Everybody wants to make a good impression in a job interview. But, often interview skills aren’t something that comes naturally to everyone. If you feel like you’re missing out on opportunities because you’re falling down at the interview stage, here are some of our best job interview tips to get you back on track.

1. Do Your Research

It’s amazing how many people turn up for an interview totally unprepared. It’s true that hunting for a new job can be time-consuming, but it’s essential to take the time to research the company before you turn up to an interview.

It not only looks unprofessional if the interviewer asks why you want the job and you can’t think of anything to say, but also, how can you even be sure you want the job if you don’t really know anything about the company?

Make sure to spend some time exploring the company website and social media pages. What is its brand mission and values? Who are its competitors?

If you can find out who will be interviewing you ahead of time, this can be very helpful, too. Looking up your interviewer’s profile will give you valuable information that can help build up a rapport in the interview.

2. Practise Answering Interview Questions

Being interviewed is almost like public speaking. You probably wouldn’t turn up to make a speech without having prepared notes and practised. So, why not practise your interview ahead of time?

Many interviewers rely on the same tried-and-tested questions to assess potential candidates, so you can plan your answers to the most common questions in advance. And, this way, you’ll have a well-thought-out answer ready to go.

3. Be Organised

Being late, looking untidy, and having no copies of your CV or application to refer to makes a bad first impression, no matter how impressive your skills are.

Show you’re professional and keen to make a good impression by dressing appropriately and neatly. Make sure you’re well-groomed and your shoes are polished.

Leave for your interview allowing plenty of time for traffic or other delays, and consider doing a trial run in advance if you’re not sure how long the journey will take you.

Bring a portfolio containing copies of your CV, your application, notes of any questions you want to ask, and examples of your work if appropriate. Bring a pen for taking notes, too