If it’s been a while since you looked for a new job, it’s going to take more than Grampa Jack’s 3-in-1 oil can to fix those rusty interview skills.

It’s perfectly normal to have nerves before any interview but, if you’ve not been job hunting for a while, those feelings are magnified.

So you’ve seen a vacancy on [site_name] and applied, now what?

Well, there are some steps you can take to polish up your act and shine at an interview.

 

Banish the doubts

It’s normal to have worries after a long time out of the loop but if you’re going to convince a potential employer to hire you, you need to believe in yourself. Start by practising common interview questions to build up your confidence. Try it in front of a mirror and look at your body language. No slouching or looking at the floor! Smile and maintain eye contact.

 

Qualifications aren’t everything

Many employers frequently put a candidate’s values and personality above their qualifications, meaning there are still opportunities to get into the industry you want, even if you may not have the exact qualifications they’re looking for. Having worked with a similar sector in a personal or volunteer capacity is also a big plus point.

 

Talk yourself up

If you haven’t worked in the industry you’re applying to before, you need to highlight your transferrable skills. Most jobs require teamwork, communication, patience and resilience, so highlight previous roles where you’ve used these skills. Working in your local bar would probably cover all of the above!

 

Personalise the interview

Pull on your life skills to show you have a range of experiences to bring to the job. Sharing any situation like a death in the family, planning a major life event or even dealing with lack of sleep from a baby keeping you up all night will show you can recognise – and handle – stressful situations.

 

Focus on why you want change

It’s important to emphasise how much you’re ready for a new challenge. Don’t focus on how boring and predictable your present job is or previous job was. Instead talk about the opportunities the new role has to offer and what you can bring to it.

 

Ask questions

Always have a couple of queries up your sleeve. Asking about the ethos of an organisation, training opportunities, what a typical day is like or how the interviewer started out, all show your interest in the position.

 

Now let’s put all of this to practice with the latest vacancies on [site_name]