How to prepare for an interview

If you have received a call for an interview that means you are 50% there. Let’s now prepare for the remaining 50% to know how can you land a desired job.?

INTERVIEW PREPARATION

When you are called for an interview what is the first thing that strikes your mind

People get varied thoughts when they get a call for an interview.?

• Some people are confused about how are they going to crack an interview.
• Some are very optimistic that they will get this job
• Some are in a fear of loosing an opportunity if they are not selected

Have you ever thought of??WHY?these thoughts come to you? Always remember this quote

“Believing in yourself is the first secret to success” (Steve Goodier)

Confused People:?These are those sets of people who are low on confidence. They have goals but no right direction in how to achieve them.?

Optimistic People:?These are those sets of people who always think positive. Have set goals and are very focused.

People who are afraid:?These are those sets of people who are not prepared for an interview. Who have no set goals for what they exactly want to do in their life? This happens when there is a lack of or no self-motivation.?

Now, how to overcome every situation when you have to face an interview.?

1. When you are called for an interview, be positive.?WHY??Because no HR will call you if your CV does not have the set of skills and potential that the company is looking for. So think Positive and you are almost there.

2. Be very careful about your?Grooming and Punctuality. Reach the venue at least 15 minutes before. Well-groomed, proper outfit (Formals), combed hair, light perfume and keep a smile on your face. Do not go for an interview with a grumpy face. Carry a decent file with hard copies of your CV?and required documents (at least 3 copies)?

3. Do not think of it as an interview. Think of it more as a?Date or a Meeting?where 2 or more people are going to sit and discuss their future plans. This will make you feel comfortable when you are talking to an interviewer.

?4. Do some?research?about the company before going for an interview. This gives you an advantage over other participants who are also there for an interview.??

5. Be very?honest and open?when an interviewer asks you a question?“Tell me something about yourself?”?Do not?fake?anything. If any question comes up which you don’t know the answer for, accept it. It is always good to say?you don’t know?rather than telling a lie. Interviewers like it when you are honest.?

6. Always be conscious of balancing the use of?“I” and “We”?during an interview.?DO?take credit for your personal accomplishments, AND DO come across as a team player who acknowledges others. It is ok to stand out sometimes, and in an interview, it is important to clearly articulate your achievements. The best way to achieve this balance is to prepare your stories in advance, and rehearse how you will tell them.

7. When the interview is almost done, there will be the last?2 questions?asked by an interviewer which is your chance to control the entire interview.?

First: What are your?Salary Expectation??

Always research before going for an interview what are the Salary offered for these positions in the market and negotiate accordingly. Or if you did not get time to do research put a question across to the interviewer in this way,?I understand that this is an approved position, so the budget for this position must be approved too. May I know how much is it? If the offer suits you accept it or if you think it’s too low then your expectation then negotiate and make a decision accordingly.?

Second: Do you have any questions??

This is now your chance to make a lasting impression before leaving the interview room.?Never say NO?in this scenario.?Ask questions like?

• What do you expect from team members in this position?
• Will those expectations change over time?
• What is a typical day like at XYZ Company?
• By when will I come to know the result of my interview?

These are few examples of what you can ask the interviewer.

8. Always leave the interview room with a?smile?on your face. Before leaving always collect a?visiting card?from the reception. Always drop a?Thank you email?to the interviewer and ask for feedback.?

By following these above steps you will be able to meet that remaining?50%?which is required to get your dream job.?

If anyone has anything more to add, please feel free to comment and it would benefit others too.?

Thank you for reading.