JOB SEARCH IN TODAY’S LABOUR MARKET

The COVID-19 pandemic has no doubt altered the labor landscape. But that does not
mean that there are no new opportunities coming up. It is every job seeker’s prayer to
secure an appointment for interview – virtual or physical. In fact, most applicants would
say this popular line, ‘hope they even call me for an interview, so I prove myself’. But
what happens after you get that premium email notification or phone call or even SMS
inviting you for the interview?
Well, the purpose of this piece is to shade some light on this based on my experience
on both sides – as interviewee and interviewer.
So, you have been invited for an interview, what should you do? For most people, and
especially if you have been searching for job for long, will start imagining life on the job
and not how to convince the interviewer(s) in order to get the job. Candidates who just
want to switch jobs or looking for greener pastures may assume so many things. 
Irrespective of the cadre and sector you are interviewing for, every interviewee should
pay attention to the following;

1. Understand the job description: The hiring manager would want to establish your
   suitability for a defined role and you had the privilege to review this before you sent your
   application. Each line in that roles and responsibility section is as important as the job
   profile itself. Read the details and internalize these before you appear. 
2. Know the hiring organization: Beyond the name of the company in the advert, what
   else do you know about them? It is important that you do your research well and
   particularly in relation to the role you are interviewing for. Ground intelligence would aid
   you but these days most organizations are online. LinkedIn has a feature that gives
   hints on connections who work where. Take your time.
3. Package your documents: These days some organizations have phased approach
   to interview and do not necessarily require your certificates at the first instance. Even if
   you carried them to the interview do not reveal these on the table until you are
   requested. Unless it was expressly stated as requirement during interview. However,
   should you get the opportunity to show them, how do you present the documents? How
   you organize and present your documents reveals a lot about you in terms of personal
   organization. Get a nice document wallet and arrange your documents to follow the
   sequence as in your CV. The era of using brown A4 envelopes is long gone. Change
   with the times. Academic certificates should be laminated at best or not be folded or
   bear any scratch. It shows that you value your documents. 
4. Groom yourself: Personal grooming earns you marks even before you open your
   mouth. Check your hair, nails, mouth and body ordour. If you sweat a lot under pressure
   then look for appropriate deodorants or put on clothing that will conceal the flow of your
   seasonal river. 
5. Prepare for interview questions: Often people ignore the value of preparation. Do
   simulation or rehearse with a friend or look for a coach to take you through this process.
   Simple questions like, ‘tell me about yourself’, or ‘tell me why you qualify for this job’,
   can leave your mouth dry or see you fumbling like a lost sheep in the forest. Even when
   you are interviewing for a promotion or with a panel that knows you, it is critical not to
   assume this fact. Be original and cease the opportunity to market yourself. Do not fake
   your ascent to impress! It will betray you.
6. Know your worth: The most difficult question for interviewees is the salary
   quotation. Yet this should be the simplest to answer. If you went to school and acquired
   papers genuinely, then you should know your worth depending on which role you are
   interviewing for. Please never say, ‘ salary does not concern me, oh I can take anything
   you offer’. My friend then you should never have gone for that interview in the first place

• you do not know what you want. If you did your research well then you should by now
  have an idea of the salary range for that role. They advertised for that role because it
  fell vacant, they need it filled, and they budgeted for it. So be honest with yourself and
  save the interviewer’s time. 

1. Prepare to ask a question: Be fair to the panelists. Imagine they have asked you
   questions for close to 2 hours and then you want to just leave after saying, ‘no question’.
   By asking a question or two, it demonstrates that you are a worthy candidate who did
   his groundwork well. It also shows that you are confident about yourself. Remember,
   this is optional, so take this opportunity only when you have a genuine and credible
   question. Be smart here or spoil the show for yourself.