if possible, phone them and also try to get the general 'vibe'of the place to see if you think it'll be a good fit for you.

Arrive early and take ten mins to rehearse your answers and calm down.

Breathe and walk in wearing your smartest interview outfit (comfy shoes are a must) and your best smile giving a firm, friendly handshake. And take it from there...if you've prepared you've got it from here.

[Kelloges0811]

Research the company and the job role. Be confident, smile. Wear something you are comfortable in. Arrive early and go over your application form and job advert. Think before you speak and if you don't understand the question ask them to repeat or rephrase it for you. Be polite.

[PaulineFowlersGrowler]

Wearing something comfortable that fits well,you don't want to be pulling your skirt down and hitching your top up. Make sure you are clean and well groomed, bring a lint roller in your bag!

Bring a bottle of water and a small snack (banana, protein bar) in case things run on.

Research the company, interviewers always ask what you know.

Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview.

Practice 'power posing' to improve confidence (there is an excellent TED Talk about this)

[IonaAilidh11]

make sure you know about the company
arrive in good time
look your best
smile!

[choccyp1g]

Things that have worked for me in the past.
Wear a hat, or something memorable but not too weird.
Relax. If you mess up, all you lose is the job, and there is always another chance.
If they mess up, they are stuck with the wrong person which could ruin their department, career etc.
So they should be more nervous than you are.
Be honest. Fibs will always catch up with you in the end.