11 minute read
Don’t Panic – Nail That Interview
PREPARE; DON’T PANIC!
Don’t lose your nerve; nail that interview!
Advertisement
As you’re entering this new phase of your life, you may be invited for interviews. These can be organised by university departments as part of their selection criteria for a course you applied for, or because you’re hoping to land a job to help foot your bills. Regardless of the circumstance, there’s nothing quite like the elation and terror of being invited for an interview. This means you’re on the shortlist! They liked your CV, and now they have to decide whether they like you. Preparation and confidence are key. You’ve probably heard something An interview isn’t an interrogation or an audition. It is a two-way conversation. You have made the shortlist. like this before but turning that sentiment into an actual plan can be challenging. Although navigating this can be daunting, These helpful tips for jobseekers can be applied to any especially if you’re new to the interview interview situation you might find yourself in, and will process, it doesn’t need to be. The good help you prepare and ensure that you shine head and shoulders above other applicants, writes thing is that you’re not alone. It will also be valuable to get feedback from your peer group on their recent Mia Jansen van Rensburg. interview experiences.
Before the interview At least a week before the interview (preferably longer), you should start doing some research. Here, you have a huge advantage over applicants and jobseekers of the past – the internet makes it easier than ever to learn more about the people, company or institution you’re planning to impress.
Start with the basics • What does this organisation actually do? • In which sector do they operate? • Who are their major competitors? • Triple-check the skills and qualification requirements of the vacancy. • Make sure that you understand the detail within the listed job description. • Who are their clients? • What are their values and goals? • Can you find information about some of their recent projects? • Who will represent the company and conduct the interview? • If you’re interviewing as part of your university application: who are the people likely to be on the panel? • What research areas does the department focus on? • What do they expect from prospective students? • Do you know yourself well enough?
The most common interview introduction would be to tell the interviewer about yourself. Prepare for this answer. Remember, the context is a professional working environment, not becoming their new friend. It is important that you rehearse common interviewer questions, such as: Why do you want to work for us? Why do you think you are the best suited candidate for this job? What is your greatest strength and weakness? Share a past experience with us during which you showcased creative problem-solving or leadership? How do you handle conflict? Once you’ve answered these questions, you can start thinking about the details of how to put this information to constructive use during your interview. Stumbling unprepared through these answers will indicate that you do not know yourself well, nor are you well prepared for the interview. Neither will play in your favour for nailing the interview.
While there are some rules that apply across the board, knowing your audience will make the difference between a good first impression and a great one.
Are you applying to a hip start-up or an established firm? If it’s the former, you might want to emphasise qualities like flexibility and creativity – and maybe you’ll drop the sirs and ma’ams to fit in with their more laid-back workplace culture.
Conversely, if you’re entering a more traditionally professional environment, you might want to highlight your reliability, present yourself in a more formal manner, and adopt a more reserved demeanour. If possible, schedule a practice interview with a mentor, family member or friend, and practise your interviewing skills. Be careful, however, not to give overly practised answers.
If it’s a face-to-face interview, confirm the physical street address. Check and confirm the interview time to determine required travelling time and the impact of traffic, including parking.
Plan your outfit the night before the interview, once again keeping the specific work environment in mind. Don’t go to a law firm in torn jeans. Be 100% comfortable with the outfit you selected, including your shoes, any accessories, your haircut and style.
Think carefully about who you’re talking to CHECKBOX
Don’t panic; nail that interview! Manage first impressions to wow any interviewer Prepare Do your homework Know your audience An interview is a two-way conversation You have made the shortlist How to outshine competitors
HOT TIP
Most organisations have a presence on social media. Studies show that nearly 90% of South Africa’s biggest brands are active on Facebook, twitter and Instagram, while LinkedIn has seen a marked influx of small-to-medium enterprises represented on the platform. Take a look at your prospective employers’ social media feeds and use this to help you figure out their brand identity, strategic priorities and goals, as well as their workplace culture. Even the smallest of businesses might have a digital footprint – check it out and let your research shape how you present yourself in the interview.
CONFIDENCE IS KEY!
• In a recent study, researchers at the University of South Africa found that students’ self-esteem had a significant impact on their employability. Confident students were not only more likely to find work, but also more likely to be adaptable in their careers. Agility is a crucial quality in the job market of today. • Rejection doesn’t need to destroy your confidence. It can do quite the opposite, according to psychologist
Carol Dweck and her colleagues at Stanford, as long as you don’t take it too personally. They call it a growth mindset – the refusal to see rejection as proof that there’s something wrong with you. • If you struggle with low selfesteem or persistent self-doubt, you may benefit from the resources available on the South
African College for Applied
Psychology webpage (www.sacap.edu.za/blog/).
It’s important to dress for the job you want. This includes a positive attitude, a healthy posture and sincere interest Remember, you are showcasing your personal brand
Focus on establishing and maintaining a healthy level of eye contact
The definitions and requirements for business casual dress and professional vary from one industry, as well as one company, to the next. In general, professional dress code include neutral, solid colours.
