Interview tips: Securing a new job in 2024

South Africa continues to deal with the challenge of unemployment. 

The South African Government's website reports that the official unemployment rate was 31.9% in the third quarter of 2023. The report explains that 'the number of unemployed persons decreased by 72,000 to 7.8-million during the same quarter'. 

Even those who have jobs might also be looking for greener pastures. 

If you fall under the category of the unemployed or are looking for another job, here are tips to help you nail the interview. 

READ: Three questions you should ask your interviewer

Brenda Smith, the founder of Ad Talent, shares her tips on what to do and what to avoid in a job interview:

DO’S

▪ Do smile

▪ Do introduce yourself clearly

▪ Do be punctual

▪ Do dress professionally

▪ Do listen to the question carefully before answering

▪ Do be prepared to answer basic questions

▪ Do have good posture, body language and good eye contact

▪ Do have a positive attitude

▪ Do show confidence, maintain poise

▪ Do be assertive

▪ Do remember the goal is to market yourself,

▪ Do show your worth, show how your experience would benefit the company

▪ Do bring a digital copy of your portfolio with on a laptop, iPad or tablet (if applicable). 

DON’TS

▪ Don’t bad-mouth previous employers

▪ Don’t, however comfortable the interviewer makes you feel, divulge minute details of your emotional and personal life

▪ Don’t arrive unprepared for the interview

▪ Don’t make excuses for failings

▪ Don’t give vague responses to questions

▪ Don’t express strong prejudices or any personal intolerance towards the company

▪ Don’t show any reservation about the company or position

▪ Don’t bring up money, unless they do

▪ Don’t leave your cell phone on during the interview

▪ Don’t chew gum. 

READ: Woman shares one question to ask in an interview to secure the job

More tips

• Most employers are looking for people who would be able to adapt to company culture. It's not enough to say you adapt to company culture, but, use your previous work experiences to acknowledge the importance of company culture and highlight how you were able to adapt to company culture.
• Showcase your creativity by talking about completed projects, and show a link between your creative skills and the position you’re applying for.
• Be yourself and show your uniqueness. Do not try and be someone else just to impress the people interviewing you. Allow them to hire you for who you are.
• Pay attention to the requirements and skills needed, and then think about examples from your past and current work that align with these requirements.
  
• When referring to your past victories, talk about the situation, task, action, and results to show that you are not just speaking from the head, but have practical examples of how you used your skill to benefit the company you worked or work for.

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Image courtesy of iStock/ @Drazen Zigic