Author: Mveliso Lawula and Lungile Dlamini
Landing an interview is a huge accomplishment, but succeeding in one requires more than just showing up. Proper preparation is key in making a lasting impression and increasing your chances of success. As a job seeker or a graduate in the job market, the time it takes to thoroughly prepare for an interview can make all the difference.
Before you even think about the interview itself, it is important to understand the company and the role you have been invited to the interview for. Research the company’s mission, vision, values, and any recent news. Thoroughly go through the job description to understand the key responsibilities and the skills required. Knowing how your skills align with the job requirements is a powerful way to show that you are the suitable candidate. Identify at least three key strengths that match the job requirements, and prepare examples from your experience that demonstrate these strengths. If you do not have any professional experience, you can always use the experience from tertiary or voluntary projects you might have been involved with, as long as it highlights your skills and strengths in line with the duties of the role you are being interview for.
While you cannot predict every question, some are commonly asked in most interviews such as: ‘Tell me about yourself’, ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ or ‘Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you resolved it’. Being prepared for these questions can help you remain confident and articulate.
First impressions matter, so it is important to choose your outfit well – a good rule of thumb is to choose solid, ‘professional’ colours, clothes that are neat and fit well, and to pay attention to personal grooming and hygiene. Remember, you do not have to worry about getting a new outfit, work with what you have and be comfortable.
Rehearsing your answers aloud is one of the easiest and best ways to build confidence and ensure you articulate yourself well. Consider conducting mock interviews with a friend or a family member to simulate the real interview. You can also use strategies such as recording yourself answering questions to evaluate your tone and delivery, and practice speaking slowly and clearly.
Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready before the interview. This might include your CV, qualifications, identification document, portfolio, or any other materials relevant to the position.
You will perform best when you feel rested and energised. Try to get a full night’s sleep before the interview and eat a healthy meal beforehand to fuel your brain. On the day of the interview, it is normal to feel nervous but staying calm and focused is important. Take deep breaths, smile, and maintain eye contact. Remember, you were selected for the interview because the company believes you could be a great fit, so believe in yourself too.
Punctuality matters, so on the day of the interview ensure you arrive 15 minutes before it starts. Being rushed or late will unsettle you and make a bad first impression. Conducting yourself in a professional manner is non-negotiable – greet the receptionist or anyone sitting in the front office with a smile, know the contact person from HR by name to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience, and switch off or silence your mobile phone. When engaging or answering any questions with a panel, keep in eye contact with all interviewers equally, not just the person who asked the question. This shows that you are actively considering everyone’s perspective and building a relationship with the whole team simultaneously.
At the end of the interview, you will most likely be asked if you have any questions. Having prepared one or two thoughtful questions shows that you are serious about the role, demonstrates that you can engage well, and importantly, helps you to assess whether the company is a good fit for you too.
In summary, interview preparation demonstrates confidence, professionalism, and a genuine interest in the role. By following these steps, you will be able to approach the interview with clarity and confidence, setting yourself up for success.
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