[INTERVIEW] Career tip from Ms. Ngozi: ‘Know Yourself!’

Miss Blessing Ngozi, the Junior Assistant Registrar at the department for Human Resource, sat down with the WizzBuzzBlog to talk about post-college experiences and what to do when going for a job interview. She has a first and second degree in Business Studies and Human Resource Management. Ngozi likes to talk to students and to help them with their career choices. It made her setting up a career center on campus. She has already counseled numerous students in and outside Wisconsin.

What are some of the common questions students ask when they come to see you?

“Many students are really in school just to be in school. They do not know what they want to do with their degrees after they are done. They are basically clueless. So what I always say is: ‘Know yourself’. We do a career anchor test to find out what kind of person you are. For instance, if you are somebody who is service-oriented, we would know and we would find them working in places like the ministries or nursery. Service-oriented students want to take care of people.”

What should we do when we go for a job interview?

“First of all you need to do a proper research to know everything about the company you want to work for. The interview entails more than sitting in front of a panel. You have to make a perfect first impression. The way you talk to the person you will meet at the front desk and the way you interact with your fellow interviewees, all of that matters. Make sure the CV you send is you, because it is a reflection of who you are on paper. Do not lie because every question you are going to be asked, will be based on your CV. Also, there should be no grammatical or informational errors. Read your CV before you send it. A job interview is a conversation. If you keep them interested, they would want to see you again.”

How should we look when we go for a job interview?

“In terms of dressing I would say there is nothing wrong with playing at the right side of caution. For the guys, you can wear a nice shirt. Well-tacked in and ironed. Do not wear loud colors. White and a light shade of blue are accepted and safe colors. You should also wear a neat pair of well-polished black shoes. The trick is to look sharp and dapper than usual. For the ladies: no loud make up, but a minimal of or no jewelry at all. If you have double pierced your ears, it is safe to take one out. Your hair should be neatly done. Play it safe with your colors as well. Do not go looking like a peacock and do not wear heels you cannot walk on. Always keep it simple and go with your best self!”

Career Desk Reporters: Dorcas Kumah, Nana Kwaku Tanoh Kyeremeh, Daniella Baafi-Boateng