Interview 101

So I have had my fair share of nerve wrecking experiences when it comes to interviews. No matter how prepared I am, somehow my body can’t get used to the idea.

Getting called for an interview means you are one step closer to getting that job you really want or need so its kind of a big deal.

I remember just this year I have been to two interviews, and both interviews had me in my feels! it felt like exam season all over again. One thing I did realise is that, there is a certain nervousness I got/get when the interview is a few hours/minutes away. I sort of want it to be DONE!. Like can we get this done. In that time I just wanna see myself done with it. But then comes the- “Will they pick me?” feelings.(But anyway, thats another topic for another day).

I get nervous in the waiting area because I just want to start the interview. Prior to the day or the final hour I’m caught up in getting ready so much that I don’t feel anything.lol.

So.. without going on and on let me share my before the interview tips.

FIND OUT ABOUT THE ROLE YOU ARE INTERVIEWING FOR

It is very important to know what the role you are being interviewed for is about. Look up job descriptions for the role on the internet to see the duties a person this role is often required to do.

This helps you familiarise yourself with the role, especially if you do not have “practical” or real experience in that role. When the tasks and duties are familiar to you, it broadens your scope on preparing or deciding on what to read on while preparing for the interview.

It gives you confidence when you even see that they are duties and tasks you can perform or want to be able to do.

READ ON THE ORGANISATION

It is important to be up to speed with news and changes happening in the organisation you are being interviewed at. This also helps you identify how your role will play a part in the activities going on in that organisation.

You will need to mention the recent news or changes happening in the organisation when answering interview questions to demonstrate that you understand how you will play a role in the bigger picture.

I have noticed how the panel gets so excited when you let them know that, you know what they are working on, and you would be a key player by bringing a specific skill you believe will help them achieve their big move.

It is also important to read on the organisation so that you check if you would be a good fit there, see how the structure is to enable you to identify opportunities of growth. I believe that when you go into any organisation, the aim is not just to be in the role you came in with. Progression!

PREPARE ANSWERS FOR THE “COMMON” INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

It’s good to have answers prepared for the most common interview questions. These come up real quick when you just do a quick google search for common interview questions.

Prepare answers for common interview questions in general, and specific to the role you are being interviewed for, as well as those common for a particular industry. These questions legit help you ease into the interview if you are well prepared for them. You remember the main things to mention that will keep the interview panel intrigued. Being coherent and confident when answering these can often win your panel over before you even get to the crux of the interview.

Your role is often not isolated or unique. It exists in a different organisation, or country etc. You need to know what sort of questions asked in an interview for that role.

Prepare!!

RESEARCH ON THE INDUSTRY

Sometimes you are changing industries or entering an industry you know NOTHING about! I once learnt a whole lot about an industry I knew nothing about while preparing for an interview.

This helped me prepare well for the interview and identify what sort of questions could come up because of what was going on in that industry. And… the interview had only one common interview question. The rest of the questions were solely about the industry itself! I hammered it! Preparation is key, because you really do not know what you will be expected to articulate yourself on.

I confidently made mention of the fact that prior to the interview I knew nothing about the industry and because of the opportunity they gave me (the interview), I know a lot more about the industry and have developed a keen interest in it. (I passed the interview)

Sometimes reading on the industry also helps you decide if that’s the area you want to go into. It helps you identify how long you would want to stay there, what growth opportunities it offers you etc.

No move in your career should be an isolated event. Let each move play a role in your career plan.

ANTICIPATE QUESTIONS BASED ON THE VACANCY AD & ANSWER THEM

The job ad is a guide! Yup. All the questions and answers you will get are “hidden” in there.

So, formulate questions related to each requirement listed on the ad and explain how you would achieve it, how you have handled a situation of that nature before -or how you would handle it.

You will have to do the same thing over and over again until you are confident that you will be able to answer any question related to this role. You might not have all the answers and that is OK.

It is okay to admit you don’t know something but are capable of learning. The panel doesn’t necessarily expect you to have ALL the answers. You may have answered all the key questions and admitting when you do not know reflects as a good trait.

PREPARE AN OUTFIT IN ADVANCE

Get your outfit ready well in time. Ironed. A proper fit. Look like you are already hired. Bring out your best suit.

Interviews can be nerve wrecking, but honestly its not that bad if you go in prepared. Give it your best at all times.