17 Sep 2019

So you’ve found your niche and tbh you’re pretty bloody good at it. You’re ready to get to work doing what you’re keen on and have stumbled across your dream job online. In short, you really don’t want to screw it up.

Applying for a job can be a daunting experience. You quite literally have to put yourself on a pedestal and hope to god that your future employers like what you can bring to the table. Here are some tips for manoeuvring job interviews to make sure you land the sickest job and stand out from the crowd of other applicants.

1. Ensure you actually want the job

It may seem like a simple decision, but a new job can be super life-altering. Positive change is guaranteed– you will grow professionally and personally, learn new things, gain new experiences and meet awesome new people. But it’s a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Have you researched into the company? Does the role you are applying for speak to the direction you want to be going in? How is the commute? Will you still have time to hang with your doggo and have a few bevs with your friends?

These are all things you need to consider before committing to the job. The last thing you want to do is waste anyone’s time.

2. Be yourself

Yes, yes, cringe I know. It’s the biggest cliché in the book but honestly, it’s the first thing people forget to do when being interviewed.

Our instinct is to google ‘what to say in a job interview?’ (because google has all the answers), but the truth is, what employers want to see and what will make you stand out is your unique, authentic self.

Don’t over prepare worrying about what you think they want to hear, say what you actually think. Be you! Your voice, and your ideas matter, so back yourself!

3. Your skills matter

Ever come across an ad for a job you were like YES, but then continued to read the experience requirements and were like NOPE.

Well I have.

We are always so quick to doubt ourselves and feel underqualified for a job, because the thought of trying and failing is so much scarier than just not going for it at all. What we don’t realise is that skills are transferrable. I could have just downplayed my retail experience as selling clothes… but instead I champion the fact I’m now great with people, I’m an awesome team player and you know what, I could be a stand out leader too.

Whether you’ve worked a casual job at Maccas, babysat your neighbour’s cat or sometimes do the gardening for your Nan – you have picked up some trusty skills that you should make the most of on your resume and in the interview.

4. Don’t downplay life experience to workplace experience

On that note, I’d say the most valuable thing you can bring to the table is not your workplace experience, but your life experience.

Have you gone travelling by yourself? Well then you are great at taking initiative and being independent. You’ve been bungee jumping or skydiving? Well whoa for starters! And secondly, you are obviously not afraid to step outside your comfort zone and take risks. These are all fantastic experiences that might even trump what you’ve done in a work environment.

5. If you don’t get the job, it’s not the end of the world

You win some and you lose some. If you lose this one, that’s okay. By no means should you think any less of yourself, it simply just means this wasn’t the one for you and that there is a better opportunity out there waiting for you.

Dust ya’self off and give yourself a pat on your back for trying. And look, now you’ve got some job interview experience under your belt, you’ll be a whiz for the next one.