The Do’s And Don’ts To Observe As You Await To Be Interviewed.
By Ruoro Kairu
The other day, I was leaving work after a busy day. I waited for the elevator and when the doors opened, I got in, turned to my phone, and started catching up on my texts and chats from earlier on. When we got to the ground floor, I started walking out. I hadn’t noticed an older gentleman who was in the lift as well. I bumped into him while trying to get out.
Guilt and shame overtook me and I quickly put the phone into my pocket and opened my mouth to apologize endlessly. Afterward, I got thinking; what are some of the things we fail to notice at routine times?
Are there times we miss out on opportunities because we fail to take cognizance of the factors around us?
To many job seekers, one of the most trying times is when they are about to be interviewed. You have a thousand and one thoughts racing through your mind.
There are certainly acceptable and welcomed behaviors, as well as those that are highly frowned upon and could end up costing you the job.
Here are a few do’s and don’ts to consider while waiting to be interviewed.
1. Do remain calm
When most people are minutes away from being interviewed, they tend to get nervous and either fidget or pace around.
It is important for you to remain calm as you wait to head into the interviewing room. A calm relaxed state will give you a demeanor of confidence and determination.
When you pace around, you end up stressing yourself and looking unprepared for the position.
If you have trouble calming down, take a few subtle deep breaths and focus on the moment.
2. Do organize your documents
In reality, you ought to organize all your documents long before the interview. However, it is important to give them one final peek before meeting the interviewers.
At this stage, you just want to ensure everything is in order, and when you’re referring to a document, you can easily locate it amongst your documents.
However, do not use this time to go through the fine details of your CV –this too should have been done long before. When you start analyzing the information on your CV, you might end up cramming the content which will make you sound inauthentic throughout the interview.
3. Do use the washroom
During the interview, you want to put your best foot forward. From the way you talk, walk, and even dress, you want to ensure you’re portraying your positive qualities.
Chances are, you left the house all dolled up. However, from your house to the interview, a lot can happen. So take a few minutes in the washrooms, ensure your clothes are on right and that you look presentable.
Minute details such as how square your collar is could help you look professional.
4. Don’t use social media
It probably sounds harsh, but you should keep away from social media platforms. Bad news has a tendency of spreading like the proverbial bushfire. You could see news that could disorient you through the interview.
Both pre-interview and through the interview, the rule of thumb is to have your data switched off, and your phone on silent mode.
5. Don’t be late
Another golden rule of the interview process is to observe time. You should arrive at least ten minutes before the interview commences. You do not want to be tardy as it will depict you as unprofessional. You also don’t want to arrive too early as the interviewer could have other duties.
If you arrive too early, you can look for a calm place to sit and collect your thoughts.
6. Don’t be rude to the support staff
While they may seem like an inconsequential part of the equation, they can help make the decision on whether you get hired or not.
From the guard to the tea girl, ensure you’re kind and considerate to everyone you meet. Some interviewers have been known to consult the support staff on your conduct.
Quick Read>>> How Interview Coaching Helped Me Land My Dream Job.
To get the job you have applied for, you will need to observe your conduct before, during, and after the interview. If you wish to ace the interview and sell your skills, you might need to enlist the services of an interview coach. You can book for a one on one mock interview training with us through events@corporatestaffing.co.ke. Remember to attach your CV and job advert for the position you have applied for, and we shall contact you on how to proceed.