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Preparing for a Job Interview

Just as it is necessary to thoroughly plan your career in advance, is it necessary to be prepared when the time comes for earnest job-seeking efforts. The interview is normally the first direct contact with the prospective employer, and it is therefore of utmost importance to make a good impression. There are a couple of steps and guidelines that can be considered in order to make a success of an interview.
AN EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
  • An interview is an opportunity to make a good impression and to "get your foot in the door".
  • The prospective employer will want to find our more about you and why you want that specific job.
  • Look upon an interview as a business transaction and a thorough cross-examination session.


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  • Allow the interviewer to direct the interview.


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  • Do not speak negatively about your previous jobs or employers.


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  • Do not offer irrelevant information.


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  • Pay attention! Always listen to the whole question before structuring your answer.
  • If you do not understand a question, politely ask the interviewer to have it clarified.


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  • When the time for asking questions is right, show your interest in the job.
  • Ask the questions that revolve around tasks, reporting relationships, responsibilities or training possibilities.


HOW TO BE PREPARED

  • Be realistic about yourself and present your experience and attributes effectively.


  • Do research on the company, ministry or organisation.


  • Know what the job you applied for entails and how it fits in with your educational background and/or experience.


  • Always carry your CV to the interview.


MARKET YOURSELF

  • Never be late for an interview. Be at least 5 - 10 minutes early.
  • Dress in clothes that suit the occasion. Dress in clean, neat and presentable clothes.

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  • Avoid clothes that are too tight, very high heeled shoes or very short mini skirts.

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  • Do not chew gum, smoke or wear sunglasses during an interview.


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  • Speak clearly, positively and with confidence.


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  • Be calm and specific.


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  • Make eye contact with the interviewer when talking.


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  • Be polite and enthusiastic about the work.


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  • Do not show emotion; that is, show anger, excitement or cry during the interview.

    QUESTIONS


    • WHICH MIGHT BE ASKED DURING THE INTERVIEW
    • Tell me about yourself.


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    • Why are you interested in working for this company?


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    • What do you know about this company?


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    • What can you offer this company?

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    • What are your career goals and ambitions?


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    • Why do you intend leaving your current job?


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    • Do you like working on your own or in a group?
    AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW
    • Quickly review if you have covered all the critical points with your questions silently in your mind.

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    • Have all your questions been answered?


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    • Have you presented all the necessary information about yourself?


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    • If the interviewer does not explain, ask him/her what the next stage in this selection process will be.


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    • Ask when you can expect a response from the organisation and via which medium.

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    • Afterwards, thank the interviewer for his/her time.
    • Remember to keep eye contact.

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