An interview is a conversation where questions are asked and answers are given. It refers to a one-on-one conversation. An interview could be daunting at times.
Most individuals get all nervous and disorganized when they know an interview is coming their way even though it poses them an opportunity to get a job.
If there’s another way to get a job, I bet we’ll take that option instead. You’re sure you also want to make an awesome first impression.
NOTE: The interview starts immediately you leave your house and the little things matter!
What Should I Do Before The Job Interview Day
1. Sleep well the day before
It is important that you get some sleep before D-day. You do not want to be dozing off or looking gloomy in front of your interviewer. You want to look all smart and awake.
So, how do you get adequate sleep before the day of your interview?
Make sure you have a light evening meal. Do not take alcohol or caffeine the night before. I repeat, do not consume alcohol. You’re the last person that wants to wake up with a hangover on the day of your interview.
Also, a warm bath would help, try relaxing activities such as reading a book or doing some light exercise. A good night’s sleep will definitely pay off the next day.
2. Do your homework
Your homework here is all the research you should be carrying out with the aim to familiarize yourself with the organization.
The services they offer, their products, and clients. The mission, vision, and value of the organization. You could find it helpful to know the key players of the organization and if possible your interviewer.
3. Eat Well
You don’t want your stomach rumbling up while you’re sited on that hot sit and you also do not want to feel funny after eating the wrong food. Believe me, you don’t want to be in that situation.
So what should you eat? First up! Eat protein for energy, and whole grains such as bread, spaghetti, and so on because they cause mental alertness in the long run, you could do bananas and apples also. Don’t forget coffee, but this has to be taken in moderation.
4. Fix up the questions
This includes the question you could be asked and the one you should ask when the interviewer finally says, ‘Do you have any questions?’.
Later in the article, we’ve got a couple of questions and their possible answers. We got you! You could ask questions like; Can you tell me more about the day-to-day activities of this job? or ask your interviewer what you like best about working for this company?
Yeah, that should do.
5. Figure out how you’ll get to the interview location
Don’t think you think you know the address, actually know the address. And because google maps said it’ll only take 20 minutes you actually plan to get there in 20 minutes. You’re likely going to be late and you do not want to be.
Leave home earlier, you never know what could happen.
If you’re in Lagos, Nigeria then you might want to use Lara.ng to find your way around.
6. Prepare all needed paperwork
Your paperwork is very important for the interview.
They could include your resume, reference list, recommendation letters, driver’s license, or passport depending on the job position. Prepare these essentials at least a day before the interview, you don’t want to forget them on the kitchen table because you were rushing out.
7. Look nice and smell nice
You do not want to make the first wrong impression.
Make sure you look nice, no rumpled clothes. It is advisable to wear a suit to an interview, be sure they fit perfectly well, and have no flashy colors. Once again your cloth should be neat and pressed. Make sure you do smell nice using a simple fragrance, don’t overdo it you don’t want to choke everyone up in the room.
Keep it simple.
8. Turn off your phone
Your cell phone ringing out is a major turn-off for an interviewer.
Switch off your phone and keep it out of sight. Your cell phone ringing out could actually give a very bad impression about you and you do not want that to happen.
Possible Questions At An Interview For A Job And Appropriate Answers
1. Tell me about yourself?
You could start off with this, I’m really energetic and enthusiastic about my work, and I’m also a great communicator. Put in what your experience has made you become, then add up some attributes; I’m punctual, dependable, and can be counted upon to finish anything I start. I consider myself hardworking, reliable, dependable, helpful, outgoing, organized, honest, and cooperative. That should do
2. Why did you leave your previous job?
For the umpteenth time, you do not want to give a bad impression. Just say something like this; I’m looking forward to a better opportunity to grow job-wise and financial-wise. I want to learn more things.
In another style, I’m looking for a job that suits my qualification and would also help me grow in my career as a (insert your thing here). The decision is for my growth and development.
3. What are you currently doing?
Do not put out an idle and chronically jobless impression. You don’t have to lie, just state out what you’ve been doing in a simple sentence.
For example, I’m working on several freelance projects while actively seeking employment or I’m spending time being a stay-at-home mom and volunteering at my daughter’s school or I’m taking some continuing education classes. This would pose you as a serious person.
4. What are your strengths?
State out things that have to do with the particular job you’re trying to get and how it has helped you in past times. Give it a shot like this: I believe my strongest trait is my attention to detail, this trait has helped me tremendously in this field of work. I’ve always been a great team player, I’m good at keeping a team together and producing quality work in a team environment. I’m an adaptable person. I can adapt to changes that occur in the business with time. You sound like the man for the job.
5. What are your weaknesses?
At this point, be honest and make sure you’re not stating weaknesses that are critical to the job. Not just that, back your points up with acts that’ll suggest that you’re working on your weaknesses and focus on the progress you’ve made so far. Examples of weaknesses to the state include the inability to use a particular software package, inability to handle spontaneity (better when prepared), taking too many risks, being too honest, taking on too much responsibility, to detail-oriented, being too much of a perfectionist, and so on.
6. Why do you want this job?
Apart from stating why you think the company would be great to work for, also state that working for the company would help you to achieve your short-term and long-term goals and some of the other things you might want to accomplish.
In Summary
Slow and steady wins the race. If you adhere to everything listed in this post, you’ll most likely get the job.
Interviews might seem daunting at times, but with the right attitude and composure, you’re likely to nail it. Put up your best charisma, answer the questions with the right answers, look like you came to resume work already and you’ll be good.
Questions? Thoughts? Please leave a comment below and we’ll be happy to chat.
