WAYS TO TRUMP YOUR INTERVIEW

WAYS TO TRUMP YOUR INTERVIEW

A. Before the interview

1. Research

·         Research about the company through its website, or by contacting existing or ex-employees through business networking sites, for facing the interviewing panel comfortably.

·         Mentioning important aspects about the company during the interview will display your keen interest in the job and the effort you are willing to put in to acquire it.

·         Such research also helps you to know whether you fit into the company’s profile,

2. Dress sense

·         Always pick sober colours (blues, greys and browns) for your dress, which should be formal and pressed.

·         Your accessories, including jewellery, should be less and simple.

·         You should use a light hand while dabbing any perfume.

·         Clear the dust of your shoes and pop in a mouth freshener.

3. Punctuality

·         Always reach at least half-an-hour before the scheduled time of the interview.

·         If you are huffing and sweating and your clothes are rumpled, it will not create a good impression.

·         Ask the receptionist if you could know about the people who will be interviewing you.

·         Check if you are carrying the necessary documents, especially copies of your resume.

·         Use the spare time to go through the research you’ve already done about the company.

B. During the interview

1. Entry

·         Put your mobile phone on the silent mode.

·         Walk into the interview room confidently, greet everyone (by name, if you know) and offer a firm handshake.

·         Sit when asked to and keep your posture straight, leaning slightly forward (which displays interest).

·         Rest your hands lightly on the armrest or on your knees.

·         Use minimal movements to illustrate a point (never extend your arms more than one foot from your body).

2. Do’s

·         Pay attention to what the interviewer is asking and answer only what you have been asked.

·         When asked about yourself, stick to your professional life and time it to a minute or two.

·         Make sure that you highlight your strengths and key skills.

·         Highlight your special skills and what you can contribute.

·         Back your statements with examples and anecdotes from your previous jobs.

·         Be prepared for a certain set of questions like

o        Why do you want to join this company?

o        What are the problems you are facing in your current job?

o        Why do you want to leave it?

·         If invited to ask any questions, ask about your responsibilities, major projects your prospective job would comprise of, and your growth prospects and career path within the company.

·         These questions prove your interest in the job, and that you plan to remain for the long term.

·         End any negative sentence on a positive note by informing that you are trying to improve, as it reflects the clarity of your thought and work ethics, and your potential as a future leader in the company.

·         Throughout the interview, be polite, honest and confident.

3. Don’ts

·         Don’t talk about well-known pre-requisites like hard work and sincerity.

·         Never misrepresent facts, as any background check will catch your lie eventually.

·         Employers prefer a background screening to recheck observations formed during the interview.

·         If a question is on a topic you are unsure of, admit it and avoid rambling.

·         Don’t shy away from admitting your weakness as it shows that you are aware of it, and it will not be treated as a fault.

·         Avoid personal or controversial topics even when instigated by the interviewing panel.

·         Never badmouth anyone, including from your current workplace, to avoid being labeled a disloyal whiner unfit to be hired.

·         Never bring up the topic of salary yourself, and avoid negotiations with the interviewing panel.

·         If asked to quote a figure, mention a range within the industry’s compensation standards.

·         If uncomfortable, ask if you could discuss this later after going through the company’s proposal.

C. After the interview

·         Before leaving for the day, thank the interviewers and politely ask them for their business cards.

·         An hour, or even a day later, send a short follow-up e-mail (with the help of the business cards collected by you) to the interviewers.

·         Include any information that you couldn’t provide during the interview.

·         Express your interest in the job by describing how you could contribute to the company’s future.

·         Thank the interviewers for taking the time to speak with you.

·         Never send an SMS from your mobile phone because it is considered as informal.