Interviews: How to Prepare and What to Expect

We are back with the Interview series as promised. And, we know that Interviews can be intimidating, but with the right preparation and knowledge, you can successfully navigate your way through them. Interviews are an important part of the job search process, and having strong interview skills can help you stand out from other applicants.?

Preparation

Interview preparation is essential for making sure that you can confidently and successfully make it through your job interview. By preparing beforehand, you can set yourself up for success and feel more comfortable and confident when meeting with potential employers. Here are some tips on how to properly prepare for an interview:?

• First, do your research. It’s important to research the company you’re applying for, the job you’re interviewing for, and the people who will be interviewing you. This will help you better understand what to expect and give you insight into the company culture and the position you are applying for.
• Second, review the job description. Make sure you understand what is expected of you and if you meet the requirements. This will also help you to develop thoughtful questions to ask in your interview.
• Third, practice. Prepare answers to common interview questions so that you can effectively showcase your skills and experience. Also, practice how to articulate your strengths and weaknesses, as well as examples of times when you have solved a problem or accomplished something meaningful.
• Fourth, be on time and dress professionally. First impressions matter, so show up to the interview 10-15 minutes early, dress appropriately, and don’t forget to bring copies of your resume and references.?

The Right Company

When it comes to interviewing preparation, choosing the right company can be just as important as preparing for the actual interview. As a fresher, you may not have experience or much insight into what makes a company the right choice for you. However, there are a few key factors to consider when determining if a company is a right fit.

• First, research the company’s mission, values, and culture. What do they stand for? Do those values align with your own? Are their values focused on serving customers or themselves? Having a clear understanding of the company’s objectives can help you decide if their vision is one that resonates with you.
• Second, look into the company’s growth potential. Do they invest in their employees and encourage development opportunities? Knowing that you will have the chance to expand and grow professionally with the company can help ensure you make the right decision.
• Finally, look at the team. Is the team friendly and welcoming? Do they have strong relationships with each other? Understanding the dynamics of the team can help you get a better sense of the atmosphere and environment within the organization.?

This way you can gain a better understanding of what the company stands for and how it fits into your career goals.

The Right Job Role

When it comes to interview preparation, choosing the right job role is essential. Finding the job role that best suits you can be a challenge, but with the right amount of research and consideration, you can make sure you select the position that best matches your skills and goals. Before applying for a position, ask yourself some important questions to determine if the job role is the right fit for you:?

? Does this job role match my skills and abilities??

? Are there any opportunities for growth within this job role??

? What is the work culture like at this company??

? Do I have a good understanding of the job duties and expectations??

? How will this job role help me reach my long-term career goals?

By taking the time to ask yourself these important questions, you can make sure that you are applying for the job role that best matches your skills and experience.

Do's and Don'ts

One of the most important parts of interview preparation is understanding what one should do and not do in an interview. Doing the wrong thing could be the difference between getting the job and not getting it, so it's crucial to know what behaviors are expected in a professional setting. Here are some dos and don'ts for an interview:

Do's

- Research the company and position you are applying for

- Come prepared with questions to ask your interviewer

- Dress professionally

For men: formal coat pants, shirt trousers, formal shoes

For women: formal trousers tops, formal coat pants, mild color salwar kameez, light makeup?

- Arrive on time?

- Express enthusiasm?

- Shake hands with your interviewer

Don'ts

- Show up late?

- Dress too casually?

- Interrupt the interviewer or appear disinterested?

- Speak negatively about former employers or colleagues?

- Make assumptions about the position you are applying for?

- Take personal calls during the interview

Asking the Right Questions

Asking the right questions during an interview can be a key part of interview preparation. It’s important to ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and the position. Here are some questions you can consider asking during an interview:?

- What kind of skills or experience do you look for in candidates?

- Are there any areas where I could use additional training?

- How would you describe the work environment here?

- What kinds of opportunities exist for professional development?

- Are there any projects that I could become involved with right away?

- What kind of support will I receive in order to succeed in this role?