15 Things Potential Hopefuls Overlook in a Job Interview

I happen to work in an environment where I see people come in their worst and their best to get the job of their lifetime. I see hopefuls cut their little thread of hope by being unprepared and I see the non-hopefuls channel their shortcomings to their advantage.

I have seen dreams shattered and hopes come alive. I have seen the victory dance and the Yes fist in the air, and I have seen that face of failure hanging on a shoulder of defeat.

You Create Your Own Luck

I have seen the unqualified get hired and the qualified got turned down. This is not luck. We create our own luck. As the ever true saying goes…

‘’If you fail to prepare then you prepare to fail’’

I can go on and on but let’s get to the list.

1. First impression goes a long way. Ladies, this goes all the way right up from your attitude and all the way down to your appearance. Smile and be polite (you have nothing to lose) smell good and look good. Clean and professional hairstyle and no clownish make-up. Ditch the prestige hats and the extra accessories you’re not going for a fashion show. The heels you can barely walk in…please no! You want to look your best and be your best because only the best tends to get employed. Believe it or not, I have seen people get hired just because they’re likeable and approachable. Don’t forget the minty fresh breathe and smile the heck out of your jawbone. 

1b. First impression: Guys, that baggy jeans and the trainers, those rings that look like they’ll knock me into 2017 and that funky attitude, ditch it. Keep it formal. Even if you’re going for a janitor’s position dress immaculately so they won’t forget you easily. And I do not mean wear that yellow Polo t-shirt. Imagine you’re going on a date, a date with success. Dress like you want to leave with the price, dress and look like success. No gangsta movement. Gangstas don’t smile? My little gangsta looking for a job, be prepared to smile like a Cheshire cat!

2. Be prepared: I cannot stress this enough. We live in an era of smart phones and people get late for interviews with the lamest excuse that they got lost. If it’s going to get you that job and if you really want the job, find the location few days before, or you can leave your house very early. There’s nothing wrong with being early. You can go to the nearest coffee shop and revise your notes to kill time.

It's NOT Magic

3. Research the company: One question you can’t escape from is the ‘’tell me what you know about our company’’ In my experience every employer wants to know that you care and want the job that much to spend 15/20 minutes on their website researching and finding out vital information about their company. Research the company’s policy and what they do and what they stand for. Research their recent downfalls and successes, their newest innovations and future plans. Imagine the kick you get when your significant other remembers the tiniest details about you. Yea that.

4. Be polite: From the janitor to the receptionist, they all count in your steps towards success. Just a little secret, sometimes your fate lies in the way you greeted and treated that cleaner and receptionist you thought was ordinary. The same respect you have bagged for your future CEO or interviewer make sure you have the same parcel for anyone you meet along the way. They all count. 

5. Be articulate: Speak like you mean it in a clear and attention-grasping tone. Be audible, concise and avoid mumbling. The essence of communication is to be understood and if I can’t understand you then you’ve defiled the purpose of it all. Do use proper and simple grammar to put your point across. It is not a vocabulary test, and people are hardly ever impressed with big words. Do not shout at your interviewer, that’s rude.  

6. Confidence: See it’s all a chain work. If you’re well prepared, you tend to ooze more confidence than the applicant who is not.  Even if you’re boxing above your weight with the job you’re applying for, be confident and do not try to bullshit your interviewer, they’ll know. No one likes to be taken for a fool. Sit uprightly and look them in the eye and keep handshakes very firm, don’t break a finger though. Be confident but not arrogant. Remember they need you as much as you need them and you’ve gotten this far so you must have done something right up to this point so keep your head up. You can do this.

Be Confident but Not Arrogant

7. Be Honest: If you’ve thrown few lies in your curriculum vitae, be sure to know those lies by heart. In my opinion, avoid the deceit because it always comes back to bite you. Most times we think employers want the qualified and the applicant with the big vocabulary but really they want the person who is willing to learn, honest and reliable and is passionate about the role. After all, they just want their money’s worth and the job done.

