JOBS: How to Prepare Well for An Interview
Interviews are very crucial sections when it comes to employment. In most job applications where you'll be required to show up for an interview, you need to go for the interview when you're well prepared and well equipped for the interview.
Leah Mukangai 
One of the most challenging factors that job seekers experience is the preparation for the interview. Before showing up for the interview, you need to go through various processes in order to assure yourself that you are ready for the interview that you have been called to.
Here's how you can prepare yourself for an interview:
1. Examine your job description
The job description is a list of the qualifications, qualities, and background that the employer seeks in an ideal candidate. The more you can align yourself with these details, the clearer it will be for the employer that you are qualified. The job description may also give you ideas for questions to ask the employer during the interview.
2. Understand why you want the job
Before your interview, you should know why you want the job and why you're qualified for it. You should be prepared to explain why you're interested in the position and why you're the best candidate for it.
3. Research the company and the role
Before presenting yourself for the interview, you should conduct thorough research on the company that you are going to. You should also get to know a little history of how the company came into place. To do this, you should source your information on the company's website, friends, journals, books, and other sources.
Investigating the company and role as thoroughly as possible will give you an advantage over the competition. Not only that, but fully preparing for an interview will help you stay calm and perform well.
Ask for clarification or details about the role during the interview so that you're prepared if you get the job. Researching the role prior to an interview will also assist you in determining whether the position is a good fit for you.
4. Develop an elevator pitch
It's a short, memorable description of what you do and/or what you sell. This will help you to give a good description of who you are during the interview. It also helps you to describe what you do and what you want.
A good elevator pitch should last no longer than a 20 to 30-second elevator ride, hence the name. It should be engaging, memorable, and concise. It should also explain what makes you unique.
5. Practice your body language and voice
During an interview, one of the most crucial things is your body language and your voice. Making a good first impression I something that you should opt for.
This can be accomplished by using a confident, strong speaking voice and friendly, open body language. While these may come naturally to you, you may want to practice them with trusted friends or family members or in front of a mirror.
6. Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewer
Many employers trust candidates who ask thoughtful questions about the company and the position. Take some time before the interview to prepare a few questions for your interviewer(s) that demonstrate you've researched the company and are knowledgeable about the position.
7. Print hard copies of your resume
Having copies to hand out to multiple interviewers demonstrates that you are well-prepared and organized. You should have at least three copies to give to different interviewers, plus one for yourself to keep track of.
8. Prepare for your travel to the interview place
Before going for the interview, if you're a new person to the area, ensure you research the location of where you are going. You should also ensure that you leave for the place early enough to avoid any lateness since employers are always on the look for your time of arrival.
9. Sell yourself
Selling yourself is one of the most difficult aspects of an interview. Most people are uncomfortable with this concept, but accurately and positively representing yourself does not have to feel like a sale.
The truth is that you do have professional skills and experiences that may set you apart from other applicants, so acknowledging them to your potential employer is both acceptable and expected.
10. Arrange your documents
Before going for an interview, you should ensure that your supporting documents such as the Curriculum Vitae (CV) are well printed and arranged in a chronological manner.
With the above, you should be able to attend an interview without anxiety.
Here are sample jobs in Nairobi that which you can apply for.
JOBS IN NAIROBI
JOB 1: Human Resources - Intern Nairobi at Islamic Relief
About
Islamic Relief Worldwide is an international humanitarian organization that provides development programs and humanitarian relief around the globe, regardless of race, political affiliation, gender, or belief.
Reporting To:
Human Resources Officer/Coordinator
Qualification
BSc in Human Resources Management or similar field Proven experience working in an office environment preferably HR department
Experience
Familiarity with Human Resource Information System (HRIS) software is advantageous
Job Field
Human Resources
Base Location:
Nairobi 80% and 20% Field Areas
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Human Resources officer/Coordinator, the HR intern is responsible for the compilation of all leave data and attendance records, and staff orientation and ensures that all the staff has updated employee documents in line with the organization's policies. She/he will provide administrative support to the Human Resources office and Play a central role in the implementation of all staff welfare matters.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Posting new positions on websites, social media platforms, and job boards
- Updating HR databases by inputting new employee contact information and employment details. Support in screening candidates’ resumes and application forms for purposes of longlisting. Proofreading HR documents Help prepare Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents
- Assisting in the planning of HR events. Support in preparing and sending regret emails to interview candidates.
- Support in coordinating new hire induction
- Responding to staff inquiries regarding HR policies, employee benefits, and other HR-related matters.
