Interview is your first and the most important encounter with your prospective employer. What you say, how you dress, how you behave and other such things can make or mar your chances of getting that dream job. Especially for first time job seekers, interviews can be intimidating. So, a little preparation for the same can be really helpful. Given below are a few tips that will help you cruise through your interview smoothly and perform better with heightened chances of getting hired.
Try to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the job interview schedule so that you get time to cool down and get your mind ready for the interview. If you get unavoidably delayed, notify the company immediately stating the reason and your estimated time of arrival. This shows your professionalism and sincerity.
The age old adage “First impression is the last impression” still holds true so dress smartly for the interview. You should wear a formal dress and make sure that you look professional. While different industries call for different work attire, it is always safe to stick to formal dressing. Dress according to the culture and style of the company that you're interviewing with.
Dressing tips for men
· A neatly ironed long-sleeve working shirt (avoid colorful shirts, stick to one solid color such as blue, grey, white)
· A tie
· A suit or sports coat
· A pair of neatly-ironed dark-colored formal trousers
· Conservative colors (avoid bright, flashy colors e.g. bright orange, fuchsia, etc.)
· Well-polished dark color shoes
· Neatly groomed or cleanly shaved beard and/or moustache
Dressing tips for women
- Conservative blouse (steer clear of low cleavage and bare back designs)
- Business suit
- Conservative colors (keep the colors to a maximum of three)
- Properly fitting, non-revealing clothes. Avoid short skirts.
- A salwar-kameez or sari in non-flashy colors
- A conservative hair style; tied-up long hair or set hair in a neat hairstyle.
- Appropriate closed-toe shoes or pumps.
You need to carry important documents while going for an interview. Always carry photocopies of your degrees and certificates unless the interviewer has specifically asked for originals. Arrange them neatly in a file. Carry at least two copies of your resume, mark sheets, photographs etc.
All the above mentioned tips prepare you to meet the interviewer. Now, it is time for the real test- facing the interviewer’s questions. Feel confident and don’t panic even if you don’t know the correct response to a particular question. If you fumble or look extremely nervous, the interviewer will lose interest in you. Thoroughly go through your resume before appearing in front of the interviewer. Most questions will be based on what you have written there. So, don’t lie on your resume and be prepared to showcase your skills in a positive manner.
Interviewer's Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Tell me something about yourself.
A: This is the most commonly question asked in an interview. Mention the details about your education, work experience (if any) and your core competencies. Don't just narrate what is already written in your resume as it is already in front of the interviewer. Say something extra but relevant to the interviewer, which makes him interested in you and proves your suitability for the job. Try not to sound too rehearsed and don't talk for longer than five minutes.
Q: Mention your strengths.
A: Prepare on any key strength such as confidence, motivation, tenacity, positive attitude etc and explain why these would be valuable for the role you have applied for.
Q: Dwell upon your weaknesses.
A: Now, this is a tricky question. But you can answer it in a manner that benefits you. Try to state a weakness that can be considered as strength by the employer. For example: "I get impatient and tend to lose temper when deadlines are not met.” This shows that you don't like to work with inefficiency and are particular about deadlines.
Q: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
A: This question is asked to see how stable you are and what is your vision of career growth. The answer will show your clarity of thought and how you have planned your future.
Q: Why do you think you are fit for the job?
A: Answer this question by citing how you have learned from your past experience and how the knowledge that you have acquired through your education can be utilized in accomplishing the objective of your job. Try to state how you can bring a positive difference to the company. If you are a fresher, state your strengths. Try to match your analytical skills, your soft skills, your qualities with what is required by the employer and try to convince the employer that you are best suited for this post.
After you have been interviewed, you should also try to find out as much as possible about the organization and the post you have applied for. This will prove to the employer that you are interested. Ask intelligent questions and do not concentrate on salary as of now. That can be negotiated after you have got the job.
During the last few moments of your job interview, emphasize on your skills and your strengths which makes you best suited for the job. This will help the interviewer to remember your skills and strengths as this will be the last thing which the interviewer will hear.
Restate your interest in the job but don't sound desperate or too anxious. Instead show how interested you are and how best you fit the job profile.