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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HOW SHOULD I CLOSE AN INTERVIEW?

• Close the session like a professional salesman; after all, you are there to sell yourself as the most preferred candidate for the job. Do it in such a way that you will be remembered for good and given the job. Create a sense of urgency about the values that you will bring to the organization and your perceived interest in the organization without begging or being arrogant.

• Never leave the interview venue without getting a word as to the next stage in the employment process. Asked relevant and intelligent questions that will provide such a clue.
For example, “I will like to thank you for availing me this opportunity and would like to know, based on my experience and skills which we have discussed, how well do I fit into the profile of your ideal candidate for the position?”

• Ask for the opinion of the interviewer about your performance and if they have any concerns about your choice for the job. For example, you can say, Based on our discussions during this interview do you have any concerns about my fit for the job? The answer you received would enable you to smoothen all rough edges and give a statement of assurance that such concerns will be managed and corrected if given the opportunity.

• Re-state your interest in the job before leaving. A well-structured statement can create an unforgettable picture of you in the mind of the interviewer. For example, With what we have discussed and my understanding of the job responsibilities and your organization, I am more excited and positive that if given the opportunity I will deliver superior performances and exceeds your expectation.

• Finally asked how soon would a decision be made.
Kindly note that you may not necessarily ask all the above questions or in the order that they are stated, the most important thing is to gauge the atmosphere of the interview and know how to close in a way that it leaves a positive impression in the minds of the interviewers about you.
Once again I wish you success in your next interview.

Start reading from MASTERING JOB INTERVIEW SKILLS

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SMILE AND WALK INTO THE INTERVIEW ROOM CONFIDENTLY

Smiling has a magnetic force that makes you likable and approachable particularly during the first encounter. Smiling presents you to the panelist as socially attractive and a good material to work with. Smiling must not be done sheepishly but in moderation so that you are not seen to be feigning it. A good smile will also create the impression that you are not nervous but confident about yourself.
In a recent research by Marco Iacoboni, a neuroscientist, he established a relationship between the mirror effect of a smile on the body and the brain. In his words When I see you smiling, my mirror neurons for smiling fire up, too, initiating a cascade of neural activity that evokes the feelings we typically associate with a smile.
The above statements imply that smiling is contagious and makes the one smiling likable and attractive. This follows an established and psychological proven fact that people decide whether to like a person or not in the first seven seconds of meeting for the first time.

IF IT IS A CLOSED DOOR, KNOCK GENTLY AND WAIT FOR A RESPONSE BEFORE STEEPING IN

It is a recognized custom to knock behind a closed door and wait for a response before stepping in. Just budging in without a knock and a corresponding response will sell you out as a disruptive person who dont care about other peoples privacy and respect for protocol. It is important to note that the word organization connotes an organized setting with rules and regulations, so you must be seen right from the word go that you are law abiding and courteous.

GREET AND DIRECT YOUR LOOK AT THE PANELISTS WHILE STILL STANDING

Once you are asked in, ensure that you greet and direct your attention to everyone in the room. This must be done genuinely and respectfully. The standard official greetings formats are Good afternoon or good day sir or madam or ladies and gentlemen.
Take note of the advice given by Barbara Pachter, a business-etiquette expert If you offend someone in the salutation, that person may not read further. It may also affect that persons opinion of you.

WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE ASKED TO SIT BUT IF IT TAKES MORE THAN 60 SECONDS THEN POLITELY ASK IF YOU SHOULD SIT

Even if is only one single seat that is left unoccupied in the interview room courtesy demands that you are asked or directed to take a seat before doing so. Mind you that the seating arrangement was made by your host they should take care of you and they know which arrangement is best as per their plans.
However, when you wait for a few seconds without the offer of a seat you can politely ask if you should take a seat.

