If your only experience of a “job interview” was a sit down chat with the manager at Maccas, you have a whole other thing coming for you.

The real world is filled with intimidating panel interviews and selection criteria, and it can be really scary if you’re not prepared. Here’s a good place to start.

#1 It’s Never Just A Chat

So you’ve handed in a resume and cover letter so killer that they want to call you in for a “chat”. First things first: it’s never just a chat. Consider it as seriously as you would any other job interview.

#2 Figure Out Who You’re Meeting With

Then look them up on LinkedIn. Fancy, adult job interviews often have two or more people on the panel, so it pays to know who you’re meeting with. If they don’t tell you upfront, feel free to ask who will be present.

Not only will it give you a heads up on their qualifications and experience, but it’ll help you familiarise yourself with their face. A bonus for when you have you address them in the interview.

#3 Make Up Some Fake Questions And Answers

You should have received a proper job description to look over. In this description will be qualifications and key desirables that you should use to formulate some fake questions.

For example, if they’re looking for someone who has good time management skills, have a think about what kind of question they’d ask about this and how you’d answer it. Like: “What was a time where you had to deliver a range of different tasks to competing time frames? And how did you do this?”

Then come up with specific examples — the worst thing you can do is give wafty, vague answers. They want punchy stories that demonstrate your attitude and habits as an employee.

Do this for every point of the criteria and memorise them. You’ll come across as very confident and capable without even realising it.

#4 Look Up The Address On Maps

Get at least a basic idea of how you’re going to get there so you’re not totally flustered on the day.

And, this shouldn’t need to be said, but it has to. Don’t be late!! Don’t do it. Under any circumstances. Leave an extra half an hour earlier if you think you’ll have train troubles, or your car needs petrol, or you’ll need to find parking.

#5 Overdress Rather Than Underdress

If you think you don’t have anything “corporate” or “professional” looking, don’t just throw a blazer over an old dress. Go out and buy something simple and appropriate. If you don’t get the job, you’ll have the outfit for your next interview. If you do, you have it for when you start working there.

#6 Have Questions For Them

At the end of the interview, they’ll ask if you have any further questions. Hot tip: you do. You always do.

Here and here are great resources for you to use and get an idea of what to ask.

#7 Follow Up With An Email

Tell them it was great meeting with them, you’re grateful for their time, and you look forward to hearing the outcome of the interview.

#8 Become OK With Rejection

Reframe your thinking around job-hunting. Collection rejections. It’ll make you so much more confident about getting up and applying for different roles if you go in with the mindset that you have nothing to lose.

Good luck!

(Lead image: Office Space/21st Century Fox)