You shouldn’t wait until you have your interviews scheduled to begin preparing but should begin laying the groundwork far in advance. By preparing confident answers to some of the more common interview questions, you can give yourself the edge over other potential candidates. It is super important that you have done your homework before the interview. Nothing will eliminate you from consideration faster than being uninformed about the
company or organization’s business.

Interviewing is a tough time in a person’s life. You want to give a good first impression while at the same time you want to learn more about the potential opportunity and the people you might be working with. It’s also a time when you have to keep some information close to the vest, like how much money you want, and be completely upfront about other information. All this while still trying to impress can be a tall order.

Here are 10 tips for mastering interviews:

  1. Research the company.There are many resources available for you to find as much information about the company and the opportunity as possible. Research them online, review periodicals and network to find out what there is to know about the company. This will make you look educated and interested in the position and will help you with the next tip.
  2. Prepare a list of questions to ask.What do you want to know about the company and the opportunity? Make sure to come with a few questions. This helps give the interviewer something to talk about and it makes you seem more interested in the position and proactive.
  3. Practice & prepare your answers.You know many of the questions you’re going to be asked. Prepare your answers in advance and practice them. If you have a friend or family member that can help, enlist them and hold mock interviews.
  4. Dress appropriately.Dress for the company, the opportunity and the interviewer. If you’re interviewing with a fashion company or a creative position then it’s important to dress for the role. If you’re interviewing for management or an accountant position then traditional suits are appropriate. When in doubt, overdress.
  5. Know who you’re interviewing with. You know the company you’re interviewing with and the opportunity you’re interviewing for. Do you know the interviewer? Find out as much as you can about the people you’re going to be meeting with. This may help you prepare some appropriate and relevant questions.
  6. Stay positive.People are attracted to positive and optimistic people. When you’re interacting with the interviewer and responding to their questions, stay positive.
  7. Relax. Yes, interviewing is stressful. However, the more relaxed you are the more productive the entire experience will be for everyone. You relax and everyone else will relax too.
  8. Come prepared with the proper information.Come prepared with business cards, a notebook and pen for taking notes and a few resumes and references.
  9. Take notes.If you have any questions, write them down as you make your way through the interview. That way you don’t have to interrupt the interviewer and can ask the questions when it’s appropriate to do so. Also, taking notes will help you communicate with the company during follow-up conversations.
  10. Thank everyone for their time and consideration. Always be gracious.
    Interviewing is a skill that can be improved with practice. Be yourself. Do your best and follow these ten tips for a great interview.

Leke Oshiyemi is the Lead Consultant/CEO @Rekrut Consulting Ltd. RC.1088540.
Career Influencer Award Winner 2020 (By The WorkBooth Magazine)
Cornell University, NY Alumni, Masters, UNILAG, Public Administration (Human Resources) BA, Philosophy, O.O.U. ACIPM, NITAD, HRMP – SHRM. Former Employee Engagement & Partnerships Mgr., HR Business Partner, HRM with Nigerian Breweries Plc, Consolidated Breweries Pls, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc respectively. Leke is a reputable HR Consultant, Trainer and Recruiter. He has over 20 years of work experience spanning the manufacturing, services and the financial sector of the Nigerian economy.

Leke is on a mission to help develop Africa’s human capital and help advance businesses. He also aims to help empower 10,000 people in the next 5 years to start, grow, scale profitable and successful careers or businesses using marketable skills, channels and strategies. He regularly publishes articles and speaks on Corporate Culture, Strategy, Capacity Development, Careers & Entrepreneurship.

Rekrut Consulting Limited (RC.1088540) Since 2012.
The Human Capital Development Company
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