The idea of a working interview may seem overwhelming at first but don’t let that frighten you! Think of it as an opportunities to wow your potential employers before you even get started.
In this blog post, we’ll be discussing some effective tips on how you can ace your working interview. But before we dive into the details, it’s essential we cover the basics first:
Table of Contents
What is a Working Interview?
In a working interview, the applicant is invited to prove their job skills in the presence of a supervisor. Basically, you’ll be asked to perform your job duties with your future co-workers. The purpose of a working interview is to ensure that you’re a good fit for the organization. And of course, this works both ways as you’ll get to decide whether you’re a fan of their office culture or not.
Most working interviews are paid as applicants are expected to put in their time and efforts to perform office duties. However, it should be noted that a working interview does not necessarily guarantee a confirmed spot in the organization. At the end of the day, you will be provided feedback and will also be given the chance to voice your own feelings.
Tips for Acing a Working Interview
You’re probably eager about getting the job if you’ve decided to go ahead with the interview. However, because a working interview is more challenging and requires you to perform actual tasks, you ought to come prepared. Below are a few tips that’ll help you ace your working interview:
Research, Research, Research
There are plenty of ways you can prepare for your interview. Start off by finding out what tasks you’ll be expected to perform. The best approach is to ask all these questions during your initial interview. However, if that’s not a possibility, just scan through the job posting for details and then research.
If you’re willing to go the extra mile, try getting acquainted with the person you’re replacing. Make detailed notes about what would be expected from you and what are some things you should look out for.
Dress Appropriately
It may sound cliché but you ought to dress to impress. Take out a few minutes from your day and plan a look that’ll fit the organization’s culture. Remember to dress according to the industry. Bright colors and statement pieces might be great if you’re working in fashion but it definitely might not be appropriate for a real estate job.
The general rule of thumb is to keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum. Additionally, make sure your clothes are clean and properly pressed. Pop in a breath mint before you step into the building (no chewing gum!) and possibly try not to smoke or eat anything right before the interview (beware of coffee breath!).
Punctuality is Everything
Plan your wardrobe in advance so that you can get ready in a couple of minutes in the morning. Be punctual and consider asking a friend to drop you to work if you don’t have a car of your own. To avoid anything short of a disaster, try arriving at least 15 minutes before your interview. Showing up late translates to carelessness so whatever you do, be punctual.
This’ll give you some extra time to get acquainted with everybody on the team or complete additional paperwork. Arriving a couple of minutes early will also allow you to observe the dynamics of your (potential) new workplace.
Carry Copies of Your Resume
While it’s not absolutely necessary to carry a copy of your resume at this stage, it’s always good to be prepared. Also, remember to pack your own stationery too as it’ll leave a good impression. Carrying a small notebook is essential so that you can take notes throughout the day. These notes will come in handy when your performance is being evaluated at the end of the day
Be Assertive and take Initiative
Employers like someone who’s willing to take initiative and show a little assertiveness. Yes, it’s important to be polite but that doesn’t mean you should appear overly passive. Don’t make the mistake of simply sitting around. Try to help out and show that you belong.
This is your chance to prove your worth so do your best and take responsibility for what’s happening around you.
Adopt a Positive Attitude
You definitely don’t want to show up at your interview with tired eyes. Get plenty of sleep the night before and eat an energy-packed breakfast to kick-start your day. Avoid sugar-loaded goods as you don’t want to end up feeling lethargic.
Try to appear upbeat and positive. Apart from assessing your performance, your supervisor will also be evaluating your soft skills. Showing that you’re eager to learn and possess a can-do attitude may also help compensate or overcome any gaps in skills or knowledge.
Conclusion
In the end, it’s all about how competent and confident you are! Follow these above-mentioned tips and we’re sure you’ll ace your working interview. Good luck!
