Interview Tips for Victoria

Last week I guest posted for Victoria over on her blog and I thought it was a guest post I should share with my readers too!  Job interviews can be very tricky and giving the right impression makes a whole world of a difference.  So, here is my guest post on interview tips!

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If you follow my blog, Prep on a Budget, you know that I recently interviewed for a job at my local movie theater and I got the position.  I am loving my new job and I think my interview really made the decision in me getting the job.  Interviews are so important and vital, especially when you start working in the professional world (not there yet, but soon!).  They show the company/person who you are and why you are there for the job.  I have interviewed several times before, so I think I have some good tips on how to perfect your interview.

1. Be yourself: No one is going to want to hire someone who acts completely different from who they are in real life.  If you are you, then you are already one step ahead of the rest.  When you show your personality, people get a sense of who you are and why you will be important to their business.

2. Look professional:  We all hate to admit it, but we all give first impressions by the way we dress; that is why it is important to dress nice for an interview.  By doing this you look professional and you look like you know what you are talking about, plus you are bound to be more confident!

3. Background knowledge:  I cannot stress this tip enough.  When you apply for a job you should have some general background knowledge or interest in the company you want to work for.  I made this mistake with my first interview when I barely knew anything about the brand... whoops; however I was much more prepared for working at the theater because I love films and I know a lot about the business in general.  So, definitely have background knowledge.

4. Be confident:  Even though we are all nervous for interviews, it is good to stay positive and confident.  When you look and act like you are confident you will shine and feel better about yourself too!  Trust me, employers will notice!

5. Don't be discouraged:  This is the last tip to, well, the post-interview.  If you don't get the job, don't let it get you down.  There will always be other jobs and who knows, the next job might be a better fit anyway!  I know my current job is a much better fit than some places I have interviewed at before!

I hope all of these tips help prepare you for your first interview and I wish you the best of luck!  Once again, a big thanks to Victoria for asking me to guest post :)