Your hard work in sending out all those application letters and CVs has finally paid off; you’ve been called in for a face-to-face job interview. Congratulations!
You have obviously impressed your potential employer with your CV and application to be offered an interview in the first place. But this is not the time to sit back and think about how you’re going to spend your new salary; you’ve got a lot of work to do. The better prepared you are beforehand, the better your chances are of walking out of the interview with a confident smile on your face that says, “I think I got the job!”
In today’s highly competitive business world, there are sure to be dozens, if not hundreds of other highly-qualified candidates going after the same job opportunities. It’s important to make yourself stand out as someone special. Now is the time to practice exactly how you will sell yourself to a prospective employer during that crucial first meeting.
Already, you have probably beaten many other applicants at the first short-listing stage. However, the higher you climb, the higher the stakes will be and you therefore cannot afford to be caught unprepared.
By the time it gets to the interview stage, the employer would typically have set aside all those who did not possess the requirements for the job. Having sifted through all the applications and compiled a shortlist, the main thing the interviewer will be seeking to do is to choose the right candidate from among the short-listed lot to fill the job.
Everyone on that shortlist is a potential winner and the only way the employer can separate the applicants is to meet each one in person. The employer is looking for the applicant with the right fit for the organisation and the position being advertised. It could be likened to matchmaking or finding the right marital partner. The key to success is finding compatibility between both parties.
There are many variables that come into play in choosing the right person for a job. What one employer classifies as an important quality may not matter at all to another. For instance, while some may place premium on experience as an important factor, others may value qualifications or team management skills or a combination of both. What you have got to remember is that you will have to make a lasting impression on the interviewer to get you nearer to securing that new job. If you go well prepared, you have a good chance of manipulating the interview to your advantage and getting across your strengths.
Inadequate or inappropriate preparation is the most common reason why people fail at job interviews. Recent research indicated that 90 per cent of interviewees come to job interviews ill-prepared. You want to be in the 10 per cent of interviewees who prepare adequately. The following tips will equip you for your next interview and guide you to land that dream job you have been yearning for.
Clarify the type of interview There are different types of interviews and every one of them has a clear objective. You will do yourself a world of good to clearly ask what the objective of your interview is. Some interviews are for the purpose of short-listing a final set of say three or five from a pre-selected list of twelve, after which there shall be a final interview. An interview could be held in which you are the only candidate. Asking questions may enable you find out whether the focus will be on your technical ability or may just be to discuss the terms of your engagement. The objective of the interview will determine what the procedure will entail and you could easily find that out if you do your research well. For instance, there could be a personality test, scenario modelling and finally, the interview or discussion itself. Whatever the objectives or procedures are, knowing them ahead of time will enable you prepare accordingly.
A good way to obtain clarity on the interview type is to confirm the interview arrangements with your prospective interviewer in writing. A brief note could typically confirm your availability and request confirmation of the venue, date, time, objectives and procedure. This could also give you the opportunity to send in advance any documents, samples or portfolio that you would wish for the interviewer to see ahead of your meeting.
Research about the organisation
Do your homework about your potential employer ahead of the interview. The employer has made time to read through your CV and application form. In return, the least you can do is to research about the organisation and its business. Many employers are easily impressed with potential employees who exhibit considerable knowledge about the organisation: its history, mission, competition, as well as its products and services. On the other hand, they are equally unimpressed with individuals who come into an interview totally uninformed about the prospective employer.
A little research will indicate to the interviewer that you have put some effort into trying to get this job. Conducting a research on a company should be a relatively easy task. Get hold of the company’s sales brochures, reports or other publications. One option is to call up the front desk or reception and ask for a copy. You can also look up the company’s web site or social media page. You could even ask an employee of the organisation to furnish you with information if you need to. Invest time and effort and you will be rewarded.
Be punctual. Avoid being late for an interview
Ahead of time, find out the exact location for the interview, plan how to get there and determine how long the trip will take? Possibly have a trial run and see how long it takes you to get there. Add on half an hour to the projected time and leave early enough.
If you arrive ahead of schedule, you can always have a drink or read a magazine, but you are sure to be calm and more relaxed, whereas if you are running late you will be on edge; which will not augur well for an interview.
When you arrive, announce yourself to the receptionist to let him or her know that you have arrived and that you have an appointment. Remember to turn your cell phone off so it doesn’t ring during your interview. For the period of the interview, do not even bother to keep it on ‘vibration.’ Quiet as it may be, it is bound to distract you for a brief moment and that could be costly. Taking a call is absolutely out of the question and should never be an option. Do not even consider asking the panellists for permission to do so.
In special cases such as interviews for engineers, architects, designers and any roles that require visual assessment, the applicant might need to use a slide show, PowerPoint presentation, short documentary or some other technological supplement to augment the verbal discussion at the interview.
Personally ensure that the technical requirements are in place and compatible with your systems ahead of the interview. That could mean checking the availability of an LCD projector, screen and other accessories ahead of time so you can arrange for some by yourself if need be.
Even if you have everything with you, arriving early would allow you to check the location and functionality of the plugs and power sources and preferably set things up ahead of time.
Dress, look and smell appropriately
Deciding how to dress for a job interview is always a difficult decision. For most executive positions, the standard practice is for men to wear a smart suit or formal shirt and tie with the women in either a skirt and blouse or a suit. However, there are exceptions based on the culture and the position being advertised.
For example, if you are going to work for an IT firm, Graphic Designers or in a back office position in an area such as data entry or research, the dress code may be smart but casual. However, if you are going to work for a firm of Solicitors, Accountants or Insurance Brokers, the chances are the dress code is going to be strictly formal.
Chewing of gum in an interview is not an option under any circumstances. Loud accessories such as huge earrings, nose rings and visible tattoos do not assist the cause of a prospective applicant for an executive position.
Male interviewees should steer clear of bright outrageous ties and strange colour combinations. Whether male or female, try and settle on neutral colours. You are better off erring on the side of being conservative. At all costs, avoid overpowering aftershave or perfume. It can be counterproductive to your cause.
Arriving at the interview in good time will afford you the opportunity and time to compose yourself and utilise the rest room before your big moment. You can make a few final checks on your appearance, comb your hair, use the lavatory or adjust your make up. GB
• Albert & Comfort Ocran are Management Consultants, Executive Coaches and Authors of several personal development books including the bestseller, “Career Starter Pack” and the latest “Speak Like A Pro.” E-mail: