#1: Research the Company
You must do a thorough background research on the company interviewing you for a possible job position.
Google is your friend!
The company executives on the panel are always happy to know that you have taken time to find out as much as you can about their company. Indeed, in many situations, this is considered an important part of the interview.
#2: Work on Your Communication Skills
Show confidence, talk about yourself in a way that ‘sells ‘ you, your skills and your work experience (if you have any). It would be a very good idea to have a few practice sessions before-hand to prepare you properly.
#3: Be Mindful of Your Body Language.
Sometimes your body language speaks louder than your words. Avoid fidgety actions and mannerisms. Do not engage in habitual actions like wringing your hands or knocking your fingers. Chewing gum is an absolute no-no and a big put off!
#4: Adopt the Right Posture
Sit upright, with your back straight up against the chair. Do not slouch. Maintain steady eye contact with the interviewer speaking at any particular time.
#5: Mind Your Language
Keep your answers brief and to the point. Avoid slangs and indecent language. Avoid the temptation to be humorous and to crack jokes. They could go wrong, or could be misunderstood. Remember that a job interview is a formal setting, and must be treated as such.
#6: Defend Your Credentials
The greatest disservice you can do to yourself in a job interview is not to be able to defend your credentials, especially your certificates. You should be able to show, through your answers, that you truly earned them!
Cross-check every piece of information contained in your CV and ensure that you can explain, or defend, it convincingly.
#7: Pay Attention To Your Grooming
Remember the saying: “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression”. The way you appear is very important in a job interview.
Tilt towards the conservative with your dressing. For males, stick to dark coloured suits, with either a white or blue shirt.
Females may be more adventurous with colours, but the general rule is to keep your dressing simple and ensure there is a harmony among your colours. Also choose your shoes and bag carefully so they don’t constitute a distraction to your interviewers.
