Job Interview Preparation!

"Interviews" are more than just a step in your career journey; they're exciting opportunities to showcase your unique talents and find your perfect job fit.

Preparing for an interview primarily means taking time to thoughtfully consider your goals and qualifications relative to the position and employer.

Key points to remember!

• Research the Company: It involves digging into their history, mission, values, culture, and recent achievements. Explore their website, read recent press releases, and understand their products, services, and position in the industry.
• Review the Job Description: Identify the required skills and qualifications and reflect on how your background and experiences align with these requirements.
• Plan Your Day: Whether your interview is in-person or virtual, planning your journey is essential. For in-person interviews, know the location and how you’ll get there. For video interviews, ensure your technology works correctly. Test your internet connection, camera, and microphone beforehand, and familiarize yourself with the video conferencing software.
• Practice Answering Interview Questions: Sample questions here!

·?????? Tell me your Story!

·?????? What set you apart from other candidates?

·?????? What are your weaknesses?

·?????? What are your great strengths?

·?????? Why do you want to work here?

·?????? What is the hardest problem you have ever worked on?

·?????? Why do you want to leave your current role?

·?????? Tell me about a time you faced an ethical dilemma, how did you handle it?

• Thoughtful Questions to Ask: Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
• Review Your Resume: Familiarize yourself with every detail on your resume.
• Social media presence (#LinkedIn): In today’s digital age, employers often review candidates’ online profiles. Ensure your social media accounts reflect a professional image. Your online profiles should accurately represent your professional skills, experiences, and interests.
• Appropriate Dressing: Dressing for an interview is about striking the right balance between professionalism and fitting in with the company's culture. Ensure your clothes fit well and you're comfortably groomed, with minimal accessories. wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, reflecting a professional image that matches the company's ethos.
• Being Punctual: Arriving on time, or ideally a few minutes early, sets a positive tone for the interview. It reflects your time management skills and respect for the interviewer's schedule.
• Listening: Pay attention to the interviewer's words and body language. Avoid interrupting; wait for them to finish before responding.
• Communication: Articulate your thoughts in a structured and concise manner. Avoid overly complex language or jargon.
• Answering Questions Thoughtfully: Focus on answering the question that's been asked, not the one you wish had been asked. Dishonesty will come back to haunt you and won’t help you in the long run.
• Confidence & Using Appropriate Body Language: Confidence shouldn't be confused with arrogance. Your body language speaks volumes. Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit up straight and relaxed. Use hand gestures naturally to emphasize points.
• Professionalism: Throughout the interview, stay positive and maintain a professional demeanor. This includes being respectful in your speech, avoiding slang or overly casual language, and not speaking negatively about previous employers or colleagues. Frame your experiences positively, focusing on what you learned or how you grew from them.
• Enthusiasm: Employers are not just looking for candidates with the right skills and experience. They also want someone who is genuinely are excited and motivated to contribute to the company’s success.
• Positive closure note: It’s your last chance to reinforce your interest in the position and leave a lasting positive impact. Start by expressing gratitude for the opportunity!

Best Wishes!

Divya Fernandez

Talent Acquisition, Harman (A Samsung Company).