You’ve made it to the interview stage — congrats! That means your CV and application did their job. Now it’s your turn to show up, stand out, and secure the role. But in South Africa’s competitive job market, just “winging it” won’t cut it.
This episode is your no-fluff guide to nailing job interviews, whether they’re in-person or online.
1. Research the Company (Even a Little Helps)
Know what the company does, who their clients are, and what values they stand for. Just 15 minutes of Googling gives you:
- Talking points for the interview
- Insight on the company culture
- A way to answer: “Why do you want to work here?”
💡 Pro Tip: Check their website’s “About” page and recent social media posts.
2. Practice Your Story
They’ll ask, “Tell us about yourself.” Don’t recite your CV — connect the dots. Keep it short, confident, and relevant.
Formula:
“I’m a [qualification/role] with experience in [skills], and I’m passionate about [industry]. I’m currently looking for a role where I can [add value to the company].”
3. Know These 5 Common Interview Questions
Be ready for:
- “Why should we hire you?”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- “Tell us about a time you handled pressure.”
- “What do you know about our company?”
- “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
Write down your answers and practice them out loud.
4. Dress Like the Job Is Already Yours
You don’t need to break the bank — just aim for clean, simple, and neat:
- Shirt, blouse, or polo
- Clean shoes
- Minimal jewellery or makeup
- No chewing gum or hats
Online interview? Still dress well. First impressions count, even on Zoom.
5. Ask Them a Question
At the end, they’ll ask: “Do you have any questions for us?”
Don’t say “No.” Ask something like:
- “What does a typical day look like in this role?”
- “What do successful employees at your company have in common?”
- “When can I expect feedback on this interview?”
This shows you’re serious and engaged.
6. Follow Up
After the interview, send a short message or email:
“Thank you for the opportunity to interview. I’m excited about the role and look forward to hearing from you.”
It’s polite, professional, and helps them remember you.
Final Word
Job interviews are like performances — but the best ones happen when you prepare well and show up as your authentic, confident self. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be ready.
