Things To Avoid During Interviews As Kenyan Applicant
Things To Avoid During Interviews As Kenyan Applicant: Do you have a job interview coming up as a Kenyan, and you are looking for a list of things to avoid during interviews as Kenyan applicant?
Well, job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, but with proper preparation and understanding of what to avoid, Kenyan applicants can increase their chances of success.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the ten things to avoid during a job interview in Kenya to ensure that you leave a lasting, positive impression on your potential employer, and possibly help you land a role in the company.
So, without further ado, let us proceed.
1. Lack of Research
First on our list of things to avoid during a job interview in Kenya is not prior research about the company. And one of the most common mistakes made by job applicants in Kenya is failing to research the company they are interviewing with.
Employers expect candidates to have a basic understanding of the organization, its values, and its products or services. Failing to do so can signal a lack of interest and preparation, which is a major turn-off for the employers.
Before the interview, take the time to research the company’s website, read up on recent news and developments, and understand the role you are applying for. This will help you tailor your responses and questions to show that you are genuinely interested in the position.
2. Inappropriate Dressing
Your appearance matters during a job interview, not just in Kenya, but also in other parts of the world. This means that wearing inappropriate or overly casual clothing can signal a lack of professionalism or more so, interest in the job.
This stays the same if you applied for the job via the help of recruitment agencies, or via the traditional method of submitting job applications at these various companies in Kenya.
It’s essential to dress in a manner that is appropriate for the industry and the specific company. In most cases, a suit and tie or a conservative dress is a safe choice. However, it’s a good idea to research the company’s dress code and culture to ensure that your attire aligns with their expectations, as this will give you an edge.
3. Lack of Confidence
Confidence is key during a job interview, and showing confidence during your interview as a Kenyan applicant is most likely going to convince your interviewers that you really believe in yourself.
However, overconfidence can be detrimental. Kenyan employers value humility and teamwork, so striking the right balance is crucial. Avoid coming across as arrogant or overly self-assured. Instead, focus on showcasing your skills and experiences with confidence, while remaining open to collaboration.
Interview tips:
4. Negative Attitude
Another thing to avoid during your interview as a Kenyan applicant is a negative attitude. A negative attitude can be a deal-breaker in any job interview. Negative attitudes usually include complaining about past employers or expressing a pessimistic view about your abilities, and it can turn off potential employers. It is best to maintain a positive attitude and focus on the opportunities and challenges that the role offers.
5. Inadequate Preparation
Job interviews require thorough preparation. And whatever the role you are applying for, or the salary and responsibilities attached to the position, it is best to prepare for the interview. And some of the best preparation methods are by making research about the company before the interview, including their values and mission.
Read more contents on interviews in Kenya, such as this one, checking out the usually asked questions for your role, and a lot of others. Failing to prepare adequately can make you appear uninterested and unqualified for the position. Avoid going into an interview without practicing your answers to common questions, researching the company, and preparing thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.
6. Poor Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential during a job interview. In Kenya, English and Swahili are two of the most commonly spoken languages in professional settings. And as such, it is crucial to communicate clearly and confidently in both languages.
It is best to avoid using vulgar languages such as the F words and other words that are related to it, excessive slang or informal language, as this can come across as unprofessional to your employee, portraying that you do not really value or respect their time, or them and the company you are applying for.
Practice your responses to common interview questions and work on your body language and spoken language. Maintaining good eye contact, offering a firm handshake, and speaking clearly will go a long way in making a positive impression, and possibly, help you get that job.
7. Oversharing Personal Information
While it’s important to build a rapport with your interviewer, oversharing personal information can actually be as bad. This usually occurs when the interviewer asks the question “tell me about yourself”.
Most of the people being interviewed often go ahead to share their personal life histories, and when their grandmother first took a shower. Yes, most people actually go into this by divulging their personal details. It is best to keep the conversation focused on your professional experiences and skills. Avoid discussing personal issues or sharing unrelated details about your life.
8. Lack of Questions
At the end of most job interviews in Kenya, you’ll be given the opportunity to ask questions. Failing to ask questions can make you seem disengaged or unprepared.
Prepare a list of questions about the company, the role you are applying for, and the team that you will be working with, and most of the important team’s in the company, and be ready to ask them when prompted.
And if done properly, you could make it look like you are interviewing your interviewer, which in some cases could be a good sign for the interviewer. However, be careful not to overdo it.
9. Ignoring Cultural Sensitivities
Kenya is a diverse country with numerous cultures and ethnicities. It’s important to be aware of cultural sensitivities during an interview. Avoid making inappropriate remarks or insensitive comments about someone’s cultural background or religious beliefs. Show respect for diversity, and be conscious of your choice of words.
10. Failure to Follow Up
After the interview, it’s essential to follow up with a thank-you email or letter. Failing to do so can signal a lack of enthusiasm for the position. Express your gratitude for the opportunity, reiterate your interest in the role, and mention a specific point from the interview that reinforces your suitability for the job.
Conclusion
Job interviews in Kenya can be highly competitive, and avoiding common pitfalls is crucial to landing the role that you are applying for. By conducting thorough research, practicing effective communication, maintaining professionalism in appearance and attitude, and showing respect for cultural sensitivities, Kenyan job applicants can leave a positive impression on their potential employers, which could possibly help them in landing this roles.
However, it is important to note that while this list of things to avoid during interviews as Kenyan applicant may not mean that you land the role, they could actually show impress your interviewers and they could possibly offer you another role without another round of interviews.
