Volume 65 December 2026-January 2026 : Career Corner

INTERVIEW HEADS UP!!!

 

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

The most importance aspect of an interview is preparation. You have finally received that long awaited invitation for an interview. This shows that indeed your application documents ie cover letter; curriculum vitae and certificates presented were impressive enough to persuade the hiring manager to call you for an interview, as they are curious to find out more about you and if indeed you would be the right candidate for the position and the company.

 Even though you might not know exactly what kind of questions you will be asked it is imperative that you prepare answering questions that will relate to your experiences, accomplishments and other information contained on the curriculum vitae.

You can prepare yourself for interviews by doing the following;

Researching

Do some research about the company either through the company website, professional magazines, libraries or better yet contact someone who was/is in the same position that you are applying for whom can share their experience with you. You should gain knowledge on the mission, latest developments and intended future plans of the company.

 Self-assessment

Know exactly what the job entails in order to check if you possess the necessary qualities. Assess your weaknesses and strengths and determine how you can compensate for your weaknesses. Well sort after responses indicate to the interviewer that you know exactly what you want and feel you are have what it takes to succeed in the position.

 Know contents of your curriculum vitae

It helps to be familiar with statements on your CV as this will enable you to articulate with confidence your career objective, education, training and work experiences, discussing skills and achievements one has acquired during their work experiences. Relate your lessons learnt from past experiences to highlight skills acquired. Highlight examples showing effective communication, teamwork, being organized, adaptability, innovative, taking initiative and problem solving to mention just a few. 

 DURING THE INTERVIEW

 Managing expectations

• Dress neat and professionally, your clothes and accessory must not be over the top, just simple and elegant. (you look good- you will feel good and confident).
• The interview normally starts before you even get into the room, therefore arrive early so that you can mentally and physically prepare yourself. Use this time to relax and organize your thoughts.
• Have a firm handshake .
• Use good eye contact.
• Make sure your voice is audible enough.
• Show enthusiasm and smile.
• The best way to curb nerves is to stay positive during the whole time, breathe in and breath out…deep breathes!...and drink water as well.
• Ask the interviewer to repeat the question if you did not hear it clearly.
• Do not interrupt the interviewer whilst speaking.
• In delivering answers be as clear and concise as you possibly can, above all be honest.
• Once asked a question take a brief moment to think thoroughly about the answer especially if the question sounds tricky. Do not rush your answers.
• Make sure you have questions prepared to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. Such questions could include “How is the culture of the organization?”, “What is a typical day like?”, “What are the goals of the company over the next three years and how does the position and department factor in?” etc. Asking questions will help you paint a more complete picture of the company, which will assist in decision-making once offered the job.
• Do show the interviewer that you are serious about the job. Enquire about the next steps after the interview, for example, will there be a second round of interviews, when and how will successful candidates be notified. This will also help you to manage your nerves as you wait for the response and not be frustrated and panicking every time you have missed a call.
• Don`t forget to end of the interview by thanking the interviewer and bringing out that smile J

 AFTER THE INTERVIEW

 Exercise some patience when waiting: if the interviewer said they will respond after a week or that you should call in after some specified time, do not start calling the days before the agreed time as this can annoy the interviewer.

 Send a thank-you note: Sending a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview whether by email or handwritten note shows the interviewer how seriously interested you are.

 Keep researching about the company: this will better prepare you for the second round of interviews or any follow up phone call interviews if there are any. Think back through your interview at the brief discussions or questions you could not answer well and think about how best you could have answered them. This will help boast up your confidence for the next round of interview.

Accept rejection with kindness: It is ok if one does not become successful. It can be very frustrating and demoralizing but accept this with grace and appreciate the fact that you got the chance to practice for more interviews to come. You never know, the successful candidate might not do so well and you might be called back for the job- anything is possible. Instead, send a thank you note to indicate your appreciation for the opportunity that you were afforded with to interview for the job and wish the successful candidate a great journey with the company in his/her new role.  This will set you apart from the other rejected candidates and impress the interviewer or hiring officer.

Remember, count a rejection as a blessing in disguise. Having gone through the interview process means that you know what to expect now for your next interview with a different company.

It is also advisable to enlist the assistance of a career coach for preparing for interviews. A mock interview is a practice interview that an individual goes through, this is done under the same conditions as the actual interview and pretty much more or less the same general questions are asked and advise will be given on how to improve on your answers so that you ace your actual interview.

“We do not go to work only to earn an income, but to find meaning in our lives. What we do is a large part of what we are.” - Alan Ryan

 Contact me at ccbotswana@gmail.com if you need help in career advising, CV writing or preparation for interviews.  Best wishes!!!

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