Job Interview Tips for Kenyans
Job interviews get a lot of people worried. Some don’t know how to go about this important step of job finding, but worry no more. We will help you find out exactly how to handle them and what is expected of you.
Be punctual for the interview.
Time management is an area of priority for any employer. If you turn up late for an interview it creates a negative feel against you. No matter how impressive your academic qualifications may look it comes across as irresponsible or rude. Being late also may leave you unprepared so you may end up not performing at your optimal best.
We therefore recommend you visit the organization before the actual interview. This equips you better on the actual day. You know exactly where to go on the day of the interview. Pre visiting also allows you to be calmer on the interview day because this is a place you have been to and so the surroundings are familiar.
Dress appropriately for the occasion and project etiquette.
The clothes we put on speak volumes about us. Even before we open our mouths to say who we are the interviewing panel has a rough idea of who we represent because probably they have done this before.
By appropriate dressing we do not mean you have to dress your Sunday best. Most people occasionally dress out of context or just over do it. A good example is if you’re going for the managerial post of an organization you have to dress formally irrespective of how good you casual clothes make you look. After you are the manager, you can’t walk around in casual clothes. It’s as simple as that. When going for a lift technician job you can’t go in a formal suit. It will be totally inappropriate. You can do a smart shirt and a casual trouser to match the occasion.
Projecting etiquette means you should come across as organized. Serious, polite and ambitious. Every action or word you speak in the interview room is part of the interview itself so you should ensure they send the massages of seriousness, organization and ambition. For instance, you can’t rush into the room without being invited. It paints a rude picture that will not land you the job. Once you’re inside it’s not advisable to invade the interviewers’ space. For example, you can’t place you bag on their table. That’s invading their space which doesn’t come across well. You also cannot sink into the chair and say “wow it’s so comfortable”. This comes across as so casual and lack of seriousness.
Practice Interviewing
Before you go to a job interview, take the time to review the most common interview questions you will most likely be asked. Also, review sample answers and advice on how to answer these typical interview questions.
Then take the time to research the company and to prepare for the interview. This way, you will be ready with knowledgeable answers for the job interview questions that specifically relate to the company you are interviewing with.
Improve Your Interview Technique
A job interview gives you a chance to shine. What you say and what you do is going to either move you to the next round of consideration for employment or knock you out of contention. It doesn’t take much to make an impression – good or bad. If you haven’t taken time to dress appropriately or if you say the “wrong” thing, it will be over.
Take the time to prepare your interview technique including knowing what’s on your resume, being able to present why you are qualified for the job, why you are interested in the company, and practicing staying calm and focused. It’s important to remember that the image the interviewer has of you when he first meets you is the one that is going to last.
Know the Facts
Interviewers are usually surprised when applicants weren’t able to tell the dates of their previous employment or what they actually did on a day-to-day basis at their previous job. Review your work history – and make sure what you say matches what’s on your resume. Take the time to learn about the company and about the job you’re applying for.
What You Don’t Say
What you don’t say can – and will – be used against you in a job interview. If you come to an interview chewing gum or drinking coffee, you will already have one strike against you. Too much perfume or not enough deodorant won’t help either. Not being dressed appropriately or having scuffed shoes will give you a second strike. Talking or texting on your cell phone, or listening to an iPod while waiting to be called for the interview may be your final strike and you could be done with your candidacy before you even say a word.
What You Do Say
Your verbal communications are important. Don’t use slang. Speak clearly and definitely. If you need to think about a response to an interview question, that’s fine. It’s better to think before you talk than to stumble over your words. Practice answering some interview questions so you’re comfortable responding the basics.
Listen
It can be easy to get distracted during a job interview. It’s stressful and you’re in the hot seat. That said, if you do your best to listen to what the interviewer is asking, it will be easier to frame appropriate responses.
Think and answer the questions objectively.
Every question has a purpose in the interview room. Try to understand the question before answering it. Another important thing is answering the question as asked and not try to show how knowledgeable you are in that field. It helps you avoid making mistakes that you would have avoided. See the conversation below.
Interviewer: Thank you for turning up from your address can I assume that you are from Kitale?
You: Of course.
Interviewer: How is the place?
You: So boring in fact that is why a looking for a job in Nairobi. I want to come and enjoy life in the city, I am sure here companies pay big money.
Such reckless answering may rule you out as a potential employee. No organization wants to employ a tourist who is on a mission of touring Nairobi and also wants a big pay.
In realistic sense this question was meant to help you relax and diffuse the tension before the real interview begins. But you have already answered potential questions wrongly, and you have already given your reason of joining the company as wanting to enjoy Nairobi.
Take the Time to Say Thank You
Taking the time to say thank you after a job interview not only is good interview etiquette, it reinforces your interest in the position. Use your thank you letter, as well, to address any issues and concerns that came up during the interview.
You can also consider your thank you as a follow-up sales pitch. Restate why you want the job, what your qualifications are, how you might make contributions to the organization, and so on.
Your thank you letter is also the perfect opportunity to discuss anything of importance that you didn't answer as thoroughly as you would have liked during the job interview. Keep in mind though, that your thank you note should be brief and to the point. A couple of brief paragraphs are plenty.
This are just some of the vital things that you need to know. If you think you've learnt something, be nice and share this on social media.