Nearly 70% of hiring managers decide whether to move forward with a candidate within the first 5 minutes of a job interview. With tough competition in Nigeria’s labour market, job seekers face the challenge of making a strong and lasting impression quickly. Research also shows that candidates who prepare thoroughly before the interview are 40% more likely to receive a job offer than those who don’t.
It is noteworthy that job interviews are more than just meeting with a recruiter and answering whatever questions they ask. You should see them as an opportunity to showcase your skills and how well you fit with the company’s culture.
Failing to prepare or missing key moments during the interview can cost you the opportunity of landing your dream job. In this piece, we will walk you through proven tips to help you prepare, make a great first impression and show why you’re the perfect fit.
It is a common saying that he who fails to plan, plans to fail. The same is true for interviews. Preparation is the foundation of a successful interview. Taking the time to prepare beforehand can significantly boost your confidence and performance on the day. Here are some essential steps to help you get ready:
Research the Company
To make a good impression in a job interview, this is the first preparation step to take. Understand the organisation’s mission, values, products or services. This knowledge will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest in the role. Don’t go to the interview meeting blank. Visit the company’s website, social media pages, and look for information that will show you actually did your research in case you come across a question about the company.
Understand the Role
Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and experience required. Think about how your background matches these requirements and prepare examples that demonstrate your suitability.
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Practice Common Interview Questions
Although you cannot predict every question, practising answers to common ones, such as “Tell me about yourself” will help you articulate your thoughts clearly. Don’t forget to highlight your achievements with specific examples.
View Top 100 Common Interview Questions and Answers
Prepare Questions to Ask
Asking questions at an interview is an excellent way to make a good impression. Don't be like most candidates who say they have no questions when asked. Remember that interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, or company culture to show you are engaged and interested.
View 80 Questions to Ask at an Interview
Plan Your Journey and Outfit
Know the exact location of the interview and how long it will take to get there. Plan to arrive at least ten minutes early. Choose professional attire that aligns with the company’s culture.
Gather Necessary Documents
Bring extra copies of your CV, a list of references, and any other documents that may be relevant, such as a portfolio or certificates.
You’ve done the hard work of preparing, but the moment you step into the interview room, your first impression can set the tone for the entire meeting. Research shows that interviewers make rapid judgments within minutes, so making a positive impact from the start is essential.
Dress to Impress
Your outfit says a lot before you even say a word. Dress professionally and appropriately for the company culture. If you’re unsure, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than too casual. Clothes should be clean, well-fitted, and comfortable enough to keep you confident throughout the interview.
Arrive Early, But Not Too Early
Aim to arrive about ten minutes before your scheduled interview time. This shows punctuality and respect for the interviewer’s schedule without creating pressure by arriving too early. Use this time to collect your thoughts and mentally prepare.
Mind Your Body Language
Non-verbal cues speak volumes. Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and smile genuinely. These simple gestures can demonstrate confidence and friendliness. Avoid crossing your arms or fidgeting, as these can signal nervousness or disinterest.
Be Polite to Everyone
From the receptionist to the interviewer, treat everyone with respect. Sometimes the feedback from non-interview staff can influence hiring decisions, so it’s important to be courteous at every point.
Stay Calm and Positive
First impressions aren’t just about appearance. Your attitude matters. Take deep breaths, focus on being present, and maintain a positive outlook. Confidence is attractive, but avoid coming across as arrogant.
Once the interview is underway, how you communicate can make all the difference.
Listen Carefully and Respond Thoughtfully
One of the most important skills during an interview is active listening. Pay close attention to the questions being asked and take a moment to think before you respond. Avoid interrupting and ensure your answers directly address the question.
Be Clear and Concise
Keep your answers focused and to the point. Rambling or yapping can dilute your message and make it harder for the interviewer to follow your key points. Use specific examples from your experience to back up your claims.
Use Positive Language
Frame your answers in a positive way. Even when discussing challenges or setbacks, focus on what you learned and how you improved. Avoid complaining about previous employers or colleagues. This can come across as unprofessional.
View How to Answer What Is Your Weakness During an Interview
Show Enthusiasm
Let your passion for the role and industry come through naturally. Enthusiasm can be contagious and helps convince interviewers that you are genuinely interested in the position.
Mind Your Tone and Pace
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Talking too fast may make you seem nervous, while speaking too slowly can lose the interviewer’s attention. A well-modulated tone will keep the conversation engaging.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification
If you’re unsure about a question, it’s better to ask for clarification than to guess or give an unrelated answer. This shows you are thoughtful and want to give the best response possible.
