You might be noticing a little new-found free time amidst this pandemic. Maybe you’re unwillingly using that free time to stress out about when things will get back to “normal”. No? Just me? Okay… 

Although it’s nearly impossible to plan for your future right now, you can still be prepared. If you’re on the hunt for a job, why not use some of this free time to acquire some great skills to secure the job you want? 

Below are some tips for preparing and presenting yourself, as well as concluding the interview (because no one wants a great start and awkward finish).  

Prepare: 

• Examine the job description—is this the right fit for you? 

• Do your research—learn about the company that you are applying for. 
• Consider answers to common interview questions— (Visit here for examples: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/top-interview-questions-and-answers)   
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask—about the company, what it’s like working there, etc.  
• Print hard copies of resume make note of your skills that relate to the role and think of how your experiences and abilities can contribute to the overall goals of the department and company 

Present:  

• Speaking voice and body language—It’s important to have a lasting impression during the interview process, and that all depends on the way you carry yourself. Before the interview, practice speaking with a strong, confident tone, as well as having friendly, open body language.  
• Sell yourself— Whatever accomplishments you have, don’t be modest about sharing them during your interview. Your potential employer wants to know that you’ll be the right fit and that you can deliver something to the company, so they need to know all the reasons that you can provide that for them. 

 Conclude: It’s nearing the end of the interview and most candidates think about just that. But it’s too early to start patting yourself on the back—what you need is a strong finish! 

• Ask questions: The person(s) conducting the interview usually concludes it by asking, “Do you have any questions?” Use this opportunity to show you’ve done you research. Asking specific questions about the company, job position, and especially the inquiries that reference anything discussed in the interview, will show you’ve been paying attention and are genuinely interested in the position.  
•  “Do you have any concerns about my ability to do the job?” might seem like a counter-intuitive thing to ask. However, if they do have any concerns, asking the interviewer this will give you the opportunity to reassure them that you’re the right person for the job. Address the reason they hesitate to choose you, and at the same time, remind them of your strengths.  
• Other than ending on a polite note, what you want to do at the end of the interview is, again, show interest. (Of course, you don’t want to be too pushy about it.) Asking about the next steps and when you’ll should expect to hear a decision shows you’re proactive and ready to work. (Plus, you are not left waiting around, wondering when or whether you’ll hear from them again.)  

At this point, with companies adapting to the shelter-in, it is highly possible job interviews over video call will become much more popular. However, it seems that many are still trying to just stay afloat during this difficult time.  

Written by: Marusya Madubuko 

Citations: 

Beatty, R. H. (2004). The perfect cover letter. J. Wiley. 

https://www.coburgbanks.co.uk/blog/candidate-tips/closing-an-interview/