An interview session with Mr. Aga, an applicant for an advertised job opening.
Interviewer “welcome Mr. Aga, could you briefly introduce yourself to us”
Interviewee “Thank you for that question, my names are Dr. Chief, engr. Daga Aga, I hail from abariba clan where I am the head and most senior, my clan is in Aburo state, I like palm wine and stake, I sleep at 9pm daily and am up by 5am which is why I am never late to work, I like yellow girls and gambling and I am the most intelligent person you can find around”
Interviewer “Mr. Aga, can you please keep the response to your work experience and education in line with this job requirement.”
Interviewee “I was trying to ensure you know me better as what you ask for is already in my cv which you already have, unless you want me to read it to you again.”
Am sure you know how that job opening and the rest of the interview went for Mr. Aga.
When many of us are invited for interviews, we get nervous and scared, and anxiety builds up to the interview date.
Some prepare so hard but focus on all the unnecessary things and still fail the interview. Others prepare for all the intellectual items and forget to prepare their character too, so they fail the interview.
An interview is actually not an exam, an interview is a formal meeting between a candidate and a potential employer or representative of a company. Its purpose is to evaluate the candidate’s qualifications and skills, as well as to assess whether they would be a good fit for the organization. Interviews are a critical part of the hiring process, as they provide an opportunity for employers to get to know candidates beyond their resume or application.
There are several types of interviews that employers may conduct, including phone interviews, video interviews, and in-person interviews. Phone interviews are usually used as an initial screening tool to assess a candidate’s interest and suitability for the role. Video interviews are similar to phone interviews, but they provide a visual element and may be conducted using software such as Zoom or Skype. In-person interviews are usually conducted after the initial screening and involve meeting with the candidate face-to-face.
Sometimes we are asked questions we don’t quite understand or have an answer to. Do not be afraid to state that they rephrase the question or that you do not understand the question. If you are not sure of the answer, state it to the extent you know it and the attempt a response.
Preparation is key when it comes to interviews. Candidates should research the company and the role they are applying for, as well as prepare answers to common interview questions. It’s also important to dress appropriately and arrive on time for the interview. During the interview, candidates should be confident, friendly, and professional. They should listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions and provide thoughtful responses.
Interviewers may ask a variety of questions during an interview, including behavioral questions, which are designed to assess how a candidate has handled certain situations in the past, and situational questions, which ask candidates how they would handle hypothetical scenarios. They may also ask technical questions to assess a candidate’s knowledge and expertise in a particular field.
An interview is an assessment of the candidate for the job role, it is also an assessment of the company fit by the candidate. What does their culture seem like, how much do they respect their staff, how is the environment, who are the faces and personalities behind the company, are these people you would like to work with or is this a company you will be willing to work in?
After the interview, candidates should follow up with a thank-you note or email to express their appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is also a good opportunity to reiterate their interest in the role and to provide any additional information that may be relevant.
In conclusion, interviews are a critical part of the hiring process and require careful preparation and professionalism on the part of the candidate. By doing their research, practicing their interview skills, and presenting themselves in a confident and professional manner, candidates can increase their chances of success in the job market.
Thank you for reading.
Somtochukwu Ojobo
