It is well acclaimed that 90% of people get jitters when they get called for an interview. This happens most especially when it is your dream job, and you want nothing more than to get the job. There is usually a mixed feeling which comes with getting a mail to attend an interview. You are initially excited that you got called for the job role. I mean, out of so many applicants, you got called. Then you are worried about how to get the job. You desperately want the job to be able to meet your financial needs and obligations or you want an advancement in your career and this job role with Company XYZ seems to be the answer to your request. Not to worry, you can do anything you set your mind to do. You deserve to take on that job role and all you need do is to show to the interviewer that you are more than enough.
On your quest to getting your dream job or impressing the interviewer, there are many points to note. First of you need to be intentional and prepare. Know the purpose for which you have decided to join an organisation. This will motivate you to put in your very best. When you are not intentional, you don’t feel the need to prepare. Your level of intentionality also measures the extent to which you go in preparing. When I talk about preparation, I mean researching about the company and learning about their core values, what they stand for, what they are into and their objectives. Understand the key information about the company you are interviewing for as this will help your confidence. It gives the impression that you know what you are doing and much more, you are enthusiastic about the organisation. You could read up on the values of the company and see how your skills could enhance these values. The rationale behind filling a job role is for the advancement of the values and objectives of the company. If you know these values and objectives and you can align your qualities to advancing them, then you are good to go. Again, see if you can get inside information on the company and its employees, the work culture, and the management staff. This helps you get familiar with the people. You are not too surprised at some of the questions which might be thrown at you. It helps you get comfortable to some extent to think your answers through before speaking.
Up next, you need to review the job role and practice. For instance, if you are interviewing for the role of a Legal Officer in a biscuit making company, you need to know what the job entails. Generally, a legal officer for a company deals with legal/corporate compliance with regulatory bodies. You need to get familiar with regulatory rules made by regulatory bodies. You need to know steps to take for legal compliance. You need to know how to draft legal documents. You need to possess great interpersonal skills. You can compare the expectations in a job role and compare it with your resume and cover letter. This helps you get clear on what you can offer the employer. You also need to practice, practice and practice. There are common questions which are frequently asked by interviewers. Prepare your answers to these questions. It does not mean you should practice word for word. This might be fatal especially when the interviewer takes a different route from asking these common questions. You however need to set your records straight, know the type of answer that is expected of you when you are asked about yourself for instance. You know that this question requires no verbosity or unnecessary details to impress the interviewer. You need to stick to letting the interviewer know your keen interest, your knowledge and experience and your future goals or where you see yourself, how you intend to further feed your interests. There is no need to tell stories of when you were in secondary school or anything like that. You must also understand that no recruiter intends to kill you at an interview. They only want to get to know you and then see if you are suitable for the job role. So, think about putting yourself out there letting them know you are more than capable, and not getting nervous about the day.
Your appearance is of utmost importance at an interview. The minute you begin to question what you plan to wear to an interview, don’t try to seek approval from your friend to feel better. It is best to just change the outfit and wear something you are confident and comfortable in. Do not be overdressed or underdressed. Make sure your clothes are not too tight, too revealing or too baggy. You can also check for holes in your clothes and avoid wearing flashy colours or too much jewellery. You don’t want the interviewer distracted from your resume and what you are saying. Make sure cologne or perfume is also not too much. Your interviewer might have allergies to perfume and when you wear too much, you might be causing more harm than good.
Try your very best to arrive before your interview time. You should get there at least 20 minutes before the time just so you are relaxed and composed before you meet your recruiter. If the firm you are interviewing with is on the top floor, take the elevator. Don’t go climbing the stairs and get there panting like you just completed a relay race. Take deep breaths. It helps with calming your nerves. When you prepare beforehand too, you are somewhat confident and that’s all you need. Smile and be very enthusiastic when you meet the interviewer. You can also smile at appropriate times at the interview to drive your point home. Positive people with strong interpersonal skills are more likely to be hired. Share a story or two to back your enthusiasm. This way you are not just telling the interviewer you possess skills. You are backing it up with facts. In sharing few stories, you can use the STAR method. S stands for situation, T stands for task, A stands for action and R stands for result. This method keeps you in check. You are not talking off point when you follow this pattern. Again, don’t panic and try as much as possible to prepare for the worst situation. Try to be spontaneous so that when you are thrown off guard by a question, you can quickly pick yourself without letting the interviewer notice your demeanour. To be candid, confidence is not the absence of fear. Confidence is when you are aware of this fear, and you adequately manage it. Practice good body manners and body language don’t be slouch or lax. You should sit straight or stand tall and give firm handshakes. Try to wipe or wash your hands if you have a sweaty palm.
Some other important tips which will be very helpful include:
a. Keep your answers concise. Hit the nail on the head and don’t go about beating around the bush.
b. Avoid careless and insensitive comments which might relate to religion, politics, body size etc.
c. Respond truthfully to the questions asked. Don’t begin what you might not be able to finish
d. Avoid speaking negatively about your previous employer.
e. Turn off your phone to avoid distractions.
On a final note, you should follow up after the interview. You can call, send a text message or mail to know if the recruitment process has been completed and to let them know you are excited about taking on the role. You can ace that interview and you can create the best impression. You are more than enough!
