Job interviews can be daunting. I know this because I’ve had my fair share. They’re even more nerve-wracking because employers don’t care if you’re a recent graduate; they want to know what you can do, what you have done, and your skills. The entire experience is usually nothing to write about, but with the proper preparation and mindset, you can ace the interview and land your dream job.
Are you a recent graduate with little to no experience in job interviews? I have prepared a comprehensive guide that will provide practical tips and strategies for interviewing and making a positive impression on potential employers.
1. Know Yourself:
This is the most essential guide to follow. Knowing yourself means that you recognize your skills, experiences, accomplishments, and career goals during your interviews. Be prepared to discuss how your highlighted skills align with the job requirements and why you’re a good fit for the role. Provide specific examples to demonstrate your capabilities.
I have two questions: Do you have skills (soft skills/hard skills) that you can highlight during your interview sessions? Do you have any work experience?
2. Have an in-depth understanding of the role you’re interviewing for
Research has shown that most interviewees, especially recent graduates, do not understand the role they’re interviewing for. Imagine asking a supply chain analyst to give you practical analysis examples, and they keep beating around the bush. As an interviewer, would you employ someone like this? There! You have your answer.
3. Practice articulating your strengths, weaknesses, and examples of past achievements-
it’s essential to acknowledge the things you’re very good at and those you’re not. Having a weakness is not a failure; you can decide whether to build on your weakness or not, but you must identify it.
4. Pay attention to your body language, tone of voice, and communication style during practice interviews to convey professionalism and confidence.
This is a life skill that should be learned. One thing you should know about interviewers is that they can sense low self-esteem or lack of trust just by looking at you. Hence, it would help if you built your confidence level.
These four tips are essential if you plan to attend an interview, especially as a recent graduate. The world has gone beyond attending interviews and letting your certificates/educational background speak for you.
Now, you have to allow what you know to speak for you.
Need more guidance about how to execute this?
Module 8 of the workplace foundational skills program at the Skilled for Work Academy by I-Train Africa covers more.
Learn more about our soft skills curriculum by visiting.
www.itrainafrica.com/workplacefoundationalskills
As Written By I-Train Africa in 2024