Your goal as a job candidate is to impress the employer so that they consider you a perfect match for the vacancy they are filling. You want them to be awed by your skills, qualifications, experiences, accomplishments, and enthusiasm for the position. The job interview is also your opportunity to vet the employer and determine if you would want to work for them. There is no need to get a job that drains you and takes you back to job searching within two months.
The employer wants to know if you fit the role and whether you will adapt to the company culture easily. Remember that if they invited you for an interview, it means your resume and cover letter were impressive. It’s now time to impress them in person too. Be calm, confident, relaxed and envision this as your opportunity to seal the deal. Read on to find out the top interview do’s and don’ts that are essential to ace your interview.
Go through the job description a day before the interview and take note of the qualifications and requirements that have been listed. Make sure you prepare examples that show how your qualifications and skills make you a good fit for the position. Prepare for common interview questions like “what are your strength/ weaknesses?” and “Why should we hire you?”. Have well prepared and compelling reasons demonstrating why the interviewer should hire you instead of the next candidate.
Do a thorough research of the company. The information you gather can help you answer the “Why you want to work here?” question with confidence. It will also allow you to ask intelligent and knowledgeable questions when prompted at the end of the interview.
Be at least 30 minutes early. To avoid lateness, map out your route the day before the interview to determine how long it will take you to the interview location. Calculate this while considering the amount of traffic and your mode of transport.
Extra copies demonstrate preparedness. You may also find that you have a panel interview. Ensure that each member has a copy of your documents.
Dress appropriately for the interview. Your clothes should be clean, fitting, and well pressed. Your looks can determine if you get the job or not within the first 3 minutes. Be courteous and respectful to other people at the office like the cleaner or the customer care attendant.
Once you get into the office, have a firm handshake, maintain eye contact and wait till the interviewer offers you a chair before sitting. Sit up straight for the duration of the interview and show your enthusiasm for the position.
Speak of your achievements and how they relate to the position. Be specific about skills and accomplishments by providing examples of situations you faced, how you handled them, and the results you achieved. Show how you helped former employers improve and what you can do for their company.
Let the interviewer be in control of the interview. They should lead while you follow in the direction they guide the conversation. S/he can then get all the information they need from you. The more they get, the better chances you have. However, this does not mean you remain entirely passive. Clarify issues and make it a dialogue. It should not be a one-sided yes-and-no meeting.
The research you do before the interview will help you ask questions related to the position, goals, and expectations. They show the employer that you went the extra mile and did your homework. They are also meant to determine if you want to work for the company.
Thank them for the opportunity at the end of the interview. Follow up by sending a thank you email within 48 hours after the meeting. Thank them for their consideration and reiterate your interest and enthusiasm for the position. However, do not constantly hound them. Repeatedly sending emails or calling makes you look desperate.
Take a shower before you leave the house. Any deodorant or perfume applied should be done in moderation. Intense colognes and perfumes can be overpowering for interviews.
It’s tempting to lie about that gap in your employment or why you got laid off, but don’t. There is a chance that they will call your previous employer to confirm your story. The internet has also made it easy to discover things you may want to stay hidden. Do not exaggerate your accomplishments or skills. If they catch you in a lie, they will question your character and disregard you as a candidate.
Do not focus on your weakness. Instead, focus on the strengths and show how you are addressing your weaknesses. In fact, don’t mention them unless the interviewer asks about them. You may also not like your previous employer or colleagues but do not say anything negative about them. Focus on the positives. Negativity shows that you do not work well with others and that you don’t hold yourself accountable.
Switch it off before you get in. That text or phone call can wait until the interview is over.
Asking whether they run background checks will raise red flags and ruin your chances of getting a job. Wait until they give you a job offer before you can start negotiating salaries. Otherwise, you will sound like you are only interested in the money and time off. Instead focus your questions on the role, how it contributes to the company’s success, whom you will be answering to, etc.
Some behavior will land you in trouble. This includes aggressiveness, boastfulness, losing your cool or being timid. Avoid situations where you freeze up. Be mature, confident and ensure that the interviewers can hear you.
Take time to collect your thoughts before answering a question but don’t take too long. Do not be in a rush to respond to every question, take your time and think through your answers. Avoid acts of desperation where you beg for the job. Use formal language and avoid humor unless necessary.
These interviews do’s and don’ts will help you rock your next interview. Remember that the interviewer will be vetting you from the moment they set eyes on you. Show them that you are fit for the position not only on paper but character wise too.
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Thank you. This is so much educative.
By Catherine Kerubo (Oct, 2021) |