In my years in corporate world, I have been through many
interviews and presentations, some coming out successful and others rated a
failure. All this time, I have learnt a lot on how to effectively communicate
and convince the other party; a customer, a new client, this girl or guy you
want to date, and in case of job seekers, the interview panel awaits you.
Prepare
Going for an interview without thorough preparation can be
equated to career suicide. It is important that you take your time to familiarize
with the organization that has invited you. Websites are basic tools where you
can find company information such as their products or services, branches or
locations, their vision, mission and values.
Read and understand the job description including duties and
responsibilities that you will be performing if you get the job. Note that many
of the questions will gauge your competences in terms of skills related to the
job or technical skills, analytical skills, your ability to communicate and
pass across ideas, and people skills among many other behavioral competences.
No much movement,
just simple moves and signs with facial expression
For lovers of politics, watch Obama speak; for movie lovers,
watch Big Jim Rennie in the Hollywood movie ‘Under the Dome’, see how they talk and pause their statements, uses
their hands to explain points, eye contact to name a few. Media personalities
and news anchors are also people you can learn from by just watching TV.
Maintain eye contact,
be yourself, sit upright and be composed
Eye contact as an integral part of communication has greatly
been ignored for years. Little do people know that maintaining eye contact is
key to sinking an idea into someone else. Try as much as possible to talk
directly to each of the panel members, mentioning their names while replying to
their questions as this gives personal touch. Stay upright and composed, you
can do it.
Use signs & examples
while explaining points
Giving a convincing explanation to a panel of mean looking
people can be a little complicated, but bear in mind that the panel wants you
to pass the interview, they already know you are competent since you already
got shortlisted but require just a little bit of your explanation why you think
you are the best candidate. Relax, be composed and speak yourself out in a slow
and clear way. Do not try to rush yourself, you have all the time. Break down your
points and explain them clearly while giving examples that relate to the job
you are being interviewed for. For example, if the question wants you to state
your experience in the area being interviewed for, give a response with a
project you were involved in, what your role was and how you contributed to the
process.
A little of sign language to cement your points is also a
plus. If explaining say points, explain one by one while using your fingers. If
explaining a rise in percentage sales, raise your hands a little to show the
rise. It works, trust me.
For Aptitude tests
Please carry your calculator and pen along, there is going
to be a few calculations to do. For interviews with aptitude tests, the
employer will always notify you early that there is going to be the test and so
you should be prepared.
Try to attempt as
much questions as you can
You don’t have to complete all questions, even the most
brilliant people never complete. Rushing through and answering all will mean
two things; either you are a genius which is good for you or you are trying
your luck by guessing answers.
For psychological
tests, keep in mind that the first guess that comes to your mind is always
the right answer to the question, going otherwise will mean you are trying to
lie or coining a different image of yourself, a good word for all that is ‘dishonesty’.
For more on interview skills, also read
By: HRM Guide Kenya
