
First impressions with interviews
First impressions with interviews
As the saying goes ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’. Many hiring managers may agree with this statement since your first impression, especially during job interviews, can go a long way. This is why if you are a job seeker in Australia, you need to play the A-game during interviews. If you plan to work abroad while studying and is keen on landing a good job then be organized, and ready to impress your interviewer (without overdoing it though). The list of do’s and don’ts for an interview may differ according to the job role but here are a few common ones to keep in mind.
Be punctual
This may sound obvious but getting late for an interview is a big NO, NO. Be there at least 5 -10 minutes early so that you have time to calm your nerves and get your thoughts together. This will also show your eagerness to get the job. If your interview is for an overseas job remember that tardiness in highly frowned upon in certain cultures so always be safe than sorry.
Dress for success
The type of clothes you wear for a job will depend on the position and culture of the company. But remember that employers WILL judge you by your appearance and how you carry yourself, therefore dress smartly. The safest attire would be something professional and be slightly overdressed would be safer than underdressed. Whatever you wear make sure it screams success! There are certain industries, which do not expect you to wear professional attire but the trick is to dress appropriately to create a good impression.
Be prepared
The question that you are asked will vary according to the type of job role. It is best to prepare for different questions so that you are not caught off guard. There are common questions that are asked for which you can prepare, this will give you an advantage over other candidates.
Do your research
Many candidates make the mistake of walking into an interview without knowing about the company. Make sure to do your homework so that you appear confident during the interview and it also reflects on your interest in working for the company. The interviewer may give you an overview of what they do, have a set of questions prepared to ask them.
Be confident
Confidence is a key component of a successful interview, however, being overconfident can make you look arrogant. The first impression you give at an interview is your resume and then it is you. When you are asked how you can contribute to the betterment of the company, don’t just brag about yourself, use your words wisely and give examples of how you have proven to perform in the past. Be honest about your past jobs and academic background since a genuine candidate is always a better pick than an overconfident one.