What if someone has a better credential than yours? Nothing compares when one is prepared. Preparing for the dreadful job interview will give you the confidence that every prospective employer sees during that first impression.
Steps
- Research about the company's profile and background. Arm yourself with the knowledge about the industry to impress your employer.
- Set your mind to why you are the best candidate for the job, and explain what you can do.
- Start preparing for the interview well before the interview day. Thorough preparation is a prerequisite to success in any interview.
- Write a Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Type your resume (never write it)
- Ensure there are no spelling mistakes. Double check.
- Try to create a fresh resume for every organization you are applying.
- Make an effort to respond to every personal detail if mentioning the advertisement.
- Type your resume (never write it)
- Gather in depth knowledge about the industry, the organization & the position you are applying for. You have access to detailed who via multiple sources, viz
- The Internet- website
- The Annual Report of the Organization
- Newspaper / business magazine articles
- Prepare your questions too. Participating actively during the interview gives a good impression of interest on the job.
- The Internet- website
- Learn to listen when needed.
- Know your resume, especially your weaknesses. Prepare to defend them.
- Be aware of your posture - stand straight without slouching. Lift your chest up.
- Mentally prepare for the interview. Focus on a positive result which will work better for you.
- Greet the receptionist courteously. She may be asked to share her impression of you.
- Take deep slow breaths to ease your anxiety.
- Don't munch on junk food while waiting for the interview. You wouldn't want to offer a crumb-covered or sticky hand to the interviewer.
- Don't play with your chair while waiting to be called.
- Secure your clip-on tie so it won't fall off during the interview.
- Consider printing your resume on scented paper. Be distinctive!
- Go to bed early the day (or the days) before the interview. Showing up at the company looking fit instead of sleepy leaves a much better impression.
- Do the following on the interview day:
- Read the Newspaper & check the Internet website of the organization on latest update.
- Wear formal dress to create a very professional impact on the interviewers.
- Read the Newspaper & check the Internet website of the organization on latest update.
- Don't wear perfume, after-shave, or scented lotion. What you consider to be a pleasant scent may be sickening to others.
- Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before scheduled time.
- If the venue is far from your place of residence, stop in the washroom when you arrive to reset your hair, tie, etc.
- Remember to switch off your mobile phone just before you present yourself for the interview. Better yet, leave it in your car.
- As you are about to enter the interview room take 2 or 3 deep breaths to calm your nerves. You would do better if you relaxed and had a calm mind.
- Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before scheduled time.
- Know what to do during the interview:
- When you are introduced to the panel of interviewers, shake hands firmly with each person, create eye contact with each person & say that you are pleased to meet them, and smile as you say so.
- You have to make an effort to impress this as you communicate. This may be you most important day of your life so far. Put you best foot forward.
- Answer every question in a confident, firm voice. Be brief in your replies. Remember, "Brevity is the soul of Wit".
- Do not mumble or speak very fast. Maintain uniform flow of communication.
- Answers should be complete and concise. Don't give one word/ one sentence answers. Also avoid very long and verbose replies.
- While answering the questions, maintain eye contact with the interviewer. If there are 2 or more interviewers, give attention to every person. Rotate eye- contact & retain you smile and calm demeanor.
- While answering questions, make selective & relevant reference & state the source from which you have gathered such information, e.g. from Annual Reports, company websites etc.
- If you don't know any answer, do not bluff or resort to guess work, and never lie. Just acknowledge that you do not know the answer, and will find out more about it and let them know afterwards.
- Since most questions in the interview can be anticipated, you have already prepared all these questions quite well. You will not have any major problem. Only if any creative, out-of-the-box question is asked this requires spontaneous, creative & intelligent answers. This is the unpredictable part for which we have worked so hard building up our Intelligence Quotient Emotional quotient & industry knowledge.
- An almost certain question asked at the conclusion, "Is there any question you would like to ask us about he organization or the job?" Be ready your are already prepared this) & ask 1 or 2 questions.
- Your questions must reflect your interest in future prospects, e.g. Which are new markets the company is planning to explore in next couple of years? What are the chances for professional growth in this job opportunity?
- Ask questions to project your enthusiasm & eagerness about the job you have presented yourself. Your questions should depict your positive attitude. Maintain your calm, relaxed & positive demeanor throughout the interview process. Always remember the final decision about the interview depends on the overall impression of the entire process.
- When you are introduced to the panel of interviewers, shake hands firmly with each person, create eye contact with each person & say that you are pleased to meet them, and smile as you say so.
- Follow up. Within the 2 hours after the interview, send a thank you letter/email/sms.
Tips
- Preparing for the job interview should be taken seriously. The competition against another candidate with a better qualification is fierce. Preparation helps you keep what's in your mind, and not slip it when you're in a most uncomfortable position. An interview is the key before a company hires you, so you better discover how to sell yourself before meeting with the prospective employer.
