In 2013, it is likely that many of us may be interviewing to change jobs or to get into work. When you have not been interviewing for a very long time, it can be tough to get back into the swing of interviewing. Therefore, getting interview practice can be extremely important before you start to interview again for real.

How To Impress:

Here are some guides to impressing the interviewer:
  • Try to keep calm, which in reality can be pretty difficult to achieve. The secret is to minimise stress and stop any sources of stress. One source of stress is being late for your interview, so make sure you arrive in the area early.
  • Plan your route with contingency for any mishaps. Arriving on time and without a panicked journey will do wonders for your relaxation on the day. Relaxed minds are crucial to being able to think clearly and forming coherent answers.
  • One important aspect is to make sure that you are well presented, as first impressions and judgements are impacted by our appearance.
  • One easy thing is to make sure you are professional looking and that all your clothes fit correctly. Being dressed well for an interview shows professionalism to impress any potential employer.
  • Practice makes perfect, so get some practice questions and get a friend to interview you. Of course, no one can predict your interview questions, but there are certain questions that are very common.
  • Also, remember now that there are many competency-based questions that are pretty much always the same. These types of questions include can you give me an example where you demonstrated team working or leadership skills. Developing more fluid and practised answers will make you appear more confident and appease any of the interviewer’s concerns.
  • Research your potential employer and try to demonstrate your knowledge. Go to the corporate website and read through the information and also check on the internet for any news. Being aware of any significant activity within the company will demonstrate a genuine interest in the job.
At the end of the interview, you should try to ask questions to the interviewer when you are given the opportunity. Again this will show interest in the company and demonstrate that you are a thinker and are considering your future at the company. Remember that these are more generic guiders and that you should try to adapt your technique and preparation to your individual situations, which is always the case when dealing with interpersonal aspects of work.
It is possible to take an Executive PA Diploma with the IEAA or our accredited training providers.