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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Wear something smart that you won't get too hot and bothered in.

And check the skirt isn't too short/tight when you are sitting down!

Do your research before the interview. Have a question ready.
Look 'done' it not like you take more interest in how you look than your job.
Go for a wee before hand
Accept a drink of water if offered, it will give you and easy way to stall if you need to think of an answer.

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

..sort of depends on the job role, surely? It would count you straight out for most of the roles that I have done.

Mine would definitely be to smile, and be friendly (within appropriate limits). They are looking for someone they can work with, and so are you. Remember, no matter how desperate you are for the job, that an interview is a two way process - you need to be happy that it is right for you, and ready to ask informed questions to check on that.

• Allow extra time for travel - that way, you won't lose your cool if something goes wrong en route.
• By all means stop for a coffee across the road but don't be tempted by anything messy or chocolatey: you don't want to be frantically sponging egg sandwich out of your dress 5 mins before the interview not that that's ever happened to me, oh no...
• Do your homework. Learn as much as you can - not just about the role, the company, the team, but also the wider market conditions, what the competition are up to, what the latest trends are....demonstrate your interest even if you're not an expert.
• When researching the company, pay attention to any information on culture, social responsibility, community efforts etc. If they have "corporate values", learn them...there's a high chance someone will ask you if you know what they are, and you don't want to have to blag it.
• Dress smartly, but stay in your comfort zone: for example, If you've never worn heels, don't start now. If you're a trouser gal, stick with it. But make sure you up your game: dress for the job you want, not the one you're in.
• But don't overdo it. Many years ago I interviewed someone who was dressed for a night out at the Ritz, not a job in an office...deep cleavage, high heels, big hair, tons of makeup and lots of bling. Very disconcerting at 10.30am in a random suburb on a Tuesday morning
• Stay calm under pressure. It's really ok not to know all the answers, so don't get flustered. Some firms still use "stress interview" techniques - it's all about testing how you respond. I still remember getting to a third and final round for a job and and being told I was over qualified for the role so shouldn't be there. I came so close to getting riled up but got it under control, and stuck to my guns....and got the job.
• Be structured in your answers. Many companies use the STAR format for competency interviews - it's worth spending a few minutes reading up on the approach and practicing some answers.
• Prepare some good questions. There's nothing worse than a candidate who says that they have no questions....really??? There's nothing about the whole company or industry that you don't want to know? Ask what's best about working there, ask about industry trends, ask what the biggest challenges will be in your new role, what the team is like, what opportunities there are for development...
• Last, but not least: be authentic. Bring yourself to the interview : if you get the job, you'll be there every day, so be your true self and let some personality shine through. Don't be a drone! Try to enjoy the interview: treat it as a conversation and an opportunity for you to find out more about the company, as well as for them to investigate you. Be positive, smile and be polite - manners matter! Good luck!

Do your research about the company.
Smile (when appropriate) and have plenty of eye contact.

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You're bound to be asked about your motivation for applying for the job. Make sure your answer is unique to the job you're interviewing for, i.e. why you want to work in this position at this company, not just because the job is convenient for you, you have the right skills etc.

Yes, feeling confident about how you are presented for the job helps but I have found the greatest help at an interview is to really do your research into the company and the role you are applying for. What is the company ethos? Core values? Is their focus targets or customer service? Sticking stricktly to the rules or running with off the wall ideas?
I find the more you understand the role and company the more you can give a detailed and honest representation of how you can be the perfect fit.

I always do a trial run of the journey to the office beforehand, so I'm familiar and comfortable with the route.

Look up the annual reports of the company and jot down any questions that spring to mind.

Look through the person spec and highlight key terms and make sure you mention how you meet them.

