Why You are Unemployed: Avoid these 5 Typical Interview Errors

• The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that Nigeria's unemployment rate is 5.0%, so competition is fierce and you must outperform other applicants.
• Getting your next job or finding a new one is a regular, difficult aspect of growing up.

After jumping through many application hoops, it's vital to make a great impression on recruiters who will decide your fate.

Given that interviews are a crucial component of the job search process, we questioned leading Nigerian recruiters about the most frequent errors made by candidates in interviews.

1. You don't introduce yourself properly

One of the first questions most recruiters ask during an interview is, "Tell me about yourself." That's a tricky question, but you need to be careful about your answers, as first impressions matter and last longer.

Precious Samuels, the Chief Operating Officer at Career Buddy, says, "One of the things I'm not a fan of is 'My name is so and so.' I already know your name. Discuss how your career has developed, your accomplishments, your past, present, and future goals, as well as how all of this fits into the organization. That's what's required from you, not random interesting tidbits about your life."

2. You have no questions to ask

You should learn as much as you can about the company during a job interview. Asking questions makes you seem smart and well-prepared.

Bukola Oguntuyi, People and Culture Manager at ETAP says, "It's important to remember that interviews aren't just one-way Q&A sessions. Candidates should feel encouraged to ask questions about the company and its culture."

3. You're not specific about the kind of work impact you've made

Recruiters are constantly looking for how you can contribute to their companies positively. Having a proven track record of excellence and success is one of the best ways to make a good impression and land a job.

Samuels opines, "You have to communicate your impact, not the day-to-day job functions. You want to state how you've contributed to your former company's success. The recruiters will still ask you about your day-to-day activities, so why not just wait for that and show demonstrable competence instead?"

4. You use cliches

Acing an interview is about standing out and saying the things to distinguish you from the next person. If you’re following a popular interview guide, you can fall into the habit of saying cliches like, "I can work under pressure."

Samuels advises, "Saying vague, cliche things like, 'I'm a people'

5. You badmouth previous employers

Whatever the extent of the toxicity at your former workplace, keep your hatred for your coworkers to yourself. Every workplace has unique difficulties, and there is no guarantee you will not have terrible things to say about your former employer when you depart?

Grace Alfred, a Senior Talent Partner at Career Buddy, says, "Recruiters don't like listening to negative comments about previous employers. Always talk about how you're looking for new opportunities to grow and their company is the best fit for you."

@finepapatv 🎥