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?
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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.
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.