Interview Preparation That Wins

Written by: Chane da Costa

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail is a quote by Benjamin Franklin that will forever have meaning in life. In school when you are given homework it is preparation for your tests, test are preparation for exam, exams are preparation for the next grade. This is the same with sport or anything else you want to succeed and do well in. So a candidate can view an interview as a test in landing that perfect job.

If you get a job interview this means that all your effort that went into your resume, showed that you are perfect for the position available. This does not mean your effort to get the job should stop there. An interview is the deciding factor on whether or not you are suitable for the position. An interviewer creates the first and lasting impressions of you, they also see if you can communicate well and have the abilities to fulfil the job. It is also a platform for the interview to get to know you as well as a platform for you to get to know the business.

So in preparing for the Interview you are preparing to win over the position. Below are key points when preparing for an interview:

1.       Know the Company – Researching the company to know exactly what they are about and what they do is essential. As a candidate seeking a job, you need to ensure the company and industry that you are going for an interview at, aligns with your passion, morals and values. It also creates a favourable impression on the interviewer when you about the business and what they do.

2.       Research industry trends – Update yourself with the company’s industries trends and current events and happenings. This shows that you are actively involved in the industry and are able to add value to the company.

3.       Analyse the job title – By analysing the job title, duties and what the company seeks in potential candidates, you are able to determine which skills are important for the position. By doing this you can align the skills of the position and your skill set and portray why you are the best candidate for the position.

4.       Practise common interview questions – By practising answers to common interview questions, this helps to rehearse the perfect answer to the simplest questions without the pressure of have to answer right away. You can also Google interview questions to prepare for the unusual questions that may come up. It is also help to role play an interview situation with a family member or friend. Next week’s blog will be all about unique interview questions and psychometric tests.

5.       Dress for Success – if you are serious about getting the job, it is important to look the part.  Ensure you look professional by dressing in corporate attire. This helps the interviewer visualise you in the position available and ensures the image portrayed is one that is professional, neat and tidy. An image every company is looking for.

6.       Recap, finalise and get ready– Revise your resume and touch up on your skills that you have acquired during your professional career. Do a recap of your understanding on the company and have your interview clothes ready for the next day. Make copies of your resume, qualifications and ID, to take along to the interview and ensure you have a good night’s rest to be on you’re A-game.

7.       Always be on time – It is important to always be at least 10 minutes early for an interview. Rather be too early than late, this shows that you are serious about the position, so make sure you know where you are going and  leave enough time incase you get lost or an unforeseen happening occurs

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Preparing for Telephonic and Skype Interviews

Telephonic and Skype interview are often arranged for positions that are across provinces/State and in other countries. The preparations for these types of interviews are similar to that of interviews done in person. The preparation above should still be followed as the interview structure is standard.

The following Preparation tips will further help you prepare for telephonic and Skype interviews:

1.       Always sound enthusiastic and positive over the phone, your tone of voice will now be the deciding factor between you and another candidate.

2.       Ensure you have a quiet and neutral location to do your interview in. If you do a Skype interview rather be seated in the living room than in your bedroom.

3.       Skype interviews are conducted the same as interviews done in person, so make sure you keep your look professional in corporate attire.

4.       Doing a Skype interview creates difficulty when trying to keep eye contact with the interview. Try look into the camera and not onto the screen when speaking to the interviewer, and look at the screen when the interviewer talks. Ensure your sound and your internet is working properly so that complications don’t occur.

5.       Ensure that your cell phone battery or Laptop Battery is fully charged.

It is important to always let your interviewer end the call or Skype session, never drop the call or Skype session first.