Preparing for an interview

An interview is a conversation between the interviewer and the interviewee. The purpose of the interview is to collect additional information from the candidate to determine whether the candidate is suitable for a specific position or not. Interviews can be very stressful as the candidates over think their answers and this leads to panic (Hardavella et al. 2016. p1).

Below are some guidelines on how to prepare for an interview:

(Hardavella et al. 2016. P4)

21 Job interview tips: How to make a great impression (2021)

Preparing for an interview

Preparing for an interview

Do:

  • Know your CV well and be able to elaborate on your roles and responsibilities.
  • Do research about the organisation. It’s always good to be able to ask the interviewer questions, if given an opportunity at the end.
  • Read the job spec and understand the duties of the role.
  • Make sure you are on time.
  • Check the address and prepare your travel route to avoid congestion.
  • Manners are imperative. Start with greeting reception as you walk in the door.
  • Give off positive energy and be confident in yourself.
  • Relax and answer each question in a way that is brief, but comprehensive.
  • Ask the panel to repeat or elaborate on a question you dent understand.
  • Use positive body language to show interest ( ie. Not sitting with arms crossed ) and keep eye contact with whomever is asking you a question.
  • If you need to think about the answer in more detail, ask for the question to be revisited later on in the interview.
  • Listen carefully when the panel introduces themselves, to address them by name in the interview.

Do not:

  • Do not ask your employer how many candidates are shortlisted as this will cause panic and make you lose focus.
  • Don’t answer a question you don’t understand, rather ask the panel to rephrase the question.
  • Avoid slang and use proper language.
  • Do not chew gum.
  • Stop worrying about what will happen if you don’t get the job but focus on the goal of doing your best to get the job.
  • Avoid wearing uncomfortable clothes, as it will make you sit awkwardly, and your choice of clothes says a lot about you.
  • Never accept an interview if you don’t know what position you applied for and don’t have information about the role.
  • When offered something to drink, do not go for hot drink/beverages like coffee but rather go for water which will help clear your voice and throat.
  • Do not speak badly about your previous employer.

Interviews may be tough and leave you nervous. Make sure you prepare as this will relax and calm you. Always do your best and no matter what happens, use it as an experience to grow.

Good Luck on your interview

Good Luck on your interview

 

Reference list:

  1. Hardavella, G., Aamli Gagnat, A., Xhamalaj, D., Saad, N (2016). How to prepare for an interview. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5298161/pdf/EDU-0137-2016.pdf [Accessed 13 August 2021].
  2. 21 Job interview tips: How to make a great impression (2021). Available from: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/job-interview-tips-how-to-make-a-great-impression [Accessed 13 August 2021].

Here is another article on “Managing Your Expectations – during your first year of work“.