INSIGHT

Site Map

CPL INSIGHT

Guide to successful interviews by Taiwo Judah

Interview Tips:

You have just received the letter you have been waiting for; an invitation for an interview at the company you have had your eyes on for ages. So what next? The tips and sample questions below should set you on the right track to a successful interview.

Prior to the interview:

• Ensure that you understand the requirements of the role for which you will be interviewed

• Research on the company's strengths and weaknesses

• Ensure you have the correct address and time information (call or email to confirm if necessary) 

• Have a value proposition i.e. why you should be hired 

• Learn some industry nomenclature or jargon so that you will not appear clueless but do not be afraid to ask for clarification if you are lost or unsure during the interview

• Prepare for a question on your area of weakness, and articulate what you are doing to improve 

• Do mini-compensation survey for the industry if you have the time

At the interview:

• Arrive at the venue on-time

• Confidence is key

• Be professional and courteous 

• Give a firm handshake

• Be short, direct and audible when responding to questions - but give details when necessary

• Use appropriate honesty

• Avoiding exaggerating

• Decline response to a question that you consider too personal and explain why you are not responding

• Be modest about your strengths but do give practical examples of situations in which you demonstrated those qualities 

• Pause to think (but not for too long) and compose yourself 

Sample Questions:

• Could you give a background of yourself?

• Describe your key professional or career achievement 

• How would you or (other people) describe yourself? 

• What do you know about our company, competitor, industry, products, people?

• How would you describe the current economic situation and what future do you forsee?

• What are the improvement areas in terms of policy making as it affects XYZ industry

• If you were the President's chief economic adviser, what three things would recommend he/she focus on?

• What do you do in your spare time?

• What motivates or inspires you?

• Who is your role model and why?

• What is your impression of our brand?

• What are your short and long-tem career goals?

• If you are made an offer today, when will you be available for employment?

• What is your current compensation?

• How many siblings do you have?*

• What is your favorite reading material?*

General:

• Dress formally except for specific situations/industries (inquire about the dress-code beforehand)

• Personal grooming- use deodorant or light perfume, use light make-up, use minimal accessories, manicure nails, polish shoes, ensure clothes are clean and crease-free, 

• Wear subtle and pale colors

• Ensure that whites are brilliant

• Ask questions about the company to build rapport

• Ask for feedback after the interview or when feedback will be available

• Maintain good eye contact

• Avoid suggestive gestures

• Thank the interviewer at the end of the interview and reiterate your interest in the company without sounding desperate

• Have writing materials and an updated copy of your resume handy

• Dress for the role i.e. as if you have the job already!

• Be prepared for spot offers and have a strategy for negotiating and dealing with such

• Be sensitive to political and cultural proclivities

• Apologise when necessary (e.g. for turning up late)

*Please note that different interviewers in the same company will sometimes ask similar basic questions about yourself to test your consistency in your answers. 

All the best in your next interview!

Submit an interview tip for publication or give us feedback on the usefulness of these tips. Email: information@capitalpartnersltd.com