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While the thought of an interview might appear daunting for most of us, interview preparation is not as hard as it seems. All that one needs to do is stay organized and be proactive. In this blog, we are going to discuss everything related to the interview preparation. So let's look at the interview preparation process step by step: Things to do before, during, and after an interview.
The most important step is to read and research the company you are interviewing for. Go through the company website, blog, and social media pages to assess its products, services, and client-base. Also, read recent press releases for insight on projected growth and stability.
Review the organization's background and mission statement and take down some numbers like revenues, strengths, offices, etc. These details can most likely be found on the website of the company in 'About us' or 'Who we are' section. Related find information of any company, its interview questions, and its ratings.
If you know the interviewer’s name already, research about him or her. Visit his/her profile on Naukri or LinkedIn and find out whether the person is an HR professional or a Technical Manager. Prepare for the interview accordingly.
The recruiter puts the effort into mentioning a detailed job description for a reason. They are looking for someone, who perfectly complements the job profile and role. So, make a good effort to go through the job description so that you are aware of the expectations the company has for the position.
Related – Tailor your Resume with Job Description and Get Shortlisted for Interview
While you analyze the job description, then outline the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Examine the hierarchy and determine where the position fits within the organization. Analyze what an employer is seeking with reference to your qualifications. Tweak your resume accordingly.
As per the company's background and job role, make a list of questions you can expect to be thrown at you. Research answers to these questions via the company's website, social media pages, company news, etc.
Find a friend or a family member and hand over them down the list of questions you prepared. Ask them to play the role of an interviewer. Practice answering all the questions on the list. You can also record your answers to analyzes them further.
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Keep two copies of all the important documents such as your resume, cover letter, degrees, mark sheets, identity proofs, photographs, etc. ready. Also, check if the recruiter has asked you to bring any other thing like a laptop, notebook, etc. to the interview. Organize all the documents neatly in a folder.
Your social media profiles are capable of providing a glimpse of your personality. A recruiter would generally check your social media presence before or after your interview. Thus, it will be a wise idea to improve your public profile. Also, type your name on Google and see how you appear on the search engine.
Choose a formal outfit for the interview. If you are not sure about the color then wear black formal trousers and a crisp shirt, preferably in white, blue, pastel, or nude shades. Both men and women can go for this combination.
Related – Dressing for an interview for Males and Females
Examine the distance of the venue a day before. Decide beforehand how you would like to commute and plan your timing accordingly.
The previous day of the interview, sleep well for at least 6 to 7 hours. Eat something before an hour the interview so that you have the energy and patience to sit through it. Bring a bottle of water or juice along to keep yourself hydrated.
will reach the interview venue before 20-25 minutes prior to the interview time. It will give you time to relax. You can also use the time to check yourself in the mirror and freshen up before the process starts.
While waiting for your turn, sit properly and maintain a good body posture. Be polite to the guards, receptionists, and other candidates. Keep a smile on your face. sit and answer questions confidently in the interview room. Be firm, yet polite. In case you do not know the answer, be honest about it and pass on to the question. Keep your statements crisp, short and precise.
It is most likely that the interviewer will end the interview with the question - 'Do you have any questions for me?'. Ask smart questions about company, position, and culture.
At the final part of the interview, shake the interviewer’s hand and thank for his/her time and consideration.
It is one of the most necessary exercises to do post an interview. Sit down for a few minutes and write down the questions that you were asked during the interview. Check your responses to these questions and make points of things that you forgot to mention or would have said in a better way. This will help you arrange better for future interviews.
Inform your references beforehand that they might receive a call from the company you interviewed for. Speak to them about the position and emphasize the points that you would like to be recommended for.
Related – Reference on resume All you need to know
If you do not hear from the interviewer within the expected number of days, do not hesitate to drop an email and ask for an update. In the email, mention the following details:
Often times at the end of an interview, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions for them or the company. This is a great segue to demonstrate your interest in them. Prepare a few questions you have about the company that is not covered on their website and bring it to your upcoming interview. Albeit it is not required to ask questions at the end, it will give you a leg up in that you invested time in perusing through their website and showing curiosity toward the company.
Once you have all your interview questions set, begin practicing by answering them in front of a mirror. Doing so you’ll be able to visualize your mannerisms and how you speak. Are you barely smiling? Are you not maintaining eye contact with yourself? Are you fidgeting a lot? By visualizing how you act while you speak can greatly help to improve your interview skills.
After you practice in front of the mirror, find a family member that has time and have them ask you the interview questions. Feel free to even let your family members make up some questions on the spot that you did not prepare prior to testing your skills!
Dressing appropriately for your interview is not only a sign of professionalism but illustrates who you are and what you stand for. Most employers do not list what you should wear to the interview, but always assume if it is an interview, it will always be a business professional. Attached below are recommended business professional attire for both women and men.
“Compact color, conservative suit with a coordinated blouse, moderate shoes, tan or light pantyhose, limited jewelry. A neat and professional hairstyle, manicured nails, light makeup, little or no perfume”
“Compact color, conservative suit, long sleeve shirt, conservative tie, dark socks, professional shoes. A neat hairstyle, trimmed nails and little or no cologne or aftershave” So before you leave your house, make sure you dress professionally to get the best first impression from your interviewer. Dress for success!
Though you’ve probably submitted your application with your resume and/or cover letter, it doesn’t hurt to bring one of each to the interview. Just in case the interviewer forgets their copy!
You may bring a briefcase or shoulder bag to keep any other additional documents you may want to carry with you. Additionally, bring a pen and notepad if there is ever a time during the interview when you want to jot down notes.
Arrive on time
Whether your interview is in the morning or later on in the day, always arrive before your scheduled interview time. Preferably, arriving 15-30 minutes before your interview time is beneficial in case you get lost finding the location.
If you are driving or taking public transit, allow time for traffic as it may delay your time of arrival. Thus, planning ahead and calculating how far the location is from your house is essential in getting there on time.
Follow Up
Once you leave your interview, feel free to follow up and thank your interviewer no later than 24 hours after the interview took place. Not only will this give you a good word to the employer, but the interviewer will recall your name and who you were after the interview as you simply followed up with them!
You never know! You may have been another application number in the stacks of interviews they've held, so simple gratitude wouldn’t hurt as it will likely make you stand out from the rest of the applicants!
In the end, the interview is paramount to whether you’ll gain employment. It will give your employers a sense of who you are, what you can do, and if you are the best fit for the company.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to contact OWINN and we’ll be happy to assist you with your endeavors in getting employment!
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