“Copper Wee” was the last word I heard from my friend, Kayode, as we both departed from the venue of our Place of Primary Assignment in Madalla, Suleja, Niger State. As I boarded my bus en route to Lagos, I just knew that my career status had transformed from being a student to an NYSC corps member, and now to a job seeker. I felt a bit apprehensive about how I would succeed in the job market, which seemed like a daunting task, jumping from one interview to another. However, I wasn’t totally pessimistic because I had attended numerous seminars on how to prepare for an interview and what to expect from the interviewer.
A few years later, and I’ve lost count of how many interviews I’ve attended. It’s safe to say I’ve become a professional interviewee. I’ve focused on who the interviewer would be, what they might want me to say, how I should dress, and other interview tips. I even perfected the art of the firm-but-not-too-firm handshake. Yet, today, as I received the SEO report from the IT department and saw that “INTERVIEWEE” was a top trend, it struck me: Have I ever considered the perspective of the interviewee?
Isn’t it funny how we spend so much time worrying about impressing the interviewer that we forget to think about our own experiences and feelings as interviewees? It’s like preparing for a date by only thinking about what the other person likes, and completely forgetting that you also have preferences. Let’s dive into the world of interviewees and uncover some surprising truths. Spoiler alert: it’s not all about the handshake.
Did you know that 92% of people feel stressed before a job interview? Despite this, millions of interviews happen every day, changing people’s careers and lives. Interviews are crucial points in our careers, often filled with stress and high expectations. This article will uncover surprising facts about interviewees, helping you understand the challenges they face and the strategies they use. We’ll look at the typical view of an interviewee, reveal surprising truths about interviews, share personal stories, and give useful tips for future interviewees.
The Conventional View of an Interviewee
An interviewee is evaluated for a job or opportunity by answering questions from an interviewer. Common perceptions include the need for a professional demeanor, with interviewees expected to look and act professionally, showcasing their best qualities with a polished appearance. They are believed to have well-prepared responses to common questions, demonstrating their knowledge and suitability for the job. Interviewers seek candidates with the right skills and experiences, expecting interviewees to highlight their achievements. From the interviewee’s perspective, the process involves extensive preparation, practicing answers, researching the company, and managing nervousness.
Hidden Stress and Anxiety
Job interviews can be highly stressful for many candidates, often leading to physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, or even panic attacks. This anxiety can significantly impact their performance. A survey by JDP found that 93% of job seekers have experienced interview-related anxiety. Take Jane, for example, who prepared extensively for an interview at a prestigious company. Despite her efforts, she became overwhelmed and froze during the interview, resulting in a poor outcome. Stories like Jane’s are more common than we might realize.
The Reality of Preparation
Many candidates are not as prepared as they could be. Some scramble to prepare at the last minute, juggling multiple responsibilities, while others rely heavily on online resources or try to predict questions. According to Glassdoor, the average interview process in the United States spans about 23.8 days, underscoring the need for thorough preparation, which is not always achieved. Even those who prepare thoroughly can falter due to unexpected questions or personal anxiety. The belief that preparation always ensures success is a misconception.
Interviewee Tactics and Strategies
Interviewees often use various tactics to stand out, such as tailoring their answers to reflect the company’s values, utilizing the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method, or mirroring the interviewer’s body language. According to a LinkedIn survey, 64% of candidates research the company before the interview to better align their answers with the company’s culture and values. However, while honesty is crucial, some interviewees may feel compelled to exaggerate their achievements, which can backfire if discovered.
Unseen Barriers and Challenges
Candidates from poorer backgrounds may face significant socio-economic challenges, such as lacking access to professional attire or interview coaching, which puts them at a disadvantage. A report by the National Bureau of Economic Research highlights that job applicants from lower socio-economic backgrounds receive 50% fewer callbacks compared to their more privileged counterparts. Additionally, interviewees may encounter biases based on gender, race, age, or other factors, which can unfairly influence the interviewer’s decision. Research by the Harvard Business Review indicates that resumes with names perceived as white receive 50% more callbacks than those with names perceived as African American. Furthermore, personal challenges such as health issues, family responsibilities, or lack of transportation can affect an interviewee’s performance and opportunities.
Tips for Future Interviewees
Future interviewees can benefit from practical advice such as thoroughly researching the company, practicing common interview questions, and preparing questions for the interviewer. To manage stress and anxiety, candidates should practice mindfulness and breathing techniques, conduct mock interviews to build confidence, and ensure they get enough rest and eat well before the interview. When navigating biases and discrimination, it’s important to know your rights and relevant laws, seek companies that value diversity and inclusion, and practice addressing bias-related questions professionally. For long-term career planning and continuous improvement, setting clear career goals, continuously learning new skills, and staying updated on industry trends are essential.
Conclusion
The journey of an interviewee is complex, filled with both challenges and opportunities. Understanding the hidden truths about the interview process can help candidates prepare better and approach interviews with more confidence. An interviewee is not just someone answering questions but a person navigating complex psychological, social, and professional challenges. As you prepare for your next interview, think about this: How can you be your most authentic self while showing your skills and experiences effectively?
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Inside Success Nigeria with a focus on supporting Nigerian Youths in Jobs, Training and Education has created a job series containing insightful and useful tips that would help Nigerian Youths in getting their dream jobs.
We would be fulfilled to hear that you performed well in your job interviews and most importantly that you got the job of your dreams.
If you have questions regarding how to succeed in recruitment and jobs, please, do not hesitate to send us an email at editorial@insidesucessnigeria.com
Share your experiences in the comments below!
Rhoda wishes you all the best in your job search.
See you in the next job series.
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