9 Best Job Interview Tips for 2017 Jobseekers

By Lilian Wamaitha

You have probably mastered the art of writing a cover letter and CV and have been invited to several interviews? Maybe you don’t have a job at the moment because you have not been able to pass through the interview stage. I am going to highlight a number of job interview tips that you can practice in 2017?

Are you tired of getting rejected after every job interview? Here are a few interview tips that will guarantee you a job in 2017

Job Interview Tips for 2017 job seekers

If you are a 21st Century job seeker, then you know how difficult it is to land a job in Kenya and other parts of the world if you don’t have the proper networks. You therefore need to stand out among other candidates.

The following job interview tips will help you land the job of your dream.

1. Research the company, job and hiring manager

Melody Mwendwa, an Interview Coach at Corporate Staffing Services, says that success in any job interview starts with having a solid foundation of who the employers is.

Do a thorough research on the company, hiring manger and the job itself.

The more information you gather, the easier it will be to understand the employer and company. You will also be able to ask relevant question if need arises.

2. Review of common interview questions and possible responses

According to Melody, passing a job interview involves familiarizing yourself with common interview questions and preparing prompt responses to them. Interview coaching is a great way to learn common interview question and their responses.

Want to be more successful in your job search? Corporate Staffing Services Limited is one of the companies that provide job interview coaching in Kenya.

Recommended Article: 3 Top Reasons Why You Need Interview Coaching 

3. Dress to succeed

Imagine you are going on a date for the first time with your crush. That prompts you to chose carefully what to wear for one reason; first impressions.

First impressions are very important . Always chose carefully what to wear going for the most professional look.

Ensure you keep it simple with jewelry and accessories.

4. Arrive on Time and Prepared

“There is never a good excuse for coming in late to an interview” says Melody. It sends the wrong impression to the interviewer that you are not a serious person.

It is highly advisable that you arrive at least 15 minutes early to familiarize yourself with the dynamics of the company.

Remember to carry extra copies of your credentials and work samples if you have any. The final most important job interview tip is to switch off your phone when or before you arrive at the interview.

5. Make a first impression that will last

Job seekers are so preoccupied with impressing the interview personnel that they forget the most important rule; creating a lasting impression even before you arrives in the interview room.

How do you treat that security guard at the gate or the reception? It is important to be polite and greet such people. This how you create a lasting impression.

What happens if you flaunted you arrogance at the security guard because they asked you for your identification details? These are simple things that we take for granted but can actually break your interview.

6. Be truthful, confident and candid

The success of succeeding in an interview is in the quality not quantity. Be very careful with your responses. Avoid lying to the interviewer because such information can be easily verified.

If for instance you don’t have the necessary experience for the position you are interviewing for, just say something in the line that you may not have the necessary experience but you are a fast learner.

That will be better off than cooking up some imaginary experience. Be confident when responding to questions, show that you understand the company and the job and this can be achieved by researching the company prior to the interview.

7. Incorporate body language

While the content of your responses is important, body language plays a critical role in closing the deal. Positive body language you can exhibit include nodding, maintaining eye contact, smiling, good body posture and listening actively.

You can kill your job interview by fidgeting, playing with your pen, constantly checking your phone, ignoring eye contact, chewing gum or playing with your hair.

Gain more insight about perfecting body language in How to Perfect Your Body Language.

8. Ask relevant questions

According to Melody, employers determine a candidate’s interest in the job and the company if the ask insightful question. Even though the employer covered everything in the discussion, you need to have questions to ask. This shows that you did your research and didn’t just blindly walk into the interview room.

“If you want to finally want to pass the interview stage, it is important to prepare several question a day before the interview.” says Melody.

9. Thank the Interviewer

Common courtesy demands that you thank everyone who interviewed you. Start off by thanking them before you leave the interview room.

You can then follow up with a thank you note via email. Though sending a thank you note will not guarantee you a job, it will give you a competitive edge over other candidates who did not bother thanking the interviewer.

For more information about writing thank you notes, read this article on 8 Crucial Do’s & Don’ts of a Thank You Note After Job Interview.

It takes research and practice to ace any job interview. The more determination you put into it, the more likely you are to get past the interview stage especially if you keenly follow these job interview tips. All the best!

Read Also: 3 Habits That Kenyan Interviewers Hate 

Lilian is a Communications Officer at Career Point Kenya. Got any other Interview related queries? Contact her via lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke