Preparation, Problem-Solving Key to Landing Jobs – Recruitment Manager
By Esther Korantemaa Offei
The Manager for Recruitment and Selection at GCB Bank PLC, Marie-Antoinette Mensah, has urged students and young job seekers to prioritise preparation, integrity and problem-solving skills to improve their chances of securing employment in an increasingly competitive labour market.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS) Career Fair 2026 at the University of Ghana, Ms Mensah said recruitment processes have evolved with the increasing use of artificial intelligence and technology, making it more important than ever for candidates to understand what employers expect before appearing for interviews.
She noted that although some vacancies may have candidates with internship or attachment experience who are considered early, applicants should not be discouraged because outstanding preparation can influence interview panels.
“There’s a way to navigate this, and that is planning and preparing. I’ve been in the selection room for 15 years, and I’ve seen certain candidates change the mind of the whole panel,” she said.
According to her, applicants must approach interviews with the mindset that organisations are seeking people who can solve business problems rather than simply fill vacant positions.
“You’re going into the room knowing that it’s a competition. The organisation is looking for a problem solver, so creativity, innovation and technological skills matter,” she stressed.
Ms Mensah advised candidates to study job descriptions carefully, identify the competencies employers are seeking and honestly assess whether their qualifications and experience match the role.
She cautioned applicants against relying entirely on artificial intelligence to prepare applications, warning that recruiters can easily distinguish genuine competence from exaggerated or AI-generated claims.
“If you didn’t make up to 70 per cent of the competencies and AI drafted a CV for you to submit, then you are in for trouble. That is where integrity plays a very key part,” she stated.
She also encouraged job seekers to research prospective employers beyond memorising their vision and mission statements by understanding the organisation’s culture, priorities and business challenges.
“Get to understand what the company is currently doing and what problems it is trying to solve. When you speak during the interview, show that you understand the organisation and how your ideas can add value,” she advised.
On interview performance, Ms Mensah urged candidates to master competency-based interview techniques using the STAR-L approach—Situation, Task, Action, Result and Lesson, to present structured and evidence-based responses.
She further encouraged applicants to demonstrate strong listening skills, remain composed under pressure and ask relevant questions at the end of interviews to better understand the role and organisational expectations.
