How to ace any Nigerian job interview by Yomi-Alliyu Oludami
I remember my friend telling me of his father’s current job in the biggest multi-national oil company in Nigeria, and how he got it. Something amazing is the way he responded to his interview, and how he still managed to get the job. This man, who has a family and had been looking for job for years, was asked about a political issue at that time, which he had no answer to. He replied politely that he had been jobless for years with a very big family depending on him, so how would he be expected to bother himself with political issues in the country. He then urged them to look past his political knowledge and assess him based on his experience and the tests he had earlier taken. He got that job. Most times, interviews are not really about the questions asked or the brilliant answers given. There is more to interviews than those. These are ten vital things to note, to enable you succeed in any job interview.
1. Preparation
Prepare yourself by doing some research about the company and the position you are applying for. This shows the employer that you have a genuine interest in working for them and are not afraid of doing some research.Have everything the employer wants handy. You may want to try preparing some responses ahead of time. This will help you think on your feet when they ask you something that you may not expect. Stage an interview role play with a friend if need be. Remember the cliché: If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.
2. First impression
They rightly say it lasts long. You have to give a positive impression of yourself from the outset. You really don't want to start an interview on a bad footing. You must stand out from all other applicants in all ways. You must have selected your wardrobe early and get it clean and well pressed, all to look the best you can. Choosing the dry cleaning option here is all worth it. Your attitude must also leave that impression every employee would love his recruit to have.
Arriving late can be your greatest undoing. You don’t want to cross your arms or legs, or carry an unfriendly countenance; never interrupt your interviewer or ask questions when you’ve not been given the chance to, nor ever ask about salary or benefits at this stage. It’s all about giving and leaving a good impression.
3. Confidence
Naturally having an aura of confidence around you will go a long way. Stay calm and relaxed at all times. Wear a smile, even when things are going in a wrong way. Your ability to handle a bad situation greatly depends on the calmness and confidence you display. Kill fear and anxiety totally, and believe in yourself. A show of lack of confidence indicates you do not know what you want or you don’t believe in yourself. No employer wants an employee that lacks confidence.
4. Proper Answers
Always aim your answers towards the objectives of the company, and in line with the job you are applying for - and even on your résumé. Answer every question to your best. Take your stand on what you know and admit whatever you do not know. Take your time to think before answering, if need be. And do not be afraid to ask your interviewer to repeat or rephrase a question you do not understand. It is better to take time answering a question correctly than to be fast in giving the wrong answers. Emphasis on your skills during the interview is important to show the employer what makes you different from the other job candidates.
5. Proper Questions
You might be given the chance to ask your own questions. It is wise to prepare some ahead of time, failure to ask anything looks like you want to end quickly. Good questions presented to the employer makes you look like you have a genuine interest in the company. A good question you might want to ask is “what things do you expect me to accomplish if you give me this job?” Keep your questions sensible and in relation to the job you seek. It is not an opportunity to wander off on unnecessary tangents.
6. Positivism
Apart from going to any interview with a positive mindset, when asked anything, maybe about your previous work experience, try to stay positive. Keep to how your past job has helped you and prepared you for the position you seek. Never go negative about former employers; it is very bad and unprofessional. This might be a trap you don’t want to fall into. When asked about your previous positions, try to remain positive and keep a good spin on things. Never say you left because you were dismissed. Say things like you left because you felt it was time to grow or move higher. I’m not asking you to lie though. Just be positive.
7. Proper engagement
Some job interviews may be conducted by more than one interviewer. You can improve your chances of getting the job by engaging everyone in the interview room. You can achieve this by making eye contact with each interviewer so that you show interest in what they are saying. Don’t make the mistake of focusing on one person because you’re too nervous to work the room. Even if a question is posed to you by one person, make sure that you look at everyone in the room when answering. This shows that you have good people skills and that you are able to perform under the pressure of a job interview. Keep all conversations as professional as you can. Do not over-perform and do not under-perform; work on your interview techniques prior to the interview.
8. Politeness
Being polite and courteous to people in the company or interview venue also adds to that good first impression you really need. Always greet your interviewer with a bow or a handshake (where applicable) at the beginning of every interview. Show a great deal of courtesy in everything you do during the whole interview process. You don’t want to be perceived as cocky or arrogant.
9. Ending Well
Ending an interview is just as important as starting it. You should always thank an interviewer at the end of every interview for his time, and for giving you the opportunity to do the interview. You can go further by asking for a business card just in case you need to contact them later. If your interview started with a handshake, end it with same. Or just bow before bailing out of the interview room.
10. Follow Up
The interview process shouldn't end at the interview venue. An interviewee should always follow up on the events of the interview session. You can make a thank you note (or letter) or a phone call. The thank you letter is now a big part of the job search strategy, and can serve as a way to address the key points of the job interview that you just had so that you show that you were listening at all times. Following up shows how much interested you are in the job. It’s a good thing, it doesn't show desperation. Who wants to employ someone not interested in the job anyway?
You're hired
Abide by this guide, and you’ll find yourself coming out of any job interview with flying colours.
Remember though, you may not always get the job but every interview should be a learning experience that prepares you for the next one.
Thanks for the tips on how to ace interview.
ReplyDeleteVery helpful!