Nail the Interview: How to stay cool, calm, and hired
Congratulations - you’ve made it past the CV, LinkedIn, and tailored application. Now comes the stage where even the best CV can’t save you… unless you know how to play it right. Preparation: Know your stuff Do your homework. Know the company, the role, and the people you’ll meet. Have stories ready using STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Think of it as rehearsal before the show - except the audience might actually be judging you. Video Interviews · Check tech: camera, mic, Wi-Fi · Neutral background, good lighting, camera at eye level · Dress professionally - even from the waist down · Avoid pets or crisp packets becoming co-stars A well-prepared video setup makes you look professional - and spares you from being remembered as ‘the person whose nose was too close to the camera.’ Body language & presence Sit straight, maintain eye contact, smile, firm handshake. Project confidence without making everyone wonder if you brought your own crown. | | Ask Good Questions · “What does success look like in this role after six months?” · “What’s the team culture like? Asking the right questions shows curiosity; asking the wrong ones shows you skipped homework. Leverage your network Mention connections naturally. Recruiters can prep you or run mock sessions. Think of a good recruiter like a personal trainer for your interview skills - minus the sweatband and the screaming. Handle curveballs calmly Pause, think out loud, and don’t panic. Even if the question feels like a trap, a calm, measured answer beats blurting something that has everyone imagining your LinkedIn recommendations in Comic Sans. Follow up professionally Short thank-you email: highlight a key discussion point, thank them. Think of it as a gentle nudge, not a digital clingy note. |