Job interview preparation: A comprehensive guide from an HR Expert
For many young South Africans, the transition from a student career to entering the job market is both exciting and nerve-wracking.
The reality of job hunting in South Africa can be daunting, especially with high unemployment rates and a fluctuating economy.
However, preparation can make a huge difference. Whether you are a fresh graduate or entering the workforce for the first time, there are essential steps to ensure you are ready for that all-important job interview.
It’s normal to feel nervous before an interview, especially if it’s your first one. Anxiety is a common feeling among young professionals, and many have voiced concerns about being judged or making mistakes.
The key is to remember that interviews are a two-way street—it’s not just about them evaluating you, but also about you deciding if the company is a right fit for you.
Annemie Burger, HR director at Penquin, one of South Africa’s leading brand and communications agencies, has a wealth of experience in identifying and placing the right talent.
Over the years, she’s honed her ability to match candidates not just to the role, but also to the company’s culture.
Burger’s approach goes beyond simply ticking the skills box; it’s about finding individuals who align with the company’s values and can thrive in the specific work environment.
To help young professionals put their best foot forward, Burger shared five essential tips for a job interview:
Do your homework
Preparation is everything, said Burger. Candidates who research the company, its values, and its recent work stand out more.
Take the time to thoroughly research the company, understand its mission, values and recent news, and familiarise yourself with the role you’re applying for.
“It shows that you’re serious about the opportunity and that you’re interested in the company beyond just getting the job."
Know your résumé
It’s surprising how many candidates struggle to discuss their résumés. Candidates should be able to comfortably discuss every aspect of their CV, including previous work experiences, skills and timelines.
“Knowing your résumé well shows that you’re confident and comfortable with your experience and what you bring to the role,” she said.
“Be ready to provide detailed examples of your achievements and contributions in previous roles.”
Know the role inside out
Understanding the job description and knowing how your experience aligns with the role is critical. “If you can’t explain how your skills meet the job requirements, it’s hard for the interviewer to see you in the role.”
Show your personality
Skills can be taught, but personality and attitude are key. Candidates are encouraged to let their personality shine through, as employers are just as interested in who you are as a person as they are in your qualifications.
Ask insightful questions
An interview is a two-way street. Asking thoughtful questions about the company’s culture, team dynamics or future goals shows that you’re not only interested in the position, but also in how you can contribute to the organisation’s success.
Be ready to discuss salary
While it may not always come up in the first interview, be prepared to discuss your salary expectations if asked.
Research typical salaries for the position and consider your experience, skills and industry standard. It’s essential to know your worth but also to be realistic. “Don’t aim too high and risk pricing yourself out of the job,” Burger warned.
The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is a great way to structure your answers to competency-based questions. Many South African employers use this technique to assess how candidates handle real-life situations, said Burgers.
For example, if you are asked, “Tell us about a time you worked in a team to solve a problem,” you can apply the STAR method like this:
Situation: “In my final year of university, we had a group project where the deadline was tight.”
Task: “My role was to coordinate the efforts of the team and ensure we met the deadline.”
Action: “I created a schedule, delegated tasks based on each person’s strengths, and encouraged regular check-ins to track progress."
Result: "We completed the project on time, and it was one of the top presentations in the class.“
This method provides a structured way to present your skills and achievements, demonstrating how you’ve handled specific tasks or projects in the past.