Bridgia

Interviews

Job, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Resources

Overview

The employment selection process includes an important phase called an interview. The interview gives the employer the opportunity to ascertain whether an applicant’s qualifications, background, and personality match those of the position, and it also helps the applicants to know more about the role, and the company. 

The interview stage allows the employer or hiring manager to assess whether an applicant would likely fit in with the organisation’s culture. It also allows an applicant to ask questions or clarify doubts or questions raised by the hiring manager that stems from their experience, qualification or CV, Cover Letter, and other application documents.

  • Research the Company
    Spend a couple of hours gathering as much information as you can on the company from as many sources as you can – this will help you know more about the values, and vision of the company. You can also reach out to current and former employees of the company through LinkedIn to learn about the work culture and ask for a few tips that may be of help to you during the interview.

  • Learn everything you can about the job role
    Knowing what the interviewer is looking for in a candidate is necessary before you can impress them with your knowledge and experience. Most companies have a list of what they’re looking for in a candidate, so go back to the description you used before you applied. These are the things you should highlight in your interview.

  • Practice Possible Interview Questions
    Search for general and technical interview questions that align with the role you’re applying for and make a list of those. Begin rehearsing your answers to them once you’ve jotted down all of the questions you’ll likely be asked during the interview. You will feel more at ease throughout the interview if someone else is asking the questions.

  • Learn to Introduce yourself
    Oftentimes, to start conversations in an interview, the hiring manager asks the applicant to tell them about themselves. You must be able to introduce and interestingly present yourself – You can do this by telling a unique story that captures your growth as an individual and why you choose your career path or why you’re passionate about the job you applied for. This will make interviewers relate with you better rather than the formal “I am passionate, courageous, etc.” format.

  • Good Communication and Body Language
    Whether it’s an online or physical interview, one of the most crucial things a hiring manager or team looks at is your communication skills and body language. Always approach the interview session as a two-way conversation and make your responses direct, honest, and concise. Avoid using jargon or giving out the wrong body language while you speak or listen in an interview. It is okay to ask the interviewer to rephrase questions if you are unsure about what is being asked during an interview.

  • Ask Question(s)
    Do you have any questions for me/us? is how most interviews end, and you should have some questions to ask. This is the part where you get to ask questions that are pertinent to the position and business. You can write down your questions ahead of time and tick the ones that have been addressed as you discuss them during the interview – you can raise the rest of your questions at the end of the interview.

Here’s a list of questions to check your interview (virtual and physical) readiness:

  1. Have you researched the company?
  2. Have you googled or searched LinkedIn for the profile of the company’s hiring manager?
  3. Have you studied to understand the job role?
  4. Do you have an idea of the relevant skills needed for the role?
  5. Do you know how to get to the company’s location?
  6. Can you introduce yourself in one minute?
  7. Can you communicate how your skills fit the job role?
  8. Do you have follow-up questions for your interviewer?
  9. Do you know the dress code for the company you’re interviewing with?
  10. Do you have formal wear for a physical interview?
  11. Do you have a good internet connection?
  12. Does your device have a good camera that can show your face well?
  13. Does your device’s mic sound well?