It is usual to feel a bit nervous while giving an interview. Even if you are confident enough, it is always better to prepare yourself for the interviews. We will be discussing a few tips and hacks for acing your next interviews.
1. Know about the company: Try to collect the details of the company to which you are applying. Spend time to study the background and upcoming projects of the company. You can also read about their competitors if you have some extra time. You can go through their website and social media accounts to collect the required information.
2. Prepare a paragraph about yourself: Generally, the first question, which an interviewer asks is “tell us about yourself or introduce yourself” You should prepare yourself with a crisp answer. Unnecessary pauses might lose the interviewer’s interest. Prepare some key points about your career, education, or passions that you have not specified in your resume. Try to rehearse this answer a few times in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
3. Create a list of your strengths and weaknesses: Pen down your strengths and weaknesses and try to learn them. Your answers should look natural and leave a good impression. Try to build up a real-life story around your strengths to make them look convincing. Do not mention the obvious strengths that you are hardworking and efficient. Present your weakness smartly, do not just list them in front of the interviewer.
4. Try to fit into the role: “Why should we select you?”This is the most common question that will have to be answered. Therefore you need to be well prepared with an attractive and convincing answer. You will have to mention how you will benefit the company. You can even add on about your prior experiences and internships. Adding various skills, such as communication skills, negotiation, problem-solving skills, conflict management ability, multi-tasking, etc. will create an impactful answer.
5. Do a quick research about the potential interviewers: If you could collect some information on common talking points, it will be helpful. It will build a personal connection between you and the interviewer. You can explore about him or her on Linkedin, Google search, etc.
6. Make your resume according to the company: It is necessary to customize your resume according to the demands of the company. E.g. if you are applying for a job as a blogger, you need to mention your vocabulary, blogging history, love language, etc. This will grab the attention of the interviewer. This is important during the walk-in-interviews, where your CV will not be read before.
7. Go through your resume before the interview: You should be able to justify and describe every line mentioned in your resume. Listing fake things in the resume might create trouble for you.
8. Arrive before your interview time: Always keep a time margin while reaching for an interview. Nobody likes latecomers. Therefore you need to be well aware of the location, parking space, and the necessary details about the interview venue.
9. Interview Process: You can ask about the interview process in advance and prepare yourself for separate rounds.
10. Be alert and active: When you enter the interview venue, make you treat everyone politely. You are under observation at every step, so it is important to behave decently. Greet everyone with a smile, open the door firmly, walk confidently, etc. These points add a lot of value to your interview.
11. Right body posture and firm handshake: It is necessary to focus on your postures, once you are with the interviewer. Do not fold your arms as it shows your disinterest. A firm handshake proves the level of your confidence.
12. Create a personal connection: This step can raise your bar of selection. A personal connection with the interviewer will lighten the atmosphere of the room and spread some positive vibes.
13. Listen first and try to ask questions: Listening plays a very important role. Do not jump to conclusions in the middle of the questions. Try to listen and understand the questions, then give a crisp and short answer. Try to discuss points and combine your questions and ideas as well.
14. Avoid using technical terms and keep it simple: Do not use technical words because if you do, then the interviewer will come up with more technical terms that might confuse you. It is better to use more simplistic terms and not make things complicated.
15. Dress Properly: It is better to be in neat and clean formals while going for an interview. Do not try to be trendy, fashionable, or too casual. Your dress up tells a lot about your personality, so make sure it is decent.
16. Self-motivation can be helpful: Nobody can motivate you the way you do. There will be moments when you will feel that you are gone, and it is not going well. But pause and try to focus on your achievements and tell yourself that you can do it.
17. Use your network or build one: Try to contact the interviewer on social media platforms, like Linked In, after you are done with the interview. But make sure it does not look like you are trying to influence them.
18. Show them that you are interested: Please them by saying thank you at the end of the interview. You can even add that you loved interacting with the interviewers.
19. Ask for feedback: In case, if you mess up and receive a negative reply, you may ask for feedback. Rejections are a part of the game, and you should know how to handle the criticism. Therefore ask them for feedback so that you know about your mistakes. In the future, you will not repeat them if you are pointed out once.
20. Be patient: You should not ask for the results immediately. Wait patiently for an email or call. All you have to do is not sound desperate.
These are some of the valuable tips that you can use for an excellent interview. Do not get disheartened if you do not get in. There are always better opportunities coming up on your way.
By Swaranshi Chhabra
Also Read:
Leave a comment