If the word "interview" fills you with dread, you are not alone. It is thought that up to 93% of people are anxious about attending interviews, but as most jobs require them, here are some interview tips to help you succeed.

This checklist is not an exhaustive list of what you have to do and, of course, neither is it a guarantee that you will get the first job you apply for. However, it provides suggestions of things that you can do to help stack the odds in your favour.

Interview Checklist

1) Research.

When preparing for interviews, a basic understanding of the role and purpose of the company will help you to tailor any examples that you wish to provide, understand the role you've applied for and calm your nerves. You will feel far more confident if you can walk into the interview fully prepared and ready to make a good first impression.

2) Prepare.

All the research in the world won't help if you are late or inappropriately dressed. Find out exactly where your interview will take place, perform a dry run if it is somewhere unfamiliar and scope out what the people who work there wear. Allow extra time for traffic or unexpected delays.

As the world increasingly moves online, so do job interviews. In the cloud market over 90% of interviews are conducted this way. If you're preparing for a virtual interview, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success. First, make sure you have a quiet, well-lit space where you won't be interrupted. Second, test your technology in advance to avoid any last-minute technical hiccups. And finally, dress as you would for an in-person interview - first impressions still matter!

3) Practice.

The three most common questions that interviewees hate have been revealed. They are, "Tell me about yourself", "Why should I hire you for this job" and "What is your biggest weakness". Practice what you would say should you be asked any of them. Consider what other questions you may be asked and write down your answers to those too. Practice saying them out loud and work on the volume and speed of your speech to get your point across clearly and concisely.

4) Write your own questions.

Most interviewers will ask if you have any questions for them and this is a great opportunity to develop your rapport with them and demonstrate your interest in the company. So, if anything you have learned has piqued your interest or there is anything you want to know, ask about it. Practice your phrasing and consider any follow-up questions that may be appropriate, depending on the answers that you receive.

5) Pack for your interview.

Just as the interviewer will have a pack containing your application, CV and any other supporting evidence that you supplied earlier in the process, so should you. Spend time re-reading everything that you have submitted so you aren't caught off guard if questioned. It is always useful to have a small notepad and a pen to hand so that you can make notes, if appropriate, during the interview.

Being able to discuss your recent projects and their outcomes is essential. Make sure you have some examples of recent projects ready to discuss, along with a clear understanding of the business outcomes they achieved. By doing so, you'll be well-positioned to make a strong case for why you're the right candidate for the job.

6) Be friendly.

When you arrive for your interview, be friendly and courteous to everyone that you meet. It makes for a great first impression and will help you to feel more at ease. Greet your interviewer with a smile and handshake and introduce yourself.

7) Don't be discouraged.

If you are unsuccessful at an interview, never treat it as a failure. A good interviewer will provide you with verbal or written feedback if you ask for it so make sure that you approach them. Once you have the feedback, learn from it and apply those lessons to your next interview.

If you are still feeling anxious, let Regal Cloud help. We believe that practice makes perfect so have developed the Regal Career Ignition sessions. These in-person sessions offer the opportunity to learn from and ask questions of our team of career development specialists. We can help you to develop your CV, prepare for interviews, practice your interview technique and even provide training advice and career planning. If this is something of interest to you, please call us today.

Contact info:

Address: 26 Kings Hill Avenue, Kent, ME19 4AE

Phone: 0208 004 9877

Email: enquiries@regal-cloud.com

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