Online interviews If the interview will be taking place over Zoom, Skype, Teams or any other online platform, there may be a couple of other things to take into consideration. Make sure the camera and speaker on the device you’ll be using are in working order. Test the link and your connection before the time. Decide where you’ll be During the interview It’s the morning of the interview and you’ve done your research. You look fantastically employable. You’ve arrived at the interview venue 10 minutes early, just to be safe – or you’ve positioned your webcam just right. What next? Being nervous is normal. Use this energy in a positive manner. Do not let your nervous cripple you. You know yourself best; practise your go-to relaxation ritual – breathe, relax and shake it off. It is important to sit up straight, speak in a clear voice, and lean slightly forward. Positive body language conveys a sense of confidence.
While it might seem trivial, the small talk you start off with is actually a crucial part of the interview process. This rapportbuilding stage is when your prospective employer cements their idea of who you are.
Studies have shown that interviewers tend to stick to their first impressions of candidates, and that those who know how to engage and make light conversation are more likely to receive job offers. Avoid one-word answers during the interview, as it breaks the flow of rapport and often prevents the interview from moving to the next level.
When it comes to preparing for the actual conversation, it may be tempting to look up common questions beforehand and memorise your responses. The foundation of a good interview isn’t an arsenal of rehearsed responses. It’s really about understanding yourself and the job description well enough to explain how
taking the call. The area should be well lit and you should be clearly visible in front of the camera. Make sure the light is coming from in front of you and not behind you. Double-check that the space you’ve chosen has a strong internet connection and isn’t too noisy. Ensure you close all other applications and programs on your computer to avoid pop-ups and other notifications during the online interview. The angle of your webcam should be set just above eye level.
Tidy the area that will be visible. Indeed, 90% of the same rules and preparation apply for online and faceto-face interviews. You need to consider and pay careful attention to your outfit, posture, body language and articulation. It’s much harder to build a rapport via online interviews, so additional focused energy has to be channelled in this direction to ensure a favourable outcome. Lastly, if the online interview will be via your laptop or mobile device, ensure that the battery is fully charged or the device is plugged in.
the two match up. If you know why you want this job and why they should choose you to do it, the rest will come naturally. Listen. Be sure you understand the questions and, most importantly, ensure that you successfully answer the questions. You should also prepare a list of questions you would like to ask and what you would like to clarify. Remember, this is a conversation, and an interview is a twoway street. In the same way that they have to decide whether you would be an asset to them, you also must decide whether they are the right fit for you. You should ideally only work through your questions once prompted to do so by the interviewer. Do not start off by interviewing the interviewer. Allow them to talk while you listen. Read the conversation.
It’s a good idea to ask about their expectations, and take the opportunity to find out how they would describe the workplace and the company culture.
Near the end of the interview, you can ask when candidates should expect to hear back from them, or whether they need you to further clarify anything on your CV. Do not ask the interviewer questions that would be answered by their corporate website or Google. It sends the message that you are ill-prepared for the interview.
Consider asking questions such as: How will your performance be reviewed? Who can you go to for feedback on your work? What does an average day in this workplace look like?
Never be late for an interview, whether face to face or virtual. Should you have an emergency, contact the recruiter or interviewer within sufficient time, explain your situation, and request to reschedule. Never cancel an interview from your side, if possible.
After the interview Try not to let the doubt creep in. Scientifically speaking, there’s a good chance that they like you more than you think. No, really. Erica Boothby and a team of behavioural scientists recently demonstrated that the average person will walk away from an introductory chat with a false impression of how much the other party enjoyed their company. We tend to underestimate ourselves! Take this time to reflect on how the interview went, making mental notes of what you did well and what you may want to do differently in future.
CASE STUDY
Be confident; ask relevant questions
Cy Cachapero, a junior designer working in the tech industry, says job hunting has taught her that a job interview is as much about what a prospective employer can offer you as it is about what you can offer them. When Cy was first invited for an interview at the company she now works for, she was transparent about her personal values, her thoughts on the design process, and her approach to getting things done. She wanted her prospective employers to have the information they would need to determine whether or not she would be a good fit for their team. But this wasn’t a one-way street. She asked questions about the kinds of work the company did, what the working environment was like, and paid special attention to how they treated people. This facilitated her decision to accept the job, but asking questions also made her come across as confident and engaged.
At the time, Cy was still finishing up her studies in information design. Like most young people, she didn’t have professional experience yet. “I did a quick one-page CV document. As I was still a student, I didn’t have much meat to work with on a CV. I was able to list a few relevant volunteer projects.” But, she adds, being new to the working world isn’t something to be ashamed of – your age isn’t a reason to be self-effacing or to avoid speaking up for yourself. Being young gives you an edge, a different perspective, and there’s a lot of value in that.
“I think you should give yourself a lot of credit,” Cy advises. “There is a reason why they invited you for an interview. So be confident!”
Interviewing is a skill that you can develop, and each interview you attend makes you better prepared for the next one. It’s a learning curve
