In Nigeria, a lot of people lack the basic knowledge of going to a job interview fully prepared and looking presentable. Some people walk in with flip flops, some have no resume (CV) and others just are not interactive enough. The most common thing to have in an interview is the special document known as a resume (CV). This is to let your potential employer know what skills you possess and what talents you have that can be an advantage to his company.
Except for the nicely printed out copies of your resume (CV) – which should not be less than five copies because you might meet another potential employer on your way to and fro the place – the list below are successful ways of making a lasting first impression and possible getting a job. Research the day before Do not go into the interview not knowing about the company you want a job from. Why did you apply for it in the first place? Even if you applied just because they are hiring and you need a job, learn more about the company, what they do, the people who work there, the positions they have, how many people you would have to report to, their financial standings, the owner(s) or group of owners and so on. Get as much information as you can so that when you are asked a question like “how can you improve our business with your skill?” you are not stuck with stutters and perspiration. Dress decent and Corporate
Your style says a lot about you. The way you pack your hair, the clothes you wear, the way you walk and even your shoes. If you are a casual person, put aside your casual fashion for your job interview or interpret your casual manner in a decent but corporate way.
For men wearing a suit is good enough. If you do not like to wear a suit especially in this hot weather, wear just a buttoned down shirt and clean ironed trousers. You can wear a tie or button up. Do not leave about three buttons to reveal your chest except the interview is for a disco club.
Women have more fashion faux pas in their dressing mode for an interview. Make up should be at a minimal, it is not a photo shoot. Even as a model going for an audition less is more. Long earrings should not be worn, let it be of a short length, studs or nothing at all. Your outfit should not be too tight or too short. Going for a job interview is not in anticipation of seducing your potential employer to hire you. Do not be too colourful, let you colour fashion be you but do not over do it with electric blue shoes.
Arrive early
Never ever be late for an interview. That is a fail already. It just shows that you will not be an early bird or on time to work and that is already a reason why you should not be hired. Make sure you get to the venue at least thirty minutes early. This can give you time to observe how work is done and the sort of protocols observed in the office.
Be interactive
Talk to your interviewer if need be. Do not just sit there and look, nod with a smile when a point is made, vocally agree as well, and let the interviewer feel like everything said was helpful to you. When people ramble on and on, important things are thrown into the ramble believe it or not and if you tune out you might have missed something very important that may help you secure the job or know that this job is not for you. When the interviewer is done, make sure you ask questions. Do not be afraid to throw two questions at them. This is where all you researched comes to play. If there was something said during the interview you need to clarify, ask about it. If there was something you heard that was contrary to the information you got through research, let it be explained.
Finally, be thankful
When you leave make sure you take down the interviewers number or e-mail address and send a thank you text or mail. You can take it a step further and send a hand written card just to say thank you. This is a trick and a final touch. This is your trump card. If you do not leave a forever lasting impression then you have met one of the most difficult people in the world.
These are tips to guide you on making a potential employer a current one. Use them wisely!You might also like:
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