A little while ago, we discussed certain important steps to take before the day of an interview. Today, we’re discussing what to do on the day of the interview itself, and I’ll be sharing important tips that can help you to make the best of the interview.
These tips will apply mostly to physical in-person interviews; we’ll talk about other types of interviews (telephone, Skype, etc.) some other time. Here we go:
- Dress the part.Since you know the role you’ll be coming to play in the organisation, make every effort to look like that person. When it comes to job interviews, it is better for you to be over-dressed than to be under-dressed.
- Get there early enough to re-groom yourself should the need arise. The last thing you need is to be seen rushing into the interview venue looking harried and harassed. Even if you somehow manage to get there unruffled, please make some allowance in your estimated arrival time so that you can ask for the convenience to take care of your appearance. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with changing your outfit or any part of it if the commuting has not been kind to you.
- Realise that your interview begins at the gate of the venue. Be polite and courteous to every person you meet, starting with the person at the gate. It may surprise you to know that some interviewers have based their final choices of candidates on respect for support staff and friendliness to other people.
- Bring something to engage you productively if you have to wait. This is not the time to update your social media posts with something frivolous. If you must be on social media at that time, ensure that it is time well spent. The last thing your interviews check before you come in may be your social media profiles. Or they could lead the interview with, “We notice you were engrossed on your phone (or in your book). Would you like to share what you were reading?”
- Show appreciation for their time and interest. On the same day, after the interview, send an email to your contact person and any other person you met at the interview (if you know their email or can assess it somewhere or find it online). In the brief email, tell them ‘thank you’ for their interest in meeting with you and for the time spent with you. Let them know that you expect to hear from them soon and look forward to working with their organisation.
Following these tips will help you to display professionalism, diligence and good inter-personal skills, all of which will help you to make a good impression. This will not only increase your chances of getting the job, it will also position you favourably for other opportunities in the future. Good luck!
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