Are you really prepared for the next Big Interview?

Nervously shuffling few sheets of paper, I was scanning its content. 4 years ago, while working as a Team Lead with a reputed firm we were taking interviews. The pressure was mounting on my head, as this was going to be the future team that I was going to lead so my satisfaction and consent was important.

But Hell! I knew nothing about interviewing.

Thankfully, my boss sensed the fear on my face and handed me the sheet which consisted of the questions that I should ask.

“Why should we hire you?”

“List your strengths and weakness?”

“Why do you want to work here?”

“What can you bring to the table?”

The day ended and it became really tough to select as I received various bizarre answers to those questions. Later I realized: No, doubt the questions were nice, but only if I was interrogating not interviewing.

After years of working rigorously with top-notch clients and industry professionals, now I feel that if all individual makes it a daily habit to tweak a weak question in his/her favor then chances of their selection would definitely increase.

Now, let’s take the first question “Why should we hire you?” instead of muttering in your head “Because your company has an opening” change the question and figure out an impactful answer.

Tweak it to something like: “Please discuss your background, skills, and knowledge and tell us how it would benefit our company?”

Nobody can develop their skills, knowledge, and background overnight, it has to be done on a daily basis. So:

1. Start asking yourself the question daily and figure out about your background, skills, and knowledge.

2. While signing out of work, try to maintain an excel sheet and list all the skills/knowledge/expertise that you acquired that day. Be it any competency; remember even a penny can make a difference, in a falling market.

3. Make it a habit to improve daily, strike a conversation with fellow colleagues/boss and constantly find out where you are lacking. Then take adequate steps to improve your weak points.

On a daily basis take baby steps and once you are convinced and confident about your capabilities then start walking into job interviews like a pro.

When it comes to listing your strengths and weakness. Don’t panic and try not to answer “I work too hard” “I have a good patience level” “I am too dedicated”. Trust me most of the HR’s mentally laugh at these obvious answers. Also, nearly half of the interviewers are team leads like me who has absolutely no clue about interviewing; simply waiting for the boss to select a terrified goat and tie it on a peg; then it’s the peg’s headache to train the goat and get the work done.

It is best to twist the question and prepare an answer for: “Tell us about the times when you have helped your company/ team/ department/ customer to solve difficult problems and discuss the final result that you achieved.” To judge a person’s strength and weakness it is best to analysis his/her efforts during a particular problem. So:

1. Next time you get an opportunity jump to grab it and then simply list it on your excel sheet.

2. Don’t brag, discuss the actual issues and if possible quantify your answer.

3. Watch motivational videos and build your self-confidence.

Next question has the obvious answer “Why do you want to work here?” “Because I don’t have a job/I am not happy with my current job”. Well even the HR interviewing you knows the answer. Time is money So:

1. Stop wasting your time in giving meaningless job interviews. Research thoroughly and be very confident whether you would like to join that company or not.

2. Glassdoor is a good website that shows you reviews written by employees. Read about the work and management culture and know the salary structure before agreeing for the face to face round. There are many other alternate websites spend some quality time with google.

3. Unless you are 100% convinced about the job role and company you would never be able to answer it. Also, the best question to ask yourself would be “Are you really willing to come out of your comfort zone and join a new company?”

“What can you bring to the table?” “Coffee” it is as simple reply as the question. So, it is best to change the question “Why should we waste our time and money on you?” to answer this question simply take a few steps in advance:

1. First, understand your value and try to increase your worth at your current workplace. Remember Rs. 2000 and Rs. 20 both starts with the same digit but the zeros make the actual difference. In your case, your skills would add the number of zeros.

2. Make yourself useful, start updating your resume on a weekly basis. Step out of your domain and expand your horizon of knowledge.

3. Start your day by listening to motivational speeches there are tons available on YouTube. A good example is TEDx talks.

Company targets, customer satisfaction, sales numbers, awards all would rust on your shelves one day. So finally, when retirement knocks your door, be ready with an extraordinary speech and proudly answer the final question “Was your professional journey worth the effort?”.

!! It’s Your Career, Live It Large!!