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How to ace your job interview: insider tips

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Got a job interview coming up? Nervous? Don't fret — we've got you covered! From fashion advice to research and presentation tips, DOLLY staffers spill their best advice to help you land your dream job!

Be a confidence queen!
Confidence is a tricky but vital part of landing that job. Whether it's your ultimate role or a just a few hours' work at your local cafe — it pays to be confident. "Look your interviewer in the eye," says DOLLY editor Tiffany. "Don't try and make yourself into a person that you're not and don't try and make things up."

"Be really smiley if you can!" adds art director Emma.

"Try not to let nerves get the better of you," says entertainment editor Jess. "You can't portray the best representation of yourself when you're nervous. Take a deep breath and remember that bosses are just people."

"I always take a deep breath," reveals editorial coordinator Kelsey. "Try not to stress because it shows."

Do your research
Research is super important during the preparation for an interview. Google as much as you can about the company, search your employer on LinkedIn, and study the customer.

"Research the place you're going to work at," suggests beauty writer Sara. "Jump on the company website so you can see their key goals and see what they're all about. Don't forget to also research who their competition is — it's a good way to see how the company sets themselves apart. They [also] like to hear positive things about their brand."

"Do your research, know what the job you're going for is, and have a clear understanding of what the organisation is," says Tiff.

Be on brand
Having a positive attitude towards the company and being on brand is super important during any interview process.

"For a job in fashion, dressing up is very important," stresses Lotta, DOLLY's fashion editor. "It's much tougher to get through to me if you're not wearing something that has a DOLLY vibe."

"If you were coming in for a job at DOLLY, you would have to read the magazine [and be] really interested in all things teen," says Tiff. "You have to have a real passion for helping girls (and you need to be obsessed with One Direction!). I think that's a major contributor and something a lot of people don't do."

Be prepared
You can never be over-prepared for a job interview. Potential bosses love, love, love innovation so don't be afraid to pitch your ideas.

"Coming in with ideas about what you can offer is super important," says features writer Dani. "And don't forget to mention your career goals!"

"Even though they've got your resume, make sure you bring an extra copy," says Kelsey. "They always end up asking for one."

Put on a profesh vibe
Even though you've probably listened to 1D on your way to the interview, it's always a good idea to act mature and professional in an interview situation. Being respectful, polite and well-mannered can go a long way.

"No matter how casual or fun the office is, you have to be professional and formal for the interview," says Samera, DOLLY's deputy editor.

"Be yourself but be professional too," adds Crystal, DOLLY's deputy art director.

RELATED: How to get your dream fashion job.

First impressions
It's more about your personality and experience than how you look, but it's also important to make a good impression in the style stakes. Think sharp, clean and easy when planning your outfit — but don't try to hide your personality.

"Dress for the part," says chief sub editor Bec. "There's this saying that you should always dress for the role you want not the role you have. So if you're a shop assistant and you want to be in magazines, you should dress as an editor."

The awkward money talk
Money is just plain awks. We know it's probably the reason you're applying for the job (need to save for those Believe tour tickets, right?), but try to not put a huge focus around it.

"Don't ask about money," says Emma. "At least not straight away."

"They bring it up," adds Crystal. "You don't have to."

RELATED: How to make the right career choices after school.

Know your ABCs
Remember that thing your year one teacher harped on about? Well, turns out it's important. Bad spelling on a resume usually means it's thrown out. Eeek!

"Check your spelling — it's very, very important," stresses Lotta. "I've had so many CVs where people would write one of their skills is attention to detail and they wouldn't even spell my name right!"

Other useful tips
• Tiff: "Don't ever, ever bad mouth a previous employer. It's a really bad look."
• Jess P: "Never say just 'no'. Turn it into a 'yes' — otherwise it just makes it awkward."
• Emma: "Don't be too overfamiliar."
• Lotta: "It's better to say too much than not enough."

Need one last piece of advice? "Don't be afraid to be yourself!" says Tiff.

YOUR SAY: Have you had any interesting job interview experiences? Share your story in the comments below.



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