How To Confidently Face An Interview

Showing up for an interview without proper preparation is like waking up in the morning only to find out that the final exam is on your desk .

You will have no good way to do it, unless you are a genius. Whether it is because you have not studied or you are not psychologically prepared, you may a poor outcome.

 

There are two important things a student needs in order to pass a test.   

One is to know the scope of the syllabus.   

For example, if the class has covered four topics, a good student will predict that the quiz will come from those four topics.  

 Next, the good student will budget their time to be able to effectively study all the previous class assignments and textbook pages for those four areas.

For a job seeker, the advertised job requirement shows what job tools the CV and cover letter should be specifically written towards.   

He or she needs to know the scope of the job and then be prepared to talk about those job requirements in the CV and cover letter.

The most important thing to know before an interview is how to manage stress within one’s own self and how to impress the interviewer.  

 Practice how to answer interview questions by thinking up your own possible questions that the interviewer may have.  Do a mock interview with a friend or family member.   

One can also get probable interview questions on the internet.  Let your friend ask you the questions.  Then he or she can correct you in places, and this will equip you with confidence. 

If one has a mentor in the professional field they are applying for, then this is the right time to contact them and seek their advice. 

 It is also the right time to call or write your references to see if they can offer you some advice on how to answer interview questions.  Most likely, they will be glad to assist you.  

 Some of these people have been in the field a long while and know commonly asked interview questions.  Also, don’t be shy about asking your mentors, advisers, friends, and family for support and encouragement.

Remain calm and make sure you are ready for the interview.  Being confident will help you at the interview so that you are then fully able to articulate your points as you speak.   

Confidence is the first thing to build before the interview. 

 

Dressing appropriately is mandatory.  It speaks about what kind of a person you are. 

It communicates your character and your ability to look professional.   

If you are working towards an executive job, you must be dressed like a professional during the interview. 

 Dressing speaks about the public image of the person being interviewed, and the employer must get this image from the first sight of you.   

They want to know that you are the person who will be able to professionally represent their company. 

Make sure you communicate with clarity, both verbally and non-verbal.  Give precise answers to the questions asked of you.  Avoid giving vague answers or beating around the bush.

Your ability to support the content of your CV is crucial. 

 Make sure you have with you every document you mentioned in your CV, both the original and a copy.  The employer may ask you to leave them a copy. 

Know more about the company you are seeking employment with by researching and getting details of the company.  Find the organization’s profile, profit centers, and salary information. 

 Much of this can be found on the company website.  Also, you can do a general salary search on the internet to gain an idea of possible salaries. 

Being relevant when answering questions is very important.  

 If you have not heard the question properly, respectfully ask them to repeat the question for clarification.

Frame your answers precisely and in a logical manner.  Tell interviewers only what they specifically ask for.  

  Expound on your answers only if you are asked to.  Some interviewees think that by explaining more, the interviewer will be impressed.  This is wrong; just give the exact answers required

 If you don’t know the answer never tell lies, waste time, guess or try.  Just admit that you don’t know.

Keep your attitude and temper even during the interview.   When asked a sensitive question, stay calm.  Don’t react in an emotional manner.

 Maintain eye contact with the interviewer; this tells them that you are keen to details and you are not telling a lie.   

Dropping eyes down when answering a question may indicate that you are shy or that you are avoiding giving the answer.

Body posture speaks a lot about your character.  Make sure you have the right posture during the interview.  If invited for an interview, do not sit until you are prompted to.  

 Enter the room and remain standing and wait for instructions.

If you are offered a drink, avoid loud sipping – this could show that you have poor manners.

 Avoid bad mouthing former employers if you are asked why you left a job.  

 Tell what you would enjoy if given a job.  Mention how you would love the opportunity for further career development inside their organization.

Remain outstanding in your presentation and be organized.  Make sure you have all you need for the interview.   

Leave behind a lasting impression; and do not forget to thank the person for taking the time to interview you. 

All the best.