It is completely normal to feel nervous about attending an interview. If you have missed out on previous roles you were ideal for because of interview nerves (symptoms include: dry mouth, mind block when being asked a question and the complete inability to make eye contact with the interviewer!) then it is a good idea to work on your interview confidence! At Valeco Recruitment we know a few things about interviews. Here are our top interview confidence tips.

Know your stuff

One of the best ways to improve your interview confidence is having belief in your knowledge. Prepare a list of questions you might be asked at interview and practice your answers with friends or family members beforehand. Make notes on your key examples and points to mention, then re-read these notes repeatedly leading up to your interview so you really know them.

Do your research

One of the most important things you should do before attending an interview (or sometimes before you even send off an application) is to research your prospective employer. Researching the company before you attend will help you:

1. Talk more knowledgeable about why you think you are a good fit for the company
2. Demonstrate how you match the organisations culture and values
3. Demonstrate your keen interest and enthusiasm for the job
4. Show professionalism and diligence
5. Gives you more to talk about during the interview

There is lots of information you can access about a company before an interview and using his information can help you highlight your suitability for the role and the organisation. This information can be found on the company website, social media pages or by simply running a Google search.

Change your mindset

To improve your confidence, replace negative thoughts about your interview with positive ones. Instead of thinking about your interview as something awful, think of it as just a conversation to help your potential employer find out more about you and whether you are a good match for them. It is also an opportunity for you to decide whether they are a good match for you too. Just think how much more confident you will be when you meet the interview panel. Expect to do well and this will be reflected in your posture, eye contact and communication – all factors that contribute to a successful job interview.

Remember why they have invited you to attend the interview

Although interviews can feel scary, remember you have been invited to interview because the company believes you have something to offer them. This means they genuinely believe you could be the person they are looking for. Re-read the job description beforehand to remind yourself of how your skills, talents, and qualifications match up with the role.

Preparation is key

Prepare your interview clothes the night before even for virtual interviews and get an early night before the interview. Eat before your interview, as hunger can have a negative impact on interview performance. Arrive at least 10 minutes before to ensure your connection and computer are working, this will ensure you are not rushing and make a great first impression.

Good luck!

For further assistance on applications, interviews and CVs follow Valeco Recruitment across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.