SIT GENTLEMANLY OR LADY-LIKE

Gesturing with your hands’ aids communication, having a flexible movement on your seat throughout the interview session enables you to direct your attention to any member of the panel, hence, you must sit in a way that grants you some level of relaxation and flexibility.
The standard recommendation is to sit upright and straight without getting stuck to the seat or being too relaxed. Your hands should rest one on top of the other or one on the arm of the chair and the other on your lap.
Avoid crossing your arms because it suggests that you are defensive and having a closed mind.
Avoid fidgeting with your fingers or scratching your body and any form of excessive hand movement.

DONT PUT YOUR CV BEFORE YOU AFTERALL YOU HAVE DONE YOUR PREPARATION

Please note that it is not an acceptable practice to have your CV or resume before you when the interview is being conducted, it is your document so it is expected that you have good understanding of this document more so, if you are honest about the information contained therein why would you need to check through to make a point.
As stated in a previous article, your CV will only provide you the opportunity for a shortlist and subsequently an interview, it is worthy of note that the sorter would have seen that you met companys requirements hence the need for you to come over and prove that you possessed those stated qualities. And, because your CV and cover letter would have been circulated to the interviewers for perusal it then implies that most of the questions that will kick-start the discussions will be taken from your CV.
The rule is for you to do a proper study of your CV and ensure that you can prove every single point made in it when asked.

RESPOND TO QUESTIONS CONFIDENTLY WITH A SMILE

When you have a proper understanding of a matter you are in a better position to speak about it more confidently. Success in an interview requires the ability to be convincing, demonstrative and prove that you are the best amongst all the other applicants. However, to build your confidence will depend to a very large extent on your past and presence experiences, achievements and preparation.
I have equally noticed that when you are confident about a matter, you tend to espouse it boldly and with the assurances that when given the opportunity you will do it better.

DIRECT YOUR RESPONSES MORE SPECIFICALLY TO THE PERSON WHO ASKED THE QUESTION AND LOOKS SMARTLY AT OTHERS FOR AFFIRMATION AND THEIR REACTION

One of the ways of capturing the attention of the interviewers is to have the right use of eye contact and direct your responses to the questioner and at the same time study the reactions of the panelists to your response and try as much as possible to carry everyone along.
An interview session requires good observation of body language and affirmative or negative reaction to your responses; if you are able to study people properly you will understand when you are hitting it right or wrongly and quickly make the necessary adjustment.

PLACE EMPHASIS ON YOUR EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS RELEVANT TO THE JOB POSITION

As a job hunter, you must do a proper assessment of your key selling points or the identification of those qualities that you think and believe would make you stand out from the crowd. This process involves you listing your strengths and weaknesses and at the same times your key achievements in previous job positions and other leadership positions that you have held and work out a synergy between those experiences and the position for which you are being interviewed.

EVEN WHEN A PANELIST SOUNDS ANTAGONISTIC NEVER EXPRESS EMOTION; BE CALM AND COLLECTED BY CONCEALING IT WITH A SMILE
People are selected to a panel for different reasons, even if is just a single individual interviewing you, you should be aware that different qualities are being tested, it could be your ability to be tolerant and calm in the face of tasking situation, difficult customer or in working with a boss that is temperamental. Hence, the interview could take different form and posture. Some persons are friendly and some outrightly antagonistic so you must be calm and collected and handle the process with a smile and confidence.

BE HONEST AND DIPLOMATIC DONT LIE TO COVER UP YOUR WEAKNESSES OR A KNOTTY ISSUES IN YOUR PROFILE

Across the world, organizations look out for people of integrity, hence, from day one never do anything to put your integrity to doubt, lying to cover up your weaknesses or a perceived disadvantage will work against you once it is discovered. Be smart in your presentation, work on areas of weaknesses, be diplomatic in your responses and be positive that you will get the job.

KEY ISSUES THAT JOB SEEKERS LIED ABOUT

• Age
• Reasons why you lost your last job
• Employment gap
• Remuneration (Last or current salary vis-a-vis what demanding)
It important to state here that an averagely trained HR practitioner knows how to dictate lies related to the issues listed above. Even, when it is not discovered during the interview you might end up selling yourself out in the course of your employment then your integrity will then be called to question.

