The initial busy job search days have now ceased. There’s an interview call letter in your hand – the employer thinks you are suitable for the job. However, this does not give you immunity from the “exam type” feeling you get. The process tests you to the core, and hence, the fear may bring negative feelings to the fore. Look at the bright side – An interview is the best chance to convince the prospective employer that you are suitable for the job! You can do this with preparation. So what should preparing for an interview involve?
Research
Do not go for an interview without proper company and industry research. Knowledge is power, wield it!
Gather information regarding the company, and industry(ies), it operates in. The data should cover industry trends and statistics, company’s products, financials, and other areas related to the company’s operations.
Prepare a Checklist
Generally, during interviews, people tend to lose control over what they are talking. They offer unsolicited information and talk too much. To ensure that you do not fall into this trap, make a list of things you do not want to talk about, and stick to it. There is nothing you can do if some pointed questions are asked about something you are not comfortable about, just be honest. Otherwise, just be silent about potentially harmful topics such as your petty habits. Do not also bore the interviewers, talking about the medical history of your entire family.
Keep Your Cool
The idea behind an interview is to check how you act under pressure. Interviewers could deliberately ask you difficult questions with an aim to throw you off your balance. Therefore, just maintain your cool!
What Should Your Answers Reflect?
Your answers to the questions posed by the employer should contain some important attributes. These include honesty, maturity, clarity of thought and purpose, a structured and balanced way of thought, presence of mind, an open mind, good conceptualization skills, and good knowledge of the fundamentals.
Dress Code
The way you dress reflects what kind of a person you are, therefore, the dress code and grooming are very important while attending an interview. Look into the mirror and ensure that you are formally dressed and properly groomed. HR people are very particular about how you present yourself, and expect that you have trimmed hair, and wear polished shoes. This does not mean you should be over-dressed; just strike a balance!
Other Key issues
Before going for the interview read the newspaper for the day! The interviewer may want to check your knowledge of current affairs.
What and how you eat is also important! Have a light meal. Do not skip a meal, it could lead to loss of concentration.
Ensure that you have all the required papers such as CV, call letter etc., with you. Arrange and carry them in a folder.
Reach the interview destination 10-15 minutes before the interview. Do not, however, be there long before time; it could make you nervous.
Do not experiment with your mode of transport, travel in a manner that is comfortable and reliable.
