Interviews
7 Interviewing Tips for Jobseekers
Many South Africans are entering the job market for the first time. Others
are motivated and keen to progress with their careers and
have thus been looking out for something more exciting to
do. In other words the big INTERVIEW is looming. Here are
seven tips on how to go about preparing for it.
1. Think about why you
are applying for this particular type of job. In other words
if you are applying for a sales position, your reasons could
be
a) you are comfortable with and really like communicating
with people, people fascinate you and you enjoy meeting them
personally. You like the exposure to different cultures and
behaviours and in sales, not only is the exposure presented
to you, it also tests your ability to adapt to adapt to the
different cultures.
b) You operate well under pressure and in a competitive environment
- sales provides this challenge.
2. Weigh up the reasons for working at a particular
size company. For example
a) I am applying for a position at ABC headquarters because
it is one of the biggest corporate companies in the country.
I am keen to work for a corporate because of their investment
into training and the fact that there are more promotional
opportunities in a corporate than there are in small business.
b) I also like to sell a product that is known.
3. Investigate why you would work for a specific company.
For example
a) I am applying for a job at this company because THIS company
is very big on sport sponsorship and being a keen football
player I believe that I would be encouraged by this kind of
environment.
4. Research a particular industry. You could be thinking
along the lines of:
a) I am a sport fanatic so working in a sport equipment manufacturing
industry is really my ideal job. I believe that sport is the
future and is a way to unite this country. It is also a way
for us to involve the youth, get them off the street and get
them to a point of keen participation in what can only be
a life building experience.
5. Plan what you would like to do with your life for
the next 2 years.
a) What would you like to achieve from a knowledge point of
view?
b) What would you like to achieve as far as family are concerned?
c) What would you like to acquire from a materialistic point
of view? d) What would you like the job to offer you from
a social point of view?
6. Consider what YOU can do for the company?
a) What knowledge do you bring?
b) Are you well connected, eg do you have any social ties
to Bafana Bafana or the Springboks?
c) What energy do you bring, eg you are very kind and non-
judgmental, so you tend to have a stabilising effect on those
around you.
d) What are your strengths, eg you are very patient and find
that people generally manage to give you a better picture
of what they want because you listen so well.
7. Consider your weaknesses and the company risk if
they employ you. Also find ways to address and control these.
a) For example you are a good mathematician with great attention
to detail, but you really dislike having to waste time in
redoing calculations - mistakes normally happen if you are
given incorrect detail to begin with. You are trying to minimise
the chances of this happening by asking more questions in
advance to ensure that the figures are correct, plus you now
use Emotional Freedom Technique to control your agitation.
b) You are impatient around arrogance and find it difficult
to hide. Emotional Freedom Technique helps in this instance
as well.
Preparing for an interview in this manner assists you in many
ways. Firstly you are better able to answer the necessary
questions. Secondly you are personally clearer as to what
it is you are trying to achieve and will be more likely to
recognise your opportunities when they comes your way!! The
internet is a huge source of information, you will find most
of the company details on the net, alternatively ask around.
You will be surprised at how much you can find out if you
put the effort in - and one thing life has taught me, the reward,
after a bit of effort, is always a bit sweeter.
Good Luck!
Debbie Engelbrecht
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