We’ve all been there.
That moment when you push your finger down between your shirt and your neck in an attempt to loosen the death grip your collar seems to have over your breathing.
Did my neck physically grow?
Or is this shirt too small?
If I undo the top button will anyone notice?
What’s causing the stress?
The end of the world?
Am I about to be admitted to the hospital or go to war?
It’s a job interview.
It’s a good thing.
Right?
I called my mum before my last interview and she said:
” It’s normal to feel nervous. Everyone feels this way before an interview.”
Although this is true, it was of little help.
The best way to handle those interview nerves is to be prepared.
An interview is a sales pitch: why should they buy what you are selling?
Let’s look at the basic principles of advertising: AIDA
Attention
Yes, we all like to believe we are beautiful and special, mainly because our mum said so.
But the truth is that when it comes to a job interview you are competing with so many other people.
All of which have at least one thing in common with you: they want this job.
You need to grab the attention of the person conducting the interview.
The best way to do this is by making a great first impression.
Dress to impress. Rather be the one in the room overdressed than the one underdressed.
Smile.
Maintain eye contact.
Interest
When it comes to any speech, you have to grab the attention of your audience in the first few moments.
Sit down and think of what makes you interesting.
Is it your bubbly personality, your ability to crunch numbers or your exceptional marks at school?
Ask a friend or family member.
Remember to keep it short and relevant.
Yes, it’s great that you won a hot dog eating contest in school but is it relevant?
If you can link it to your competitive side in an interview for a sales job then maybe.
But if you are applying for an administrative job, it’s best to keep that information for social gatherings.
Desire
So you have assembled the perfect outfit and your introduction is spot on, now what?
Now you need to actually stand out from the crowd.
What sets you apart?
We all have that moment where we doubt ourselves.
Do I have what it takes?
The key here is to focus on what you do have.
Maybe you have been a waitress for five years and are now looking for a job in sales but lack experience.
What makes you different from your competition?
Well, you have 5 years of customer facing experience in a fast passed environment.
Look at your CV and decide how each role applies to this particular job.
Be confident in your self and your abilities.
Action
To finish off every sale you need a clear call to action.
Remember to sum up your key points and thank them for their time.
To close you can simply ask how long it will be until you can expect to hear back from them.
Now that we have had a look at your overall sales pitch here are some articles to help with your speech:
- Body language
- Key message
- Answering questions
- Practice – this one is up to you
Some positive thoughts before your interview
The fact that you have made it to the interview stage means you already have something they are looking for.
Everyone is unique and has something to offer.
Practice makes perfect so look at each interview as a practice run for that perfect job waiting out there for you!
Written by Amy Le Grange, the Marketing Executive of Pink Elephant Communications.
Photo by freestocks.org, Sara Rolin, Samuel Zeller, Nigel Tadyanehondo, Luis Alfonso Orellana on Unsplash
