by Mayowa Ogundele

Many a times, job seekers are advised to Be Confident when attending a interview but we all know that no one goes to the battle front without the fear of dying. Likewise, the same thing with interviews.

We are scared of everything and want to ensure that everything w do, wear or say will be to the liking of the interview panel. If possible ‘sef’ our style of breathing would change… as long as we get the job!

Before you go though… this is NOT the creation of one of the many Human Resource agents you may or may not have heard of.

No!

This peice is a compliation of the tips i have used to ace the few interviews i have been privileged to attend. It may not be a one-size-fit all solution but i’m sure you’ll find it useful.

Many a times, we (job seekers) are quick to buy books, attend seminars by top guns in the ‘recriutment’ industy but never seem to take a necessary pause to inquire from those who have scaled the interview hurdle, successfully.

Now don’t get me wrong; i’m not saying my advice is better than that which such personnels may offer. I’m just encouraging you to check out some other avenues which would lead to employment street.

I have attended less than 10 interviews in all and i’m sure the following tricks would definitely prove a much needed arsenal at the battle front.

Trick One: Show Your 32: No thanks to many-a-dentist, many of us no longer have a complete set of teeth but whatever number you have; show it! No matter how tensed, close-to-poopooing-point you are …. ensure you flash a smile at every opportunity!

The first question an interviewer asked me when i walked into his office was, ‘Why are you smiling?’ My smile still intact, i replied, ‘i always smile’ … we have a chat and long and short is I Got The Job!

Smile at everyone. The receptionist, your opponents (other job seekers), the interviewers… no matter what happens keep smiling.

This shows the panel that you are at ease and confident. What’s more? That would create a lasting impression in their minds.

 

Moving on…

 

Trick Two:  Make them laugh! Just like trick one, making the panel laugh or smile is a way to trick them into believing you don’t have a million butterflies eating your insides up.

To achieve this feat, you don’t need to be a Julius Agwu or a Basket Mouth. All you need you is be alert to the many opportunities where you can chip in a joke or two. You can even make jokes about your self. make funny faces. Add charm to eveything.

Note: The flip side to this trick is, you don’t want to paint yourself as unserious! No company will pay you for cracking jokes! well, maybe basket Mouth’s company sha…

Be careful to not turn the interview into a circus. Just flow with the go.

 

Next…

 

Trick Three: Be Current! You probably have heard it a million times but here goes… You something about everything and everything about something! You won’t go wrong i tell you. You should be able to have an input or two in any side conversation that may pop up.

For instance, the interviewer may ask you about a current political/social/economic matter. This is a test to know what your opinions are how intelligent your comments will be.

Don’t fall my hand! You must have something to say (even if it’s a rumour you heard). However if you don’t, avoid the ‘Oga At The Top’ trap and ‘jejely’ say you are not up-to-date on that subject matter.

 

And finally…

 

Trick Four: Dare To be Different: If all the other interviewees have been ‘shakign hands’ and exiting the interviw room… do something that would stand you out! Drop a comment, make a compliment, request for a business card… guess what, you can even drop a quick prayer ‘God bless you.’

The whole idea is, do something they  would EASILY remember you by.

————————–

Curtains Closed! Got a comment or a trick to share? I would love to hear them. I’m on twitter @OhLuWaMaYoWa.

 

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.