Ready to ace that job interview? Say goodbye to interview jitters and hello to your new dream job when you make a good impression with these five preparation tips.
Annemie Burger, the HR Director at Penquin, has extensive experience and understands the crucial balance of finding candidates who not only have the skills to succeed but also align with the company’s values and environment.
Annemie explains that preparation is key and that applicants have one shot to make a lasting impression. She explains that there have been times where she has seen potential in a candidate, but they missed the mark when it comes to the interview itself. To help applicants put their best foot forward, Annemie shares five essential tips for young professionals preparing for a job interview.
Preparation is key
It might sound obvious, but preparation is critical. Take the time to research the company, understand its mission, values, and recent news. Familiarise yourself with the role you’re applying for.
“Ensure you know key information around the company and the role you are interviewing for,” Annemie says. “I often find that candidates don’t always make a real effort to come prepared.” Getting to know the company beforehand shows you’re serious about the job opportunity.
Think of thoughtful questions to ask
Don’t just wait for the interviewer to ask you the questions. Make sure you have at least five good questions ready to ask your interviewer. Not only does this demonstrate your preparation, but it also shows genuine interest in the role and the company.
“Asking thoughtful questions can help you gauge whether the company is the right fit for you and helps convey your enthusiasm for the position,” Annemie explains.
Know your own CV well
Annemie admits that it’s surprising how many candidates struggle to discuss their CV. Candidates should be able to comfortably discuss every aspect of their CV, including prior work experiences, skills, and timelines.
“Knowing your [CV] well shows that you’re confident and comfortable with your experience and what you bring to the role,” she says. “Be ready to provide detailed examples of your achievements and contributions in previous roles.”
Be prepared to discuss compensation
Be prepared to discuss your salary expectations if the interviewer chooses to ask this question. Do your research to know what the typical salaries for the position are, and consider your experience, skills, and the industry standard. It’s essential to know your worth, but you also have to be realistic.
“Don’t aim too high and risk pricing yourself out of the job,” Annemie warns. “Instead, have a range in mind that reflects both the market value and your qualifications.”
Master the STAR Method
One technique that can help you effectively communicate your experiences is the STAR method:
- Situation: Describe the context within which you faced a challenge or performed a task well.
- Task: Explain your responsibilities in that situation.
- Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the challenge or task.
- Result: Share the outcomes, highlighting your accomplishments and the impact of your actions.
This method provides a structured way to present your skills and achievements, demonstrating how you’ve handled specific tasks or projects in the past.
