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The Occasion

Think of a time when you have had to answer questions from a stranger(s) about yourself voluntarily (this is not about the personality interview for podcasts etc.). If you have not experienced an interview yet, you may surely expect to when you apply for any of the following in future:

·        a job that will launch your career in a particular field or one which is an upgrade from your current position

·        a place in an institution of study that will offer a foundation for the learning you seek and that may be a stepping stone to other life ventures

·        resources that will help you take your endeavours to a next level, or just give you the much needed break in life

The Purpose

In short, you are vying for something that is in limited supply and competitively sought. Being shortlisted for an interview means you have already shown many desired qualities. When you meet your interviewers, you want to present a compelling case of yourself - confirm the positive assessments and get the offer.

The Structure

For job applicants, it is common for recruiting organisations to run preliminary stages where you:

·        review case studies

·        take aptitude tests

·        give presentations or participate in group discussions

Of course, all depend on the nature of your application. Finally, you will meet your interviewers who will decide on whether you have all the desired characteristics they seek. Hence, you may expect possible discussions that relate to the following:

·        discussion of your values, plans, dreams and ambitions

·        explain decisions or actions that you took before

·        provide details of reasoning behind answers that you gave either during the course of the interview or earlier assessments

·        job related questions to gauge your skill level, character and temperament

Sharing my Experience

In an interview, you are in an uncertain environment. Strangers judge and assess you - no wonder you are anxious and nerve-wracked. As someone who has carried out job placement interviews during my previous career, let me share with you some characteristics of successful individuals:  

•         they are value-driven
•         they have the characteristics and aptitudes required for the job
•         they come across as genuine, are humble and likeable

These are subjective assessments that build on the job requirements. I hope to delve more into them in future by giving specific examples for you to relate.

My aim is to share insights and help you gain confidence in attending interviews. After all, you have it all in yourself already!