How To Have A Successful Job Interview?

Common mistakes people make when going for a job interview and tips on how to have a successful job interview

Submitting an impressive resume in response for a job posting does not guarantee that you would be recruited. If your resume qualifies you to get the job, you would be called for an interview. This job interview is what will determine if you would get the job or not. In this article, we are going to discuss what you need to do to have a successful job interview. First of all, let us highlight the common mistakes people make when going for a job interview.

Common mistakes people make when going for a job interview and during a job interview

• Late Arrival- generally, the first impression you give to your would-be boss is very important. Because you are interviewing to get a job, if you arrive for the appointment late, you would be perceived as someone who is not punctual, time conscious, and someone that can’t work with time. This wrong impression would reduce your value, and thus the possibility for you to get the job.
• Limited knowledge of the job they’re applying for- prior to the time of your job interview, you are supposed to have researched important information about the job, because you maybe asked questions about the job you’re applying for. When the candidates are asked questions about the job and they can’t provide appropriate answers, they would be sending a wrong message to the interviewer. Your lack of preparedness would make you seem unknowledgeable and unfit for the job.
• Dressing inappropriately- there is a common saying that the way you are dressed would determine how you are addressed; this cliché is very true. A mistake people make when going for a job interview is that they dress inappropriately and unprofessional, and that sends a message that they are not professionals in that field and hereby disqualifies them from getting the job. Example of inappropriate dressing for a job interview includes- For female- shorts, short skirts, short dresses, skimpy skirts and dresses, shoes that don’t match, transparent clothes, body hugs, sleeveless, excessive makeup, too bright hair colour amongst others.

For male- shorts, opening too many buttons on your shirt, rough hair and haircut, sleeveless, shoes that don’t match, etc.

• Going unprepared to answer questions- apart from questions concerning the job you’re seeking for, you would be asked other general questions, and your ability to answer them proficiently and effectively will determine your competence to your would-be employer. Some common questions asked during a job interview are-
• What can we expect from you in the next three months?
• How do you think other people would describe you?
• Why did you leave your previous job?
• What is your leadership style?
• What type of work environment do you like best?
• Why do you want to leave your current job?
• What are your biggest weaknesses and strengths?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• Why should we hire you?
• What do you like to do outside work?
• How much was your last salary?

These and other questions might be asked during the interview.

• Speaking ill of past employees- another mistake people make during an interview is to badmouth your previous employer. This sends a message that you are not loyal and cultured; meaning that if you can do it to your previous employer, then you can also do it to them if you leave the company in bad terms. This act can immediately disqualify you before your interviewer.
• Getting distracted easily- when you don’t pay attention during the interview and you are easily distracted, you are sending the wrong message. Making use of your phone, answering calls, and fondling with bottles or keys are likely to get you distracted.
• Talking too much- despite what you may think that talking much is a way of confidently expressing yourself, this is not the case. When you talk too much, you may talk out of point and context; in that way you may end up just talking instead of passing the appropriate message.

Tips on how to have a successful job interview

• Arrive for the interview earlier than scheduled. It is better for your interviewer to come and meet you already waiting than for him or her to get there before you.
• Dress professionally to send the right signal that you are a professional and fit for the job.
• Develop a connection with your interviewer. Maintain eye contact and be confident.
• Use hardworking words when selling your talents and worth. Instead of just talking about what you can do, use high impact statement to tell them what you have done in your previous job and how it profited the company, and how you can do the same for this company if given the job.
• Come prepared with adequately researched information about the job you are applying for. Also, come prepared to effectively answer other general questions you may be asked.
• Avoid whatever would cause you to be distracted during the interview. If you have to switch off your phone to avoid incoming calls, then do so. Also, avoid holding anything like a key, drink or anything you can fondle with.
• You may likely be asked why you are applying for the job and what happened to your previous job, be wise when answering this question. Don’t speak ill of your previous job even if you were treated wrongly, and give them meaningful reasons why you are applying for the job.
• Even after the interview, reach out to the company thanking them for the opportunity given to you and your anticipation to receive their reply.
• Don’t be too rigid. It is common to feel nervous during an interview, however don’t let it be too obvious to the interviewer. Try to be relaxed and flexible.

By following these tips, there is a 100% chance for you to have a successful job interview.