OVERCOMING JOB INTERVIEW BLUES
The jitters and anxiety that come with job interviews can give stomach cramps to any prospective interviewee, and they get even more intense during the period when one has to wait for days and weeks on end for the outcome of the interview.
This sense of trepidation is a major contributing factor to the poor performance of many prospective job seekers during interview sessions. There is, therefore, a real need for one to be equipped with the requisite skills and techniques to handle the anxieties that are commonly associated with job interviews.
INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Because of the complex and competitive nature of job interviews, it is important to invest considerable time and effort preparing for the interviews in order to anticipate any eventualities that may arise. Right from the moment when the company places a call to the applicant to fix a date for the interview, one should immediately commence thorough research about the company, making sure every minute detail about the company is on your radar. This information can mostly be sourced from the company’s website, other online portals, and from staff in the company or other individuals who may have deeper knowledge about the business. After researching the company, it is also important to broaden your scope of research about the industry category that the company operates in. For instance, if it’s a brewery company, you might want to find out about the general brewery industry, familiarize yourself with how the industry is faring, some common practices within the industry, and other pertinent information that may be useful to you to stand out as a prime candidate during the interview.
Having thoroughly researched the company’s subject matter and the industry-specific particulars, it’s also essential to engage in the all-important exercise of trying to predict the likely questions that will be asked during the interview. Details gathered from the company’s website and industry practice can make this task easier for you.Even though you may not have foreknowledge of the composition of the interview panel, a careful study of the company’s management structure on its website may give you a fair idea of the interviewing committee. Knowing the profile of individual management members may also give you a clue as to their areas of expertise and the likely questions they might present.
Every specific interview call should impact the interview preparation. For instance, if you are being considered for the role of an accountant, you may want to review some of your accounting books from school to refresh your memory on a few skills and methods that might come in handy during your interview. The books may give you the theoretical advantage necessary to get the job. Moreover, it may be useful to go a step further by relating this knowledge to the practical aspects of the job in your simulation session; if possible, one can also get in touch with acquaintances who are practitioners in that field for more practical insight. The single most important preparatory work that cannot be overlooked is the structure and format of the applicant’s Curriculum Vitae (CV). An applicant prepping themselves for a job interview should ensure that he is on top of every last detail contained in the CV being presented for the job. Make sure you cross your t’s and dot your i’s in this important document. The arrangement of the content should be in an order that is self-explanatory to any panel member reading it. Undertaking the aforementioned preparation and simulation exercise puts you in a state of readiness to overcome the blues associated with interviews, in addition to giving you the best chance for success.
MOMENT OF TRUTH:
The day the candidate attends the interview is the moment of truth; this is the day the blues and jitters appear in full force. To lessen their effect, utmost attention must be paid to a few pointers.
Candidates should dress immaculately to suit the occasion. To play it safe, your choice of apparel should be strictly formal, such as a suit and tie for men, and a straight dress, skirt and blouse combination, or business suit for women. Marks are often awarded for dress style at interviews, and if for no other reason, interviewees should try to give a good account of themselves and not lose marks. Immaculate dress sense gives one the confidence necessary in any interview to be able to face the panel.
Timing is a crucial factor that should be taken seriously; never make the deadly mistake of turning up for an interview late. It puts enormous pressure on you in organizing yourself. It’s generally advisable to plan to be at the interview location at least an hour or thirty minutes prior. This helps you relax, organize your thoughts, and set your mind at ease for your session. The moment of truth beckons when you are called to face the panel. Many candidates fumble at this stage and spoil this opportunity. Enter the room with confidence and a poised gait. Once you enter, quickly exchange pleasantries with the panel by greeting them with a broad smile on your face; it must also be noted that in your greeting remarks, use a gender-specific address, for instance, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,” for a mixed panel, or, “Good morning, ladies,” and “Good morning, gentlemen,” if it’s an all-female or all-male panel respectively.
When taking your seat for an interview, avoid mannerisms such as nose-picking, eye rubbing, beard stroking, and clearing your throat. These tend to be disrupting and distracting. While answering questions, candidates should go straight to the point and avoid beating about the bush. When one is not sure about an answer, it’s better to be honest about it instead of fumbling for an answer in front of the panel. When the session is over, politely thank the interviewers and exit confidently.
POST-INTERVIEW BLUES
Interview blues are not only associated with the preparatory stages; as stated previously, waiting with bated breath for a follow-up call after an interview session can be a nightmare in its own right. The commonly used term for this experience is called “ghosting.” This is the sudden lack of communication regarding the outcome of an interview from an employer. Many factors may be responsible: the company may not be ready to fill that position immediately, somebody else may be chosen ahead of you, or you came across as a poor fit for the company or the role. To lessen the tension during this waiting time, the candidate may want to reach out with a phone call, email, or in-person visit to the company after a reasonable period has elapsed. This proactive step can assuage candidates’ anxiety and allow them to plan their next steps.
Author:
Phidelia Johnson is a global Human Resources Practitioner with eighteen years of leadership success. With a focus on streamlining Human Resources administration, she’s well-equipped to find the right solution to a myriad of concerns. Her experience as a commercial business leader gives her a unique ability to advocate for both the employer and the employee.
In her down time, Phidelia is a master of her kitchen, creating wonderful dishes filled with passion and flavor. If she’s not cooking delicious food, she’s stretched out with a good book. She hopes to use her experience to help others, guide company leaders to best practices, and help build better professionals and stronger organizations.