8. Ignorance is not Bliss: know the names of your interviewers, the name of the company (yes I have seen people who don’t have a clue as to which company they’re seeing) that is the highest sin in my books. Know what the company does, be aware of the time of your interview and know what department you’re interviewing for. Be in the know and learn how to pronounce the names of your interviewer and that of the company. Don’t chance anything.

Preparation Is Everything!

9. While you wait: Don’t make yourself a cup of coffee even if you’re offered because if it spills on your crisp shirt, you do not have a valid excuse for that recklessness. Instead, opt for tiny sips of water to calm your nerves. Revise your notes or better still read magazines and articles from the reception. They might give you few tips and insights on the company.

10. Ask questions: In life as in anything if you refuse or fail to ask questions, this will indicate that you’re either satisfied or comfortable (it’s not a good place to be during interviews) or employers will think you’re not that passionate about the role. Or maybe you’re not too interested. Ask and ask questions but do it in a polite manner. 

11. Listen: Believe it or not, part of getting the answers right is by listening. Some of us can’t wait to answer, so we listen with the intent to reply and not understand the question. Listen attentively and if by any chance you are not sure, ask for it to be kindly repeated for you. No shame in asking. 

12. Tell me about yourself:  This is one tricky question. This is the time to sell yourself and channel every damn thing you’re saying to your advantage and make it relatable to that job description. This is not the time to showcase your endless collection of Michael kors watches or explain your love for Paddington your dog. This is time to show the interviewer you’re worth their time. Tell them about your attributes and past achievements not about Nemo your fish.

13.   Your strength and weaknesses: Hold on, this is not the time to open your skeletons or start acting like you’re the best thing since slice bread. When you highlight your strengths, make sure it has everything to do with the role you’re applying for. Do not go on about your achievements on call of Duty nor your ability to twerk like you’re spineless. When you speak on your weaknesses, make sure you highlight the fact that you’ve learnt from it and you’re a better person now. Don’t drag yourself in the mud and expect your interviewer to pull you through. That’s not their job. 

14. Fidgety and nervousness: Sit still. No fidgeting, no wandering eyes. Avoid the extra hand gesticulation, seriously not needed. Keep calm because it is only when you’re calm you can deliver your best. Pace yourself and smile, do not giggle like a village idiot. If you do not know the answer, do not be afraid to say you don’t know. Remember the reason why they’re even interviewing you is because they have seen you as a potential, don’t blow it up. 

15. Negativity, unprofessionalism and etiquettes: No chewing gum, or sweets or mints. That is bad manners but I’m sure you know that already. Do not forget your please and thank yous. Manners maketh man. Don’t pick your nose or eyes or bite your lips and of course phones on silent. Avoid saying err mm and hmmms, if you need time to think a bit, have a sip of water in front of you, that’ll give you few seconds of thinking time. Do not speak ill of your last or present employers to your potential even if they treated you like were Cinderella. That is bad, very bad and unprofessional. They will dig for dirt, it is their job but do not succumb to it. Rise above it. Be a professional.

However...

These are no hard and fast rules, these are just guidelines. These are the petty things I have seen hopefuls lose their place over. Do not be that person. Always be prepared, in any situation. Dress for the occasion and be pleasant at all times, no matter how bad you’re feeling. Be a professional. 

Even if you do not get the job, getting an interview is still a level of success. You learn from it and get ready for the next one. Deep down, understand that you did all you could to the best of your ability. And that’s okay!

If you fail to get the job don’t beat yourself up too much, use that energy to fuel your next move. Do not stop because of few setbacks. Be persistent and consistent till you get what you want. Hard work pays!

Always!

If for any reason you’re not going to be offered the job, let it not be because of your unpreparedness and neglect.

Again I want you to understand and be okay with the fact that you can do all the right things and still not get the job. It wasn’t yours. It wasn’t your time. As in everything, pray and seek the face of the good Lord. He knows best. But remember God help those who help themselves. So put your back into it!

...And Never Give Up!

Till Then...


xoxo

15 Lame things we do on Instagram

I strongly believe in the notion,

‘’Do what makes you happy and allow people to do what makes them happy’’

But sometimes we misuse our rights, failing to realise that to every right there is a responsibility. Some people do misbehave on social media, like they torture you all the way to the block and unfollow button.

