Interview Tips
Interview is the perfect method of assessing a person's ability to perform in a particular role.
The interview has a twofold purpose. Firstly, the employer need to find out whether the candidate has the necessary 'skills and qualifications' for the job and the second objective is to 'brief' the applicant and 'sell' the concept of working for the organization.
The success or failure of an interview will form an important part of your working life and your career. Hence, there is a need to develop a good interview technique.
Being successful in the interview requires a systematic strategy and preparation. The below mentioned guidelines may be useful for you to do well in the interview.
Before the interview
Go through the company’s website and learn pertinent facts about the company such as Vision statement, how large the company, annual sales revenue, principal lines of business, locations etc.,
Go through the job advertisement and find out what exactly the company is looking from the candidate.
It is very important to know the exact address, time of the interview, the interviewer's full name and the correct pronunciation and his or her title.
Pay attention to personal grooming; neat hair, clean and manicured nails, etc before attending the interview.
During the interview
Most of the people form their opinion of others based on their first impression. These opinions can be very difficult to change. This makes it imperative that you deliver a positive first impression since you will not have a second chance.
An interview is a "two-way process." You should choose what questions to ask during the interview. Your questions will allow the interviewer to evaluate your personal and professional needs.
The following guidelines may be useful while at the interview.
- Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled interview time.
- It is important to be friendly and courteous to all people you meet at the place of interview.
- Be careful not to overdress and especially not to out dress the person interviewing you.
- Make sure your clothes are neat, clean, pressed, conservative, and your shoes are polished. Avoid heavy fragrances.
- Put your best foot forward. Greet your interviewer(s) with a firm handshake and with an enthusiastic smile and keep a positive attitude.
- During the interview, listen carefully to the questions and respond appropriately.
- If you don’t understand a question, request them to repeat.
- Never make negative comments about current/previous employer or work colleagues.
After the interview
Thank the interviewer for giving you an opportunity. It is essential to collect the name card(s) from the interviewers so that it will be helpful for further follow up.
It is very important to follow up with an effective “thank you” letter after the interview. This could be either through e-mail or through post. While sending thank you letter, find some areas that were discussed during the interview and expand them in that letter. But the letter should be short and crisp. You may propose some useful ideas that would demonstrate your added value to them.