Tips for interview preparation

Interview is a formal conversation between two or more person, in which exchange of information takes place, with a view of checking a candidate’s capability for the job. This is not a very hard task, all you just need is to stay calm and confident.

In this blog we will discuss all the do’s and don’ts of interview as well as the tips to prepare for interview. Every interview has three phases: before, during, and after interview. We will discuss them one by one. And finally we will tell you how to answer some common but tricky questions.

1. Pre-Interview

Firstly know the reason , why you want to join this company? , What you can do for this company?, and how it will benefit them if they have you ? If you know the answers of these questions you will be then confident to proceed further.

Read and do research on everything about this company . Learn the data related to this company , know about the founder and the current highest position at the company. You should know about your HR , who is going to interview you , who is he?, and how he has devoted himself for the development of this company.

Know your resume – Write your resume in well-mannered, and remember all the information you have written into it. Resume hold the value, you should know the meaning of each word that you write on it. And yes, it starts right from knowing the meaning of your name.

Know what to speak – At all points during the selection process, each word you say holds a value. It will make an impression of your image. Prepare your introduction, try to give mock interview in front of your friends circle and your family, to know your weakness and abilities.

Think from the recruiter’s perspective – The company’s HR department will have specific requirements for specific roles. Analyze what they need and then design your answers accordingly.

Day before interview – Prepare yourself physically and mentally, have light food and sleep well. Work on your emotional state to empower yourself as much as possible.

Dress code – a) For boys: Choose formal dress and never try to wear fancy or heavy dresses. Avoid light colored pants and un-ironed clothes. Shave your beard and hide your tattoos, if any. And finally polish your shoes. b) For girls: You can wear formal suit and pants. Wear flat shoes or sandals instead of high heels. Avoid heavy make-up, jewelries and fancy dresses. And finally polish your shoes.

2. Day of interview

Be on time and ,if possible, reach your interview place before 20 min. Greet the security or receptionist, whomever you meet there. A large part of any interview is the attitude you approach it with.

Remain confident – Always remember, a job is important to you. But, a good employee is equally important to their organisation . The requirement is mutual.

Don’t be hyperactive – Don’t roam outside and don’t try to make calls or chats before interview. Just sit at appropriate place, switch off your mobile and relax. If you feel nervous then drink water and use restroom.

During Interview

Behave like a gentleman – Before entering the room, ask for the permission. Greet everyone present over there and don’t sit until they ask to. While giving answers, keep eye contact and sit with a proper posture. Place your files on your thighs and put your hands above it. Say ” Thank You for conducting my interview sir/mam” after the end of your interview.

Smile – Your verbal communication skills is as important as your non-verbal communication skills. So, use your body very effectively. SMILE whenever required.

Think from the recruiter’s perspective – The company’s HR department will have specific requirements for specific roles. Analyze what they need and then design your answers accordingly.

Be honest and direct – With that at your back, it should be easy to be direct and to take the conversation into your own hands. When you know what they want and what you want it’s easy to be direct, cutting out all the B.S questions and right through the main event.

Stay monochromatic – Bringing up diverse experience of your life is an added advantage, you should, at all points of time, mean the same thing. You should not get carried away and change your stance.

3. Post interview

Recalling – After the interview, don’t get impatient. This is now the time of recalling everything. Note down everything that happened during interview and list out all the things that you were asked, along with your answers.

Be patient – Wait till the results are announced, it doesn’t matter how long it take. By calling them again and again to know about your selection will make your selection less likely, as it shows your impatient behavior.

Send a follow-up email – After the declaration of results, write a ” Thank You” letter or email. It doesn’t matter you get selected or not, that letter will show your enthusiasm and gratitude towards that company.

How to answer some common questions

1.“Walk me through your resume.”

Have a succinct answer to this ( about 2-3 minutes ). You can start with the “headline”. Make sure your answer has some interesting stories.

eg. – ” If you look at my experience to date, you’ll see that I’m very focused on building exciting, user-focused products in a scalable way “

2. “Why do you want this job?”

A good way to answer this question is to answer it in two parts.“So, first let me talk about why I am passionate about [COMPANY NAME] and then I’ll explain why I think [ROLE] is an ideal role for me.”

3. “Why should we hire you?”

One effective structure for an answer goes something like this.“From what I understand about the company and role, It seems you are looking for someone with x,y,z qualities. Now, if you look at my experience and interests, I think you’ll find strengths in all three of these areas. For example….” Then give appropriate examples and share your experience.

4. “Where do you see yourself within the next five years?”

Job hopping is normal, and most employers know that people, especially young, ambitious people are always looking for opportunity. Don’t pretend that you will stay there for five years. Instead, tie in a big dream job, ideally one at that company you can work towards with your passions, interests and experience. It shows employers that you’re ambitious, driven and looking for professional growths.

5. “What are your strengths?”

Some common answer to this question are “COMMUNICATION SKILL” and “PUBLIC SPEAKING”. But apart from that you should know about your strength that are of company’s interest.

6. “What are your weaknesses?”

Think about an actual weakness. Make sure you go with something that is not essential requirement for the job. Further, explain to them that you became aware of it and are working on improving upon. It shows that you are reflective, willing to learn and striving to get better.

If you think that we have missed some other common questions, then please mention them in comment section. We will update that question with answer in the main article.

Thank you for reading this article,

Team BloggerBoy

Please fill this feedback form to help us to improve our blog. You can also suggest us about anything which you think requires some changes.