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No one can deny that job interviews can be an extremely nerve-wracking experience. It’s usually the culmination of weeks or even months worth of job searching. The type of questions you receive can be vastly different depending on the interviewer and even those with extensive job interview experience will find no two are the same. Good interviewers will leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.
With many jobs taking multiple applicants, standing out is what will put you above the rest. However, trying to remain composed and express the qualities that make you an ideal candidate is much easier said than done, after all, what exactly is the interviewer searching for and how’s best to act when questions are put to you?
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Be Assertive
Confidence is an invaluable asset during an interview, a proactive candidate will instantly be at an advantage. Don’t be passive, simply waiting to be asked questions. Instead, show an interest in the company and try to ask your own questions, enquiring about specific details regarding how the company operates and what your role will entail. Any interest in the company’s vision won’t go unnoticed and may help you to stand out. Encouraging the interviewer to talk about their own position will offer great insight into the positives and negatives of working there. The manner in which they talk about the company can also give an inkling about whether or not they truly enjoy the job.
Asking what the company’s core value will not only show interest but will also help you to come across in as favorable a way as possible. Knowing what a business value is will be extremely beneficial if your application is accepted as it will allow you to behave accordingly and give off a good initial impression. It’s important to know how a company defines a successful employee. Most importantly, try to relax and approach the interview with a positive outlook and give an honest and sincere account of yourself.
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Tips to Have a Great First Date
First dates aren't as easy as they seem and there are plenty of reasons to feel nervous ahead of going out with someone new for the first time. There has been ample research into the science of the elusive ‘perfect first date’ and researchers have amassed some useful advice to ensure a seamless night and stellar first impression. Positive body language is a key to any successful first date and can say as much as any words. The better you are able to communicate, the more you will engage the other person and help the two of you to click. Animated and proactive gestures are a great way of showing interest and communicating to your date that you’re having a good time. Similarly, reserved body language can exacerbate any awkwardness. Try not to close yourself off and give physical indications of any nerves. Whilst this may seem hard, if you’re aware of it, you can try to avoid it until a confident posture feels more natural
Social psychologist Amy Cuddy is a big advocate of self-assured body language, explaining how it can reassure us and be a major component of a successful first date. Another key to a comfortable first time out begins before the night has even been arranged. Choose a partner whom you have a genuine interest in to avoid any desultory outings that aren’t enjoyable for either party and leave you wishing you hadn’t bothered. The perfect first date should captivate and intrigue you. There should be no shortage of questions you’d like to ask and aspects of their character about which you’d love to learn more. Give frequent indications that you are engaged by the person opposite you and are taking in what they are saying. Leaning close during an interesting monologue and frequent eye contact are great ways to do this. Despite all the tips listed above, every first date will be full of its own challenges and the occasional awkward silence. Truth is, if you truly like each other, one bad date isn’t going to jeopardize a future relationship. If it doesn’t work out, being single isn’t so bad either.
