4 things Capitec Talent Acquisition Specialists wish jobseekers knew

Q: Based on your experience, what can candidates do to ace a job interview?

A: The answer to this one is threefold: you need to be prepared, be authentic and be practical.

Be prepared

• Make sure you have a good understanding of the job you are applying for. Remember, you are welcome to ask for a detailed job description ahead of your interview
• It’s always a good idea to ask who will be conducting the interview. Once you know, do your research to find out who they are and what their job title is. LinkedIn is a great place to start. There could be more than one person
• There’s no point in applying for a job and not knowing anything about the business. Again, do your research and find out what the company does, and what its purpose and values are to see if you’re aligned to the organisation’s values , should you be successful and receive a job offer

Be authentic

• We want to see the real you! Being authentic allows both you and the interviewer to really connect throughout an interview
• Instead of saying what you think they want to hear, share personal experiences (while being professional) to give more insight into the person you are
• Everyone gets nervous before an interview, and trust us, it’s completely normal ! As an icebreaker, share this with the panel just before you start. But, remember, you also have to show them who you are and that you’re the best person for the job. So try to leave your nerves at the door; you don’t want the jitters to hinder your interview performance

Be practical

• The best way to illustrate that you’re capable of handling a practical or technical aspect of the job is by telling how you’ve handled them in the past. Sketch the background and explain what you did. Don’t stress if it didn’t end well, as long as you have learned something from the experience (and tell that to the interviewers). It will provide great insight into who you are

Q: What do you wish candidates would do during an interview?

A: Always research the position you’re applying for thoroughly before you start an interview process. Also ask yourself whether the job is a fit for your current skill set and will help you on your career path?

Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview. You might have some questions that relate specifically to the job, which the panel will be able to answer.

To see whether the position will help you along your career path, you could ask the panel questions such as:

• Who will I report to?
• What does a typical day look like in this role?
• How is success measured?
• What do you like most about working at this company?

When it comes to renumeration, be honest and upfront about your salary expectations.

Q: What’s the best time to arrive for an interview?

A: There’s a fine line between arriving on time and arriving far too early. We advise candidates to arrive at least 15 minutes before their interview is scheduled to start. You might think that arriving 30 minutes early shows that you’re punctual but it can be tricky , as your interviewer might not be expecting you and could be in another meeting.

Q: Have you been completely honest on your CV?

A: Part of a recruiter’s job is to check all the qualifications, job experience and other details you’ve listed on your CV. Always represent yourself honestly. As a financial institution, background vetting is an essential part of our process when concluding an offer.

It’s good to be ambitious, because it shows that you want to grow, but you have to know your current limitations and be realistic about your abilities. Don’t apply for a job that calls for 10 years’ experience if you’ve only just entered the job market.

We’re here to support you

We understand the pressures that go with finding a new job or changing careers. However, our team of professionals are here to support you throughout the process – whatever the outcome. We like to call it ‘match making’. There has to be a spark for the candidate and prospective employer, and our aim is to find the best fit on both ends and create some magic!