It’s definitely normal to have a few nerves for an interview. Every interview is different, so being prepared is an easy way to help you cope with the nerves of it all. Whenever you’re in an interview or you’re about to be interviewed, try and think that the people who are questioning you are really on your side. It’s a sure way to calm yourself down and answer your questions with ease. Here are IHS’s hints and tips to help you prepare for and ace your interview:

Before your interview:

• Get there on time. Late comers don’t make a great first impression. It’s quite simple, get there 10-15 minutes early or get there on time.
• Bring all your documents with you – bring extra copies of your CV, your certificates or anything else you think you might need.
• Dress correctly for the interview. Usually smart business attire works well for any interview so jacket and tie for boys and skirt and blazer for girls is a good standard. Hair should be styled neatly and your teeth, nails and shoes should all be clean.
• Research the company you are applying to by checking them out online. View their website and social channels and make sure you know what it is they do, how well they do it and what their customers say about them. You will impress your interviewer if you can fire off some cool reasons as to why you want to work there, because you know all the facts from your research. You can also answer questions they may ask you about the company because you have done your homework.
• Research the job you are applying for. Often, job advertisements are not very clear about the actual role or specifications you are required to carry out – they can be a bit vague. Having a good understanding of each job task will give you a head start in your interview.  Ask someone who is perhaps in a similar role about what their day or week is usually like so that you understand the requirements better.
• Practice makes perfect – practice interview questions with friends or fellow students. Get them to Google a list of common interview questions, and hard ones, and practice your answers and interview skills with a friend or a parent. Make sure it’s someone who will give you honest feedback about your answers, and guide you in areas where you may be a little weak. Here are a few common questions asked at interviews:

1. Tell us about yourself
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
3. Why did you decide to choose this industry?
4. What part of this job role are you looking forward to most?
5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
6. Why do you think you would be a good fit for our company? Why do you want to work for us?
7. Tell us about your most significant accomplishment in your career or school life so far.

At the interview:

• Offer a firm handshake and a warm smile with eye contact when you are met and greeted. It sets a great tone for the interview.
• Be likable. People like friendly and personable people. So smile and be friendly.
• Take it slow. Don’t rush the interviewer or rush your answers. Stay composed and talk slowly and clearly. Never lie in your interview.
• Speak positively about former employers, school teachers and so on.
• Prepare smart questions to ask your interviewer.  You don’t have to have lots of questions lined up; just two or three would be fine. Here are some ideas:
  • What would a typical day be like in this role?
  • Is there a mentorship programme in the company?
• Then finish strong by showing your enthusiasm and interest for the company you are applying to. Ask what the next step will be in terms of when you are likely to hear back from them. Thank them for their time, shake hands, maintain good eye contact, say good-bye and leave the room.
• Follow up with an email within 24 hours to thank them again and wait to hear your results.

We hope that these hints and tips have been helpful. If you’re going for an interview soon, we wish you all the very best!

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