PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

Before the Interview

1. Do your research. What kind of interview are you going to encounter?2. Dress the part. Be formal, neither flashy nor shabby or unkempt.3. Plan to arrive early. Do a test run of how long it will take to arrive a few days before. Know shortest route. Call if

possible, if you arriving late.4. Greet receptionist/assistant with courtesy, respect. If possible ask for correct pronunciation of your would-be

new boss or interviewer and title.5. Practice a mock interview at home with friends or family.6. Conduct a thorough research on the company, its website e.t.c.

What to bring along

1. Folders for holding all documents.2. At least two pens.3. At least two copies of resumes and other relevant documents.4. Contact details of your referees.

In an interview

1. Develop the art of listening, not just hearing.2. Know when to speak.3. Any information you provide should be relevant to question asked. Spare as much personal details as possible.4. Give your interviewers the impression that you are a strong team player.5. Be honest. The interview process is a long one. Any slip-up will eventually show. Nothing as consistent as the

truth.6. Motivation – example, I want to know more about the company, understand the workings and contribute to

values of the company.7. Exhibit confidence, enthusiasm and energy but do not be aggressive.8. Prepare to take down notes after the interview so you don’t forget crucial details.

Your body language

This usually involves your posture, facial expression, gestures and gait/stride. While no one can legally disqualify you based on your body language, you still communicate an expression with it and believe me when I say that your interviewer, will get his/her first impression about you even before you sit down. So practice communicating the right message about yourself with your body language.

1. Make palm to palm handshake only. No extras. Firm but not too strong. Do not tense up or stiffen due to anxiety.2. Do not place your belongings on the table.3. Do not turn your back while closing the door.4. Do not sit until told to do so.5. Avoid touching face and hair.

6. Do not cross arms or hide hands. Do not be afraid to gesture. It shows you are enthusiastic, positive and expressive. Helps you access more mental information in your brain; create vocal variation.

7. Sit upright. Do not slouch in sit.8. Maintain eye contact. Do not look down or sideways, especially when spoken to. Sometimes looking away does

show you are thinking, but shouldn’t be the norm.9. Do not fidget. Practice working on your anxiety.10. Do not hide your hands. Do not place arms on arms of chair or on desk. Honesty is better expressed through

hand gestures.11. Do not cross your legs.12. Do not invade personal space.13. Do not hug, pat on the back.14. Smile.

What not to say

Creating a lasting impression should be your objective. In interviews, there are usually no 2nd chances because there are usually so many to interview, so you want to ensure you get it right the first time. Here are examples of what not to say –

1. How much is my salary?Sends the wrong message that you care more about money than rendering quality service. Get the job first, then you can negotiate your take home pay.

2. Do you pay allowances, Christmas/Sallah bonuses? How about vacations?As above. Get the job first. You have to convince your would be employers that you are genuinely concerned about the work.

3. My last boss was a terrible boss.Never badmouth your former/current employer. It creates a bad impression of you as someone who is difficult to manage. Besides, your interviewers will most likely side in with your former boss.

4. I was fired from my last position.Wrong. Present it all in a different perspective and light with wisdom. Better to say – My boss and I had very different ideas about what our company should be focusing on and it soon became clear I’d be happier in a new role – like this one! Keep the focus on what you learned from the past and bring the focus back to why the job you’re interviewing for is the right one.

5. You look absolutely gorgeous!Rather compliment the company based on your research or compliment on a promotion you aware your interviewer recently experienced. Keep your communication on a professional (not personal) level.

6. I need a job! Any job!! I’m desperate!!!Desperation is never a good sign or attribute. Shows you care less about the job.

7. I hate my job!Better approach – emphasize why new job is appealing and when reflecting on former job, emphasize what you’ve learned and skills you’ve developed.

8. I do not have any weakness.Rather highlight one which does not have any direct bearing with the job you are interviewing for and state what you’ve done to improve on yourself.

9. I don’t have any questions to ask.Show’s a lack of interest and imagination. However it would do you well to steer clear of offensive or negative questions. E.g. in your view, what are some of the biggest challenges which your company faces at this juncture?

