You got it, finally.
The long-awaited interview calls have just dinged your inbox.
There is a gushing energy from head to toe for five seconds and next, the panic mode is ON.
All those what-if fears are beginning to creep inside. ‘What if I go blank?’, ‘What if I got stuck in the middle of the conversation?’, and ‘What if I begin to stammer when I am asked to introduce myself?’
We have been there- Minting your words, turning the wardrobe upside down to select the one smart casual shirt that fits, and adjusting your hair several times.
Truth revealed: It doesn’t have to be this way.
Interviews don’t have to scare you when your preparation is solid. Given below are the 11 proven tips enabling you to walk into that interview with head high.
1. Dig deeper – Company research
It’s better to have it vetted in the first place.
Before jumping on board with the interview, know your company better by collecting all the important and necessary information.
Not only does it help you in answering the interview questions, but it also, in a way, cautions you in knowing what you are about to sign up for. Here is how you can start building a backstory about the brand,
- Company History
- Vision, Mission and Core Values
- What do they do?
- Recent Announcements
- Media Galleries
- Explore social media profiles to get a sneak peek into the culture
Watch your interviewer’s eye roll from ‘Hmm’ to ‘Oh wow’ by dropping in one or two references from the collected details.
2. Do not skim your Job Description (JD)
A major clue to the puzzle exists in the question.
Likewise, JD is your cheat sheet to have a winning edge at the interview. So, scan it through line by line, especially the sections of key skills, prerequisites, and mandatory requirements.
It helps to reassure yourself that your profile effortlessly fits the specifications mentioned in the job description.
Pro-Tip: While answering the interview, try to mirror the language, technical jargon and other important particulars mentioned to give the impression that you are already one among them.
3. Prepare for the usual
Your suspicion of the usual suspect is always right.
Be it any form of interview, you can always expect the standard operating procedure (SOP) to be rolled out with the usual set of questions. Many times, it is an entry gate to get through the other stages of the interview. So, instead of underestimating, you should get prepared to answer such usual screening questions like
‘Tell me about yourself.’
‘How many years have you worked before?’
‘What’s your expected salary?’
Pro-Tip: You can try answering such questions using the STAR method entailing the situation, task, action and result so that your answer is a story that is worth listening to.
4. Dust off your technical skills
Pick up from where you left.
It’s time to brush up on the technical skills you have learnt so far, and it cannot be overnight study sessions.
Be it programming language or designing software, be sure to run a practice session to get it handy.
It also favors gaining clarity on your current state of proficiency so that when the recruiter asks, you can easily explain your highlights and still touch upon the areas of work in progress.
5. Power through your dress & styling
Dress for the job without losing your authentic self.
It depends on the company’s culture, and in many cases, if the interviewer expects you to follow a dress code, you may have to abide by the rules.
The usual rule of thumb comprises the following,
A multinational organization- Make it formal by putting on the black blazer
Startups and scaling businesses – Slay it with smart casual
You can even be that designer who mixes and matches. Make sure to do foundational grooming to be more presentable than just appealing. Whatever you wear, your personality always shines through.
6. Let honesty speaks
The idea of linearity doesn’t exist anymore.
The world of human resources has transcended to be more humane. So, one doesn’t have to hide behind the pretentious veil of perfectionism.
Hence, it becomes easier to speak your mind with honesty than to articulate about polishing your answers. Accordingly, there is no more room for taking up answers like ‘I don’t know’ or even a straight-up ‘No’ from your end.
If you are someone re-entering a professional scene after a career break or an early career professional struggling to find a job without experience, you are welcomed with open arms.
Organizations nowadays hardly care about the numbers, rather they emphasize values like looking for candidates who are self-aware, and tenacious.
7. Check in the body language
Actions speak louder than words.
Everything in the interview begins with how you slay it with that first impression. It is centered upon visuals rather than words. Therefore, you must work on the basic etiquette when it comes to body language.
Even if you must fake it till you make it, there is no right time to begin with a few of them like,
- Keep enough level of eye contact
- Sit up straight
- Do not shrink your shoulders
- Give a broad smile
- Stop fidgeting with your fingers
Allow your body language to exude confidence from your inner self.
Allow your body language to exude confidence from your inner self.
When opportunity knocks on the door, seize it.
An interview today has evolved to become a two-way communication.
As much as the hiring committee loves throwing you a parade with their set of questions, you are also allowed to ask them.
So, don’t try to be modest and say, ‘No questions’ as you are giving away the possible interpretation of someone who doesn’t care enough about the job. It’s not about asking the right questions but the appropriate ones in an interview.
It can also be seen as an opportunity to obtain clarity. Listed below are your basic ideas to formulate your questions,
- Can you take me through the typical day of work for that particular job role?
- Would you mind giving some details on the company culture & team dynamics?
- Can you give me more information on career progression?
You are not waiting to be chosen; it is a process where you need to choose each other.
Always keep in mind to ask the questions with the intent of getting to know better.
9. Carry all the necessary documents
As a resume is a necessary evil, keep two to three copies of it even though you have mailed them. In case of a virtual interview, make sure you save it on the desktop and keep the Google Drive link open for any work portfolios to be displayed. Apart from this, be in a state of readiness by carrying a pen and a small notepad.
10. Speak out loud- Strengths & Weakness
To err is human nature.
So, when the interviewer asks you to elaborate on your strengths and weaknesses, it is better to be as real as possible instead of painting a picture of a perfectionist.
Be more specific and even when you shed light on your weakness, you can showcase it from the angle of growth mindset.
11. Keep following up
It’s always better to ask instead of keeping yourself waiting.
You cannot push them but keeping a regular check once a week wouldn’t hurt the process.
Once the interview is completed, it is polite to send an email expressing your gratitude within 24 hours. Such gestures will add more value to your profile as a promising candidate.
Wrap Up
Prepare more, and you’ll be better. The most important things to demonstrate at an interview are readiness, willingness, and self-awareness, rather than perfection.
You should enter with your mind prepared, your energy level high, and your research completed. Be yourself, communicate clearly, and listen intently.
What happens when genuineness meets preparation? You truly shine at that point.
