HOW TO CRACK AN INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW….. A word from which every professional has to undergo. For some it is a havoc and for some an opportunity to express themselves. In a very short time you have to express about yourself.

It is a formal and structured discussion between the two- the interviewer and the interviewee, with the purpose of fitment of your skill to his requirement like Education, Experience, and Exposures etc. for a particular job. This is vital part of recruitment process to gather information about the candidate beyond what ever written in CV.

We have to be very specific in telling about ourselves. I have seen while interviewing candidates that they get confused while answering question asked or telling about self as from where to start.

See…there are different areas of explaining self. You can start from anywhere like Education, Profession, family etc. The main aspect to express whatever you are saying with clarity and there should be some rhythm in that.

Second most important area you have to cover as what all task you have performed in your career- this is very crucial area. Now, you have to make, your skill & experience, fit to the interviewer requirements.

During an interview, the interviewer may ask a different sort of questions to know more about the candidate's background, experience, problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills and other relevant attributes. The interviewee, in turn, has the opportunity to ask questions about the company, job role, and work environment to determine if the position aligns with their career goals and values.

INTERVIEWS CAN BE OF VARIOUS TYPES

·                Ø Face-to-face: Meetings between the interviewer and interviewee.

Ø Telephonic round:  Conversations conducted over the phone.

Ø Video round: Interviews conducted through video conferencing tools

Ø Panel round: Involving multiple interviewers assessing a candidate.

Ø Behavioral round: Focused on assessing past behavior and experiences.

Ø Technical round: Assessing the candidate's technical skills and knowledge.

Ø SRT: Situation Reaction Test.

Ø WAT: Word Association Test.

 

The goal of an interview is for both parties to determine if there is a good fit between the candidate and the company. This provides an opportunity for the employer to evaluate candidate’s qualifications and for the candidate to assess whether the company and role align with their career goals.

Three major ingredients for cracking a job interview are the combination of Preparation, Confidence and Effective communication.

SOME TIPS FOR YOU FOR A SUCCESS IN YOUR JOB INTERVIEW

Pre-Requisites- Before Interview

·        Research the company profile, product, Market, Customers.

·        Understand the company's values, mission, and culture

·        Familiarize yourself with the industry and the company's competitors

Job Description

·        Understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the position.

·        Identify the skills and experiences the employer is looking for

Resume Preparation

·        Update your resume with relevant skills and experiences.

·        Be ready to discuss your achievements and how they relate to the job.

·  Practice for common interview questions- Anticipate questions about your strengths, weaknesses, achievements, and challenges. Practice your responses to behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action and Result).

DURING THE INTERVIEW- WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO

Dressing Sense 

·        Dress Appropriately.

·        Wear professional attire that is suitable for the company culture.

Personal Hygiene

·        There should not be body odor which is natural in summer season.

·    Avoid any such food just before the interview to avoid any un wanted smells from your mouth.

·       Avoid chewing gum or any mouth freshener present in mouth during interview.

·        Last but not the least- avoid burping, itching etc.

·        Keep clean hanky with you. Preferably of white color for the occasion if arise.

·        Comb your hair – you can use company washroom.

·        Feel yourself happy and comfortable.

·        Now you are ready for a meeting.

Apply for Leave for the day to focus on interview

·  Manage proper leave from your current company. Else your current work profile and customer will keep on calling you.

·    Manage to inform all your current company team members that you will be on leave and limited access to phone and mail.

·      Delegate your work to your team for the leave day.

·     This will make you at ease and there will not be any disturbance and at the same time your current work will not hamper.

Gadgets

·        Keep your phone switched off or in a silent mode.

·        If possible keep your all gadgets in your bag.

·        Do not carry heavy language in interview, you are not going on vacation.

·        Keep small bag which is easy to carry and keep

Arrive Early

·        Be punctual.

·       Arriving early allows you to compose yourself and demonstrates your eagerness.

·        This will also help you to settle down the particular environment.

·        You feel comfortable after spending some time looking around the things.

Keep Documents ready

·        Keep updated CV and passport size photograph.

·        Keep all of your documents as required

·        Keep all documents in a clean folder

Entering into the interviewer room

·        Wait for your call with patience

·        Do not ask reception again and again as this shows your lack of patience

·      If indicated before entering into the room, knock the door gently and ask for permission to   enter.

·        Even if the door is open, gently ask for permission to enter.

·        Avoid hurry of sitting, please do not…until you are asked to sit.

·        Move the chair gently and do not make any noise.

·        Sit comfortably with happiness on your face.

·        Convey your thanks permitting to sit.

·        Maintain good eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and smile.

DURING INTERVIEW SESSION

Active listening

Pay attention to your body language; it should convey confidence and enthusiasm

Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions and answer them directly

Don't interrupt, and ask for clarification if needed

Show Enthusiasm

Express genuine interest in the position and the company.

Highlight how your skills align with the company's needs.

Ask Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the company, team, and role.

This demonstrates your interest and engagement.

Match the voice tone

Match the tone and level of voice with the interviewers. do not be loud or tool low.

You have to figure out your voice level as per the surroundings.

After the Interview

Follow Up- Send a thank-you email expressing gratitude for the opportunity.

Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention how your skills align with the role.

 

FEW NOTABLE POINTS DURING INTERVIEW

·        Be authentic

·        Be real and avoid boasting around the bush.

·        Be specific in answering, do not deviate from main question.

 

And the most important remember…you are unique.

Be confident on what you have rather worried what you do not!

Wish you all the success!!!