Ace Your Job Interview.

Get prepared for your next job interview with ease. Prepare yourself with an interview guide, body language and post interview etiquette. Job interviews play a vital role in the selection process. Employer gets a chance to judge the candidate's technical skill, attitude, body language, communication, etc.. Also candidates get a chance to show his capabilities, technical presentation and will be able to get to know about employers. Sometimes Interviews go beyond the written resume allowing employers to gauge the individuals communication skill, problem solving capabilities and professional attitude.

Companies can choose the type of interview depending on their needs of hiring.

Before you start preparing for job interviews, you need to understand the types of job interviews. This will help you to prepare for job interviews in all ways.

In today’s market standing out of the crowd is essential. A well prepared interview is helpful to get a desired job for an individual. Individual tries to present himself as an ideal candidate, building rapport with the interviewer and keeping enthusiasm about the role and the company. Interview is not only a Question - Answer game but it is to know each other beyond that.

Role of hiring managers and recruiters in hiring process:

Hiring managers and recruiters play vital roles in the hiring process. What exactly do they do? And how can understanding their role help you for the preparation of a job interview.

Recruiters are the first point of contact for an individual. They source and screen resumes.They match their skills and experiences with the job description and organize the initial stage of interviews.

Hiring managers on the other hand takes the final call. They evaluate your answers and try to find out if you are fit for the job role and company culture. And they decide on a job offer.

Knowing the role of these key players makes your approach for the interview. Recognizing the recruiter's role can help you tailor your cover letter and resume. Understanding the hiring manager's expectations can aid you in crafting specific examples during the interview to demonstrate you're the right person for the new job.

Different types of job interviews and how you can prepare for them:

Job interviews come in many forms but knowing exactly what kind of interview you need to face makes you prepare for the same.

There are three types of interviews, phone interviews, In person interviews and video interviews.

1. Phone interviews: Phone interviews allow employers to quickly screen and cut down a long list of candidates. In comparison with In-person interviews, phone interviews are easier to schedule and are more usually a quick way to conduct interviews.

During the discussion, candidates can clarify any questions interviewers have about their resumes or experience. The interviewer can also explain the position or role in a brief way to check candidate interest before bringing a candidate for an? In-person interview.?

Phone interviews are best interviews for larger companies with a high volume of applicants. Employers can quickly cut down the list of potential candidates before investing time and energy in a candidate.

1. Virtual interviews: Virtual interviews have become more prevalent in recent years, and they require unique preparation. A virtual interview is an interview that takes place remotely, sometimes over the phone, but often using technology like video conferencing and other online communication platforms like Zoom, Google meet, etc…

Just like an in-person interview, dressing professionally is crucial at the time of virtual interviews — even if only the upper half of your outfit will be visible. Choosing a quiet, well-lit environment with a neutral background ensures that focus stays on you. Practicing with a family member can help iron out any technical issues and get you comfortable while talking in front of the camera.

1. In-person / Face to face (FTF/F2F) interviews: This type of interview is traditional and most common in all sectors. Most of the companies prefer In-person interviews.?

Here candidates are asked to visit the employer in person at the office and discuss the job face to face. This is the scenario where you sit with a solo interviewer or with an interview Panel and answer a series of questions designed to figure out if you are the best candidate for the job.

Bringing each candidate in, however, can be time consuming and present scheduling conflicts on both ends.?

Remember, a firm handshake and maintaining eye contact make a positive first impression. You can also do the mock interviews with a family member. It will help to reduce nervousness and fine-tune your interview skills.

Key Aspects of presentation during an interview:

1. Positive body language: This includes maintaining eye contact, giving a firm handshake and using open postures. These non-verbal cues can project confidence and engagement.
2. Interview Attire: Dressing professionally, shows respect and interest in the role. It's always better to be dressed well. It creates a positive impression. Dressing well gives confidence to the individual to face an interview.
3. Salary discussion: This can be a tricky part of the interview process. It's generally best to research beforehand what similar roles in your location pay and be prepared with a range if asked.
4. List of questions to ask: This shows that you're genuinely interested in the job and engaged in the process. Questions could be about the company culture, the role or the next steps in the hiring process. Remember, an interview is a two-way street — it's as much about the company impressing you as you impressing the company.

Preparing for common interview questions is essential to boost your confidence and improve your interview performance. While specific questions may vary depending on the job and company, certain types of questions are commonly asked. These include questions about your work experience, skills, strengths and weaknesses, problem-solving abilities, teamwork and your fit for the role.

Post interview etiquette:

While the interview may be crucial, follow up after the job interview to keep yourself separate from other applicants. Take follow-up professionally with the recruiter. If the recruiter didn’t respond with the feedback within 24 hours then you should write a professional email asking for the feedback. You can also clarify if you want to mention something that you missed at the time of interview. This is also an opportunity to retrieve your interest in the company's role and culture.

If you were informed of the next steps in the interview process, be patient and wait for that period to pass before reaching out. If you weren't given a timeline, waiting for a week before sending a polite follow-up email is a good rule of thumb.

Finally, whatever the outcome, learn each interview as an experience. If you are selected, Great ! If not, seek another opportunity. Your ultimate goal is to find the right job? for yourself.?

? Vandana Gaikwad - Sapkal