It shouldn't be like that.

When a Smart App is left at the mercy of a not so smart generation. Guilty as charged

1. What if I told you that you don’t have to tag me when you comment under my posts on Instagram? Yea Instagram got that covered!


2. If I like 10 of your pictures and you start feeling Instagram happy and do a screen shot of my likes, just know I’ll never be that happy with your pictures again. Why would you want to put me on a blast?! I thought we were friends...boohooo


3. Oh so you can sing? You’re so talented. I wish I can sing. Errrr No! Stop right there. The shower is there for a reason, use it my friend. Even I sound good in the shower, you should try it some time.


4. You’re on private, with 2 posts and 300+ friends and following 1250 people….Why? What is your purpose on Instagram? Do not follow me.


5. You’re bored so you decide to empty your 1995 album on Instagram. Stop it...what a torture!

Really..?!

6. One outfit, same location, same occasion, different pose….allow it fam! It's Instagram not hi5


7. I love my active users on Instagram, in fact I consider myself one but honey, variety is the spice of life. Mix it up, don’t bore me with the 10 selfies a day, that is not what the doctor prescribed. Have you changed that much in 2 seconds?! I think not.


8. Bomb-ass picture with the lamest caption ever! I have held a like back because of this misbehaviour…yes I am guilty! That clever caption that normally looks really irrelevant under a great picture....yea stop that intelligent parade! Let the picture do the talking.


9. You’re eating your rice and stew and for some reason the taste flew to your brain so you decided to take a picture of it and post on Instagram. Rice and stew....??? Don’t ever post your rice and stew and can of coke, even if it was cooked by yours truly! Mediocre and nothing special…Next!


10. I liked one of your pictures so you decided to like my 40 weeks old picture in return. Babe keep that like, I’m sure I have a like-worthy picture other than my 40 week old one. Plus I don’t do like for like….are we in kindergarten?!


11. You know that neat, flawless white border you give to all your pictures, it doesn’t make you look deep and powerful and intelligent and soulful and creative and well you get the drift. Be you, even our lives are not that tidy!


12. Let’s be honest, Instagram is all about the likes, and if you ain’t liking my pictures, mate what are you doing?! Let’s get liking …it’s not that serious! It’s not deducted from your bank account either, release the ting!


13. #I #am #Tired #of #seeing #this #misbehaviour #on #IG. #Fix #it #Jesus   This right here is super annoying. The hashtag morons, go easy. I know you want those likes but this is making you look uber desperate! Take heart, one day you shall conquer your deserved likes in Jesus name!


14. There’s that thing where we can upload 2 or more photos in one go…yea a pic collage! My friend utilise that app and do not let me go through my feed thinking you’re the only person I’m following. That warrants a straight unfollow…behave, ain’t nobody got time for that!

Behave..!

15. On a more serious note when I go on your Instagram, I truly want an insight of your life, who are you, what you stand for and believe in, what are you passionate about and maybe a glimpse of your personality. Let your Instagram scream who you really are. After all Instagram in my opinion is all about creativity, if you want to showcase non-stop pictures, then my dear Facebook is your friend.



If you noticed you’ve been losing followers or even likes it might be because of one of the above reasons or something I haven’t thought of. I Laughed out loud after writing this. Stop acting a fool… Go crazy on Instagram, heck go insane but be considerate.




Till then


Xoxo

Don’t leave it too late…What if Tomorrow Is Too Late?!

Happy birthdays have become HBD on the likes of Facebook and Instagram and twitter. No one has the time. Will the few extra letters kill you?

Bereavements are announced on Facebook; picture of the dead is being posted for all to see and freely circulated on whatsaap. What happen to respect for the dead?

We publish picture of unborn babies even before it forms a shape. I understand you are excited and all that but give it a minute. What happen to cherished moments?

We forget our parents; we forget they are growing old. We forget they need us more than ever as the clock ticks. Make some time.

We over think situation and the fear of what if holds us back. Do what you want to do, right here, right now. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

We watch from a distance and see the person we love walk away from our lives. We dread walking up to them and tell them how we feel. The only moment you have is now!

