As a professional, you must have gone through many exams in your life. You must remember the butterflies in your stomach during, the anxiety of not knowing an answer, and the incessant need for preparation. The corporate world has its own version of an exam: the job interview. And there are certain points that you must always remember before taking one. Here are 10 important tips that you can follow to help you succeed at your next job interview based on Bayt.com research and expertise:
Similar to studying from a textbook before an exam, you must study your prospective employer thoroughly before an interview. 20% of companies in the Middle East find poor preparation to be the most common mistake jobseekers make in an interview, as stated in the ‘Hiring Practices in the MENA’ poll, January 2012. Familiarize yourself with the role that you are applying for. Try and gauge their corporate culture. Look through their mission, vision and annual reports.
Being punctual is extremely important to create a good impression. Arrive before the stipulated time so that you can acquaint yourself with the office. Look at the directions the day before your interview; you can even do a test drive till there to be sure. Remember, it’s important to respect everyone’s time, especially the hiring manager’s.
Appearance matters. It is important for an employer to know that you are a true professional who is also a perfect fit for their company. It’s important to dress the part. According to the Bayt.com ‘Influence of Physical Appearance on Hiring Decisions’ poll, March 2013, 76.4% of MENA professionals believe that employers make a decision based on a candidate’s physical appearance. You should also always have your CV handy and present your CV/portfolio/references professionally and creatively.
The worst thing that could happen in the interview is blanking out to a question, or saying “Uh” or “Um” repeatedly. Behavioral and technical questions are common. 51.8 % of companies in the MENA region provide training for everyone involved in the hiring process according to the ‘Hiring Practices in the MENA’ poll, so you should do an in-depth analysis of all the technical aspects of the job. Revisit your CV and make sure it conveys all your key skills and experience relevant to the job at hand. After doing this, you can chalk out all the typical questions that may be asked.
It’s natural for you to be nervous about your interview, but ignoring the admin staff and receptionist is not advisable. Be as friendly as possible to whoever you meet at the start and finish of your interview. Often hiring managers and department managers ask these people about your behavior.
Often interviewees talk a lot about themselves without ever mentioning how they can add value for the company. Try and cut down on the ‘I’ during your interview and focus more on the ‘you’. Ask intelligent questions to engage your interviewer. Show them, enthusiastically, how you can be an asset for their company in the short and long term.
Try to network on social media and specifically through professional platforms such as Bayt.com Specialties where you can share content and professional insights and get recognition and endorsement. You can also connect with past employees in target companies through Bayt.com Facebook Connect and get their tips on how to tackle the interview, but also about their insights into the company culture. 92% of professionals in the Middle East say that good personal branding can help you get more interviews and grow in your career, according to the Bayt.com ‘Personal Branding in the Middle East and North Africa’ poll, September 2013. Start by creating a good online personality with Bayt.com People and Specialties platforms and connect with people who can make a real difference in your career.
You must have many success stories from your previous work experience. Pick out three where you shine the most. Look for cues to share these stories during the interview. Those cues can be anything from “Tell me about yourself” to “How was your experience in this company?” Everyone loves a good story.
After the interview is over, it’s better not to be left hanging. Closure is necessary. Ask the interviewer when they’ll let you know their decision. Also find out if it’s okay for you to send them a follow up. If there is no response after a week or two, send them the follow up with a ‘thank you’ letter. The thank you letter is essential to reiterate your interest in and suitability for the role and to remain top of mind with the employer in a favorable way.
It’s easier said than done, but after an interview is over you should move on with your life. You aren’t going to know the hiring manager’s decision the same day (unless you are very lucky), so let go of all your worries and trepidations and start preparing for the next interview. Keep up that positive attitude and success is sure to follow! Do you have more tips to give for a successful job interview? Share them in the box below!
