I have just secured an interview for a job as a junior finance analyst within a travel company. It’s a position I really want, but I get very nervous at interviews and I’m worried I’ll ruin my chances. What advice can you give me on overcoming my nerves, marketing myself successfully and avoiding costly mistakes?Here are a few points to keep in mind for your interview. If you can’t incorporate all of them, don’t panic. These are things to do in an ideal world, but an interview can be a nerve-racking experience and your
interviewer is likely to appreciate that.
THE BEGINNING:
- Do some research on the company
- Always smile when meeting your interviewer; be friendly and present yourself well at all times
- Make a little light conversation if you can during the walk to the room or while getting settled for the interview.
THE MIDDLE:
- Try to gather some information on the role you are going for. You can then match your answers to the duties mentioned
- Prepare yourself for questions on any technical aspects of your job. For example, be ready to talk through the process of accounts preparation. Include information on how you have overcome any problems within a specific role
- Without over-doing it, be willing to sell your skills. Have two or three main selling points off pat in case you’re asked what you’d bring to the firm
- Be prepared to explain why you want to work there.
THE END:
- Prepare one or two questions to ask the interviewer such as, ‘If you were to offer me a position, what kind of training and support would you offer?’ or ‘Are there opportunities for progression?’
- Have an answer ready for the question ‘What do you want to achieve in the future?’
- Also, be prepared for the salary question. What are your expectations?
- On leaving, smile, say thank you and ask when you might hear from them.
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