We get sucked up in this chaotic life and forget out relatives, friends and loved ones. We are busy finding a living and in the meantime abandoning important relationships. At the end of the day the only thing that we’re left with is the relationship we make.

Value Your Relationships...Make Time!

We’re flying high, living in the fast lane and making big bucks. YES! Life is good. Don’t forget your loved ones. Sometimes they don’t need your money, just your time. Make some time.

Your bank account might be looking all healthy and fit but are your loved ones looking just as healthy? Do you know how they’re faring on? Do you remember their birthdays and anniversaries? Cherish your relationships!

Don’t wait till they’re on their sickbeds before you jump at the opportunity to care. Sometimes even with all the money in the world, it does gets a little too late.

You hurt someone, apologise. You stepped on someone’s toes, apologise. Pride and ego kills faster than rat poison. You’ll still be whole after you say sorry, don’t worry!

I get it. We’re humans and sparks do fly sometimes. However, watch your words. Choose your words carefully. Never end a conversation on a bad note. Hurtful words never suffice for a good ending. Words are powerful and the last you might ever say to someone might be a bad note. What time have you got to make amends?

Be polite. As Eric Hoffer rightly said, rudeness is a weak imitation of strength. Respect is reciprocal. Please and thank yous are so rarely used these days. Everyone expects something back but finds it hard to give. Give respect and it’ll be returned back to you!

You have a dream, pursue it. Go after it. Run along with it, till you get what you want. There is never a perfect time. The perfect time is the time you decide to make a start!

You’re there thinking they’re going to be around forever. Stop! There comes a time when the village idiot becomes wise. Don’t take people’s love for granted. One day, you’ll look through a microscope and you won’t be able to see a molecule of their presence, neither their shadow.

Grandmothers!!! Do not forget them. Care for them. Show them you love them. All they need is your love and the feeling that you are there. They don’t need your money.

Your wives, husbands, boyfriend, girlfriend or significant other:  Love, respect and care for them. Sometimes it’s not what we say; it’s what we don’t say that speaks louder!

Your kids: Give them that attention they crave. Love and care for them. When they’re old and grey your love is what they will remember, and that is what will remain with them.

Don’t give your loved ones the opportunity to doubt your love for them. You shouldn’t even have to say it. The way you treat them speaks volumes! Treat people like it’s the last you’re seeing of them.

One day it’ll be too late so give this life your best shot!

Don't live life in the What If Lane...

You don’t need a lot to show your love. All you need is to make time.

No man is an island, no man stands alone. You need people. You don’t expect them to come running when you need them if you you’ve treated them like they don’t matter.

What we forget is, when you take care of a good thing, that good thing will take care of you. Best believe.

You leave it till they’re dead, even your money and presence then won’t make things right.

With that, I wish you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget to celebrate your love in the littlest way possible.

Remember To Color Your Life With Love.....at any given chance!!
Happy Valentine's Day

Till then

Xoxo

Ain't Nobody Got Time For That

Moaning…Whining...Complaining…Grumbling. Well hello grumpy!

Attention seeking alert.

Attention seekers, they are everywhere. Arrggh ….can we get some air please?!

This is something that has been irking my soul a bit so I thought I should let out a little steam on it. Yea I got a little time for that!

I find this very common now especially with the way social media has given us all a voice. Some use it wisely and beneficially, yes and I say Bravo!!  While others just use, misuse and abuse the system in order to fulfill their attention seeking ways. I am often tempted to reply but then I’ll stop and think…no!  If I do reply, then I would be feeding your attention seeking hunger.... So I do a Ray Charles and keep it moving.

Ain't nobody got time for that!

I know the usual line ‘’ah it’s my Twitter/Facebook/Instagram and I will post what I like and  if you don’t like it then the delete button is your friend…yada, yada, yada….’’ Being a social media whore, (just have to admit) I know that line too well but please try to be considerate and self-develop.  I can delete you alright but you’ll still remain the attention seeker and what happened to self-respect? No one likes to be around a person who constantly craves attention. That is tiring. Do you know how annoying that is? It is like babysitting a nursery… (At least I can understand if I was actually babysitting kids)

It’s almost like a plaque now. People whine and moan and complain so much that it makes me think if they are ever happy with anything going on in their lives. Always craving for attention.  But just why?

