Here is the best way to prepare for a Job Interview

One
of the scariest part of job hunting sets in when you are invited for a job interview.  Both experienced job seekers and new entrants
to the job market tend to experience this level of anxiety. The anxiety
normally arises because the job seeker does not know what to anticipate in a job interview.

How can I be successful in an interview?

Here are the tips you can use to be successful
in a job interview

1. You must have a
   thorough understanding of the job and build enough confidence to show the
   interview panel that you know what the job entails. This information is
   normally provided in the job advert. If this information is not available, you
   can try to get more information from the Human Resources department.
2. Research about the
   company and the department you will be working for should you be successful.
   Most of this information will be available through the company’s website or
   other sources. Do whatever you can to get as much information about the
   organisation. In this search for information focus on how the business is doing
   in general. Specifically look at the challenges they have faced or continue to
   face and how you are going to come and assist through your role.
3. Anticipate the
   questions likely to be asked in the interview. Companies differ in their
   approach to interviews. Organised and mature organisations may use competency-based
   interview methods. In that case, you have an opportunity to display what you
   know and the value you are likely to bring to the organisation. If you are
   unlucky you may find the panel disorganised and asking uncoordinated and random
   questions. In such a case take control, and stick to factual information in
   your responses. 
4. Stick to facts and be
   precise when answering questions. Generally, interviewers get put off by people
   who waffle. 
5. If they ask you provocative
   questions, stay calm and stick to information. Never show your anger in the
   interview no matter how provocative the panel is.
6. Have a good night
   sleep a day before your interview. It is important to take a full day off so
   that you have no pressures from your current workplace.

How do you introduce yourself in an interview?

The focus on your responses to the first
question which is normally “tell us about
yourself” is why you think you are the right candidate for the job. How
does your job experience help you in this particular role? Do not waste time on
things that are too personal like what primary school you attended. Tell me
about yourself interview answers should always focus on why you think you are
the right candidate for the job. It’s your best opportunity to impress the
interview panel.

What do you say in an interview?

When responding to interview questions this is
what you need to do:

1. Only stick to facts and evidence. The evidence
   must come from your previous jobs. Display what you did yourself and the
   results that you achieved.
2. Do not give speculative answers that will
   allow inexperienced interviewers to ambush you with speculative questions.
3. Never take more than a minute to answer
   an interview question. If you take more than that you are likely going to
   waffle.
4. If asked a question you do not know you
   must say, “I do not have an answer for that one for now. It would probably need
   me to do more research.”

If you take some of the advice
above on preparing for a job interview, you will win.  The job interview gives you the best
opportunity to sell yourself. Do not waste this opportunity.

Memory Nguwi is an
Occupational Psychologist, Data Scientist, Speaker, & Managing Consultant-
Industrial Psychology Consultants (Pvt) Ltd a management and human resources
consulting firm. https://www.linkedin.com/in/memorynguwi/ Phone +263 4
481946-48/481950/2900276/2900966 or cell number +263 77 2356 361 or email: mnguwi@ipcconsultants.com  or visit our
website at www.ipcconsultants.com