There are numerous types of interviews - panel, group, video and case interviews among others. This article elucidates the steps you must follow if you must succeed at the interview - regardless of the type. It is perhaps the determinant whether or not you will be offered the Job. Hence, you must devote quality time for preparation.
1. Research The Employer
Learn as much as you can about the employer; their line of business, their core values, the kinds of products/services they render and much more. Your research will make you very familiar with the industry in which they operate so you can answer questions intelligently.
Most businesses have a website that provide most of these basic information. It is also good to contact current employees or past employees.
If it is a small private business, you should find their Facebook or Twitter pages and follow their posts.
2. Know Yourself
'Tell me about yourself!' - this is undoubtedly the most common interview 'question'.
You should also expect the interviewers to ask you questions about your experiences and how they have shaped you, which means you have to know yourself really well. What are your strengths, weaknesses? What opportunities have you had to lead others or work in a team?
It is a good idea to think about the most common interview questions especially those that relate to the industry in which the employer operates. After you list some of the questions, write bullet points on how you might answer the questions as they relate to your skills, attributes and experiences. Do not try to memorize direct answers to certain questions, rather, be familiar with what points to explain on every question.
You should also think deeply about your faults and past failures, however, you must be able to present to the employer, how you have turned them around in a positive way.
3. Dress Appropriately
Your appearance has a lot to do with the impression your employers have of you. You must look smart and comfortable in whatever you wear. It is better you 'overdress' than to dress short of the normal dressing style in that organization. More commonly, wear a suit of a suitable colour, trim your nails and wear a clean shave.
4. Do lots of Practice
You must practice how to answer interview questions over and over again.
What you say is not as important as how you say it. You can rehearse with a friend on how to answer questions or stand in front of a mirror as you speak. This is so you can develop confidence as you answer questions, especially those one that probe into your personality.
Do not use fillers like 'ehmm', 'ehn..' while you speak. This may suggest you are not well prepared for the interview. A brief pause before your response is however advisable. While you must pay attention to what you say, do not speak at a slower pace than that of the interviewer.
5. Establish A Bond During The Interview
An interview can only be enjoyed in a friendly atmosphere. You should wear a smile and be as cheerful, friendly as possible.
You should also maintain eye-contact with the interviewer. If there is more than one, make eye-contact with the person asking the questions per time. Not everyone likes to be quizzed, but for the purpose of the interview, do not make the interviewer feel you are uncomfortable by his many questions - in fact, expect him to ask many.
6. Ask Questions
A good way to end the interiview is to ask questions after the interviewer has asked all his questions. Ask questions that show that you know what the organization is going through at the moment, projects they are working on, what markets they are looking at and that you are excited about being a part of the organization.
Do not ask questions you could easily find out elsewhere; like their working hours, remunerations and the likes.
7. Send a Thank you Note
Which ever way the interview turns out, endeavor to send a 'Thank You' note, which should be by mail or other means of communication you employed before the interview. It is a good opportunity to add some of the things you missed out during the interview or questions you feel were not answered thoroughly.
It is also a polite way to appreciate the interviewer for taking time out to interview you.
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