How to prepare for a job interview

Did you know that only 2% of candidates who apply for a job are called in for an interview? Yes, when you get that call, be happy because you have passed the first stage of recruitment. The second stage is to attend the interview and make a good impression so that you get the job. This article aims to help job seekers prepare for a job interview and increase their chances.

The first stage of preparing for a job interview is to apply for a job you qualify for. Job seekers should avoid the temptation of lying in their CVs. After all, there's a 98% chance that you will get caught during the vetting process.

A good example is when a candidate lies about their computer programming skills. During the vetting process, the recruiter will request the candidate to create software using a specific language, such as Python or Java. If you exaggerate in your CV, the lies will be detected during vetting.

Therefore, when applying for a job, read the job description carefully, and ensure that you fulfill at least 92% of the requirements. Other strategies that job seekers should use to prepare them for a job interview are:

Research the company and role

Every job seeker should research the hiring company and their roles. This is important because it saves you from awkward moments when asked simple questions such as information on the company's or founders' vision. Some of the important information you need to know about are:

● The founders
● Employee benefits and salary range
● The leadership structure
● Products or services sold by the company
● The company culture

Getting the above information is easy; a simple Google or Bing search will do. Also, the candidate should use social media platforms such as Facebook and Linkedin to know what's happening in the company.

Learn how to answer basic interview questions

It is unrealistic to predict every interview question that will be asked. However, there are some questions that every potential employee needs to know. Some of the questions that might be asked are:

Why does this role interest you?
When an employer asks this question, they want to know whether the candidate understands their role and if they have the right skills. To better understand this question, let us assume that you are applying for a UI/UX role, and one of the requirements is using design software such as Adobe.

Answer: "I have been a UI/UX developer for 3 years, and Adobe is one of my favourite design tools. I was excited to learn that the company prefers Adobe because I have used it to create amazing designs. I am well versed in the Adobe suite, making me confident that I will love my new job. I am also an advocate for using agile workflows in designing software because it is easy to build and launch projects."

Why do you want to work here?
To prepare for this question, Job seekers should first understand what the company is selling. Is the company selling a product or service? What is the mission of the company? What is its history, work culture and achievements? When answering this question, mention important information about the company and what appeals to you.

Answer: "I have always dreamt of working in a company that has created a difference in the world. Finding a company with a positive work culture and values that align with mine is difficult. Throughout my job search, this is the only company I found that caught my interest. I want to use my skills and expertise to help make a bigger difference and impact."

What are your strengths?
Recruiters ask this question to discover your strengths and various skills, such as technical and soft skills. When answering the question, ensure the skills are related to the position. Candidates can also share their attributes and qualities.

Answer: "I'm a natural-born problem solver who uses software to solve problems that affect the Saas industry. I find it rewarding to develop creative solutions to challenges affecting this sector. This is something I have always excelled at and enjoy doing. My love for solving problems drove me to this career path in the first place."

Practice your voice and body language

Before the interview:
1. Ensure that your voice and body language leaves a positive lasting impression.
2. Train to speak with a confident, friendly and strong voice.
3. Avoid sounding commanding, as this can portray you as too bossy.

The best way to train is to do so in front of friends and ask them to rate your talk.
Job seekers can use several strategies to improve their body language. Good body language will help communicate better and portray a professional image with the recruiter. To improve your body language, start by practising self-awareness.

Look at the non-verbal messages sent to the recruiter and rectify the negatives. Other strategies to use are:

● Relax your shoulders
● Straighten your back
● Use proper posture, such as sitting or standing upright, to portray confidence
● Smile to give a calm and pleasant expression
● Make eye contact
● Speak slowly so the recruiter can hear you
● Start the meeting with a firm handshake

Ask the interviewer a few questions

Yes, candidates are allowed to ask the interviewer some questions. Prepare several questions in advance to show that you have researched the company. Some of the questions that job seekers can ask interviewers are:

● Why do you enjoy working here?
● What does a typical day of a person working in my position look like?
● What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Always have hard copies of your resume

One golden rule of preparing for a job interview is always to have hard copies. Even if they request digital copies, have hard copies. You may never know when the recruiter will have technical problems and fail to locate your resume. Pull out the hard copies and share them with the recruiter when this happens.

This will show that you are an organized person who is always prepared.

In conclusion, be truthful if you encounter awkward questions during the interview, such as why you got fired or left your previous job. Also, avoid speaking negatively of your former employer. Good luck with your interview!