When you are going for an interview, it can be an overwhelming and confusing situation; it is important to conduct research and look at job etiquette and see what is expected of you.
It is highly beneficial for a person to find out exactly what the interviewer is looking for when they interview people, this way, you know what expectations you need to reach.
- Time
You must arrive early for your interview to ensure that you have enough time to find the correct place, show willingness, and be a punctual person. A person that arrives late for an interview is far less likely to get hired as it makes the interviewer assume that you have poor time management skills. If an employer thinks you have poor management skills, they are far less likely to hire you.
- Dress code
You must dress appropriately for the job you are applying for; people that dress too informally often do not get hired as it appears that they don’t understand the appropriate dress code. By dressing more formally, you appear more professional, which is the impression that is more likely to get you hired. Employers look for people that will suit their working environment, and wearing the correct clothing can give you an added level of employability.
- Preparation
Prepare properly for an interview; employers expect people to prepare as it shows off skills and that you have initiative. Preparation shows that you have skills and aren’t simply “winging it” with your job interview.
You must prepare for any questions asked of you; otherwise, being put on the spot can result in you giving poor answers and not performing at your full potential.
- Body language
It is essential that you carefully consider your body language; verbal communication is only 10% of communication forms, so body language is critical. It is important that you have the correct posture and don’t slouch or hunch over; whilst it is not major, studies show that prospective employers tend to consider people who slouch or have a poor posture to be lazier than those with correct posture. Eye contact is a crucial part of communication within an interview. People who give eye contact must tend to be more trustworthy and reliable, and it gives the impression that you are a confident and well-assured individual.
- Attention
Whilst you can find your mind drifting off into other tangents during an interview, you must give the interviewer your full and undivided attention. This is important as no interviewer wants to employ somebody that cannot focus upon one thing at a time and is seemingly uninterested. Giving your full attention to the interviewer gives the impression that you are a very focused person interested in the interview and getting a job.