HOW TO SUCCEED IN INTERVIEWS

In the above described scenario, every job seeker must prepare for his/her interview to ensure that the probability of success is higher than that of rejection. Here are some guidelines for success in interviews.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW: 

Know why you are interviewing for the position with this particular organisation or school system

Know the exact time and place of the interview and arrive a few minutes early to provide time to relax. 

Know the name(s) of the interviewer(s).

Dress appropriately. The way you dress has an effect on the interviewer's initial impression of you.

Exhibit good grooming. 

Sleep well the previous night in order to appear rested.

Be enthusiastic and interested. 

Have available additional copies of your resume, marks and references

Prepare your list of questions about the organisation and the position. 

DURING THE INTERVIEW:

Follow the lead of the interviewer initially. Greeting the interviewer by name is appropriate. Do not address him/her by first name unless invited to do so. 
Have direct eye contact. 
If the interviewer moves to shake hands, do so firmly. 

Do not chew gum or smoke. 

Be prepared for questions as soon as the interview starts. 

Be aware of your non-verbal behaviour. Maintain eye contact. 

Control nervous habits. 

Listen to the questions and answer them intelligently and relatively quickly. 

Conduct yourself as if determined to get the job you are discussing. 

You may have other irons in the fire, and the interviewer is aware of that, but you want to demonstrate your sincere interest in a position with his/her particular organisation. 

Ask questions that will provide helpful information and demonstrate your interest in the position. 

In closing the interview, as if there is anything else the interviewer would like you to discuss or do e.g. provide a copy of a project report. 

If you have communicated answers to the two questions uppermost in the mind of an interviewer- why are you interested in the organisation and what can you offer? You have done all you can. 

Thank the interviewer for his/her time. 

AFTER THE INTERVIEW: 

Be sure to note the interviewer's name and address. An easy way to do this is to ask for his/her business card. 

Keep a record of what the interviewer said. 

Send a follow-up letter or note to express your thanks and reiterate your interest in the position and the organisation. 

REJECTION FACTORS: 

Some of the major factors which may be evident in an interview and account for rejections in your job search are:- 

Lack of proper career planning-purposes and goals ill defined. 

Lack of knowledge of field of specialisation - not well defined. 

Inability to express himself/herself clearly. 

Insufficient evidence of achievement or capacity to excite action in others. 

Not prepared for the interview- no research on employer. 

No real interest in the organisation, just shopping around. 

Little interest and enthusiasm- indifference. 

Overbearing - overaggressive- conceited.

Asks no or poor questions about the job. 

Unwilling to start: at the bottom- expects too much too soon. 

Makes excuses, gives evasive replies. 

No confidence and poise - fails to look interviewer in the eye. 

Poor personal appearance.