The interview proper

You make it to the office 15 minutes before schedule. Or perhaps

just in time. The interview starts the moment you step into the office.

However, don’t panic. Be at your best or try to and by that I mean be

polite-greet, reply greetings and smile. A smile is the cheapest expression

that will leave a positive / cordial impression on anyone. Loosen up, you need

the job but it’s not a ‘do or die’ affair.

It’s finally your turn. You open the door and behind a huge oak

table are about seven persons - the ‘panelists’. The sight sends shivers down

your spine. But they are not devils sent from hell to make sure you don’t get

the job. They are there to listen to you-they need you as much as you need

them. If you need to shake hands with each panel member when you enter the room

to comport yourself, do so.

Introduce yourself properly, no nicknames please. No one is

interested in your family or medical history; keep those for the visa

applications. All that matters now is what you want to bring to the company.

You should be ready to talk about your future prospects, your thoughts about

the company and what you can bring on board that no one else can. You may be

asked for references so have a number of people that can recommend you for the

job in your head.

Rule two-Caution.

Listen carefully to every question, how do you hope to answer

questions you do not understand? If you are unsure of a question, ask that it

be clarified; this shows the extent to which you will go to get things right.

Take brief pauses to think about questions but don’t take too long. You are

under pressure but don’t show it. An interview is no guessing game; be

straight-forward with your responses, it tells the interviewers you are someone

who is decisive. After the interview, thank the interviewers for their time and

shake hands again.

Body language rules

Some general body language rules should be obeyed during an

interview. It is important to maintain regular eye contact; speak clearly and

confidently, not too quickly or too much; watch your attitude; be in charge of

your posture, the texture of your voice. Don’t play with your pen, notebook,

file or hair, it gives the impression that you are quickly distracted. Be

positive; avoid negative comments about your past employers. This is your best

chance to do it right so maximise every opportunity to show you are the person

for the job.

Ask questions in return You will be allowed to ask questions, so

why not ask? The interview is your chance to find out as much as possible about

the company and the job. Thus, you will be in a better position to decide

whether it is the right job for you. No hassles if you get stuck on any

question, ask if you can leave it for awhile, and come back to it later. No

matter how awful you think the interview was, do not show disappointment or

gloom in front of the panelists. Missing out on this job isn’t the end of the

world; it may merely open other doors of employment.

You seem confident for your next interview. Believe in yourself,

that’s important.

Goodluck!