- Track progress, priorities, and deadlines of various projects Any other duties as may be assigned by the line manager
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience Essential
- BSc in Human Resources Management or similar field Proven experience working in an office environment preferably HR department
- Familiarity with Human Resource Information System (HRIS) software is advantageous Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel
- Effective communication skills Excellent administrative and organization skills
- Fluency in spoken and written English
- Knowledge of Kenyan labor laws Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Method of Application
Please send us your cover letter, detailed CV, including your qualifications/certifications, experience, National ID card copy, names and addresses of three referees, a working e-mail address, and daytime telephone contacts. The forwarding e-mail and cover letter must clearly indicate the position title on the subject line. Send your application to Recruitment.Irk@islamic-relief.or.ke by Sunday, 8th June 2022.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
JOB 2: Procurement Officer, NOB - Nairobi at World Food Programme (WFP)
About World Food Programme (WFP)
JOB PURPOSE
This position will head the Procurement Unit and the primary responsibility is to oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of information to maximize the efficiency of procurement operations and activities.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)
- Contribute to the development of procurement plans and processes ensuring compliance with wider procurement policies and WFP standards.
- Support or manage procurement programs and operational activities, (e.g. issue tenders, evaluate offers, and negotiate/award contracts), following standard processes to contribute to the successful procurement of food and non-food commodities or services.
- Track and analyze data to provide recommendations for process improvement.
- Collate data and contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reports of procurement activities, to contribute to a WFP-wide view that enables informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders, leading to performance optimization.
- Collate information and draft appropriate responses to recommendations to support auditing of procurement activities and ensure conformity with compliance rules.
- Work in close collaboration with internal counterparts and external partners including suppliers, superintendents, companies, etc to align procurement activities with wider programs and ensure a coherent approach to meeting food assistance needs.
- Support training of WFP staff to take a strategic and proactive approach to the procurement of food and non-food commodities and services, for example designing and reviewing training materials.
- Guide and supervise more junior staff, acting as a point of referral and supporting them with more complex analyses and queries.
- Follow standard emergency preparedness practices to ensure WFP is able to quickly respond and deploy food and needed goods and services to affected areas at the onset of the crisis.
- Act in an assigned emergency response capacity as required to meet emergency food assistance needs.
- Other responsibilities as required.
STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Advanced University degree in Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, Engineering, Legal or Accounting, or other relevant fields. Applicants with a first University degree in the Procurement related fields with two (2) additional years of related work experience or training/courses will be considered.
- Work Experience: Five years or more postgraduate progressive professional (managerial) experience in procurement or related field with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership role.
- Language: Fluency (level C) in the English language and the duty station’s language.
DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE
- Experience with procurement activities (Vendor Management, Commodity/Product/Service Intelligence, Systems & Reporting, Tendering and Contracting and Ethics and Compliance, etc.).
- Experience conducting cost analysis.
- Experience working with vendors or other partners.
Closing: 8 June 2022
Method of Application
The British High Commission in Nairobi is the diplomatic mission of the United Kingdom in Nairobi. It is located in the Upper Hill area of Nairobi. The British High Commission in Kenya maintains and develops relations between the UK and Kenya. We provide services to British nationals living in and visiting Kenya.
The main purpose of the job:
The successful candidate will be part of the Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund (CSSF) East Africa portfolio team, covering Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, and Tanzania; providing support for finance, program, compliance, administrative, and procurement tasks. Overall, the jobholder will manage project-related resources and information, and support project implementation, management and delivery.
Roles and responsibilities:
- Assist in managing and monitoring project expenditure and maintaining financial and progress reports. Review and process expense claims and invoices for programs, manage the reconciliation of expenses with forecasts, review implementing partners’ activity-based budgets (ABB) and provide data from the FCDO accounting system and implementing partners for the monthly financial reporting requirements;
- Provide end-to-end support for procurement activities including systems-related responsibilities such as setting up new suppliers, requisitioning, receiving, and troubleshooting invoices on hold, processing payment of supplier invoices, and providing data for financial reporting requirements;
- Assist in the coordination of monthly/routine finance and compliance meetings within the team and with implementing partners;
- Support in the quality assurance of submitted reporting documents by Implementing Partners;
- Manage and coordinate logistics for project/program-related training activities, team meetings, events, visits, and workshops.
- Maintain records and information on program activities and expenditures.
- Perform other related duties, as assigned.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
- The job holder will support the program team in the financial management of the program budget, which is set each year.
Essential qualifications, skills, and experience
- A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible work experience in finance, budget, accounting, program, administrative services, or related areas.
- Degree in Business Administration, Social Sciences, International Relations, Program Management, Finance, or any other relevant degree.
- Experience managing budgets.
- Experience providing logistics and procurement support to senior management teams.
- Good administrative and IT Skills (working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word is required).
- Oral and written communication and customer service skills.
- Willingness to take initiative in own work.
- Able to obtain security clearance to SC.
- Desirable qualifications, skills, and experience
- Skills in Project management, Finance Management, Reporting, Project monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and Communication.
- Experience working in a regional context.
