Tips on How to face an interview

When job hunting, most of us get excited when we hear our phone ringing and after our “Hello”, we hear these words on the other side of the line “Is this Mr.  Samson Kilima?”

A thousand and one questions pop into our heads. It’s an interview, it’s an interview!  The feeling you get when you are called for an interview is a bitter-sweet feeling. A part of you will be excited at the prospect of getting a job, but another part of you will be anxious and agitated thinking about the upcoming interview process.


What is it that gets people uncomfortable at the thought of an interview? When the time comes for an interview, fresh graduates start reflecting on what was learnt in University. For accountants we would revisit our trial balances, balance sheets, pick up a book on IFRS, etc. A Human resources graduate would look for the ELRA (Employment and Labor Relations Act). Do what we studied in University and how much we remember of it really play a big role in sitting for that interview and snatching the job?


How about doing a background check on the company you are being interviewed for? If your interview is for a Security Company surely you need to find out the origin of the company, the values of the company, the size of the company etc. How many people actually do this?

In addition to preparing yourself with material about the company, your theoretical knowledge of the job role and also a revision of your formal knowledge, you will also require the following tips:

• Arrive about 10 minutes early for the interview
• Put your phone on Silence mode ( It is very irritating in the middle of an interview to hear a phone ring)
• Make sure you are wearing comfortable and presentable clothing
• Relax
• Speak in an audible voice ( do not murmur)
• Nod your head occasionally to show you understand the question at hand
• Listen carefully when the interviewer is talking
• When you are asked a question you have no clue about, say it! Do not be afraid of saying you do not know. Answering rubbish is a complete NO.
• Answer the questions with enthusiasm and highlight your capabilities with examples
• Ask more questions about the company

Once you are equipped with the above, you will no doubt walk away smiling from the interview, even if you were not successful for the position. Although these are just tips, they will get you through the whole interview process and help you face the next one with more confidence.


All the best in your next interview.