Job Interview Tips
Job interviewing never gets any simpler - even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count - you do learn more after each one however. In a job interview, you are meeting prospective employers, selling yourself & your skills and are often constantly questioned about what you do or do not know. Here are a few job interview tips to help prepare you to interview effectively. Proper preparation will help alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews.
Practice
Practice answering interview questions & practice your responses to the typical job interview questions & answers most employers ask. Think of actual examples you can use to report your skills. Providing proof of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy.
Prepare
Prepare a response so you are prepared for the query "What do you know about our company?” Know the interviewer's name (if possible) & use it in the course of the job interview. If you are not certain of the name, call & ask prior to the interview. Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.
Prepare a list of questions to ask after the interview such as:
- How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?
- How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?
- What is the company's management style?
- Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him/her?
- How many people work in this office/department?
- How much travel is expected?
- Is relocation a possibility?
- What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?
- What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
- How does one advance in the company?
- Are there any examples?
- If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?
- What can I tell you about my qualifications?
- When can I expect to hear from you?
- Are there any other questions I can answer for you?
Clothes and Accessories
Ensure the clothes you wear to your interview are tidy & appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a professional portfolio with copies of your CV and certificates. Include a pen & paper for note taking.
Time Keeping
Be on time for the interview, excuses such as “My matatu was stuck in traffic” will not impress your interviewers. On time means at least 10 minutes early. Some employers will require you to fill out forms before your interview and so it is vital that you give yourself enough time to complete these. If need be, take some time to visit the offices before the interview date so you know exactly where you are going & how long it will take to get there.
In the Interview
In the job interview, try to relax & stay as calm possible. Pause and think about your answers before responding. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Listen to the whole query before you answer & pay attention – it can be embarassing to forget the question!
Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions. When discussing your career accomplishments match them to what the company is looking for.
After the Interview
Always follow-up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position, usually after about a week. In the event you interview with multiple people send each a thank you note.
Note:
This is not an exhaustive list of job interview tips, there are thousands of tips available on the internet and you should make use of these before you sit for your interviews.