Showing that you are the right fit for the role goes beyond ticking off skills on a checklist. It’s about convincing the interviewer that your experience, values, and working style align perfectly with what the company needs.
Link Your Skills to the Job Requirements
When answering questions, explicitly connect your abilities and past achievements to the key skills listed in the job description. Instead of just saying you have experience in a certain area, explain how it helped solve a problem or improve outcomes.
Share Relevant Examples
Use specific examples from your previous roles that demonstrate how you’ve successfully handled tasks or challenges similar to those you’d face in the new position. Concrete stories are much more persuasive than vague statements.
Show Cultural Awareness
Every company has its own culture and way of working. Demonstrate that you understand and appreciate this by referring to the organisation’s values or working environment. For example, if teamwork is emphasised, highlight your experience working collaboratively.
Be Honest About Your Strengths and Areas for Growth
Authenticity goes a long way. Be upfront about what you bring to the table but also acknowledge areas where you’re keen to develop. This shows self-awareness and a willingness to learn, which employers value highly.
Express Your Long-Term Interest
If you’re genuinely interested in growing with the company, make this clear. Employers want candidates who see the role as more than just a stepping stone.
The way you end an interview is just as important as how you start it. A strong closing can leave a lasting positive impression and set you apart from other candidates.
Express Your Gratitude
Always thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the role. A simple, sincere “Thank you for meeting with me today” goes a long way in showing professionalism and appreciation.
Reiterate Your Interest
Before you leave, make it clear that you are excited about the position and confident you can contribute to the company. This reinforces your enthusiasm and commitment.
Ask About the Next Steps
Politely inquire about what happens next in the hiring process and when you can expect to hear back. This shows you are proactive and interested in moving forward.
Avoid Bringing Up Salary or Benefits
Unless the interviewer initiates, it’s best to save discussions about salary, benefits, or other perks for later stages. Focus on demonstrating your value first.
View 10 Questions to Ask When Negotiating Salary
What you do after the interview matters just as much as what you did before and during. Many candidates overlook this stage, but it can be the key to staying top of mind and showing professionalism.
Send a Thank You Message
Within 24 hours of the interview, send a short and polite thank-you email to the interviewer. Mention something specific you discussed to make it personal, and restate your interest in the role. This small gesture can set you apart from candidates who don’t follow up.
Reflect on the Interview
Take a few minutes to reflect on how the interview went. What questions did you answer well? Were there any areas where you stumbled? Use this to improve for future interviews.
Stay Patient and Professional
Hiring decisions can take time. Avoid the urge to follow up too soon or too often. If the interviewer gave you a timeline, wait until that time has passed before checking in.
Follow Up Politely If Necessary
If you haven’t heard back after the expected timeline, it’s okay to send a short follow-up email. Keep it simple with something like:
“Hello, I hope you’re well. I just wanted to check in on the status of my application for the role I interviewed for. I remain very interested and look forward to any updates you may have.”
Keep Applying Elsewhere
Even if you feel confident about how the interview went, don’t stop your job search. Continue applying for other job roles until you receive a confirmed offer.
Even the most qualified candidates can miss out on a role because of small but avoidable mistakes. Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do right.
Lack of Preparation
Going into an interview without researching the company or role is one of the fastest ways to get rejected. Interviewers can tell when you haven’t done your homework. It shows a lack of interest and seriousness.
Talking Too Much or Too Little
Some candidates ramble and go off-topic, while others give very short answers. Find a balance. Your answers should be clear, relevant, and supported with examples but not a full life story.
Badmouthing Past Employers
No matter how unpleasant a previous job may have been, never speak negatively about your former employer. It can make you seem unprofessional and difficult to work with.
Being Too Casual or Too Formal
Overly casual behaviour like using slang, chewing gum, or slouching can hurt your chances. On the other hand, being too stiff or robotic can make you seem unapproachable. Aim for a friendly, professional tone.
Focusing Only on Yourself
While it’s important to talk about your achievements, make sure to also show how you can help the company. Employers want to know what value you’ll bring to their team, not just what you want from the job.
Failing to Ask Questions
When asked if you have any questions, saying “No” is a missed opportunity. Prepare thoughtful questions to show a genuine interest in the role and organisation.
Making a good impression in a job interview doesn’t happen by chance. It takes preparation, intentional communication, and an understanding of what employers are really looking for. Remember, your goal is not just to answer questions correctly, but to connect your skills and experiences to what the company needs. Wishing your success in your job search.
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