After years of training undergraduates for interviews, I realize that most people are at sea when it comes to their interview preparation. They seek ready made answers to standard questions like "Introduce yourself" and "where do you see yourself 5 years from now?" Whether it is a course or a job that you are being interviewed for, the basics of doing well in an interview remain the same. Here are 5 tips that cover all you need to do to succeed in your interview win that coveted job:
1. Ensure your expectations match the profile offered: An interview is a convergence point of demand & supply- the recruiters demand professionals according to the needs of the organization and the recruited offer their skills and services in response to the demand. You should thoroughly peruse the job profile the company is offering and the profile you are looking for and go well prepared for that particular profile. You might be in for a nasty surprise if you are not sure of the profile. You will be beating around the bush which might spoil your interview.
2. Research the company and the job profile: It is very important to know what the company is looking for in a candidate. Unless you know what the requirements of the job are, you will not be able to justify your candidature for it. Hence, it is of paramount importance to know you future employers. Visit the website of the company and navigate through it. Find out vital information about the organization like its vision, mission, its reputation in the market and its turnover. Also, find out about the skills you might require on the job you have applied for. This will help a great deal in linking your skills with what they require.
3. Anticipate Questions: There are always standard questions that come up in an interview- Tell us something about yourself, what are your hobbies, where do you see yourself a few years from now. With the help of the information you have about the organization and the job profile, try and think of more questions that might be asked. For instance, you might be questioned on the industry you wish to work for (what do you now about the progress of the IT industry in the past couple of years?), or you could be questioned to check whether you have the requisite skills to fulfill your role on the job (What would you do if your sales deal is on the verge of falling through?). Note such ideas on a piece of paper and try to figure how you would tackle them. Practice the answers well.
4. Prepare a Resume suitable to the position applied: Gone are the days when you could send the same resume to multiple vacancies. It is important for you to highlight the skills that suit specific job requirements. For instance, if you are adept at both Writing and Communication skills and wish to explore opportunities in both Training and Content Writing, it would be better to prioritize relevant experience, skills in the respective resumes. This makes it easier for the interviewer to figure why you have applied in the first place.
5. Dress smartly and carry your confidence: How you present yourself at the interview can greatly impact the panel. A formal ensemble and a neat file to tuck all your papers spell business. First impressions are lasting. So it's better aim at a favorable one. Go through a dress rehearsal of what you intend to wear on the D-day. Ensure that your dress fits you well and your shoes are comfortable. Note the feel of confidence in your gait as you practice moving around in the uniform.
6. On the D-day: Ensure that you reach the venue well in time. Check out the place before if you are going there for the first time. You have your papers in place and all you need to do is to cool down. Too much anxiety about performance can mar your confidence.
7. Be prepared to ask questions: An interview is all about asking questions and answering them. It doesn't matter who asks and who answers. After the interview panel is done with your interview, you should ask questions regarding the company, its work-profile, and other places where it might be operating in India or abroad or any other relevant queries regarding the company. This shows your inquisitiveness an that you have done your homework thoroughly.
All the Best!!!!!
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