Continue to: HOW TO CLOSE AN EMPLOYMENT OR JOB INTERVIEW WITH A REMARKABLE STATEMENT

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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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Cover letters are the first chance you have to impress an employer they’re not just a protective jacket for your CV The Guardian, February 11, 2014.
A cover letter is an integral part of the application process and it is seen as the best opportunity to set an applicant apart from the crowd and convince the hiring manager that you are the best for the job.

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

A cover letter is an introductory attachment to the CV, specifically addressed to the hiring manager, a recruiter, an advertiser or a named person who is in a position to receive your application. Traditionally a cover letter comes as the front cover of the CV high lighting why you believe that you are qualified for the job.

TYPES OF COVER LETTERS

• Standard Speculative Cover Letter. This is largely an inquiry based cover letter aimed at soliciting for employment in an organization without reference to an advert or known vacant position in the organization.
• Standard and Conservative Cover Letter. This format is advert related, job and position directed. It follows the traditional pattern of self-introduction and highlighting your core strength and values that you will bring to the job if employed. This letter is best for the traditional-styled job such as law, accounting, business, engineering etc.
• Adaptive / Creative Cover Letter. This letter is highly flexible and allows for adaptiveness. It is common to the profession that has to do with individuals with creative minds and ability. For example, creative writers, artists, copywriter etc.

INGREDIENTS OF A GOOD COVER LETTER

• Make it official and should be formatted as an official letter
• It must be brief and concise no long story. It should be a maximum of an A4 paper and less
• Highlights key achievements in quantitative and qualitative terms ( Use figures and percentages to describe your achievements)
• It should be error free, check spelling and grammar
• It should be properly closed ( Your sincerely, yours faithfully, with best regards etc)

WHAT A GOOD COVER LETTER SHOULD CONTAIN.

• Applicant Details as contained in official letters
• Hiring managers name or position( Name is preferred if it is known)
• How or where you found the vacancy
• Why you considered yourself most suitable for the job
• The values or what you will do for the company
• Closing statement

CONTINUE TO: BEST WAY TO SEARCH FOR JOBS AND JOB OPENINGS

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Visit companies websites

Most organizations do have an employment and career section on their websites where openings within the organizations are placed or request for CVs are made. If you have interest in the organizations and would like to build a career with them you can submit or fill out their application form and follow up by sending emails or through a personal visit.

Use the services of placement and outsourcing agencies

The use of recruitment or HR outsourcing firms is gaining wider currency; they have helped a lot of individuals secure placement with organizations and their business partners. You should identify the reputable ones, approach them for a discussion and let them know your job interest. For example, Darach Associate and Marketing Consulting Nigeria (www.darachassociate.com) has done a whole lot in this respect and their services can be taken advantage of in Nigeria.

Participate in Job fair and recruitment expose

Though not too popular in Nigeria, yet it is gaining ground. A job fair is when recruiters come together with the intention to meet job seekers on the spot thereby cutting down on the cost of advertising and other publicity promotions. You can check online media, news paper publications or asked fellow job seekers if they have such information.
Take up temporary and sometimes unpaid charity work
Temping is an opportunity to bridge the unemployment gaps in your CV and ensure that you remain busy while job-searching. It avails you the opportunity to do something of value, gain added experience and remain abreast with development about your career and the needs of employers. Temping can sometimes be taken up without pay or with a minimal allowance. The greatest benefit lies in the fact that when there is an opportunity for a permanent job opening you will be one of the first to be considered.

Identify organizations of interest and submit your CV to them unsolicited

Also, job search requires a lot of adventurous moves that require that you sometimes research and visit organizations that you like and let them know your interest and your value propositions for the organization. Backed with information about the organization and specific value-added propositions sometimes you might be considered for an interview or in the less a promise to contact you in the future can be gotten.
In conclusion, job hunting requires a lot of preparation and positive mindset, you must be creative in your approach and expand your search, the more opportunity that you have to place you CVs in organizations the better it is for you.

*READ NEXT: HOW TO PREPARE AND APPROACH A JOB INTERVIEW

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