25 Skills You Should have for "Crack An Interview"

Getting an interview call for your dream job is another step in the right direction. An interview can be stressful for you considering the fact that you have very limited interview experience. Therefore, you must keep in mind some very important points before and while attending an interview.

Below are the some Basic skills Should have to "Crack An Interview"

1. Research the Company:

This is not an option! It is extremely important to gain basic information about the company for which you are interviewing. In a study, 47% of interviewers revealed that they wouldn’t offer the job to a candidate if they had little knowledge of the company.

Look up for important information about the company - vision and mission, key personnel, Products, Competitors and recent milestones. You should also read up the latest news about the specific department or vertical for which you are interviewing.

2. Analyze Job Description Deeply:

Along with researching the company?, be sure to note the key focus areas of the role you applied for. Read carefully the job description, and make a list of the points to justify how you are capable of achieving these specific duties.

In case you have past experience, mention briefly critical instances where you have contributed. Be eager and enthusiastic but not desperate.

3. Brush up Basics:

Along with an impressive personality, you also need excellent subject knowledge. Whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional, you can expect certain tough questions. Brush up your subject fundamentals if you are a fresher. In case you have work experience, organize your thoughts about your work and present them well.

4. Prepare for Tests (Aptitude) / Assessment:

Do prepare for any written tests, activities, and/or presentations that may be mentioned in the job posting. This way, there will be no surprises during the interview and you will be mentally prepared for it. There are multiple website who guide you how to clear this.

5. Prepare for Potential Interview Questions:

Most of the interviews have many common questions. Some of the examples of such common questions are - 'tell me about yourself', 'describe who you are', 'why should I hire you', 'why do you want this job', 'where do you see yourself in five years', etc.

Make a list of such potential questions related to the job profile, background, company, etc. and prepare for them in advance.

6. Rehearse explaining your resume:

An interviewer is likely to ask you - 'Please walk me through your resume'. This is the time to elaborate on certain important accomplishments in your resume.

Stick to specific examples or tasks regarding that accomplishment. It is advisable to rehearse these before the interview. This way you aren’t taking too much time at the interview itself. Formulate crisp and clear answers that get your point across.

Update your CV

Your CV is the most important document which sells you to the firm. Keep it updated by adding all your skills and experiences. You must not fake information in your resume. Your CV should not be too verbose and lengthy.

Read your resume carefully before submitting 50% Candidate did Basic Mistake in Resume like Typo Error, Spelling Mistake. Wrong/ unwanted Information Etc.

7. Be Punctual:

Reach well in time to appear professional. People who arrive late are often rejected even before they appear for the interview. Plan your method and route of travel in advance. Also, keep a time buffer in case of heavy traffic or some other reason. This way you can reach on time without being stressed.

8. Be attentive:

Good communication skills can go a long way in impressing the interviewer. Listen carefully to everything the interviewer is saying. This is not the time to daydream or be distracted. Match their pace of talking to better connect with them while also making sure you heard what was said.

9. Speak clearly:

Maintain clarity of speech at all times to project confidence and clarity of thought. When communicating, speak in a calm and clear manner. Don’t be in a rush to get all the answers out. Avoid mumbling as it makes you look nervous and unsure. If you do not know the answer, be honest about it.

Say, 'I don't know', if you don't know the answer.

10. Know what and when to Speak:

Keep in mind you are in a formal setting. Even if the interviewer is acting friendly, avoid inappropriate abatements. Don’t use casual slang or jargon. In addition, avoid statements about race, religion or politics. Stick to what the interviewer is talking about and respond in a polite and formal manner.

11. Maintain Good Body Language:

A lot of communication is indeed non-verbal. And this is critical in an interview. In fact, 33% of employers figure out within the first 90 seconds of an interview whether they will hire someone.

Slouching in your seat, sitting in a laidback position or being fidgety can go against you. Instead, sit upright and keep a smile on your face.

