A MUST READ!!!: Tips and Secrets to a Successful Job Interview

When applying for a role please endeavour to reflect what the recruiter is looking for on your CV even if it's only knowledge of the role. Many candidates operate on "CV auto send" it's not helpful. No one CV fit all roles, a little research on the role is useful before applying.

Recruitment interviews are essentially based around what is termed the 3 C's; Competency, Capability & Connection. 

• Competency: Questions seek to determine if you have the ability an an individual to do the job properly.
• Capability: Seeking to determine if you have the ability to perform or achieve certain actions or outcomes.
• Connection: Interviewers are keen to find out if you fit the organisation or close a gap; vision, organisational culture, shared values, etc

When invited for an interview, the recruiter is saying we think you CAN do the job, most candidates end up proving them WRONG!

Interview Tips: 

• Research the company; their background, the competitors, their market position, what are their future plans?
• Employers are not charity; they are recruiting to meet a need; understand and demonstrate how you can help meet those needs.
• Acknowledge everyone on the panel, don't ignore. When answering questions focus on who asked the question but make eye contact with others.
• When asked tell us about yourself is not the time to start your life history or start by saying..."My name is... I was born..."
• Ambush Interviewers by anticipating questions they will be asking you...but get your answers RIGHT!
• You don't have to know all answer to questions asked!
• Candidates who try to come up answers are sending a wrong signal you are saying in work situation, if you are unsure, you may not seek help!
• Interviewers know the difference between attempting to answer a question and trying to come up with an answer.
• It's OK to say "I don't understand the question". Human nature is such that d interviewer would rephrase the question for you to understand.
• Ask questions on how the company plans to respond to developments in the industry, new legislation, competition, etc
• "Finally, do you have any questions for us?" Never walk away from an interview without asking questions. Don't ask about pay, benefits though.
• "What is your salary expectation?" "Errrmm... I am sure you have a figure you pay for this role." Wrong, but most popular answer!
• After attempting to answer, most interviewers may turn round to ask for your views. Great opportunity to finish off the Interview. Good Luck

Top Secrets: 

• It’s OK to be nervous for an interview; the panelists are too, they are meeting you for the first time!
• What are your weaknesses? You are not a super hero. Never say you don’t have weaknesses.
• What relevant experience do you have? Match your skills with the job requirement as much as you possibly can.
• Use of ‘WE signify team work but can also mean you can’t work alone.
• The table belongs to the interviewer, ask to use or place your stuff on the floor next to you.
• The occasional long walk to the interview table may be to assess your confidence and how you carry yourself.
• Respect everyone you meet at the company. Interview starts the moment you step into the company not when you enter the interview room

10 Skills Employers Are Looking For:

1. Finally, are you are Thinker, Strategist, Doer or Talker?
2. Creativity and Innovation. Do you have the capacity to bring up new ways of solving existing or emerging business challenges!
3. Learning skills for ongoing self improvement
4. Do you have the following skills; Project management, presentation, business analysis, research, analysis, etc
5. Are you a team player who can also work effectively and efficiently alone?
6. Foreign language proficiency; French, Spanish, etc. (once searched endlessly for a Mandarin speaking Nigerian).
7. Planning and organising skills that contribute to long-term development. Self-management skills that contribute to employee satisfaction
8. Problem solving skills that contribute to productivity. Do you possess initiative and enterprise skills that contribute to innovation?
9. Execution and Implementation skills. Can you get things done?
10. Strong commercial focus and awareness; how can you add to achieving the corporate goal and bottom line?

With all these tips and secrets in mind, you're sure to land that job you've always wanted, Goodluck!!!

Shola Ajani
CEO HCAM Group: