6 Things You Should NEVER Carry To a Job Interview

Practical Kenyan Job Interview Tips

By Elizabeth Benu,

You finally landed your first job interview and you are feeling optimistic that this time around, the job will be yours for the taking.

On the other hand, don’t be too excited bringing some of these items to an interview because they will see all your qualifications go down the drain:

1. Your Cellphone (not on silent mode)
In this technology age, it is impossible to move around without your phone. However, when attending an interview ensure you turn your cell phone off or on silent mode. You don’t want it ringing in the middle of an interview.

“Your phone ringing shows that you are not keen,” says Justus Ng’etich, a Client Service and Recruitment Officer at Corporate Staffing Services.

2. Brown envelopes and plastic bags.
Many Human Resource managers are displeased when a candidate shows up with their documents in torn or new brown envelopes or worse yet a branded plastic paper bag.

“Candidates should invest in a neat folder, leather or plastic, to place their documents in. This enhances your image and professionalism,” he advises.

3. Oversize Jewellery
If your favourite accessory is a chunky necklace or a big silver wrist watch, then it is better to leave it at home. You might want to make a statement or demand attention, but Mr. Nge’etich advices that such jewellery makes you look less professional and raises credibility concerns.

4. Food/ Drink
Funny? But some Kenyan job seekers can be that daring. For professionalism, eat before you get to an interview because you do not expect the human resource manager to ask questions while you eat.

“Chewing gum should also be avoided,” advices Mr. Ngetich.

5. Numerous Bags
If you have a laptop with you and a large handbag plus a few other items with you, it is advisable to talk to the receptionist and find a way of keeping them safe while you go to the interview room.

6. Weapons
With the rising cases of insecurity in Kenya, do not make a mistake of taking anything that can be viewed as a weapon for example a large penknife.

“All buildings have bag searches by security officers so do not risk embarrassing yourself or being arrested on the spot for an innocent mistake,” he advises.

You never have a second chance to make a first impression so do not bring the above to an interview.

Do you have any interview related questions, forward them to elizabeth@careerpointkenya.co.ke

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