Research as much as possible about the company and tailor questions and answers towards their business
Dress appropriately, if they are a casual company - look smart but a suit might distance you from them
Ask what a typical day looks like - a revealing question

Only ever interviewed for public sector jobs but...
Be presentable but not 'stand out' - not too much jewellery, bright colour or perfume, neat, having made an effort.
Think don't 'um'. If tempted just pause. Since you'll be thinking 20 to the dozen your speech will then be measured and clear.
Read the job description and person spec. Read them again the morning of the interview. And reread your application form especially if you wrote it months ago.
Show genuine excitement/enthusiasm but remember that you are interviewing them too. They are not 'doing you a favour'.
Plan something positive after the interview (if you don't have to go back to work). You are worth it regardless of the official outcome.

I've been both interviewee and interviewer and these are my top tips:

Smile. Smile. It's so easy to look anxious at interviews. Relax your arms and shoulders and unclench hands. Head up, look at your interviewers and, smile. Like you mean it.

Take 10 seconds before answering a question. Gather your thoughts, think about what you're saying. Don't say the first thing that pops into your head. If need be, ask them to repeat the question.

Humour. I don't mean sit there and crack 'knock, knock' jokes throughout! If it's appropriate don't be afraid to insert some humour. It shows your personality a bit. Obviously it depends on the interview but I think it has a place.

Lots and lots of preparation.

Arrive with plenty of time. If you look smart and presentable and have done your research you can be confident that you've done your best.

Do your homework, research the company, the role and the area. Dress to impress, look good feel good! Most importantly . . . Be yourself, show your personality, be honest and let your confidence shine through!

Be polite to the admin staff you may encounter. When i interview the feedback from them as to wether you were rude or polite is a key input.

Don't be embarrassed to ask them to repeat a question if you mishear it or clarify something if you're not sure what they mean. If you aren't sure where the place is then thoroughly check it out on the Internet and work out things like what bus you would need/where the nearest car park is etc. Also take enough change for the parking meter in case you can't use your card. Allow plenty of time to get there too. Make sure you look and feel nice and wear something that suits you rather than wearing something that you feel should be worn at an interview. I'm not suggesting a onsie by the way

Make your answers relevant to the job. Don't talk too much about home life. Read up on the company and make sure you know what your potential job actually does.

Smile!

I know "switch your phone off" has been mentioned already, but I think it bears stressing that it needs to be off, or on silent. I was once asked to sit in on an interview, and the candidate had put their phone on vibrate, in their bag, on the floor. The mezzanine floor amplified the noise and vibration, it was so loud, and uncomfortable for all concerned!

My top tips would be:
-Be on time
-Make the interviewer laugh if possible
-Ask about something you've seen on the company's website, even if not directly related to the job, it shows you've done some research.
-Be positive about previous jobs and companies - no one wants to hear "I hated it / they were awful"
-Know how to get to their office, where there is nearby parking if needed, and check if there are any road works en route that might hold you up

Never accept a chocolate biscuit and then try to eat it. (Tried this - hard to look professional while licking fingers, but, did get the job)

Never accidentally trip and pull over some bookshelves. Did this. Then got flustered and helped tidy up, all the while chatting about the books. Got a Uni place.

In other words, you can do all the wrong things but, if you are a good fit, or make them smile, all is not lost.

Arrive early and make sure you know where you are going.
Research the company thoroughly.
Firm handshake a must.
Have some questions to ask (which aren't about holidays and pay!).
Clean shoes and outfit.

Ask for time to think about a question if you're not sure. Nothing worse than blathering on!
Smile!!

Research the company. Wear something smart but comfortable, now is not the time to break in new shoes!! Be friendly and polite, maintain eye contact and answer questions as fully as you can.

Research the route and any possible traffic/transport hold-ups. Prepare some questions, both your own and some obvious interview ones. And above all, don't be tempted to give your hair a last-minute emergency home trim

Engage in the conversation with interviewers, a lot of the interview is about 'personality match' for that particular vacancy, show a 'can-do' attitude always goes a long way. Don't hesitate to give it a try with any test questions as well!!!

Research the job and the wider industry. Know the landscape - where opportunities and pitfalls lie. Know what competitors are doing. Hold your head up high and exude positive mental attitude. Speak slowly and clearly. Ask for clarification on anything you're not sure of. Don't waffle