SMARTER MINDS: Top Level Job Interview Secrets

Getting your dream job here in Nigeria is not about having a silver tongue or being lucky on the day. It's about knowing how to sell yourself, knowing what the interviewer wants and how to present it to them in the best possible way. Most employers have a wrong idea about the quality of Nigerian graduates and therefore most times look beyond their academic qualifications. Am sure you already know that.

Most interviewers are interested in a few things which are categorised into:

v Knowledge-Based Skills: Academic and professional qualifications and on-job experience (degrees, computer skills, training and technical ability).

v Transferable Skills: Your portable skills that you take from job to job (communication and people skills, analytical problem solving and planning skills)

v Personal Traits: Your unique qualities (personality, dependable, flexible, friendly, hardworking, expressive, formal, punctual and being a team player).

Okay, enough of ‘theory’, below are few things to note when preparing for an interview, remember we were not taught this in school.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

CV and Application and letter

Prepare a jaw-dropping Curriculum Vitae, keep it clear, simple and it shouldn’t be more than two pages. Highlight your skills that are related to the job. If an application letter is required, make sure it focuses more on the job. Check tips for preparing good CVs.

Research

Get enough information about the company, this helps you to direct your answers to the needs of the company when answering interview questions. You can consult their website, brochures or annual reports for information. It also gives you an idea of a list of questions you might need to ask during the interview.

Seek advice

Speak with people who have participated in the interview or been in such situation before, get their comments and tips. Avoid their mistakes and build on what they did well.

Prepare things to say

Don’t just go into the session with a blank head, prepare answers to give. You should know that an interview is a two-way process, the company needs enough information about you, and you should also get enough information about the company so prepare a list of questions you may ask the interviewers.

Arrive early

This is like an automated test, arriving late is the worst way to start, it might lead to automatic disqualification. It puts you under unnecessary pressure and makes you drop points. I suggest getting there like 15-30 minutes ahead of time. NO AFRICAN TIME!!!

Turn off phones

All mobile phones should be turned off, you don’t want to be distracted during the interview. NO PINGING!!!

Dressing

This is very important as it determines how an interviewer views you. Dress smartly, simple and formal, good dressing gives a measure of confidence. Remember you are not going for a date or party. Click here for more on dressing.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

First impression

We tend to take this for granted, remember you don’t have a second chance to make a good first impression, introduce yourself with a smile and firm handshake.

Body Language

This gives the interviewer a lot of information about you so pay close attention to your body language. Don’t appear desperate or nervous, listen attentively and don’t interrupt others while they are speaking. Be sure to look straight and maintain eye contact, smile, be composed and think carefully before answering any question. They need to know how well you handle pressure and stress.

Answering

The main reason you are here. Go straight to the point, tell them what they want to hear but don’t lie. Give answers that relate your skills with the company’s need, use your discretion when answering questions and remain positive. Talk freely about yourself and don’t just give ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers.

About yourself question

This used to be my nightmare. This question presents an opportunity to sell yourself so try as much as possible to present yourself – including your weakness – in the most positive way. Go through your qualifications and personal skills and let them know how it relates to the job. Click here for possible questions and good answers to give.

Ask questions

This is my favourite, always ask questions when given the opportunity, it is a way to impress the interviewer and show that you have researched a lot about their company.

Salary negotiation

A lot of people make mistakes here, you don’t always know whether you are over valuing yourself or under valuing yourself so tell them you would prefer to leave that until they are sure you are the right person for the job.