12. Make eye contact:

When you talk to an interviewer, be sure to look at them. Don’t look down or at the wall or the clock. This shows a lack of confidence. Communicate with the interviewer by making eye contact. This displays confidence while allowing you to make an engaged connection.

13. Interview Mode:

Don’t wait till you reach the interview room to be polite and professional. Switch on your interview mode as soon as you enter the interview venue.

Be it with the person at the reception desk and any other staff member, be on your best behavior from the minute you reach the office. You never know who all have a say in your job.

14. Do not Waste Time:

The interviewer probably has a very busy day planned. Do not waste their time. Be direct in your answers and do not beat around the bush. There will be some tough questions you may not know the answers to. In such cases, politely accept that you are not aware but ready to learn. Don’t try guesswork or try to fool the interviewer. Sometimes tough questions are just a way to see how well you respond under pressure.

15. Customize your Answers:

When asked about a particular skill set, do not have one standard answer for every Company you apply to. Instead, list out the ways your skills can add value to the role and company for which you are interviewing.

16. Mention your Strengths:

You will get several chances in the interview to talk about your strengths. This can be in the classic 'What are your strengths' question, or you can be asked about a particular project listed on your resume. Be confident and informative when talking about your strengths but do not be arrogant or boastful.

17. Define your Career Goal?

Your career goal or objective should be clear in your mind. Frame the answer to this question so it is ready if asked. Do not leave it general or vague as it can show lack of ambition and clarity. Instead, talk about how you expect to grow in your field.

18. Honesty Counts:

Be honest in your responses to interview questions. Lying at any point may back fire in the future. You are not supposed to know everything, so it is okay to accept it humbly. It's better than giving a wrong response and creating a wrong impression as well.

19. Follow the Interviewer’s Lead:

Every interviewer may have a different style of talking and conducting an interview. Follow their lead in their way of talking and professional behavior. This will show you can listen well and adapt easily to the office environment.

20. Ask the right Questions:

The interviewer may ask you if you have any questions. Here, do not hesitate to bring up whatever concerns you. However, ask only relevant questions. These can be about attributes of the specific job and the department. Any random questions can be dealt with later.

21. Stay Motivated:

In case you feel the interview isn’t going as well as you hoped, don’t be sad or demotivated?. Continue to reply honestly and enthusiastically. Remember, a positive attitude can leave a good impression on the interviewer. If you appear sad or disappointed, it shows a lack of ability in handling difficult situations worsening your chances.

22. Show Gratitude:

No matter how your interview goes, always take a moment to thank the interviewers for their time and consideration. A positive attitude and polite behavior can go a long way in impressing people.

Remember, the interview is all about you and how well you represent yourself. So be confident and follow the above tips. We are sure you will be able to do a good job!

23. Get their Opinion:

As the interview is about to close, ask the interviewer about how it went and what are the chances of being selected. But do not overdo it. Asking for feedback gives a positive impression of the candidate’s keenness towards the job.

"Conclude the interview on a positive Note"

Some After Interview Skills:

24. Salary Negotiations:

Never ever ask for unrealistic salary hikes as it gives impression that you are not serious about the job and just changing the job for money.

Kindly do your homework before salary negotiation i.e. with your experience and for the particular job profile what is industry benchmark. For junior and middle management, normal salary hike is in the range of 25% to 40%. Also in some of critical job profiles like treasury in banking you might get very high salary hike.

25. Never Ditch the Organization after Accepting the Job: 

Again very common mistake and some people have habit of keep trying in various organizations for better package after receiving job offer & if they get another job, they simply say NO before joining. Trust me it can spoil your career in long run and you will never be able to reach top management with this attitude. World is very small and in this networked age you can’t hide these kind of actions.

In future you will again come across same people & then no one will hire, if they find that you indulged in these tactics. If u don’t wish to join then please don’t accept offer letter but after accepting if u say NO then it is totally unethical and unprofessional.

(Reference: Naukri.com, Software Test, Jobs & Career)