10. You’ll regret it if you do not hire me!You may be that good, but you couldn’t possibly have met and evaluated other candidates. Besides, overconfidence is a huge turnoff.

11. I don’t know.Better to say I’ll get back to you on that as soon as I can. Or if a life application question, express your thoughts showing process and logic to arrive at an intelligent answer.

12. Men! Laf wan kill me die!Do not use slangs or informal speech. The meeting is strictly a formal one.

13. What again does this company do? I really thought you majored on imports.Communicates incompetence on your part. Do your research!

14. Sorry I’m late.Leaves a very bad impression. Leave early enough and compensate for traffic. Familiarise yourself with venue a day or two before.

15. “Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?”…….Married with 5 kids and doing your job!Rather build your response around experience you’d have gained and level of responsibility you’d like to have.

16. Never swear or get abusive.Some interviewers will be out to make you have a bad day. Show you the better person. Respond calmly and keep your composure. Smile.

17. Hey, let me tell an Akpos joke: Akpos fell into a well. His wife Ekaete came to help....They say laughter is good medicine, but not in the interviewing room! Do not crack ribs or jokes. Remember to always keep it formal.

What to say

a. Why are you looking for a new job?

Bad Answer: My boss is a jerk and the customers are hard to deal with.Tip: Keep the answer positive, in terms of where you want to go, not what you want to get away from.Better Answer: I have been promoted as far as I can go with my current employer. I'm looking for a new challenge that will give me the opportunity to use my skills to help my employer's business grow.

b. Why do you want to work for us?

Bad Answer: I'm desperate and no one else will hire me.Tip: Before the interview, visit the employer's website to learn as much as you can about the company. When answering this question, focus on one or two flattering items to explain why you want to join this particular company.Better Answer: When I read the mission statement on your website about giving back to the community, I felt really inspired. I was also impressed with the facts about your growth in the past three years three new locations, and a 40% sales increase. That's really something to be proud of. I think it would be rewarding to be a part of a company that is such a leader in their industry and in the community.

c. Why have you had so many jobs?

Bad Answers: I get bored easily.Tip: Give acceptable reasons (frequent moves, changes in personal goals, etc.), but focus on the fact that you're ready for a permanent position now, which is what they are really concerned about.Better Answer: When I was younger, I decided to sample a wide variety of careers. That way, when I was ready to choose a career path I would be absolutely certain that I had found the right one for the long-term future. Now I've settled on this industry, and that's why I'm here today.

d. What are your strengths?

Bad Answer: I can burp on demand and keep a straight face when telling a lie.Tip: Discuss three or four of your strengths as they relate to the position you are interviewing for, and give examples of times they have helped you do your work.Better Answer: I have a really good eye for detail, and in the past, I have caught critical mistakes before they happened. When I worked for ABC Company, I helped the company avoid a few catastrophes this way, so they started routing orders through my office to check even though I wasn't working in the orders department. Of course, I'd be happy to apply this skill in any way you feel is suitable in this company. Another strength I can offer an employer is...

e. Why should I hire you?

Bad Answer: I need the money to pay off my gambling debts.Tip: This is your chance to reiterate your skills and relate them to the position you are applying for.Better Answer: When I read your ad, I couldn't have imagined a better match for my skills and experience than this job. Now that I have spoken with you, and learned more about your needs, I'm even more certain that I'm the right candidate. I know that I can hit the ground running and exceed your expectations because of my experience with...

f. What are your short-term and long-term goals?

Bad Answer: Considering how hung-over I am, my short-term goal is to make it through this interview. Long-term, I hope to quit my job within a couple of years and become a ski bum.Tip: Sometimes employers ask this because they want to know whether you are looking at their company for long-term employment or simply a short-term job until something "better" comes along. Other employers want to judge your ability to plan for the future. Most employers do not want to hear that in five years you hope to be retired or plan to start your own business. Your short-term goals should involve getting hired into the right position; long term is where you want to go in your profession.Better Answer: Short-term, I'd like to find a position where I can build a solid clientele of return clients. I enjoy building relationships with clients who come back year after year for service and advice. Long-term, I can see myself taking some additional training over the next few years, and applying for a more senior position here once I have the right combination of experience and education.