Just like any big event in life, it is very important that we prepare ourselves adequately when we have to attend an interview. Every organization is different when it comes to interviewing but regardless of this, the following tips are sure to position you for success:
- Always Practise and Be Prepared.
Most candidates fail to prepare effectively for interviews because they assume having made it to an interview means their chances are high. This perception is wrong. Remember what we said in the job search tip. Practice makes perfect. It is important to always review what the job description requires in terms of skills and match them to your experience. You can then set mock interview questions that your potential employers may ask and practice answering them
Good answers are usually specific, draw on concrete examples to highlight your skills and backs up your application. Remember that your answers should emphasize your skills which are most important to the position and has been provided in the job description. Don’t forget to include relevant information you may have gathered about the organisation in your answers to show you are prepared.
You can get support from family or a friend to ask you the questions whilst you practice your answers.
- Prepare in Advance for the big day.
Many recruiters would tell you that a candidate who appears confused and disorganised is not the best at being selected. It’s a big day and requires you to treat it as such.
You must not wait until the last minute to decide what to wear, what route to take and the documents to present. Plan ahead.
Most organisations will give you at least 48 hours’ notice of an interview. This is an opportunity to land your dream job so prepare in advance. Map out your route for the day to, avoid being stuck in traffic. Select and iron your attire not forgetting your shoes. Where necessary, visit the salon to get some personal grooming. And always take along a nice portfolio with extra copies of all relevant documents including your resume. And oh, bring along a pen and paper!
- Be on Time.
One sign of an organised and time conscious candidate is how early they arrive for the interview. Arriving at an interview after the assigned time speaks poorly of you and your work ethics.
To succeed, always make sure you arrive earlier than your assigned time. Preferably, 10 – 30 minutes early. This also allows you to settle down and prepare yourself mentally for the main interview.
- Keep your composure.
Yes. There would be the usual anxiety especially if this is your first interview but you must try to stay relaxed and focused. Confidence is key to being successful in an interview and is one of the benefits of preparing in advance.
During the interview, ensure that you maintain your composure, listen attentively and maintain eye contact with the interview panel.
It is ok to think through questions or ask that is interview repeat it though this must be done politely.
Do not at any point cut off the interview when they are speaking. If you need further clarification, let them know. It is always better to understand a question rather than to answer it wrongly.
- Sell yourself.
Interviews are formal opportunities to sell your experience and capabilities to a potential employer. So DO IT well! Every candidate who was shortlisted for the interview has some skills which are attractive to the potential employer as such; in order to stand out, you must list and articulate at least, 3 – 5 key selling points which make you the best candidate. You can pitch it in your answers or use it as a closing statement. Remember that those key selling points must reflect the critical requirements of the role.
- Prepare for Behaviour Based Questions.
Most organisations today use the Behaviour based questioning technique in carrying out their interviews. This type of interview has questions which require you to relate a past experience which would demonstrate the behaviours they are looking for in the prospective employee.
When confronted with this technique, you can use the STAR method to answer successfully.
S – Situation
T – Task
A – Action
R – Results.
Articulate the situation to the interviewer and then set out the task or duty which was required of you. You must then explain in detail the action taken and tools used where applicable. To end, share the results or outcome of your action and lessons learnt.
- Ask Questions.
Interviewers will always inquire if you have a question for the panel at the end of the interview. Many candidates lose the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and trust in the role by having no questions.
To win, you must prepare at least one or two question for the interviewers.
An all-time favourite question you can ask is “what does it take to succeed in the role?”
- Win the “Tell me About Yourself “question.
Almost every interview you would attend would have this question in one format or the other. It is usually an opening question which seeks for you to take them through your application and an opportunity to make a positive impression
Many candidates get it wrong by talking about their family and other non-professional related activities.
You must zoom to the highlights of your application with respect to your qualification, skills, experience and potential. Ensure that it is linked to the criteria set out in the job advert for the role. Eg. “I graduated top of my class with a first degree in administration. As part of my course study, I worked with a bank for four months where I was a team player and supported my colleagues in meeting timelines. I was recognised for my good interpersonal skills in my last role as it helped my team convert 20% more enquiries into sales compared to our previous year”.
- Follow-Up
It is always important that you follow up on an interview. Aside the fact that courtesy requires this; you can use this opportunity to reiterate your interest as well as receiving timey feedback from the interviewer.
Remember to send a follow-up message within 24 hours of attending the interview. Keep it short, brief and professional.
- Keep Trying
Stay Positive. The job search process can be cumbersome. You win some and you will lose some. But never give up. See it as a step closer to landing your dream job. And use that experience to improve upon your interviewing skills. Where available, ask for feedback from the interviewer and use that to work on the areas you may not have performed well. Having made it that far means you had what it takes and are well on your way to an exciting role soon.
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