Are you ready for your next JOB INTERVIEW? What's critical for SUCCESS?

Job interview is not a one time activity, at least in the private sector. For freshers, it's most challenging. However, it can be equally tough for the experienced once.

Over the last 15 years, I have been referring to different sources in this regard. There are checklists, tips, FAQs, etc. useful in job interview success.

A couple of years ago I was drafting a curriculum for Job Interview Readiness course for UG students. While summarizing the key points to be covered, I could enlist 3 important dimensions: 1) Intelligence, 2) Impression, and 3) Interaction.

INTELLIGENCE

It's not just your IQ. It includes all crucial information.

The preparation for interview never ends. It's not limited to theoretical knowledge for freshers and practical knowledge for experienced ones. The groundwork includes thorough study of job description, desk research, visiting company website, interaction with existing employees, etc.

• Understand interview rounds: First Round / Preliminary Interview (self-introduction, questions based on your CV, questions related to career interests and choices); Technical / Domain Round (domain / technical knowledge – theory and application); and Final / Leadership round (questions to assess your commitment, loyalty, future plans, and expectations)
• Know the job profile and career path: Job profile (responsibilities, reporting, ? relationships, day to day activities, etc.); and Career path (entry-level jobs, growth options, pros and cons of chosen career)
• Know the organization and industry: Organization / company (history, core values, culture, presence, financials); and Know the industry (history, key players, trends, forecasts)
• Decoding Interviewers to the extent possible: Interviewer’s role (role in the panel and what they assess); Interviewers authority (designation, influence, power); and Interviewer’s behavior (personality, body language)

IMPRESSION

It's your positioning that matters - distinctive position in the minds of interviewers.

Overall impression of the candidate depends on multiple factors. The professionals who develop a personal brand have an advantage. In the recent past, online activity or digital presence has become equally important.

• Appearance:?It includes Dressing (formals appropriate for interview); ?Accessories (shoes, belt, other accessories); and Body Language (posture, gestures, eye contact).
• Attitude:?Rationale for choice of respective academic discipline and career path; rationale for choice of respective company and industry; and rationale for choice of job, role, and location.
• Attention: Establishing Rapport; role of Active Listening, Critical Thinking and Lateral Thinking; and?Do’s and Don’ts (based on interview round, type, mode, and source)

INTERACTION

Each question is asked with some purpose and every answer is an opportunity to get a positive response.

• Frequently Asked Questions:?This includes questions such as introduce yourself; why did you apply?; why to hire you?, etc. These question vary depending on the level of experience, industry, interview round, etc.
• Difficult Questions:?This includes questions related to lack to experience, industry exposure; questions related to weaknesses and failures; and tricky questions with no clear answers.
• Negotiation Questions: This covers questions related to salary expectations, growth expectations, location, and role preferences.

It is beneficial to visualize the interview scenario well in advance and prepare accordingly.

The candidates who are able to manage their intelligence, impression, and interaction generally succeed.