5 Interview Tips You Should Never Forget If You Are To Land A Job Soon

5 Interview Tips You Should Never Forget If You Are To Land A Job Soon

By Lilian Wamaitha
Congrats on that interview invite. But now what?
Whether you are just fresh from college or have a few years of experience under your belt, interviews take a toll on you.
They push you to the edge from preparing to trying to answer every question in the most professional way that portrays you as the best person for the job.
However, they are also a great opportunity to back up your application. An interview is an elimination process and if you don’t sell yourself within those 20 or 30 minutes best believe the next candidate will be getting the offer.
That said, find in this article some of the most important interview tips that you should always remember when attending an interview.
1. Always arrive early on the day of the interview
In a more ideal universe, we would all love it if we arrived 20 minutes before an interview but things don’t always work the way we want now, do they?
There is no worse way to piss of a potential employer than arriving late to an interview.
I mean this person took their time, let go of other pressing duties just to have an interview with you to determine if you are the best fit for the company. So why would you run late?
“Always arrive at least 20-30 minutes early. You want to make a good first impression in the interview so be punctual. Being late for an interview sends the signal that you are unreliable,” says Esther Kamau, a professional interview coach.
And if by any chance you think you won’t make it to the interview in time, there is no harm in calling and saying that you will be running later.
They would rather cancel the interview or reschedule than disqualify you just based on the fact that you arrived late.
2. Bring a copy of your CV
Never forget to carry an updated CV to the interview. This is because it signifies that you are up to date with your career and it also gives the interviewer enough room to decide on your suitability for the position.
The mistakes I see most job seeker make is assume that they don’t have to carry a copy of their CV, after all, the interviewer already has it.
But whether or not they have kept it since you applied for the job, what do you have to lose in just brining an extra copy?
First impressions go a long way, so ensure that you do everything you can to make yours last.
3. Always acknowledge interview invites
Whenever you are invited for a job interview, it is always important to respond professionally and promptly especially to the ones done on email and confirm attendance. Recruiters often have to deal with hundreds of job applications so it is best if you reply to an invite as soon as you get it.
Read the email carefully and follow instructions on conforming attendance. This could be a test by your potential employer.
Also, note your tone of language when responding to the email. How you communicate with your potential employer is likely to be a factor in deciding if you are the right hire.
Show your appreciation on being invited for the interview because there are hundreds of applicants who applied for the same position but did not receive the invite.
Also, if you receive an interview invite via the phone, try to answer the call personally when it comes through. Thank the recruiter for the interview offer and tell him or her that you are available at the scheduled time.
4. Ask insightful questions
Studies have continued to show that employers can judge your interest in a job by your ability to ask insightful questions.
A smart job seeker always prepares questions to ask so as to know more about the organizations and the role he or she is interviewing for.
“As much as you are being interviewed to gauge your fit, you also want to learn more about the organization and your career prospects and growth,” advices Esther.
Ask about the position you are interviewing for as well as the organization. Failure to ask a question depicts you as someone who is not fully prepared for the interview or for the job.
5. Always turn up for interviews
Ask any HR professional and they will reveal to you that their worst nightmare is making an interview invite only to be disappointed when someone doesn’t show up or even offer an explanation as to why.
So what happens in an instance where you get invited for a job interview and you are unable to attend? Write an email explaining why and always ask to be rescheduled as this shows your interest in the job.
Also, if you are no longer interested in the job offer, let the recruiter know by calling and explaining why. This shows that you are responsible and you are not taking the position for granted. Who knows you may need that recruiter again for future positions.
In the end
Making it through the job interview requires a lot of effort and the right attitude. It requires you to be vulnerable and spend hours preparing. After all this is the only shot you get at closing the deal and getting the job.
Your turn. Does this describe you?
Tired of attending interviews without getting jobs?
Wondering what employers look for in a candidate when hiring?
Would you like to receive expert guidance on your interviewing skills?
Then this 7-Day Career Mentorship Program starting on Wednesday, 12th September 2018 is meant just for you!
To book your slot now email esther@corporatestaffing.co.ke and cc pwainaina@corporatestaffing.co.ke with the email Subject Title: “Career Mentorship Program’

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