You and your interviewer must have a conversation where both share information and thoughts. Only such a conversation can evaluate if you, the company, and the position are a good fit. And the secret to this is to plan ahead of time.
Have you been called out for an interview, but you’re not ready for it? No worries, we’ll help you prepare well for it. Below, we have jotted down some information for you that we assure will lead you to a successful interview.
Tips to prepare for a job interview:
Before you appear in front of the HR panel for an interview, you need to invest in some time to prepare for it. Following are some tips that should be taken into consideration:
1. Research about the company:
Knowing crucial facts about the firm you are going to interview with. Doing so can aid you in building more confidence during your interview. For example, look up the company’s website, their social media profiles, what they post there, and their current press releases. Going through all these would give you a good sense of the company’s aims and how you would fit in.
2. Rehearse your responses to typical interview questions:
Prepare answers to the typical interview questions, such as, Tell me about yourself? Or why are you interested in this position with our company? What are your future plans? Besides, it would be best if you also came prepared to talk about your salary expectations.
Since it’s your elevator pitch, the goal is to swiftly express who you are and what value you will offer to the organization and the job role. Again, you can look up Free PowerPoint Templates to make yourself look more professional.
It’s a proven fact that practicing your answers aloud is the most effective approach to preparing. So, rather say them out loud or enlist the help of a buddy to go over the Q/As with you. As you grow used to them, you’ll notice that you acquire confidence. However, please don’t fabricate anything, be honest. Concentrate on your significant assets and how your past qualifies you for the role.
3. Use the STAR approach:
Prepare yourself to answer the potential questions using the Star approach. While concentrating on your major assets and how your past qualifies you for the role.
For instance, you might be asked about occasions in the past where you used a specific talent, then answering with a clear Situation, Task, Action, and Result using the STAR approach would be the best.
4. Go over the job description and bring up your work examples:
It’s a good idea to get the job ad printed and start highlighting the skills that the employer is searching for. In addition, it would be great if you consider examples from your previous work and current work that meet these criteria to see where you fit.
Likewise, if you get questioned about particular work you have done concerning the job role in the interview, consider tasks you have done in previous employment, clubs, or even the voluntary roles that demonstrate your experience and success in completing the required work. To present yourself more professionally, you can make a 30 60 90 Day Plan for Interview to showcase your work journey.
Tips for leading an impactful interview:
Since you know how to prepare for the interview, now it’s time to practice how to lead a successful interview. Consider the following:
1. Give a good first impression:
Your first impression on the interviewer is often more important than your actual qualifications. Hence plan out everything the night before, for instance, what you’ll wear for the interview, to make sure you look presentable enough. Make your shoe shine, keep your nails tidy, and inspect your clothing for holes, pet hair, stains and loose threads because if you find anything in the interview place that will make you conscious, it will badly influence your interview performance. Being prepared for all this would maintain a confident demeanor throughout your interview.
2. Be punctual:
Make a plan to get to the interview place on time by mapping out your travel route. If you use public transportation, then you also need to make an alternate plan in case of closure or delays. However, if you arrive earlier, then use the extra time to study the office dynamics.
3. Use proper etiquette and body language:
From the time you walk into the building, use confident, approachable body language. Walk into the room standing tall, straight back and shoulders up. Keep in mind, not that you are not supposed to extend your hand for a handshake first; you should only respond if the interviewer extends their hand. Stand tall, smile, and make eye contact with each of the individuals. Keeping the interview simple and light while using optimistic body language.
4. Relate your responses to your abilities and achievements:
It is critical to relate your past to the position with examples of solutions and results you have produced when responding to any query. Don’t miss out on any opportunity to address the job description’s needs.
For instance, if they give you a scenario and ask you to find a way out. When coming up with a strategy to solve that issue, utilize Strategy Template to effectively display your proposed working strategy.
5. Be succinct and focused in your responses:
Avoid rambling because they have a list of candidates scheduled to interview; they don’t have extra time for you. Hence, use your time wisely without wasting it. Preparing your replies ahead of time can aid you to stay focused.
6. Do not make negative remarks about your past workplace:
Companies are looking for problem solvers who can work through adversity, so if you are dissatisfied with your current employment, you can talk about the things you have learned from it instead of talking bad about it.
7. Follow up with a thank you letter:
During the interview, you can request for the interviewer’s business card so you may thank each of them personally. Then, send each of them a thank you follow-up email. If you had the interview in the morning, then you can send it the same day or else the day after the interview would do good.