Interview Tips

Interviews are the first and most important interaction between a potential employer and you. The employers view interviews as the most important part in the evaluation process of a candidate. Getting an interview is an opportunity provided by the employer meaning that the interviewing committee saw some potential in your profile with reference to the job opening that lying vacant with the organization. This makes an interview a very critical stage as everything you would do and see will be evaluated. This is the reason that you need to look and act the best you can to get the chance of being hired for the role in consideration. Following are a few tips to increase your effectiveness in an interview:

1. Prior to the interview research the company and the job position. Know the qualification and skill set required for the job so that you are prepared to show why you will be the best match for the position. Knowing the business will help you in connecting how you can contribute to the organization’s overall business by offering your skills for any specific role. Also highlight what interests you to work with the business.

2. Being on time is the key to making a good first impression during an interview. It is even better if you arrive 5 minutes early to the appointment so that you can get settled in before the start of the interview.

3. STAR Approach: Situation, Technique, Action, Results. STAR based answer will help the interviewer understand your skills along with your judgment and leadership skills in certain situations.

4. Focus to look and act professional during an interview appointment. Business formal dress code makes a good first impression. Recommended wardrobe for males is a suit and tie and for females a formal wear works well.

5. Although most recruiters do not expect the candidates to bring in the resumes with them now a days but some still want the candidate to bring in the Resume with them so it is better to confirm prior to the interview to avoid any mishaps. However if you bring some examples of your work or a portfolio that will make a good impression on the interviewer.

6. Confidence is the key to successful interviews. Try to highlight your strengths and abilities in the interview but without the use of conceit or being over confident as they are considered negative markers by the recruiters. Your body language should communicate your confidence for the job and it’s important to let them know that you can do a good job.

7. Show enthusiasm and willingness to take up the challenges that the job role is offering. If you lack in any of the skills necessary to the function, show your willingness to learn these skills for doing your job.

8. If your get anxious or lose confidence in interviews start practicing mock interviews. Ask your family or friends to help you preparing for the questions that you are most afraid of answering. Practicing will help you in remaining calm and confident while giving an interview.

9. As much as you are looking forward to tell your story the company is interested in hearing your concerns too alongside. Most interviewers give candidates the opportunity to ask any questions that may arise in their mind regarding the interview. Prepare some good questions about the company, position, responsibilities, the growth of the position, opportunities for skill development being offered by the company and other questions related to the job.Leave the salary questions to the recruiter(Bonus Tip)!

10. Keep follow up! During the interview do ask about the next steps in the hiring process in case of getting shortlisted. If you do not get a feedback make a call and politely ask for the feedback from the recruiter.

If you are able to make a good impression even if you are not shortlisted for the current opening your chances for future employment with the company will increase. We at Business Partnerz can help you prepare and provide a consultation on your profile and highlight your areas of improvement. We can be reached at consultant@businesspartnerz.com for a personal appointment.