Presenting yourself well in job interviews

There are few things in life more nerve-racking than a job interview, and all the tension and pressure can cause some candidates to stumble at that first, all-important hurdle. However, presentation is crucial to the interview process, and there are some things you can do when preparing that should help to both ease your nerves and get you ready for your moment.

It may sound like an obvious place to start, but the clothes you wear and the way you physically present yourself in an interview are vital to a potential employer’s impression of you. No matter what the role or company, it’s always safest to err on the smart, formal side for an interview. Trying to be too quirky and casual could backfire on you and make you seem somewhat indifferent. For women this kind of presentation is even more important as – no matter how much things have advanced in the last few decades – there is still sometimes pressure on them to prove that they can be taken as seriously as men.

Body language is also crucial to making a good impression, as it will decide whether you come across as confident and capable or nervous and uncertain. Something as simple as you walking in with good posture and not slouching can boost your interviewer’s confidence in your capability, whilst crossing your arms may seem defensive. Overall, avoid fidgeting and try to use your body language to show that you are both attentive and eager: lean towards the interviewer, and don’t close yourself off.

Another thing to remember is the importance of eye contact. For some people, locking eyes with interviewers is a difficult thing to do, however it will only make you seem anxious and uneasy if you’re unable to maintain at least some small degree of eye contact. Presenting yourself in this manner helps to level out the playing field between you and the interviewer, marking you out as someone who is determined not to seem inferior or vulnerable.

You can master your interview technique and how you will present yourself by practicing with friends and family. This can be particularly helpful if you know anyone who is either currently employed in the industry you’re interviewing for, or who has to conduct interviews themselves in their line of work so can give you their perspective. Once you feel confident in your chosen style, you can begin the application process by applying for as many roles as possible. Contact companies directly, or check job sites like reed.co.uk for frequently updated vacancies for jobs in all areas and industries.

For more tips and tricks to make sure that you are fully prepared for that all important interview, take a look at our interview ebooks. We have 2 ebooks to help you with this and you can get both for £4.99 only. Check out our How to Ace the Interview ebook now.

More interview tips blogs:

• Interview Technique - 6 Interview Tips on what not to do
• What's going on behind the scenes in an interview
• How to shine in an interview