How to Crack that Interview!

Are you looking for a job? Or thinking of applying for that internal job posting???

And you are nervous about the interview.?

Don’t worry, this article will help you prepare for the discussion.?

So, let's start!?

The first step is to apply for the role.?

Okay, so you already applied and got a call from HR with the date and time of your interview.??

The butterflies in your stomach are growing bigger and bigger as you near that date. And your monkey mind is going crazy thinking about what will happen, the anxiety, stress, its too much!?

Firstly, you must calm your mind!

Understand that you can only do what is in your control, which is to give your best and leave the rest for the interviewers to decide. Overthinking never helps.?

Now let’s look at the steps involved.?

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. You have only one chance to make the difference, so you need to prepare for that.?

Let’s start with what you should wear!?

Wear formal clothes. Irrespective of the role you have applied for or the culture of the company. The interviewer may be wearing a round-necked T-shirt, but you must wear formal clothes. And don’t overdo it with a blazer and a tie, that’s not necessary unless the role requires it. Just be presentable, simply look good.?

Don’t reach on time, reach before time!?

No traffic excuses please, get up early, plan for a buffer time and be there at least 15mins before the interview time. This is professionalism. You won’t start on a good note if you are late for the interview. Carry a copy of the resume, just in case it’s needed, and I don’t think a notebook and pen are required.?

Greetings!??

Walk into the room with confidence, back straight and with a smile. Keep saying in your mind ‘I got this!’, it helps. A firm handshake wishing them Good Morning/Afternoon whatever time it is. How are you doing? can be a good question to ask. Keep that smile on your face, a pleasing one. Take a seat when asked to.?

Body language is very important as it reflects your confidence. So, sit straight with your legs preferably at a 90-degree angle, this is a great posture as it shows your involvement and eagerness. Try not to cross your legs or sit leaning backwards as it shows overconfidence. Don’t slouch or fold your hands as it shows nervousness. And please don’t fidget with your pen, paper, hair, etc. Be calm and composed.?

Tell me about yourself.?

Generally, this question is asked to break the ice and make you comfortable. Please do not memorize this one. Hi, I am Ramesh, I have 10 years of experience, I am currently working with... Stop!??

All this is written on the cv, so don’t repeat it, be Creative! Say something which is not covered there. Start with your strength or say something like??

‘Hi, I am Ramesh and I love coding’ and I am currently working on ...?

‘Hi, I am Suresh and I enjoy working with people’ and I lead a team of ...?

‘Hi, I am Mukesh and I love numbers’ and I analyze data for ...?

Start with something like that and continue with a brief introduction.?

What do you know about the company??

I hope you have done in-depth research for the company before your interview, it is mandatory. Learn more about the company, the business model, customers, revenues, C-suite, if it’s listed the stock price, locations, etc. Also, check out LinkedIn and Glassdoor comments to understand more. ?

What are your strengths and weaknesses??

One or two strengths and one weakness or area of improvement should work. Only you know what you are good at, so prepare well in advance on how you will answer that question and try to validate your strengths with examples, this helps. Don’t google and give answers, this is about you so introspect and answer on what your true strengths and weaknesses are.?

What is your biggest achievement??

You can relate this to college days if you are a beginner or mention any highlight from your career so far. Something where you contributed significantly or had a breakthrough innovation or client pitch that you got your company business. Don’t say my promotion was the biggest achievement, that’s a result of what you would’ve done so call that out. Think about the value that you brought which resulted in some positive impact.??

Why should we hire you??

Because I am the best! Because you need me! NO! Please do not say anything like that. Don’t be overconfident and say because I fit the bill! Be humble and say that the skills that I have match the job requirements and I will be able to contribute towards the success of this organization if given a chance. This means you must read the Job Description carefully and understand the requirements. ?

Where do you see yourself in the next five years??

‘I see myself sitting in your place’, I have heard that couple of times and trust me, it didn’t impress me. It shows a lack of understanding reality and how career progression works. Be authentic, say I see myself contributing to the success of the organization, or I see myself in a leadership role or an SME or a Product Manager, be specific on the domain and your skills.?

What do you do in your spare time??

Don’t just say anything to impress, it will surely backfire. People say I love reading, I ask which book you are reading now, and they are stumped. Be true and say what you actually do in your spare time. If you watch Netflix, say that, if you trek, say that, if you are in music, say that. Don’t fake anything in your discussion. Be authentic!?

Why are you leaving your current job??

No matter how bad the culture is in your organization or how toxic your boss is, do not open that can of worms. Be mature and say you are looking for something challenging. Say that you spent X years with your company and now it's time to explore something new. If you say I am looking for growth, that might also have a follow up question like 'why didn’t you grow in the existing organization?', so be sure you have an answer for that. And if your job was impacted and you were laid off, be strong and call that out. The interviewer will appreciate the honesty.?

What are your salary expectations??

Mostly people say as per the industry norms, which is fine. If you have another offer in hand, you can say I am holding an offer of X, or if you have a number in mind, call that out, say I would be very happy if I get Y. It’s okay as long as that Y is not double your existing salary or some insane amount. So be practical.?

And lastly, if they ask ?

Any questions for us???

Don’t suddenly become a CEO and ask what’s your company strategy or growth pipeline, what’s the revenue goal, etc. Ask something simpler like ‘just wanted to know what the culture is like?’, or ‘what training opportunities are available?’. Some folks ask for feedback directly, which might sometimes not go well with the interviewer as they are not prepared to share that information.?

On a different note, a lot of folks say I will wear my lucky shirt, lucky trousers, lucky whatever. Personally, I don’t believe much in luck, my mantra is ‘the harder you try the luckier you get’. ?

After all, Luck is ‘what happens when preparation meets opportunity’?

So, prepare, do mock interviews with your boss (only if it's an IJP ??), or with your friends if you are applying outside. ?

And practice, practice & practice.??

Whatever happens, remember the experience will be valuable.?

All the best in cracking that interview, you got this!?

I hope this article helps you in some way, sorry it’s a little lengthy, will try and make a video on body posture for interviews soon.?

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