Acing that Interview

Mastering interviews like every other human endeavour takes practice. Some people get to master it almost immediately while for others, it might take some time. In both cases, practice and more practice is important for mastering. I've told some people to apply for jobs they don't want just for the interview experience. There are other ways of course, just don't wait till you want a job to practice. 

In this short piece, I'm sharing some tips from my soon to be published book on career for graduates and young professionals. Details of this will be shared with you soon. Here, I'll talk about preparing for that interview and answering scenario based questions. 

 A. Preparation 

This doesn't necessarily need much introduction, but more on how one should prepare for the interview. I'll share 2 points. 

1. Start again from the job advert, study the job description to ensure you fully understand what's required. You do not have to know 100% of what the job description is about, sometimes even 60% is enough and of course a portrayal of your willingness to learn. This understanding gives you some level of confidence when you are being interviewed. 

2. Research about the company. If it is a public company, download their financials and analyse it, this will arm you with contents to speak about at the interview when it's time to ask questions or when they ask the "why us" question. Whether public company or not, Google the company, check their website, check for latest news about them, check Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Nairaland. You'll definitely find something about the company interesting to talk or ask about. Just find something. Interviewer's are fascinated when they hear you talk about them and ask intelligent questions about things they care about. Whether they are positives or otherwise. However, be smart if the news are negative, don't take sides, just ask! 

B. Use the STAR Method. In my experience on the other side of the interview table, I've come to appreciate more the responses from candidates that use the STAR method. This method is mostly used for scenario based questions. What is the STAR method? Situation - what was the problem? Task - what did you need to do? Action - what did you do? Result - what's the outcome? Google STAR method of answering interview questions for many examples and how to apply it. 

You can still contact me for your CV, Cover letter revamping, career counselling session and LinkedIn profile optimization.

Date of Birth on CV

Many have asked this question again and again, should you add your date of birth to your CV? The quick answer in most part is: NO.

But again it actually depends, especially in our Nigeria environment where age is a big factor in almost everything we do because of our culture.

One is advised to always adjust their CV to suit the employer's advert instructions. Most advert will include whether age or date of birth is required. Otherwise, please don't include it.

There's another reason why we may advise that you add your date of birth to your CV. And that is If you've finished your Degree and ACA and you're still 24 years old or less. Yes, there are some young chap with such credentials and some even with 2 years experience! 

In the US, it is improper to put your date of birth on your resume. The reason is simple. Age discrimination in employment is officially illegal, as long as you are 18 or older - https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-put-my-birthday-on-a-resume. The same applies in the UK.  

The important point to note about CV is that you should highlight the credentials that make you stand out. Something unique about you.

For your CV revamping, LinkedIn profile optimization and career counselling services, please contact me directly.