How to adequately prepare for a job interview

No matter how many interviews you attend, there is bound to be some element of anxiety when you enter a room full of new people who might decide your career path.

It is important to be composed and to exude confidence from the word go.

Prepare all the necessary documents in good time

Immediately you get a call that you have been invited for an interview, pay attention to the requirements, especially the documents you need to carry.

If it is your CV and certificates, neatly placed them in your folder and ensure you can explain a couple of things you have listed on your CV.

Arrive in good time

You want to give the impression that you are time-conscious. Get to the venue early and relax. You can use this time to peruse a few things about the company.

Research about the company

It is important to know the details of the company you intend to work for. Familiarizing yourself with the mission and core values would go a long way in helping you shape your answers during the actual interview.

Make sure you can answer ‘Tell me about yourself’

This is one of the most common interview questions and it often sets the tone.

You do not have to tell them about all your achievements, on the contrary, focus on your career achievements and the direction you intend to take.

Understand your role

You are expected to understand the requirements of the job in detail. Tailoring your answers to justify why you are perfect for the role will definitely leave a mark on the interviewers.

Why should we hire you?

When asked this question, keep in mind that the recruiter is looking to hear what skills you have that you’re going to bring to the team. Don’t give a vague answer, such as, “I’m friendly and a hard worker.” Instead, be specific, summarize your work history and achievements, and use numbers when possible.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

This can seem like a heavy question during an interview, especially when you haven’t prepared for it ahead of time. Keep in mind that you’re in an interview setting–so you don’t need to go into all the details about what your personal life goals are for the next five years. Focus on your career goals and be realistic. 

 What are your salary requirements?

Some interviewers ask this question, others don’t. It’s always better to be prepared, especially because you want to make sure you would be paid a fair wage for the value you are going to add.

Do you have any questions?

This is often asked at the end of the interview and it is your chance to know more about the company.

Make sure you ask a relevant question and engage the interviewers.