Interview | 13 ways to best prepare for an interview.

When we talk about an interview, we are talking about an opportunity to showcase your relevance, strength, and experiences and also to know based on your performance the position that is best for you. It is also an avenue to showcase your skills, intelligence, and your self-worth and also to sell yourself to the employer for him or her to be convinced you are fit for a position. This is also known as a screening process that qualifies for a position.

Table of Contents

Interviewers are humans too so don’t be frightened by their presence, see them as you see yourself.
Before you go for an interview you ought to plan, prepare and practice.
You too as an aspiring employee have decisions in the interview process.
You ought to see the interview as an interactive process because it’s a conversation with a purpose.

Some interviewers are talkative while others might let you do more of the talking, not all interviewers are skilled at interviewing, the challenge you should have is being ready for any style of interview. Most interviewers are very structured while others are more conversational and casual.

There are different types of interviews based on the one the interviewer wishes to use.

Types of interviews

Screening interview: when you hear the word screen, what comes to your mind? This means you will exchange information and the questions will focus on your skills and experiences. It’s usually a uniform flow of information between the interviewer and the interviewee. Most interviewers will incorporate behavioral interviewing strategies in a screening interview.

Telephone interview: this type of interview is common when an interviewer wishes to screen candidates before bringing a few of them for a physical interview. This interview often indicates that you have exhibited some of the experiences and skills sought for. Some of the items you should have in front of you during this interview are; company information, job description, and key point you want to share. Less I forget, this interview is typically scheduled in advance during a time that is convenient for both parties.

Group interview: this particular interview occurs occasionally when the employer wants to talk with many candidates at the same time. You as a group may be given a problem to solve and explain expecting to pass as a group and not as an individual
Panel interview: This type of interview has to do with several interviewers gathering to ask questions often as a device to save time for the employers and the interviewees will have to respond first to the person asking the questions and then make eye contact with the remaining of the group throughout the answer.
CASE INTERVIEW: This interview is used primarily by consulting firms and for higher-level positions, it stimulates a work issue of the job and involves presentations on the hypothetical or real business case or quantitative problem and this interview requires intensive preparation with practice practices.

Let’s talk about the interview preparation, before the interview there are some things to know:

KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER: An employer desire employee who are self-aware and able to communicate fluently or clearly about what they have got to offer, and after reflecting on your diverse experiences, what you have learned and how it relates to the position for what you are applying comes next.
UNDERSTAND THE POSITION: If you have not been given a position description, then request one from the organization, what specific qualifications are they seeking? What popular strength are they looking for in a candidate? If possible, it will be better if you conduct an informational interview with a professional in that field who currently holds that type of position to get an inside perspective.
RESEARCH THE ORGANISATION: It will be better if you spend time exploring the company’s website and /or informational literature. You have to use the opportunity to research what the company is proud of, what its mission or vision statement is, what primary population they serve, and its reputation in the industry.

First impression matters

In every institution/day to day activities, the way you appear before any institution or organization will be judged on how you impress them, and these below are ways you can send a positive signal to them.

TIME OF ARRIVAL: Try as much as to arrive at your interview venue approximately 10-15 minutes early.
CELL PHONES: Remember to turn off all electronic device.
PROFESSIONAL DRESS AND BEHAVIOUR: For some organizations or institutions a certai8n dress code is expected of the interviewee which may include a well-tailored professional suit, it can also be helpful to find out what is appropriate for such working field.
FIRM HANDSHAKING: For courtesy’s, sake extend a firm handshake to your interviewers.
EYE CONTACT: This shows you are confident, and it engages the interviewers.
SMILE: A smile is a charming tool, while smiling to the interviewers remember to be polite to anyone you meet.
, be friendly, enthusiastic, and approachable, never forget to avoid negativity both verbal and nonverbal.

During the interview

This is when it comes to what you have to bring with you, and they include:

A folder or a portfolio with a notepad and a pen
Extra copies of your resume
Typed list of your references
List of relevant and related questions you would like to ask.

Now the interviewing tips

Build rapport by greeting the interviewers by name, with a smile and a firm shake also a good eye contact.
Make sure your answers are articulated and related to the questions.
Be prepared for questions like TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF, WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THE POSITION OR COMPANY.
Pay attention to non-verbal cues, body language, and also the message you are conveying.
Make sure you use specific examples from past experiences when answering questions.
See the interview as a conversation because it helps reduce anxiety.
Answer questions by highlighting your strength and accomplishments.
Avoid talking too much and also getting off track.
Ensure to communicate how you are working to overcome your weakness.
Ask intelligent questions that will underscore your interest and initiative.
When asked a question to take a moment to think rather than answer questions prematurely.
Bear also in mind that most interviewers might want to talk about your experiences listed in your resume.
Practice active listening skills.

Now about closing your interview

Make sure to state your interest in the position.
Summaries why you are well qualified for that position.
Thank the interviewers for their time.
Make sure you keep smiling although

Conclusion

Make sure you complete any form of follow-up request from the employer and contact all your references to let them know how the interview went. It is necessary to follow up after a week or two after the interview, this shows the extent to which you are interested in the job.