Whether you’re going back to work after having kids or entering a new industry, job interviews can be incredibly nerve-wracking. After all, there’s a lot riding on you making an excellent first impression, and the competition is often tough. In fact, a recent study found that “on average, 118 people apply for a single job.”

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With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to ensure you impress in your next job interview! 

 Ensure your qualifications are up-to-date.

If you’ve been invited to interview for a position, it’s because the employer was impressed by your CV. However, if you’ve been out of work for a while, you must ensure your qualifications are up-to-date. For example, as ARF administrators must recertify every few years, you may want to enrol in 

arf recertification online courses. This way, your industry knowledge is up-to-date, and you’ll be able to start work right away, as opposed to having to defer an offer (which could result in it being rescinded). 

Back up your answers with evidence.

During an interview, the hiring manager is looking to see whether or not you possess the essential skills you need to become part of their team. As a result, when answering any questions they throw your way, you must back up your answers with evidence instead of making vague statements. For example, instead of saying that you have excellent time management skills, talk about an occasion you’ve put these to good use or your ability to always ensure that projects are completed on time. The more evidence you use when answering questions, the better. 

Ask plenty of questions. 

Asking the interviewer questions is sometimes just as important as answering questions because it shows that you’re engaged in the interview and interested in both the company and the specific position you are interviewing for. However, it can sometimes be challenging to think of questions on the spot, especially within an interview setting, which means you may want to brainstorm some potential questions beforehand. For example, you could ask the interviewer questions such as: 

• What would a typical day in the office look like?
• How has the company changed over the past few years? 
• What goals are your team currently working towards?

Dress to impress.

Dressing to impress can also help you to succeed in an interview. This is because your attire reflects upon your professionalism and desire to perform well in the interview -which means the right outfit means the right outfit can make a positive impression on the interviewer. Conversely, dressing in an unprofessional manner suggests that you do not care that much about the role. 

Furthermore, studies have found that how we dress in certain situations can affect our confidence. This means that you can boost your confidence by dressing in a smart, professional manner. This way, when you step through the door, you feel cool, calm and confident – which can once again put you on the path toward success.