10 Easy Tips to ace a Job Interview #JobInterviews #InterviewPreparation #SucceedingAtInterviews #TipsForInterviewCandidates

First Stage: Pre-interview Preparation

·       Brush up your academic knowledge, with special emphasis on the application of theories and concepts you have learnt to real life situations

·   Read the newspaper, business magazines and follow talk shows that deal with current economic and financial developments, socio-political topics, environmental issues, technology updates, international sports achievements

·     Practice speaking in English, both conversational and formal English, with your friends and family members. Get used to the idea of expressing yourself in the language.

·     Work on your body language. Practice sitting and walking in correct posture and gait. If you slouch while sitting, try not to. Walk with your shoulders straight and head held up. Sit in proper position with your hands in front of you (not in crossed position), and feet carefully tucked under your chair.

·      Write down on a sheet of paper, five of your strengths and two of your weaknesses. Focus on strengths that will help you in your career or academic life. For example:

o   Leadership abilities

o   Time management skills

o   Punctuality and discipline

o   Can work in teams

o   Communication skills

o   Open to challenges

As far as weaknesses are concerned, write down those which are actually strengths disguised as weaknesses. For eg.:

o   Stickler for perfection

o   Extreme dedication to work

o   Brutally honest and straightforward

o   Particular about following deadlines

You get my drift? The point is to highlight a strength which is so extreme that it becomes a weakness for others.

Preparation on the day of the Interview:

Dress: No loud colours or shiny material please! You don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb!

For boys: Light coloured full- sleeved shirt (sleeves buttoned up, not folded), paired with dark coloured formal trousers. Black or dark brown leather shoes, to be worn with light coloured socks. Wear a tie if you feel comfortable wearing it. Hair should be carefully brushed, and you must be clean shaven.

For girls: Formal salwar kurta/churidar kurta, formal skirt and shirt, or cotton/light-silk well- pleated sari, with minimum jewelry. Hair neatly tied up, with minimum make-up. Accessories like bags, shoes, etc. must be kept formal and sober, not attention grabbing.

The idea is to create a pleasant impression - that of an earnest professional, interested in blending with a formal atmosphere.

Reach well in time, so that you can freshen up and mentally compose yourself before the interview starts. If you have time, you can also look around and get to know other interviewees. You can also do a little reading of journals and newspapers to make use of the time well.

Performing at the interview:

·    When your name is called, make sure you knock on the door before you enter the interview room. Once you are asked in, greet all the panel members with a smile. Close the door softly behind you.

• Take the seat that is offered to you, but do not bring it too close to the table, or keep your hands or things on the table. Keep your bag/folder/file on your lap and your hands folded on these.
• Sit straight and take a deep breath. Keep your manner natural and not tense. Even if you are nervous don’t show it.                                                                                            
• When asked to speak, nod your acknowledgement to the person who asked the question, and answer it briefly. If there is a panel of interviewers, then try to maintain eye contact with each person alternately.

·      Your voice should be firm but not loud or harsh. Do not speak too fast or rush through your answers. Take time to think about the question and then answer.

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·     Important!!: If you don’t know the answer of a question, say so, instead of hemming and hawing. Say that you do not know the particular answer, you will look it up. You can also request that you be asked an alternative question.

(No one will think you foolish or unsuitable because you could not answer a single question. Rather you will come across as a sorted-out person, well aware of his or her knowledge and shortcomings).

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• When asked about strengths and weaknesses, mention the ones you had written down earlier. Preparedness goes a long way in creating a favourable impression.
• Do not fidget with key-chains/ pens/mobile phones while waiting to be asked the next question. Fidgeting and excessive waving of hands or head are signs of nervousness. Remember to remain calm and composed and not distract the attention of the interviewer.
• Do not speak badly about your school/college or alma mater. Remember that when you run down someone or an institution, it speaks poorly about you.
• At the close of the interview, you may be prodded to ask questions, if any. Ask more details about the position and the role. Try to get an idea of what your role  adds to the organisation, what the company expects from you. Do not ask salary details, or reporting position. Do not ask about leaves and holidays.

·      Once you receive the indication that the interview is over, thank the panel members and wish them a good day. Don't linger and definitely don't ask when you can hear from them.

      Leave after closing the door behind you.

Cracking an interview is not rocket science. With determined practice and self-discipline anyone can succeed in giving it his/her best shot. 

Always remember that even a bad or unsuccessful interview can teach you a lot. Treat it as a learning process, and learn from your mistakes. Do not lose hope or despair if you don’t receive a confirmation. Prepare better for the next time.

Good Luck to You!