Easy ways to feel ready, build confidence, and show your best self
Going to a job interview can feel scary, especially if you have not worked for a while or if there have been barriers to you finding, or staying, in work before. You might feel nervous, unsure, or worried about what will happen. Many people feel the same way! So, our IPS employment service have shared some simple steps to help you feel more confident and ready to show employers what a great fit you’d be.
1. Do your research: Learn about the company
Before your interview, try to find out a little about the place where you want to work. You don’t need to know everything! Look through the company’s website and their social media pages. See what they do, what is important to them (their values), what big news have they shared recently. Showing the interviewers that you’ve done some research is important, because it shows you’re serious about the job and how your values match with what the business is looking for. One of our IPS Employment Specialists can support you with your research if you need some extra help.
2. Prepare a short introduction: Talk about yourself
Some employers might start off by asking you to tell them a bit about yourself. It helps to practice saying a few sentences. You can say your name, what you are good at, and why you’ve applied for the job. For example: “My name is Alex. I enjoy working with people, and my volunteering experience in a charity shop helped me to develop my customer service skills. I am good at listening to people and working in a team which is why this job interests me.” Practicing this will help you start the interview with confidence.
3. Use the STAR Method: Simple steps to answer questions
When the interviewer asks about things you have done before, try to use the STAR method. This means:
- Situation: What happened?
- Task: What did you need to do?
- Action: What did you do?
- Result: What happened because of your actions?
You can write these down and practice at home or an IPS Employment Specialist can help you practice some answers to build your confidence.
4. Real examples: Times you showed your strengths
Think of two or three real-life stories that show how your skills match the job description, like working in a team, overcoming a challenge, or an achievement. It doesn’t have to be from a job, it could be from volunteering or a project. Read through the job description and try to match some examples to the key skills they are looking for.
5. Practice aloud: Build confidence by speaking
Try to say your answers out loud at home. You can do this on your own, with a friend, in front of a mirror, or practice with your IPS Employment Specialist. Our IPS employment service also offer a Wellbeing short course, which can help you improve your confidence and self-esteem for finding work.
6. Plan what to wear and check your space
If your interview is in person, pick out your clothes in advance. Wear something clean, that looks smart but feels comfortable if you can – it will help you to feel more relaxed. If your interview is online, check that your camera and sound work. Try to sit somewhere quiet where the background looks tidy and doesn’t distract attention from the interview.
7. Prepare questions: Show you care
At the end of the interview, you can ask questions. Asking some thoughtful questions shows that you’re really interested. You could ask, “What does a normal day look like here?” or “How do you help new staff settle in?” Write your questions down and bring them with you if you like.
Remember, everyone gets nervous. You are not alone. These tips can help you feel ready and proud of yourself. If you live with a mental health condition, our IPS employment service can support you to prepare for, search for, and achieve meaningful part-time or full-time employment. The team work across Liverpool, Sefton, Halton and Warrington, Knowsley, and St Helens.