INTERVIEW GUIDE

An interview is a discussion between Interviewer and interviewee to assess the qualities, experiences, assets & negativities of a particular Person been interviewed for a position. The Primary aim of the exercise is to pick the best (not necessarily, the actual best) from the lots. However, it is most unfortunate that most People are always afraid of interviews, thereby ending up failing in the exercise, despite their knowledge and qualities. An interview means a face to face interaction between the interviewer and the candidate/candidates so as to obtain desired information from him/them. It can also be defined as a way of exchanging meanings between individuals by using a common set of symbols. Interviews generally need a preparation. Job interviews seem frightening, even if the individual is well prepared. Interviews have a definite structure. Clear communication should take place during an interview. All interviews have a definite purpose familiar to the interviewer and the candidate/interviewee.

PART A
Tips for the Interviewee.
30 Important points to note during an interview
I. Dress smartly, formally and not rough possibly with a tie since there is no second chance to make first impression and as you dress, so shall you be addressed. Have a pleasing appearance as the candidate’s personality is a significant part of the communication.
II. Always carry an extra CV, a notepad to write on, a pen, and all essential things required in an interview.
III. Practice, practice and practice in advance. Prepare and rehearse for the unexpected also.
IV. Research a lot about the organization for which you are being interviewed.
V. Be punctual. Try reaching before time for the job interview as your interview start from the gate of the Company.
VI. Maintain your basic hygienes vis-à-vis treat your finger nails right,your body odour should be kept in check, your hair style should not be too bogous and your mouth/ teeth should be appealing enough.
VII. Avoid using offensive deodorants, perfumes, roll-on etc as this might “piss-off’ some interviewers.
VIII. Pray before entering the interview hall. For Muslims: Recite “WASAKANI WAMOSIKANI- 33”, For Christians: Read Proverb 16:3
IX. Knock the door twice before you enter the interview hall.
X. Enter the hall confidently, walk smartly and don’t drag your feet on the floor.
XI. Greet the Interviewers immediately you enter the hall, as you are walking toward the sit provided, starting from the Female before then the Male e.g Good Morning Madam, then Sir.
XII. Don’t sit down until you are told to do so. Then sit comfortably and feel relaxed.
XIII. Your body language should be positive during the interview, i.e., maintain an eye-to-eye contact with the interviewer, sit in well balanced and confident posture.
XIV. Do not lean on the table, do not yawn, smile when appropriate, etc.
XV. Answers should be straight to the point by avoiding preambles.
XVI. Use simple sentences, avoid compound or Complex sentences to avoid mistakes.
XVII. Answers must not be rude or harsh in nature but soft and respectful.
XVIII. Answers must be brief because perfect answers silence difficult questions.
XIX. Always end your answers with “Sir”/ “Ma” to demostrate how respectful you can be.
XX. Be believable enough in your response i.e convince them as much as you can.
XXI. Don’t try to impress your interviewers by over stressing a particular answer. Be simple enough.
XXII. When answering questions, be honest and express sincere interest in the job and the Organization.
XXIII. Be courteous and sophisticated during an interview.
XXIV. Just “be yourself”. Do not boast about yourself. The interviewer is smart enough to judge the candidate’s intelligence and aptness for the job.
XXV. Do not make negative statements or comments about your past employer.
XXVI. Don’t forget! Ask questions throughout the interview in order to show your interest in the job or in the Company. You may ask questions on what line of business the Company is into, but before you ask this particular question, demostrate enough knowledge about the Company by making your findings about the Company before the interview date, ask questions on working hours, working days and all other welfare packages.
Note: Don’t insist on obtaining a more complete and adequate answers and don’t show your disapproval to some of the answers given. Remmember you are at the receiving end this time. Always be a “Yes Man” throughout the interview.
XXVII. Remmember that they are human just like you, hence take them as your friends not your enemies.
XXVIII. Do not indulge in a fight or argument with the interviewer.
XXIX. As soon as the interview gets over, pen down the name of the interviewer, your strengths and weaknesses, answers to questions raised by you during the interview and the feedback of the interviewer.
XXX. Remember to greet your Interviewers after the interview and don’t forget to express a hope to be part of the family soon by saying “Hope to work with/for you soon, or Hope to join this noble family soon”. Remmember that first and last impressions always last longer.

4 common questions and expected ways to answer them in an interview:

a. Question: Tell us about yourself.
Expected way to answer: This question is an opportunity given to you by your recruiter to show him some of your skills and experiences that makes you an undeniable strong candidate for the position. Show them why you deserve that job.
b. Question: Why do you want to work for us?
Expected way to answer: To answer this question, mention
many positive features as you can about the Company such as good reputation of the Company, the zeal to work in more challenging environment etc.
c. Question: What wage or salary do you need?
Expected way to answer: One way to answer the question of salary level, is to tell the interviewer that you would work for whatever he feels is fair based on your qualifications and the Company standard level for the position. Don’t mention any figure, you might not be fair to yourself eventually. Remmember every organization has a salary scale. Just try to fit in.
d. Question: When will you be available for work?
Expected way to answer: When you are asked how soon you can start work? tell him/her as soon as possible. Many factors may be causing your hesitation about committing yourself, but now is not the time to mention them.

PART B
Tips for the Interviewer
1. The interviewer should be an active listener. He should not interrupt unnecessarily.
2. The interviewer should be considerate enough. Even if the interviewer does not agree with the interviewee, he must respect the latter’s feelings.
3. The interviewer should be friendly and understanding. He should begin the interview in a friendly manner, some friendly conversation and then show concern in family background, hobbies, etc. This will make the interviewee more relaxed and comfortable.
4. The interviewer should restrain to the time allotted. He shouldn’t indulge in arguments unnecessarily. He should try to be precise.
5. The interviewer must be thoroughly prepared for the questions that are likely to be asked. He should be a good planner.
6. The interviewer must focus attention on the interviewee. He should use positive gestures when conducting the interview.
7. Encourage/invite questions from the interviewee. Ensure that the interviewee clarifies the question he has. When selected a candidate should not feel he was not told about a certain aspect of the job.
8. Avoid distraction in the interview area.Ensure that there is no or minimal distraction where the interview is being conducted. A phone ringing all the time in the background can distract the interviewer and interviewee.

….This is just a token of my contribution to your career, hoping you can all follow these in your quest to land your dream jobs, wishing everyone BEST OF LUCK!