How to Excel in Job Interviews

Job interviews can be very daunting. For the unemployed, excelling in an interview may be the difference between having something significant to do daily (with a promise of good income) and continued joblessness. This is why many consider it a do-or-die affair.

I have been in a lot of job interviews. I have had the privilege of preparing medical doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants for interviews. I have also interviewed prospective employees. In all these scenarios, I have distilled seven tips that will always make you stand out as the winning candidate.

1. Interview in person, if it is an option: I am currently typing this from my hotel room in Glasgow, Scotland. My company was shortlisted for IP Hatch and we were given the option to pitch virtually or in-person. Why will I spend hundreds of pounds to come for a 10-mins presentation which I could do virtually from London? Well, there will be investors and VCs in attendance. The opportunity to network with these persons before the meeting and especially after it, is priceless. I could not have done this over Zoom. For some employers, persons who are physically present may have some edge over those who aren't. If you are a charismatic person and really need the job, attend in person if you can. It speaks volumes and you might be able to impress them in ways you may not have managed in a virtual setting. If everyone is interviewing virtually, no problem. It is a level playing ground and brings us to our next point.

2. Ensure your internet network is solid: Having a shaky internet network in a virtual interview is a mortal sin and will cost you. Ensure your internet network is reliable. I have seen persons land job interviews abroad and lose the job just because throughout the 30-mins of the interview their network froze and interviewers couldn't hear a thing. If you cannot trust you local mobile network, feel free to lodge into a hotel with a good WiFi and use it for your interview.

3. Appear very professional: For in-person interviews, ensure you dress according to the dictates of the job and role you are interviewing for. For guys, you can barely go wrong with a shirt and a jacket, for ladies - a simple gown will do. There is another aspect to appearance which can make or mar your virtual interviews. We will talk about it next.

4. For virtual interviews, use a laptop, if you can: When interviewing virtually, ensure you are using a laptop and not your phone. PCs present you in landscape mode which is more professional than portrait. PCs are also more stable, ensuring that your image is not shaky. Ensure that there is adequate lighting in the room you are interviewing in. Ensure that your head is central in the frame with some gap above it and the upper margin - for cue on a professional virtual look, check out YouTubers and their head positioning in their videos. If you don't have a PC, you can use your mobile phone. But, ensure that it is steady and you are professionally and adequately presented on camera.

5. Have an adequate knowledge of the role: Do you have sound knowledge of the job you are applying for? Do you understand the job description? Research about the job and the organization. Learn their core values and all expected of you in the role.

6. Show them you can communicate well - Can you communicate this knowledge in both oral and written format? Remember, you will be working with a team and most jobs will require excellent communication with clients and team members.

7. Allow your personality shine forth - Are you the right fit for the organization? Your interviewers can get insight into your personality from your tone of voice (is it warm, friendly?), your reaction to questions (are you composed or easily rattled?) Allow your personality shine by appearing confident, smiling occasionally, organising your answers. In all, stay calm. Treat the interview as a friendly chat.?

I understand that a lot depends on your interview, but loosen up. The reason you made it to the interview in the first place is because the company wants you. Let that sink in. They want you. It is now your duty at the interview to show them why you are the best fit for their organization.?

Once you have done your part, await the "Congratulations" in your email.

?Kelvin Alaneme, 2023.?

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