Mastering the Art of Interview Preparation: Essential Tips for Success

‘Interview’- the word that sends a chill down our spine and before we know it, there are beads of perspiration on our forehead. Most qualified or not qualified at all, everyone looking for a job has to crack an interview. It is the door you necessarily need to cross before ending up successful. But guess what, no school teaches you interview cracking! If interview skills were an optional subject, I’m sure I would have opted for it. Well, the reality is it was not but do not worry, because we have got you covered!

Here are a few tips to master interviews and let that tightly clutching fear go a bit loose-

Let the Researcher in You Arise!

Put those spectacles on, grab a notebook, find a pen, seat yourself comfortably and research! Yes, you should literally jot down points about the company you have applied in and memorize most of it. Remember how you prepared yourself for that viva in the senior secondary grade? Exactly. That is the kind of preparation you need there except that this one doesn’t come with heavy books and long chapters (sigh of relief).

You can do your research about the company from sites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor. There are many more sites but these are some sites you can begin from. The next step, find out when was it established, what is the mission, vision, motto and purpose of the company. Try and find out who the HR is and know your interviewer. Read the ‘about us’ section on the company’s website and also find out who the CEO is. Research about the CEO a bit and get a clue about the environment of the company.

Communication: Verbal and Non-verbal

Everybody keeps telling communication is the key, yes, even the people not in your professional life. But, have you ever wondered, which type of communication? Verbal or non-verbal? When it comes to interviews, your non-verbal communication matters a lot. It basically means, talking through your body language, expressions, reactions and well, eyes (no, not the kind of eye-talking Bollywood romance films talk about) You must stand straight, make eye contact with the recruiter, connect with a firm handshake and feel confident. 

Here’s a tip for when you can’t feel confident: Just pretend that confidence for a while, speak whatever you have to boldly even if you doubt what you are saying is right or not. Basically, fake it, till you make it! The first verbal impression may not be the last impression but the first non-verbal impression surely is. 

Suit Up! 

Before appearing for the interview always research(yes, the research doesn’t end yet) what kind of work environment, work ethics and dress code are followed in the company. Keep that in mind and then dress accordingly. It lays a huge impact and increases your chances of getting selected. It shows that your attitude about the job profile is not nonchalant or you are not carelessly applying for that job. Besides, what you wear instils confidence in you so make sure you wear something that makes you comfortable as well as confident.

Prepare Some Questions Beforehand

There are a few common questions that are asked in most interviews, it is suggested that you prepare these questions and practice them before appearing. Questions like ‘Tell me about yourself’, ‘Why do you think you are fit for this role’, and ‘What are your strengths and weakness’ should be prepared and practiced after doing proper research(yes, the research part still doesn’t end). You must read the Job Description properly to answer every question aptly.

Be Honest

Honesty is the best policy is not just a bunch of words you learned in school, it must really be followed. Your recruiters know a lot about you and can quickly find out if you are lying about some skills you mentioned in your resume. So always add actual experience and skills in your resume because they might test you on the basis of that. Properly listen to the questions and answer with utmost clarity as well as honesty. Do not try and act too familiar with the interviewer, stay professional by using appropriate language and answer to the point without exaggerating.

Be Punctual and Prepared

Reach the interview venue on time. If you are going there for the first time, make sure to visit the venue a day before so you do not get late. Arriving late leaves a bad impression on the interviewer. Make sure you have several copies of your resume and any necessary documents in hard copy before you appear. Lastly, you can carry a water bottle with you and have a sip of water if you feel nervous or anxious.

In a nutshell, it’s mostly about research, confidence and preparation. These are a few tips that can help you master interviews.