How to prepare for a job interview

When you are called to appear for a job interview, the time comes to making the most out of this opportunity. You should carefully make yourself prepared since this will determine the course of your career. To help you outshine the rest of the candidates appearing for the same interview, we have researched some tips and guidelines to have you covered.

Know the Job Role Well

Take your time to analyze the job role and job description you’re appearing for. You have to be aware of the skills and characteristics ideally expected for the person who will take this position. Thus, you should match your skills with the ones advertised and know where you stand.

This will also give you some time to think about the initiatives you took in the previous job roles that you think might fit with this advertised position. You can share this information with the interviewers to gain an edge over other candidates who have applied for the same post.

Research Your Interviewers

Once you get a call for a job interview, do inquire about the panel of interviewers. You should research each of the interviewers in the panel. Researching will help you in brainstorming the right answers because, by this time, you will be aware of the positions they have held earlier and the industries they have worked in, to assess what they expect of you as a professional correctly.  

Know the Company and the Industry

Recruiters would like to know whether the candidate they are talking to is interested in their company and the industry they are working in. They would like to believe that the potential employee is smart enough to already know about the company and is fit for their organization. They evaluate your personal traits as much as they do your skills and professional knowledge. You can always research about their competitors online or talk to people who work in the company or with their competitors. This will give you an edge in terms of knowledge and how adaptable you can be in their work environment.

Know Interview Etiquette

Knowing interview etiquette may increase your chances of getting the job. Upon entering the venue, politely and enthusiastically greet the interviewers and others, and firmly shake hands. Make eye contact during the interview session and sit straight. Pay attention to the interviewers and listen to them carefully. These interview etiquette tips can help you make a good impression on the interviewers.

 Anticipate Questions and Practice Interviewing

Prepare mock interview questions that you are likely to face. There are some standard questions that everybody is asked which reflect the personality of the candidate on a personal as well as professional level. Below are some generic questions that interviewers ask to evaluate candidates:

• Why would you like to take this job?
• Why would you want to leave your previous employer?
• Tell us about your current scope of work.
• How do you think that you can add value to our company?
• What is your management style?
• What do you think about the position of our company?
• Why should we hire you?
• What challenges do you think you can face in this job role?
• Why do you think you are fit for this job role?
• Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

You should prepare the answers to these questions so that when it happens during the interview, you will feel comfortable and confident answering them. You can also practice this with someone in your family or with your friends, as this will make it easier for you to make the best of the interview.

Dress to Impress

The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one. The first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. You should choose an outfit that you are comfortable in, but remember to dress appropriately and according to the dress code of the company.

Know the Location Well

Ideally, you should get to the office premises before the fixed time so that you can relax a bit before the interview starts. It might also help you make a good impression on the interviewer in terms of how much you value the time and how punctual you are.

Moreover, you should know the location beforehand to help you learn the shortest route to get to the destination. In addition, if you have some time, you should take a ride to the interview location a day before to be sure of its location. Remember, being late leaves a bad impression on everyone.

During the Interview – Be Positive, Listen and Ask

There might be impromptu questions and discussions irrespective of how much you have prepared yourself for the interview. However, they should not surprise you. The key to remaining calm and confident in this situation is to listen to the interviewers’ questions carefully, take some time to comprehend what it means, and then begin responding. Moreover, you should ask the interviewer to rephrase whenever you think that you have not understood a certain question. You do not have to bluff or answer opposite to what the interviewer has asked.

Moreover, be positive and show how interested you are in working with them. Tell them what makes you the right candidate for the team and also for the organization as a whole. You should end the session with gratitude and state how good you felt after meeting them.

In a nutshell, before you appear for the interview, have a look at your CV and think of if there could be any cross-questioning regarding any part of your previous jobs. If there are any, prepare appropriate answers for them. The above comprehensive guide will help you in each step of your interview process.

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