So, this last month has definitely flown by hasn’t it?! Without wanting to sound like your nagging Nan – how’s that job search going? Have you jumped off the carousel yet?

Jump Aboard the Job Search Carousel

If you have got yourself a job, congratulations! You have now joined the world of routine, early mornings, intense caffeine intake and commuting like me.

I’m happy to report that I’ve found it to be rewarding, educational and interesting! Yes, I managed to find a job that I enjoy straight out of University, and so I have proven that they are out there (this is supposed to offer hope I don’t want to seem patronising!)

However, the process of getting this job was not easy. I felt like it was a job in itself looking for jobs; requiring many hours of sitting indoors in front of my computer typing away. If you’re in this situation, remember, it does pay off and soon you’re off to interviews.

So… as always I thought I would share some of my own experiences and words of advice for when you get to interview stage.

Research the company

You may have applied for the job ages ago, so make sure you research, research, research before the day of the interview! This might mean going on to their social media accounts and looking at recent projects they have been involved with, Googling, attending events they run or even asking people who work there what it’s like. Employers like it when candidates have used their initiative, this beams enthusiasm!

Prepare questions and answers

It is hard to know what questions they will ask you, but if you can try and prepare your answers in advance so that if they do ask you, you won’t be left umming and erring on the spot! Some of these questions might include; name me three of your strengths and three of your weaknesses, what drives you to succeed in a job? Where do you see yourself in five years time? And why should we pick you over other candidates?

Planning your journey in advance

This seems obvious but it is easy to wait until the day. As a result, you end up wandering around London with your phone in front of your face as you try to navigate City Mapper!  Pre-planning is priority so you arrive in plenty of time.

It’s also important to check there are no planned transport issues (in which case you can plan an alternative route); and always add in plenty of contingency for something going wrong anyway, just to be sure you’re not late.

At the interview – always accept a glass of water!

I found that by accepting or asking for a glass of water before the interview is underway gives you enough time to calm and compose yourself. However, I have heard some say that drinking can make them more nervous, so no pressure on this one.

It is also a useful device for pausing during the interview too. One of the worst things you can do is blaze in with an answer to every question without taking a breath (or sip of water) and considering your answer.

This can often lead you to blabbering off on a tangent. Instead you should pause, take your time, clarify any questions if you’re unsure about what they’re asking, and then provide a direct, succinct answer.

Be honest and positive

There is a fine line between being honest and positive and being potentially off-putting as a candidate. For example, if they ask you what your “negatives” are, choose attributes that can also be perceived positively, i.e I may be a perfectionist at times, however, I have a strong eye for detail and always complete a task to the best of my ability.

Of course, this is a cliché, so try to stay away from this answer if you can! But the same principle applies – show you acknowledge and actively manage your negative trait, or use it to your advantage. Also, don’t mention a negative that is completely essential to your job (e.g. saying ‘I’m terribly unorganised’ when applying to work in events would be a big red flag!)

The main thing to remember in any interview is to be you! This is not an exam that you have to spend hours revising for and stressing over, so just go in and be your enthusiastic, ambitious, hard-working self – that’s all that anyone can do after all.

Plus, if you’re not a good fit for the role, it’s actually best you don’t get it (I know, easy for me to say), but taking a role that’s you’re not suited for will ultimately lead to you being unhappy and you may end up regretting it.

This is why an interview is also for you to find out more about the role and the company and whether you can see yourself working there. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions too! This is a good time to get to know each other and ensure it’s a mutual fit.

Good luck and I will be back in a month!