Going the extremes with the aim of catching anyone’s attention and I mean anyone. Now that is low. How lost are you?!  Is it worth it? If you have to go that extreme to catch someone’s attention then I’ll just have to tell you to stop. It’s not worth it. People are naturally drawn to things and people that interest them. If they are not going hard for you then chill ma, Chill pa. Please.

You are in a circle of friends but you think your voice soothes the soul more than anyone’s voice so all you think we want to hear is your voice and opinion.  Why? Is it that you love your voice so much? It is meant to be a conversation, so my friend, allow others to talk and express themselves. If I want to hear just one voice I’ll tune in to a radio station. Everything ain't always about you!

If  Loneliness Is The Driving Force Behind Your Attention Seeking Ways...STOP NOW & TAKE HEED! 

Always screaming you’re bored. Now that is just annoying! No one’s got energy for all of that misbehavior. Child, find a purpose. Find what you love. Find a passion or a craft and concentrate on it. Discover a new world you never knew existed. Do something you've never done before and stop being an unnecessary burden to other people.

You become tormented and agitated that the girls or the guys at the party are not paying you any attention today so you start sulking. Accept that some days you are the pigeon and some days you are the statue. Get with the programme!

So you’re wearing Uncle Louis and Aunt Gucci today and no one seem to give two rats therefore you start throwing tantrums just so you can get some cheap attention. Get a life! Be creative. Go out and explore. Think out of the box. Just keep yourself busy as best as you can (don’t mean that devilish busy) but an idle mind is the devil’s workshop so get busy.  By the time you know it, you might have just found your talent, who knows you might find a new passion for life because most people who crave attention like that are merely living life. They are existing… existing for attention. Find a happy place and when you do stay there.

I for one, I am not easily bored. It takes a whole lot for me to be bored.  24 hours is in fact never enough for me. I think for the world, and you know what that means. My mind is always running a riot. Most times it doesn't even make sense but it does keep me occupied.

Do people care to use their brains anymore?

We all love the spotlight every now and again. We all love attention every now and again but when you start craving it like you need it for survival then you know you need therapy and rehab. Why do you want the spotlight on you all the time? Now that is boring and uninteresting. Who wants to know why you are always bored? No one!

Are you satisfied after telling the world how you don’t like your fat arms or how no one likes you? Do you get a feeling of self-fulfillment? I am sure you do but how long does it last for?  Why do you continue to flood my time line? If no one is reacting towards your attention seeking rants then clearly no one cares! Get real ma.

However this can be seen as a personality disorder. In some cases it becomes dangerous and life threatening to the point where people cut themselves up. This is serious and runs deep. The absence of self-love can cause one to resort to attention seeking; forever needing someone to tell you how beautiful you are…Validation! You don’t need that. A hug a day keeps negativity away. YES it is alright to hug yourself and pamper yourself and tell yourself you’re beautiful because you were made in the image of the almighty. God don’t create ugly…best believe!

You Are Special :)

My advice, get some help. Take time out. Avoid social media as best as you can because they aid in feeding this disorder. Know thyself! When you do, no one can tell you otherwise and you wouldn't spend time seeking anyone’s approval. Spend some quality time with yourself. Invest in yourself. Shower yourself with some self-loving. See how that helps.

No one is going to love you better than yourself. The earlier we all realize that the better.  The greatest love of all is that which you pour on yourself. You don’t need all that unnecessary attention you crave. You’re just perfect.

Social Media as addictive as it is can be a beast. It can easily swallow you up or be helpful servant that can teach you something along the way. Don’t allow it to be a beast in your life. Never allow to get to that point where you become a tool for social media.  Let it be the other way round. Use it as a tool and to your benefit too and while you are at it bless others with your presence. Don’t be that annoying person everyone avoids!

Ain't nobody got time for that!

Till then…

Xoxo