A walk-in interview is done when a company is having a massive recruitment. It is a physical form of interview between the company and the applicants filling for the vacant position. To start a walk-in interview, the company sends out their job posting for candidates to apply after which they schedule the ones that meet with their preference for a Walk -in interview to be held in the company’s location or another location depending on the number of people that the company is recruiting for and the volume that applied for the interview.
During a walk-in interview, companies are able to see the applicants one-on-one, their character, manner of approach, communication, and confidence. Applicants on the other hand have an idea of the kind of company they might end up working with. They also get to meet some of the staff and bosses that they might be working with if successful during the interview stage.
Here are 7 tips to prepare for a work-in interview
After submitting your CVs and Portfolio and you are lucky to be among the scheduled candidates, the following tips will help you prepare for the interview session.
Research about the company and the role
Prior to the scheduled interview date, do your research about the company. Every single detail from the mission statements to what they are into and the role you applied for. You could go as far as identifying the dress code of the company if they have any. This will make the interviewer feel that you are already part of them.
Prepare yourself for the interview
To do this, you can reach out to a friend or family member to draft out possible interview questions and ask you to answer them. You can check online on how to prepare for an interview. With this, your heart and brain will feel prepared and less anxious before the interview. Also ensure your CV and portfolio are well written and up to date and the necessary documents like NYSC certificate, and tertiary institutions certificate are all intact and ready for the interview.
Pick a dress
For an interview, you need to pick a dress that is corporate enough to wear. Avoid flashy colors of dress. You can go with a neutral color like blue, black, white, or brown, you can also dress based on the company color if there is any, or you might be given a dress code for the interview, kindly adhere to it. Also, ensure you iron your clothes neatly. For ladies do not wear exposed or too short dresses to the interview and for the gentlemen. Your shirt should be complemented with your tie.
Tidy up your hair
Ensure your hair is properly packed. For ladies, use a neatly combed wig and if you are on a braid ensure it is neatly packed in the right places so you can roll your hair in a bun. For the guys, go with a nice haircut or ensure your hair is neatly combed. You might need to hold a comb to keep your hair neat. Get a nice cover shoe or not-too-high hill shoe to complete your outfit.
Go through your CV and Portfolio
Questions are likely to pop up from your CV and Portfolio during the interview, kindly ensure you go through them. Your ability to convince and defend the details on your CV or portfolio accurately, shows you know what you are doing and that you are confident in the experience you have had.
Get proper directions to the venue
If you are not familiar with the venue for the interview, try to get proper directions to avoid being stranded on the road.
What to do on the scheduled date.
We have discussed some of the things you should do before the interview. Here are tips for the day of the interview:
- Be punctual: Try as much as possible to be at the venue on time. Dress up and leave your house as soon as possible especially if it is your first time going to the venue. You create an impression of unseriousness if you attend an interview late but in cases of unforeseen circumstances that might delay you, apologize to the interviewer giving a genuine reason for coming late.
- Put your shoe in your bag and wear a comfortable slippers in transit. This is to avoid messing up your leg and shoe. You can always put it on at the venue, the goal is to be neatly dressed and presentable.
- Try not to be clumsy with your bags or documents. Ensure everything you will be needing is well arranged in a bag.
What to do during the interview.
- Sit and wait patiently for your turn. Do not show any form of rudeness or anger. Be calm and wait till you are called.
- Wear a smile. This is very important. You do not have to smile too much or in a sarcastic way. Just try to smile naturally. Even if your interviewer is not smiling, keep your cool and maintain your smile.
- When you are finally called, greet the interviewer and do not sit unless you are told to do so. And when you sit, maintain a good posture. Avoid sitting too comfortably. Sit up with your legs together. Avoid vibrating on the chair as it will make you seem less confident in yourself.
- Follow instructions and questions appropriately and do not be too forward. When you sit, wait for the interviewer to ask you the questions. Also, when you are answering questions, keep it simple and short. Go straight to the point. Let your response show that you are competent for the role
- If you are being asked if you have any questions, try to answer by asking intelligent questions that are related to the organization and if you do not have any, politely tell them NO.
Kindly note that in case of an impromptu interview, the few minutes you have, you can try as much as possible to prepare yourself on transit. When you eventually get to the venue of the interview, try to observe your environment, from the staff to the surroundings, and frame or write up on the walls. This will give you a hint on what the company is all about. You could also quickly check online and make your findings. When you are being called in, greet them properly, apologize for the lateness, and let them know you got the information on short notice.
After the walk-in interview process, you can send an email to the company appreciating them for the opportunity, and how you look forward to a favorable response from them. This shows you are attentive and zealous.
