Prepare For The Interview

Writer: Dajone Morris

“But the interview went so well, we talked about many different fun things...school, hobbies, campus life. I just cannot understand why I was not accepted for the job.” Imagine going for an interview, confident that the job is yours and never hearing from the company again. It happens to the best of us at times, and without preparation you may have just failed before you even began. Just remember, ‘a failure to plan is a plan to fail.’ Keep this in mind as the river of life runs its course. The secret to interviewing is to convince the interviewer from the first 5 minutes of the interview. Ever heard the saying, ‘The first impression lasts.' In the first five minutes of the interview, the interviewer will have noted many critical aspects; your appearance, your mannerism, your eye contact, your articulation, and grooming.

How To Prepare For An Interview

1. Thoroughly Research The Company 

Before attending any interview, conduct thorough research. Demonstrate your interest in the job by researching information such as company background, mission and vision, goals, objectives, clients, and the industry in general. By gathering and reading this information, you will be able to discuss this during the interview, positioning yourself as a long-term investment to your employer. It depicts preparation, interest, confidence and knowledge. Furthermore, it helps you to craft meaningful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. Ask questions such as, “I saw on the company’s website that X is the company’s core values. In what ways does the company exemplify these values?” It will become apparent to the interviewer that you did your research, and that you are interested.

2. Mock Interview 

Interviews are nerve racking. Trying to tick all the company’s boxes while creating a good first impression, seems like a lot. According to Maniar, statistics have shown that 96% of the candidates feel that a mock interview is a must-have interview preparation experience before giving the actual interview. So, recruit a friend to ask you some of the common interview questions. While practicing, pay special attention to your articulation, and avoid the use of fillers. Fillers meaningless words or phrases used to fill empty spaces when you pause to consider what to say next, such as “ummm.” Present a relaxed professional image, maintain eye contact, speak calm and slowly, pause, rather than using fillers. No need to worry, practice makes perfect. 

Common Interview Questions 

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why should I hire you?
• Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How did you resolve it?
• What is your greatest strength?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
• Do you handle conflict well?
• What major problem have you had to deal with recently?
• Why are you interested in our company?
• If I were to ask one of your lectures (or a boss) to describe you, what would he or she say?

3. Be Proactive

Being proactive is when you take action before something happens. One of the worst mistakes that you can make is waiting until the day of the interview to gather all that you need.  Ensure that all documents are printed including your resume and your Cover Letter if necessary. Have a copy of your reference list, work portfolio, pen and paper. Also, plan your interview attire the night before. Have a checklist of all that is needed for you to be prepared for the interview and tick things off your list from the night before. 

4. Plan Your Transport To The Interview 

Ensure that you plan your transit to the interview. How will you arrive at the interview? Will it be public transportation or a personal ride? We are all aware of the convenience of a personal ride but do not take punctuality lightly. Allot time for any mishaps such as misplacing the keys, traffic and vehicle malfunction for example. Regarding public transportation, think about the time of the day; is it rush hour? Are you likely to get transport at that time? Consider public transport strikes. I have experienced the “most” bizarre things during important times. The trick is to expect the unexpected and have a contingency plan.

5. Be Punctual 

Calling the interviewer informing them that you will be arriving late does not make everything better. While I can attest to the fact that even preparing the day before, there is a possibility that you can still be late, you may not get the most understanding interviewer. They may assume that you have poor time management skills or there is lack of interest in the role. Furthermore, being punctual gives you time to relax, you will be ready when the interviewer is ready, you have more time to prepare answers and it makes a good first impression.