How to answer interview questions to your advantage?

Thomas here again. Think of me as that mean brother who always tell it like it is. Today I want to take you through some of the mistakes we make when it comes to interviews.

With the sky high unemployment rates in Africa, scoring a job interview can be an achievement in itself. Thousands of people could be applying for the same position. The chances of being hired increase when called for an interview. More reasons my knees will shake and my hands would sweat whilst screaming in my head ‘don’t blow it man!’

Today's letter is simply to help you get prepared for your future interview. If you have the right mindset it doesn’t matter what questions they ask really. You’d be the best version of yourself hence you’d give answers that best describe YOU.

It’s NOT a job interview

Broaden your thinking. I remember on my first interview all I wanted was to get through that hour. I learned later on that it's really not about that hour. In most cases, your future boss will be part of the interview panel. Treat this as an introduction. Through your answers let him/her know what your work ethic is, how you plan to meet expectations.

We hear a lot about these days about branding yourself. With an interview you have one hour to introduce your brand. What are your core values? Skills can be taught. Not values. Sell what cannot be taught. Sell attitude. Sell great habits.

It’s NOT about you

Granted, the questions will be mostly about you, but dear friend the panel hasn’t booked off a whole hour out of their busy schedules just to get to know you. Curate your answers to support the company’s vision and needs. Spend hours studying the gaps in the company you wish to work with. What is it they really need? Fill in those gaps with your wonderful skills and personality. By doing that, you’ve just won their hearts.

Think about how you can help take the company to their next goal. For example: Monday Happiness has clients in the South and East Africa and is looking to tap into West Africa very soon. You’d to tailor your answers to how you’d fill that need. How precisely you’d take us from Kenya to Nigeria. Like that, you’ve just got yourself in my friend.

It’s NOT about the position

It’s true. You responded to a specific advert for a specific position. I’m here to kindly remind you what year it is. 2018. Things have changed. Innovative brands are looking for innovative individuals. Base your answers, not on the position rather on the overall vision of the department or company. Give concise answers that makes it clear that you understand the bigger picture.

I hope these tips can take you to the next level.

Keep hustling and keep in touch. For some straight up advice, use the contact form with the subject Thomas.

“If you have the right mindset, it doesn't matter what kind of question they ask really”