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It’s never easy to be cross-examined by potential employers but research shows that preparation and planning makes selling yourself in an interview far less stressful.

Here are a few tips from ServeSA’s Thobeka Zwane (Recruitment Consultant):

1. Start by researching the company and your interviewers

Understanding and knowing the company can help you to go into your interview with confidence. Use the company’s website, social media posts, LinkedIn profiles and recent news releases to provide a solid understanding of the company’s goals and how your background will make you a great fit.
 

2. Prepare for common interview questions

Most interviewers will ask: “Tell me about yourself. Why are you interested in this role?” Plan an answer so that you can communicate who you are and what value you will bring to the company and the role. Practising your answers out loud is the most effective way to prepare. You’ll find you gain confidence as you get used to saying the words.
 

3. Re-read the job description

You may want to print it out and try to understand which specific skills the employer is looking for. Think about examples from your past and current work that align with these requirements.
 

4. Use the S.T.A.R method in answering questions

Prepare to be asked about times in the past when you used a specific skill and use that to tell stories with a clear Situation, Task, Action and Result.
 

6. Prepare a portfolio of your work

During the interview, you will likely be asked about specific work you’ve completed in relation to the position, so think of work you’ve done in past jobs, clubs or volunteer positions that shows you have the experience and are successful at doing the work they require.
 

8. Always ask questions – job related questions

Employers expect you to ask questions: they want to know that you’re serious about what it would be like to work there.

Here are some questions you may want to consider asking your interviewers:

• Please explain the day-to-day responsibilities of this job.
• If I were in this position, how would my performance be measured?
• Which teams will I collaborate with?
• What are the challenges you’re currently facing with this role?
• Please tell me how you operate with regard to Covid protocols and lockdown.



 
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9. Salary/Remuneration

• Always research your market-related salary.
• Make sure you are well prepared to have a meaningful discussion about your salary expectations.
• Don’t be shy to ask for an example of what your payslip would look like. (Tip: Use TaxTim to calculate your net salary – https://www.taxtim.com/za/calculators/income-tax).



 
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ServeSA pledges to keep you posted on life-changing tips to ensure you always are a step ahead.

Stay tuned for our next article!