PRE-INTERVIEW PREPARATION, DOCUMENTATION AND CHECKLIST

In most cases, a list of items that you are expected to come to the interview with is given and it is important that you ensure that such items are available well ahead of the interview. However, even when they are not stated ensure that you have your credentials available in their originals, always have with you writing materials, passport photographs and if you have it your current or last pay slips or bank statement as the case may be.
Check and keep all items in a single envelope or bag a day before the interview and check the following morning to ensure that all necessary items are with you.
Also after the interview ensure that you dont leave behind your important documents. Remember to do your final check before leaving the interview venue.

CLAIM VERIFICATION: Take a final look, through your CV or resume and ensure that every claim made is defensible. It is important to note that the first point of call for head-hunters is mostly aimed at proving or disproving the claims made by you. For example, when you use the word proficient in computer usage and Microsoft offices means that you can use the computer without supervision and you have mastery of words, excel, PowerPoint. I have sat on a panel when the applicant with such claim was asked to power a desktop computer and he did not know where the power button was placed and when he was assisted he could not open a word document. Rule of thumb, never, make a claim that you cannot justify on your CV.

DRESS FOR THE OCCASION, FEEL COMFORTABLE AND NEVER DRESS TO KILL

An interview is an official interaction and not an informal meeting, hence, it must be handled officially even in your appearance. Except it is occupational related, a formal dress in its simplest form is a shirt on a trouser and tie for male and smart ladys office wear without excessive makeup, bodily exposure. For example, a technical person could wear apparel that is related to his or her occupation. In all, you must be neat, smart and comfortable in what you are wearing. Never wear excessive perfumes and no too flashy jewelry and hanging earrings.
Rule of thumb: Ensure that what you are wearing to an interview is ready, properly ironed and arranged a day before the interview. Check for stain, loose button, and loose end. Please note that to the interviewers’ stains, rough clothe and loose button are signs that you are not organized or neat.

PLAN YOUR MOVEMENT: A couple of years ago our agency ( Darach Associate and Marketing Consulting Nigeria) was contracted to recruit senior executive for a construction company, after series of tests and interviews two candidates were penciled down by the employer out of which one person would be selected. On the scheduled date and time of the final interview, the more promising of the two candidates got to the venue five minutes behind scheduled as at that time the interview was yet to begin and guess what the criteria adopted in making the final choice was arrival time. He lost the job and the candidate that arrive the venue earlier was employed.
It is recommended that you get to the venue of the interview thirty minutes earlier; this will help you relaxed and be in a better frame of mind before the interview.

TAKE A PRE-INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT PRACTICE TEST OR SIMULATION INTERVIEW SESSION

Best practice requirement demands that you are informed ahead if you will be required to take a written test or not, at any rate, be prepared. Ensure that you have readily available writing materials. You can take online test relevant to the job position. Such practice test questions would enable you to know where you need improvement in.
Also, you can arrange for a mock interview and see how you answer questions; the rule is for you to raise those questions that you wished you werent asked and respond to them appropriately. Simulating an interview session is known to improve your self-confidence and approach to the interview.

Continue to: CONDUCT, BEHAVIOUR AND YOUR ATTITUDE DURING JOB INTERVIEW

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