Hey, job-hoppers and career climbers of Northern Ireland! Ready to leave the ol’ 9-to-5 grind behind and leap into a fresh, new opportunity? If the answer is a resounding “Yes!”, you’ve clicked on the right link. Here’s your golden ticket to outsmarting (in a friendly way) your interviewer. Let’s game on!
1. Dress To Impress, Not Stress
Wearing a chicken costume might be a memorable move, but unless you’re applying to be a mascot, stick to attire that shouts “professional” not “poultry.” But make sure you are fitting your style I know we all at one point had that interview jacket in the cupboard but you know as well as I do that even the thought of putting that on adds stress to your day. Pick clothes from your wardrobe that you wear regularly that are are in the smart casual side, that way you’re not uncomfortable and thinking about the clothes you are wearing.
2. The Early Bird Gets The Worm, The Late One…
Well, just gets weird looks in the hallway. Strive to arrive around 10-15 minutes early. But if you arrive 2 hours early, resist the urge to camp outside their office with a tent and marshmallows. If you are travelling into Belfast city centre remember to check translinks timetable if you are travelling by public transport or if you are driving try to do a dry run about the same time a few days before so you know what the traffic is going to be like and where you are going to park.
3. Research, Research, Research
A bit of detective work (minus the magnifying glass) about the company’s mission and values can go a long way. Mentioning these in your answers? Instant brownie points!
4. The STAR Technique
No, not about becoming an overnight Hollywood sensation. Answer competency-based questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique. It’s structured, organized, and shows you’re the real superstar.
5. Mirror, Mirror
Non-verbal cues speak volumes. Mirroring the positive body language of your interviewer helps build rapport. But remember, if they scratch their nose, it’s not an invitation for a nose-picking competition.
6. Be A Storyteller
Got achievements? Share them as stories! Narratives are engaging, and memorable, and can show you’re not just a resume, but a dynamic character in the epic of work-life. This is especially true here in Northern Ireland, people really invest in people here more than anywhere else, so mention your hobbies. Do you volunteer in your local church youth group or do you play GAA at the weekend?
7. Ask Killer Questions
Towards the end, when they say, “Any questions?”, resist the urge to ask about the office’s UFO sighting policies. Instead, ask about company culture, future projects, or team dynamics. Shows you care!
8. The Portrait Power Play
Now, here’s a show-stopper: A professional headshot portrait. Why? Because in this digital age, your first impression might not be face-to-face, but screen-to-screen. A clear, professional photo says, “I’m serious about my career and I mean business.” Plus, let’s be honest, that selfie with your cat, Mr Whiskers, might not radiate the utmost professionalism. That’s where we come in. Let us help you make your way to the top of the interviewer list. People invest in people after all so what better way to stand out than to have a fab photograph of yourself on your CV to stand out. We’ve shot thousands of headshot Photographs over the years – for models, executives, professionals, lecturers, directors, actors, accountants, priests… you name it! Our sessions all take place in our state-of-the-art headshot portrait studio in Belfast. In fact, all the images you see throughout this post are taken by us… at our studio! The best bit about our sessions is that you see the images as they’re being taken on our large TV screen. So you can make sure you are happy as we go along. We’ve loads of different backgrounds and colours too. You can even change your outfit as many times as you like. It’s a really relaxed experience, and we take as much time as it needs to get it right.
Alright, folks! Armed with these tips, you’re ready to dazzle and shine in your next interview. Dive into the world of opportunities with confidence, charm, and of course, that snazzy new portrait of yours. Wishing you all the best in your quest to boss that interview! Book your new headshot session now and get ahead of the rest of the pack!
