Interviews can be a scary and daunting experience, especially if it’s your first one. Tonic Talent not only supports our candidates through the entire recruitment process, but we also offer CV redrafting services, insight into our client business’ and the all important, interview advice.

We try to make the interview process as easy for you as possible by preparing you as much as we can beforehand. Here at Tonic Talent, we have shortlisted a few top tips to keep your mind at ease:

Do your homework

Tonic Talent will help you during this process by providing you with specific industry insight. However, the best way to feel prepared before an interview, is to research.

We recommend researching the company but also on the position and yourself. You need to know what is expected of you and what responsibilities the role entails. Understanding your own experience and what you can bring to the role is equally as important. The combination of all this research will show the client you have carefully prepared for the interview and taken the process seriously.

First impression’s count

Even though we don’t like to admit it, first impressions really do count. Make sure you choose a smart and presentable outfit. If you do choose to wear heeled shoes, ensure they’re not too high and that you’ve practiced walking around in them first!

Before getting to the interview location, research where it is, how you’re going to get there and arrive 10-20 minutes early. Even though you might be slightly nervous, don’t forget to smile and look people in the eye – body language is one of the simplest techniques but arguably the most important.

Practice For The Interview

A few days before the interview, practice answering a few interview questions. Friends or family make great interviewers if they can help. Here are a few common questions which often get asked in an interview scenario:

Tell us a little about yourself.
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
Why should we hire you?
What relevant experience can you transfer to this role?
Can you tell us about an experience where you made a big difference to someone?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
What interests you besides work?

Once you have practiced answering these interview questions, you will feel a lot more at ease and prepared before the interview day.

Ask questions

Not only is this an important time for the client to get to know you but equally, you need to get to know the client. You need to work out whether they are the right company for you and whether you can see yourself working for them.

The easiest way to establish this is to ask them questions. Here are a few questions you could ask the employer:

What is the usual daily/weekly structure?
What are the company goals and ambitions?
Will I be able to progress in the company?

Try to relax

We realise that trying to relax is easier said than done, however, the more you relax the more natural the experience will be. There are so many articles and blogs online which tackle stress and anxiety by providing you with a few relaxation techniques. Here are a few of our favourites: The Guardian, Psychology Today and Financial Post.

We hope these tips help you with your interview experience. Tonic Talent are here to support you throughout the recruitment process including pre-interview. If you would like to get in touch, please contact us.

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