How not to sabotage your brand at a job interview

According to Adcorp, the labour market specialist, the South African economy has shed 36,290 jobs during January, with the biggest losses occurring in permanent employment. Not only has it become harder for those with jobs to make a switch, but more companies are downscaling.

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It has thus become evident that the importance of differentiating yourself has never been demanded more than ever before. The wisdom to consistently upskill yourself and be the best in your industry is key to driving your career to the next level. However, what will determine if you will get your dream job or not, it all boils down to how your sell yourself and your brand in terms of your skills and expertise at the interview.

I have a few lessons that I'll share with those that are in the job market.

1. Be on time, and be dressed for success and visualise yourself in the role being interviewed for as the next chapter in your career history. How you are dressed has an impact on whether you can be trusted with the role that you are interviewed for. First impressions really make or break you.

2. Never lie - Take your time when you answer each question, and if you don't know, don't lie, but give the best answer under the circumstances.
3. Don't bad mouth your current or previous employer under any circumstances, focus on your reason for leaving, for example you are looking for career growth, and if for example there is bad blood between you and your manager, you can be honest and mention personality clashes, but going out of your way to discredit your employer does not give your new employer to be the confidence that you are the right person to join the company.
4. Do not use racist, derogatory, sexist or any discriminating language at the interview. This gives a bird-eye view into how you see others and are likely to treat them.
5. Do not bring up past traumatic experiences. In as much you are interviewed based on your skills, expertise and career which make a huge part of your life, it's not wise to talk too much about your own private life, failed relationships etc. This is part of your life you should keep to yourself and therapist.
6. Don't be a know it all. There is a fine line between being seen as confident and being seen as totally arrogant. Humility really will seat you next to kings and keep you there.

7. Do your research and always prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the company. Use the job specification as a guide map into the role to ensure you have full understanding of the role and its requirements, and the dynamics of the team or environment that you will be working in.

In closing, Dan Schawbel, a brand specialist once said, you are the chief marketing officer for the brand called you, "It's what you do that makes you who you are and how you project that to others that makes you memorable."

Best of luck with your next interview!