The Career Girl Academy is back at the coolest spot in London on the 6th May 2017. With a full day of masterclasses that will teach you everything you need to know become a super successful online entrepreneur, you won’t want to miss this. Find out more here.
Interview prep can be nerve wracking. You have to research the company, be prepared for any wild questions and know how to sell yourself. It’s no wonder most people get into a bit of a flap when they know they’ve got an interview coming up. I’ve been conducting interviews for almost two years now, and I know what we look for in a candidate, so consider this your crash course in getting the job, and the one thing you need to bring to nail it!
First, prepare.
Prepare well, and by that I mean, know numbers where necessary. How many followers, what the audience or buyer demographics are when the company was founded. Yes, you hear that advice over and over again but you’d be surprised at the people who turn up with no idea or even call the company by the wrong name. Remember, your interviewer is not trying to trip you up, they don’t want to see you fail, they just want to get a feel for who you are and what your value is.
Organize your things
Bring with you a pristine copy of your CV and cover letter. We usually have these in digital format, and with so many applications it can be a bit overwhelming. Of course, your interviewer will prepare beforehand and will probably have it to hand themselves, but it’s the thought that counts – you’re trying to make their lives easier.
The one thing you should not forget!
Besides your CV and cover letter, bring a portfolio with you. Organize it into a folder, containing all your relevant work. Even if you don’t make a huge impression during the interview, they will remember you, plus they’ll have a copy of their work in the office to remind them of you! I’ve seen so many people in interviews and it’s true that the ones who brought me portfolios were more memorable than those who turned up empty handed. Even if we didn’t take them on, I still have their work at the office and I will keep track of what they’re up to.
Finally – be confident
Even if you’re nervous, and we know you probably will be, try your best to be confident (or fake it!). Honestly, being visibly nervous, leaving long gaps of silence, and finding it difficult to speak makes it uncomfortable for the interviewer, too. They’ll be wondering how you’re going to fit in with the team they already have.
If you’re super nervous (to the point of making it uncomfortable for everyone in the room) the interviewer will be concerned. It’s not their job to hold your hand and make sure you’re comfortable, and mostly, they’re looking for someone to make their lives easier, so they might not have the time or resources to help make you a stronger, more confident person. So if you need some training, I’d suggest talking to strangers as often as possible, it’ll really help with your communication skills.
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