PREPARING FOR YOUR JOB INTERVIEW
Congratulations – you have been selected to attend an interview. Now you need to make sure you are fully prepared. These tips will help you shine and hopefully secure the job!
Now we have got to bear in mind that although most job roles require only one interview to land the job, there are instances where you have to go through different stages of interview before you successfully complete the process.
BEFORE THE DAY
Research the company
Knowing a few things about the company before the interview will give you a good head start.
Check out the company’s website and do a Google search to see what others are saying about them.
Make sure you know exactly where the interview is to take place and how to get there.
Re-read the job description
Look for specific skills that the employer is looking for and think about examples from your past and current work/experience that align with these requirements. Be prepared for questions such as “Tell me about yourself” and “why you are interested in this role” and practise how you would answer these.
Practise
It’s a good idea to practise your answers out loud to yourself or with a friend to gain confidence in saying the words. Remember that when giving examples of things you have done in the past, try to be concise with a clear Situation, Task, Action and Result.
ON THE DAY
Appearance
First impressions count! Most businesses expect smart dress code, but even if the working environment is more relaxed about its attire, it’s a good idea to look smart, clean and professional for the interview. This includes having clean shoes – and positively
NO TRAINERS!
Be early
If you are travelling by public transport, make sure you allow plenty of time and have a back-up plan if there are any unexpected delays. Aim to arrive at the interview 15-10 minutes early. Arriving early in many companies allows you to sit in a reception area, to compose yourself and to observe some of the dynamics of the workplace.
What to bring
Make sure you bring several copies of your CV to the interview and a copy of your covering letter. There may be someone else in the interview who hasn’t seen your CV yet or who wishes to discuss part of your CV in the interview. Bring a notebook and pen. It is always good to make notes during the interview as these will help you in any follow-up and demonstrates that you are paying attention.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
Switch your mobile phone off!
Stay focused
The senior person in the interview will greet you with a handshake. Be firm and decisive with your handshake without crushing any fingers, look the person in the eye and
SMILE!
Sit up straight during the interview, try to maintain eye contact and especially when you are talking. Smile frequently as this will convey that you are relaxed and have a friendly disposition.
In answering questions, take a little time to consider your answer, keep your replies brief and focused. Remember that the time for each interview is limited, so try to stick to the question being asked without rambling.
Ask something
Remember that an interview should be a two-way process. Having nothing to ask the interviewer conveys disinterest, so aim to have one or two questions ready to be able to ask the interviewer about the company or the job, such as how performance within the role would be measured, or how does the role collaborate with other departments.
End positively
You should ask for a business card of individuals at the interview, or at least make a written note of their email address, and leave the interview with a positive manner, such as “I look forward to hearing from you.”
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Send a follow-up email
You should send an email to the interviewer within 24 hours, thanking them for their time and reconfirming your enthusiasm for the job.
If you haven’t heard back from the company after a period of time, you may want to send another email to check in with the employer and to reaffirm your continued interest. Keeping in touch with the company shows initiative and can sometimes put you in the frame should another role become available.
VIDEO INTERVIEW
Some corporations might request for a video interview first and foremost, especially for graduate scheme applications. Now what do you have to do to prepare for this:
Note: The video interview can last up to 30 minutes depending on what the employer requires. This can be pre-recorded or even live. It is important to know whether this will be a live interview or pre-recorded, as you will have to prepare accordingly and it will be very different from each other.
LIVE
If it is live, this will be similar to a face-to-face interview. You can use the tips provided above (‘Preparing for your interview’) to prepare for the day. Now this will be conducted through a video connection such as Skype or Google hangout or they might even use Messenger or WhatsApp.
You would treat this interview exactly as you would if you went to an interview at the employers’ office. Therefore do all the necessary research, be confident and look sharp!
PRE-RECORDED
This experience will be completely different from a real life interview and the good thing is you can do a retake! You might be given written questions or even pre-recorded questions from the interviewers.
You will have the opportunity to respond by recording your answers within a limited amount of time; that could be 20 or 30 minutes.
You might feel a little awkward at first but you will get used to it through practice. Best part is you can do the interview when you want (within a specified deadline) and where you want as long as it is a clear space with no background noise.
Similarly to a normal interview, you should finish in a mannerly way and on a positive note. Thank them for their time and say that you look forward to hearing from them.
Don’t forget to email them within the next 24 hours as a courtesy.
There are occasions where you will have a brief telephone interview; don’t be nervous, be confident and you should get to the next round with flying colours.
For a group interview, it is always a little more tricky as your competitors are right in front of you. You have to make sure you stand out positively and make an impression that will last. The more you know about the company, what they do and the job role, the more chances you will have of standing out.