How to Prep for a Job Interview Without Getting Overwhelmed

Lingering outside the reception because you’ve arrived 30 minutes before it’s considered professionally acceptable to arrive at your scheduled time? Desperately pulling every item of ‘work wear’ you’ve ever purchased from your wardrobe in a blind panic before doing an emergency ASOS order? Or are you repeatedly rehearsing your ‘can you tell my about a time you worked in a team?’ lines whilst hoping your brain will eventually grasp the story of your Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award from 5+ years ago. Yep, it sounds like your prepping for a job interview.

And whilst the prospect of a new role can be exciting and motivating when it comes to the career shakeup you’re craving, it can also trigger a nervy b or sweat inducing panic that us anxious gals are so accustomed to experiencing. But don’t fear, we’re here to help! With some simple tips, tricks and survival techniques, we’ve got your back when it comes to acing the interview you’ve been counting down to and bagging the role of your DREAMS *refrains from breaking into Lizzie McGuire inspired song and dance* …

Prep, prep and prep some more

There’s nothing more anxiety triggering than stumbling over your words or desperately searching your brain for an answer you when you just don’t know. Similarly to baking the perfect loaf or fake tan application- preparation is key. Researching the company inside out, whether it be on social media, Glass Door or reading and re-reading the job description you’re applying for, is key. There really is no such thing as doing too much prep in advance of your interview! Use the resources that have been provided to you, such as the list of responsibilities you’d be expected to carry out or any email correspondence that gives you a hint about the style of office you’ll encounter, and base any practice answers or lines you know will impress around this information. If the company is a large one, the way that they score and determine whether you’ve performed well in the interview may be a quick and decisive one, so making sure you can ‘tick’ the boxes expected of you is a whole lot easier if you can demonstrate you understand the role by repeating back the words and skills outlined to you as key.

Although the style of interview and questions will vary depending on the sector and type of job you’re going for, there are a few standard Qs you can pretty much be sure of being asked! Make sure to prep answers about the company history and what you know about the brand or business, what makes the role and company unique and stand out to you, and which of the responsibilities you’d feel most confident in carrying (plus any areas that might be new to you). Passion and excitement for a role are what will really make you stand out, so don’t be afraid to sing the praises of the brand and how much you’d love to be a part of it- there’s nothing better for an employer than feeling like they can rely on you to go above and beyond!

Learning to talk about yourself

Okay, so you’ve nailed the art of researching the role and company inside out, but now comes the hardest part for any insecure guys and girls amongst us- talking about ourselves. *Shudders*. If there’s ever a time for selling yourself, this is it. It can feel totally unnatural to big yourself up if you’re used to living with a self deprecating brain, but a job interview is one of the key times that singing your praises and talents really counts for something. However uncomfortable the thought might feel, start by making a list of your professional life pros and cons, and realistically take stock of your talents, trip ups and business savvy techniques. Most interviews include some sort of questioning about your strengths and weaknesses, so have a think and make sure to have a solid answer when it comes to selling yourself, and not mentioning any slip ups that might not show you in the best way. Weaknesses can be hard to talk about positively, but whatever you decide to mention, make sure you can end your point with how you’re turning problems into progress and you won’t go far wrong!

If you’re struggling to know where to start when it comes to selling yourself, ask a friend or your partner what it is they consider you being great at! Their answers might not be interview appropriate (after all, I’m not sure how many roles call for experts in night out organising or always sharing 10/10 memes in your Whatsapp chat), but there’s always something you can take from these suggestions. Maybe your role as head social life and group chat planner demonstrates your ability to plan ahead and manage multiple diaries and priorities, or your excellent meme curation shows off your always-on personality and expertise in spotting new trends in popular culture. Those closest to you will know exactly what makes you unique and special, which can be so valuable if you’re struggling to sing your own praises.

“We know how easy it is to slouch (because who *actually* sits up straight without being reminded to?!) but making sure you look interested, professional and attentive all add up when it comes to making the best impression.”

Work wear magic

If nailing your firm-but-not-too-firm handshake and interview FAQs wasn’t enough to think about ahead of the all important date, deciding what to wear can really push you over the edge when it comes to pre interview nerves. Finding your go-to interview look can be a real saving grace in removing some of the stress from what can become a monotonous application process, and here’s how to do it by making the most of your existing wardrobe …

The dress code and formal or informal company style will really depend on the role and environment in question, but when in doubt, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Wearing something you feel comfortable and confident in is key, because who wants to try to ‘sell themselves’ when they’re not feeling themselves that day? Not us! Colour can be striking, and a print can make you stand out, but if in doubt, classic shapes in the form of a modern white shirt or power suit are always safe choices. You can jazz up your look with jewellery or a red lip to ooze the confidence only a great hair day or eyeliner flick can give you, and pair with shoes that make you stand tall for a fail safe look that offers comfort, confidence and charisma! Classic but memorable is a good mantra to follow, so whether it be layering, a staple trench coat, kitten heels or printed midi dress, the most important rule for interview dressing is feeling like yourself.

The all important ‘do you have any questions?’

We all have interview questions we hate answering, and one such classic moment is the end point where the roles are reversed and it’s your turn to command the stage. It’s common knowledge that employers love you to ask insightful questions that really make them think, but it can be hard to come up with anything if it feels like the process has been so detailed that there’s nothing else to ask! Below are some failsafe options to keep in mind if you’re forever stumped by this part of the job hunting process, and we’d love to know your go-to options too!

How has this position and the department I’d be working in evolved over time and how do you see it progressing in the future?

How would you describe the company culture?

What would you say are the key attributes needed to successfully grow within the role?

What’s the training/onboarding process like for new starters here?

What do you like most about working here?

Handy hints you may have forgotten

And finally, it’s all in the details. It can be easy to forget the little things if you’re wrapped up in applying for multiple jobs at once, but these small but mighty tips can help make the difference between feeling in control of the interview or not. Firstly, it’s time to get printing. Make sure you take a copy of your CV, cover letter and the job description in question to keep handy on the day. It makes referring to specific work experience examples a whole lot easier, and on the whole, makes you appear at the height of organisation, even if inside you’re feeling the opposite. Talking of the lengthy application process, double check your deets and make sure you have the most up to date address for the office in advance. Check your route, and if possible give it a practice run if you’re not familiar with the area to check timings and navigation so the real thing can go without a hitch.

Try and avoid the nervous habits you know are your worst enemy in uncomfortable situations, and make a point to keep them in check. We’re talking touching your hair, fiddling with jewellery or biting your nails, it’s best to quit the fidgeting habits if you can to seem confident and calm. Posture is another one to remember too! We know how easy it is to slouch (because who actually sits up straight without being reminded to?!) but making sure you look interested, professional and attentive all add up when it comes to making the best impression.

A notebook, pen and bottle of water are also handy, and again keep you in control, calm and ready to tackle the interview head on. Take a smaller bag or make sure to clean out the receipts and mints we’re sure are swirling around at the bottom of your everyday handbag, and you’re well on your way to faking it till you make it as a put together human!

Interviews, putting yourself out there and showing off your highlights reel can feel so intimidating, but hopefully this anxious girl’s guide can provide some comfort and how-tos to get you feeling ready to conquer the world of securing your dream job, whatever that may be. Pop any helpful hints and tips you’ve picked up along the way in the comments too, and let’s keep each other booked and busy for the foreseeable future!