Most people get nervous before interviews. Job interviews are an important step in getting what you want out of your career so it’s normal to feel some pre-game jitters.

However an interview doesn’t have to be daunting. The key to success is job interview preparation. Preparation is what will give you confidence. Here are some interview tips to prepare you for the interview.

Five interview techniques and interview skills

1. Do your research

Make sure you know what the company does. Have an understanding of the market in which your potential employer operates as well as who their competitors are. If the company is a publicly traded organisation, have an understanding of its share price and history.

2. Know your resume

It’s highly likely that you’re going to end up talking about your resume. Make sure you can discuss any claims you have made. Prepare concrete and detailed examples of challenges you’ve faced using the Context, Action, Result method (CAR): a situation in which you faced a challenge, the action you took and the subsequent outcome.

3. Know your weaknesses

If the job description doesn’t wholly match your qualifications and experience, make sure you can address those shortfalls. You can’t of course make things up but you may have skills they haven’t listed in the job ad. Find a way to showcase your competencies to what your potential employer might need.

4. Practice

Encourage a friend or family member to ask you typical interview questions. This role-playing exercise is really useful. However, don’t craft easy questions or fixed answers as this exercise is about learning to get comfortable talking about you as a candidate for the job.

5. A good attitude

Be confident but don’t be cocky. It’s far easier to talk yourself out of a job than it is to talk yourself into one. Be positive, friendly and professional. Equally, don’t be shy. The interviewer wants to see you and, moreover, wants you to succeed.

It is also worthwhile taking a notepad and pen into the interview. Take notes while you’re there as they will be useful when sending a ‘thank you’ email when following up after the interview. Master these interview techniques and interview skills and you’ll be more likely to score the job — or at least a second interview.

Take a look at our job interview page for more interview tips and advice.

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