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Bayo Adeyinka

31 Mar, 22 tweets, 4 min read

The Ten Major Components of A Successful Interview- 1

Last Saturday, I was a guest speaker at a seminar where I shared my thoughts on the 10 major components of a successful interview. It’s actually excerpts from the manuscripts of a book I’m putting finishing touches to.

Having sat on many interview panels and after having gone through quite a few myself, I have identified these ten areas as critical to anyone who looks forward to a more than average outcome.

While there may be no strict formula to gauge the eventual outcome, focusing on these areas will put you in pole position for the job barring any other consideration. They are:

1. Your Introduction
2. Confidence Level
3. Your CV
4. Your Knowledge of the Company and the Job Role
5. Your Communication
6. Personal Grooming
7. Skills
8. Career Goals and Aspiration
9. Leadership
10. Your Personality

I will discuss each of these areas in details.

1. Your Introduction - how catchy is it?

“Please, tell me about yourself”.

That’s most likely the first interview question the interviewer will pop at you- that is after dispensing with the formalities which is usually the interviewer(s) introducing themselves to you.

How you respond will most likely determine the direction of the interview.

Your introduction must be like a grand entry at an event where everyone has been waiting for your arrival. It is what will determine whether you will sustain the attention of your interviewer or whether they should make the engagement as brief as possible.

It’s an ice-breaker of sorts. It’s the first conversation between two complete strangers with one in particular longing to know the other.

Your introduction must be catchy but not verbose. I suggest that your response to that question should not exceed three minutes. Three minutes or less is enough for you to make a first impression. The attention span of most interviewers is usually short so make the most of it.

Your introduction should not be about regurgitating the contents on your CV- remember that your CV is most likely lying in front of the interviewer. Consequently, your response should contain significant information not necessarily found on your CV.

I find it ridiculous when candidates start by mentioning their names, sex, age, marital status, number of children and religion.

The interviewer already knows your name, can see that you’re either male or female, has information about your age and is not concerned about your religion or tribe.

You have wasted a significant portion of your time if you start that way. “Tell me about yourself” is not a question seeking for personal information.

The truth is that when that question is asked, the interviewer is looking forward to hearing how your experience, skills or qualifications tie to the job role you’re interviewing for. Do you have significant accomplishments and skills?

What significant experience do you have that you can mention? What are your strengths? Do you have soft skills that your prospective employer may be interested in? Do you have unique selling points? Do you have areas of expertise or specialization that relate to that job role?

Are there qualities that you can mention that can throw you up as a strong candidate for that position?

If you’re a recent graduate, your introduction should highlight your strengths, skills, academic qualifications, any involvement in leadership positions, volunteer activities and personal development efforts.

If you’re an experienced candidate, it is a good strategy to start with your current role and focus on your skills, achievements, etc as you demonstrate why you are fit for role.

Be positive in your communication and exhibit a high level of energy. You should practice your intro a few times before the main interview. Your major goal during the introduction is to connect with the interviewer and turn the interview into a conversation.

Be interesting enough to make the interviewer want to continue the conversation. Don’t be boring. Your enthusiasm must show in your voice. This is your opportunity to let your personality shine. Don’t miss it.

To be continued.

Bayo Adeyinka