Kayode Ibukunoluwa-Micah's Blog

Sitting before an interviewer or a panel of interviewers for that matter can be a nightmare for most job-seekers. Experiences have shown, however, that over 85 percent of job-applicants are somewhat apprehensive of being interviewed not because of doubt in their own ability, but because they would be talking to a complete stranger (s) that they dont have prior knowledge about and most likely because they dont have an idea of what they are likely going to be asked.
However, it must be noted that interview is the best avenue and closest opportunity for you to showcase your ability, prove your claims as contained in your Curriculum Vitae or resume (See Difference between CV and Resume), show to the selection team while you are the best when compared with other applicants for the same position and highlights the value and creative ideas that you will bring to the job.
Hence, an interview should not be afraid of, it should be looked at as my best chance to get the job. It should be handled with seriousness, adequate preparation, good knowledge of interview skills and positive mindset. No apprehension, no negativity, yet with some sense of competitiveness.
This article will focus primarily on helping job applicants master interview skills and be better prepared in taking the opportunity when its avails itself. Hence, we shall pay attention to the following:
• Preparing for a job interview
• How to approach a job interview
• un-nerving yourself before an interview panel
• creating a lasting and positive first impression that makes you likable by the interviewers
• Answering difficult questions
• Closing an interview session with an unforgettable statement

PRE-INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Success in any endeavor requires adequate preparation and the self-assurance that you will accomplish your goals as you set out. To succeed with a job interview require adequate preparation which involves preparation at the following levels:
Mental Preparation involves the ability to visualize success ahead of the interview. A mentally, prepared job hunter will be fired up, energized and build that level of confidence that helps him or her deal with anxiety.
The Mental Preparation Strategy. Mental preparation is a self-motivated action that can be achieved through practice and in focusing on the positives. To achieve this, here are some well-known strategies:
1. Breathing in and out. Breathing in and out helps you relax and gain control of your thoughts and at the same times deals with anxiety in such a way that you will remain alert and stay focused.

2. Tranquil words. This is a process in which you repeat to yourself in a quiet manner words or statement that build your confidence level such as I am going to get this job no matter the odds, this interview is going to turn out well I am the best for the job, Greater is he that is to me, therefore, I will take control of the proceeding in Jesus name, The Lord is my strength. These statements are powerful and will help you build mental strength.

3. Get adequate sleep a day before. Sleep helps you relaxed and prepared for the next day. It is expected that you would start your preparation immediately that you received an invite for an interview and not necessarily on the day of the interview. Never work too long into the night a day before an interview, often time it leads to fatigue. For the record, no interviewer is impressed when you look tired and stressed it is a sign that you lacked self-management skill.

JOB AND ORGANIZATIONS RESEARCH

Interviewers are usually impressed when an applicant approached the interview with some level of knowledge about their organization; it gives the impression that the applicant is interested in the organization and would require a short time to fit into the job role and culture of the organization.
Knowing about the job details, expectations and deliverables will help you organize your thoughts and responses to questions during the interview. Check online for job descriptions relative to the vacant position and look out for those qualities that you possess that are the best fit for the job.

SOURCES OF COMPANYS INFORMATION

The Companys website. Most organizations have websites where information about the company could be gotten, you can look out for the about us page and services or the offering page. This would give you the idea of the history, ownership, and performances of the company overtimes and the industry that it belongs to.
Companys newsletters, Social Media platforms, Google information. All these can be gotten online. Information sought online might not be 100% accurate but it will give you an idea of the company well ahead of time.

End of years report or audited statement. For senior or executive positions, the companys annual report will provide key information and knowledge of the organization covering performance level for the year, areas requiring improvements and intervention. With this, you can tailor your value propositions along key issues needing your expertise or skills and knowledge.
Sitting before an interviewer or a panel of interviewers for that matter can be a nightmare for most job-seekers. Experiences have shown, however, that over 85 percent of job-applicants are somewhat apprehensive of being interviewed not because of doubt in their own ability, but because they would be talking to a complete stranger (s) that they dont have prior knowledge about and most likely because they dont have an idea of what they are likely going to be asked.

However, it must be noted that interview is the best avenue and closest opportunity for you to showcase your ability, prove your claims as contained in your Curriculum Vitae or resume (See Difference between CV and Resume), show to the selection team while you are the best when compared with other applicants for the same position and highlights the value and creative ideas that you will bring to the job.
Hence, an interview should not be afraid of, it should be looked at as my best chance to get the job. It should be handled with seriousness, adequate preparation, good knowledge of interview skills and positive mindset. No apprehension, no negativity, yet with some sense of competitiveness.
This article will focus primarily on helping job applicants master interview skills and be better prepared in taking the opportunity when its avails itself. Hence, we shall pay attention to the following:
• Preparing for a job interview
• How to approach a job interview
• un-nerving yourself before an interview panel
• creating a lasting and positive first impression that makes you likable by the interviewers
• Answering difficult questions
• Closing an interview session with an unforgettable statement

PRE-INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Success in any endeavor requires adequate preparation and the self-assurance that you will accomplish your goals as you set out. To succeed with a job interview require adequate preparation which involves preparation at the following levels:
Mental Preparation involves the ability to visualize success ahead of the interview. A mentally, prepared job hunter will be fired up, energized and build that level of confidence that helps him or her deal with anxiety.
The Mental Preparation Strategy. Mental preparation is a self-motivated action that can be achieved through practice and in focusing on the positives. To achieve this, here are some well-known strategies:
1. Breathing in and out. Breathing in and out helps you relax and gain control of your thoughts and at the same times deals with anxiety in such a way that you will remain alert and stay focused.

2. Tranquil words. This is a process in which you repeat to yourself in a quiet manner words or statement that build your confidence level such as I am going to get this job no matter the odds, this interview is going to turn out well I am the best for the job, Greater is he that is to me, therefore, I will take control of the proceeding in Jesus name, The Lord is my strength. These statements are powerful and will help you build mental strength.

3. Get adequate sleep a day before. Sleep helps you relaxed and prepared for the next day. It is expected that you would start your preparation immediately that you received an invite for an interview and not necessarily on the day of the interview. Never work too long into the night a day before an interview, often time it leads to fatigue. For the record, no interviewer is impressed when you look tired and stressed it is a sign that you lacked self-management skill.

JOB AND ORGANIZATIONS RESEARCH

Interviewers are usually impressed when an applicant approached the interview with some level of knowledge about their organization; it gives the impression that the applicant is interested in the organization and would require a short time to fit into the job role and culture of the organization.
Knowing about the job details, expectations and deliverables will help you organize your thoughts and responses to questions during the interview. Check online for job descriptions relative to the vacant position and look out for those qualities that you possess that are the best fit for the job.

SOURCES OF COMPANYS INFORMATION

The Companys website. Most organizations have websites where information about the company could be gotten, you can look out for the about us page and services or the offering page. This would give you the idea of the history, ownership, and performances of the company overtimes and the industry that it belongs to.
Companys newsletters, Social Media platforms, Google information. All these can be gotten online. Information sought online might not be 100% accurate but it will give you an idea of the company well ahead of time.
End of years report or audited statement. For senior or executive positions, the companys annual report will provide key information and knowledge of the organization covering performance level for the year, areas requiring improvements and intervention. With this, you can tailor your value propositions along key issues needing your expertise or skills and knowledge.

Continue to: PRE-INTERVIEW PREPARATION, DOCUMENTATION, AND CHECKLIST

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