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Succeeding in an interview begins with the presentation of a good curriculum vitae and acquiring additional skills.
Before attending an Interview, perfect your use of the computer, especially the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Know your would be Employer. It is foolhardy, for you to seek for an employment in a firm, when you do not know the founders of the company, members of the Board and Management.
Know the Company’s logo, mission statement, vision statement and core values. You can find about all these through insider’s information, or by any good online search engine,like Google. Almost everything, you want to know is on Google.
Many people are looking for Information, but they have them right there in their hands ,in their smart phones, but most young people rarely, “face their books”(permit the cliche), but they are mostly on facebook.
Be current and know about happenings in Society. One of my former students and now a colleague, got a job as a lawyer to a big bank, just by telling the Interviewers ,about Barrack Obama.
Learn alot about current affairs, before going for an interview. When invited for an interview, through a text message or email,acknowledge receipt of same and indicate you will attend, while thanking them for the Invite.
This will give you an amazing edge. Arrive at the Interview venue at least 30 Minutes before time. Never go late! You do not have a second time, to make a first impression.
Dress corporately and neatly, preferably in a clean or new suit and well polished shoes, that are Colour Co-ordinated.
The males should have a clean cut and a clean shave, while females, should have a neat and subdued hair do. Outlandish and flambouyant appearances, are always a turn off. When invited to converse with the Interviewers, knock on the door and do not open, until you are instructed to do so, doing otherwise, might cost you the job. Do not sit, until you are asked to do so and when you do, close your circuit.
When asked the first question, keep to the first rule, introduce yourself (name only), answer the question directly, do not digress, or go on a voyage of red herring.
Maintain eye contact, with all Interviewers, do not jump to answering questions, answer calmly and with confidence. Do not argue with the Interviewers, create an atmosphere of congeniality and be amiable in your demeanor.
Good luck.
Mr Ogbankwa is the Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association, Benin Branch.
