I recently just completed my first degree, a Bachelor’s in Information Technology with a major in data analysis. I have been doing projects to perfect my skills and learning as much as possible about the interview process.

 

During my research, I came across so much insight, and I couldn’t hold myself back from sharing the nuggets of wisdom I found. The result of this is this article.

 

Other factors come into play such as years of experience, but at least you’ll leave a memorable impression. And chances are, you’ll be contacted for future roles or even offered a different role.

1. Make the interviewer feel good about you.

Do the following three things to be able to achieve this:

  • Do not be late for your interview. It is disrespectful.
  • Be polite and demonstrate good manners throughout your interview. This includes your first walk into the interview building. Be polite to the reception staff you meet at the entrance, the hiring manager, and/or the panel.
  • Be appreciative. Make sure you thank the hiring manager at the beginning and end of your interview for allowing you to be interviewed for the position.

2. Demonstrate good interview technique.

Interview technique refers to how you present yourself during the interview. To demonstrate good interview techniques, do the following five things:

  • Knock before you enter the interview room.
  • Do not sit down on the interview chair until you are invited to do so.
  • Sit upright in the chair at all times.
  • Listen to what the interviewer is saying and demonstrate active listening skills.
  • Look at all the interviewers when you answer their questions. Don’t just look at the person who asked you the question. Look at all of them if there’s more than one interviewer.

3. Carry out research.

Do the following two things when conducting your research before your interview:

  • Research the job description.

Read it to understand what strengths are needed in the role and determine your responsibilities. When asked, ‘Tell me about yourself,’ tell the interviewer that you have read the job description and are confident you have the skills, qualities, and experience to succeed in the position.

  • Research the company.

This is so important! It is said that 92% of hiring managers fail people at interviews because they don’t know enough about the company. Before your interview, find out what the company does, look at its products and services, and follow them on social media to find out its latest news stories.

4. Take things with you to your interview.

Most people take nothing with them to their interviews. They just show up, answer their questions, and leave. Then they wonder why someone else got the job and they didn’t. Carry the following three things for your next interview:

  • Carry your resume/CV in a smart-looking presentation folder.

Have a few copies you can give the interviewer(s) and one for yourself that you can read through when asked to ‘walk me through your resume.’

  • Take a small notepad and pen.

This is for writing down anything of significance that comes up during your interview. It might be details about the salary offered or the job’s start date. You can also write down questions you are going to ask at the end of your interview so you don’t forget them.

  • Take along a plan of action.

This document entails what you’re going to do in the role if they hire you within the first 30, 60, and 90 days. When asked ’why should we hire you?’ this will be a good opportunity to give the interviewer your plan of action.

5. Always ask questions at the end of your interview.

It is said that 9 out of 10 candidates don’t ask questions at the end of their interview. This is a huge mistake. It is really important to ask smart questions. Asking the right questions further demonstrates you are the right person for the job.

But how many questions should you ask, and which ones? It is recommended to ask three questions, not more. Here are some questions you could ask.

  • What are some things you would need me to concentrate on in the role if you hired me?
  • Can you tell me more about the team I would be a part of in this role?
  • What would my success in the role look like 12 months from now?

6. Always send a follow-up email immediately after the interview.

Sending a follow-up email after your interview serves two purposes:

  • It puts you once again in the mind of the hiring manager. Most likely, none of the other candidates will do that.
  • It further demonstrates good manners.

Here’s an example of the follow-up email template:

Dear sir/madam,

 

RE: THANK YOU

 

I would like to thank you for the opportunity you gave me to be interviewed for the position with your company.

I thoroughly enjoyed the process and learning more about your company and the team I would be a part of in the role.

If you need any further information or details to help you make a decision, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Yours faithfully,

YOUR NAME

Well, that marks the end of this section. I would love to hear your thoughts on it below as well as anything that would help those of us looking for our first jobs.

Want to create projects for your portfolio? Check out my projects on youtube here. You can also appreciate my work with a coffee or two here.