If there is one thing harder than being a university student in Kenya, its being a Graduate thereafter. As much as getting a job should not be as hard as it clearly is, youth unemployment is a problem taking over Kenya like a plague.
The hardest part being just getting and standing out in an interview.
You’re fresh from university and have been filling out hundreds of applications on a daily and then finally, you get that call inviting you for an interview. This is usually where the nerves kick in because you don’t know what to wear, how to predict what you will be asked and how the interviewers will come across as well as how you will come across to the interviewers.
Here are key points to get right at the interview and increase your chances of securing the job.
Arrive before time
If your interview is for 9.00 am then aim to be there at least by 8.45 am. This will give you the chance to even freshen up, deal with any interview jitters, read through your interview notes and if by any chance there is a long security check process, because of arriving earlier than your set time you won’t feel rushed or delayed.
To arrive fifteen minutes before set time is to be early, to arrive on time is to be late and to be late is unacceptable.
Do dress to impress
Always invest in getting smart outfits that will help you complete the image of a worthy future employee. Also, learn to dress for the ideal job interview, if it’s a typical office type of job then a suit and simple jewelry will be an ideal choice. However, if your interview is for fashion and/style company then be creative with how you put your outfit together, make sure you look trendy yet smart enough to stand out the right way.
Always remember there is no second chance of making a first good impression.
Come prepared
Make sure you have carried a copy of your CV, even a print out of your job application if needed or even your portfolio if it applies. The interviewer may not even ask for it but it’s better they don’t ask and you have it than them asking and you don’t have it. Also, make sure you research on what the company does because they will more than likely question what you know about them and perhaps even your understanding of the role applied.
As the quote goes, it is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.
Do not give false information
You have been invited for an interview because of what they liked from your CV and/or Job application. So, if you do not match their acceptations at the interview stage then it may come across as if you had embellished on what it is that you have done in the past as well as what you are currently doing. Another scenario could be that you end up getting the job but your references won’t match what you said you have the ability to do and in due time it becomes apparent that you had lied in your CV and during the interview. This could lead to being blacklisted as never being able to apply at that particular company or any other company they might have an association with.
Lies always have a way of catching up with you, so get in the habit of being truthful.