Interview Tips

In a
recruitment process, an interview is invariably one of the last but most
crucial processes. It involves a one to one interaction of the candidates with
the prospective employer. Besides giving the interviewer a chance to evaluate
your strength and skill, it also gives you an opportunity to understand what to
expect from the organization.

No
matter how well qualified and articulate one is for a job, there is nothing to
replace thorough preparation for the interview. Have a good grip of your
strengths and weakness. Know what to talk at the interview and how to handle
the situation, if things do not go as planned.

Planning a Strategy

The
first step in preparing for an interview is to put together a strategy. Try and
analyze that the interviewer would have already reviewed your resume, which
provide the hard facts of your employment history and skills. You can make a
good impression by reviewing how to bring forth your essential skills.

There is
a need to portray sincerely and politely, though enthusiastically your
knowledge about the organization and its mission. For instance, it would be
good to know the names and positions of key people in the organization, its
products/service and key business competitors.

PREPARATION FOR THE INTERVIEW

• Keep yourself calm. Often going
well prepared is the best way to enhance your confidence.

• Know all about the company, its
business. Research the company and interviewer if possible.

• Analyze why you want the job.

• What soft skills do you have to
offer the organization? For instance the resume may have shown some concrete
examples of skills as a team player, but you need to convince interviewer of
your ability to fit within a team.

• Prepare questions you wish to ask
about the job or organization.

• Line up reference in advance in
case you are asked for them.

CHECK LIST

• Punctuality is of essence. Arrive
well in time for the Appointment.

• Be positive to everyone that you
meet at the office, it counts. Be aware of body language, vibes and reactions,
as someone might be noticing them.

• Be personable yet professional in
your conduct.

• Do not assume that the
interviewer knows how to elicit the information he is looking for. Bring it out
clearly.

• Answer all questions honestly but
in the positive light.

• Take some time to formulate your
answers before you speak.

GOLDEN RULES

Formal
office dress Code Look Calm & Composed Read Newspaper Headlines Speak In a
Clear Voice Carry Your Folder Sit Alert & Maintain Eye Contact Arrive Early
May Accept the Cup Of Coffee Make A Natural Entry Go With an Open &
Positive Mind

At the Interview

• Shake hands with the interviewer
firmly.

• Appear confident.

• Remember the names of the
interviewers.

• Make eye contact when you talk to
people and be natural.

• Answer questions honestly. If you
mentioned something on your resume, make sure you know about it. If you don’t
know much, mention that you have not worked too much detail in the area.

• Ask the interviewers about the
company. You are usually given time for this.

• Find out what the advertised job
involves so it will enable you to make a fairly quick decision if you are made
an offer.

• Thank the interviewers after the
interview.

• If you have been interviewing at
other companies, it is not unfair to ask when you can expect them to make a
decision.