Job Interviews have always seemed daunting to students. The disastrous interview scenes in movies and sitcoms have been in each one’s memories, making matters worse for the students.
Remember that your interview begins the moment you enter the interview premises, even before you are called in for the actual interview.
This article lets you know viable but essential pre-requisites to crack an interview.
Be Honest, Be Yourself
Just be honest with all your answers, as simple as that. Exaggerating things to impress the prospective employer will make things difficult for you in the long run, once you are selected. And if by chance you lie in the interview, you’re sure to be caught after a few months at the workplace. So it’s always beneficial for your good, to be sincerely honest during the interview.
Be Polite
Remember to be courteous to anyone you come across at the interview premises, as the ones already working there might be asked for feedback regarding your demeanour. Dress in simple but neat clothing.
Know your Employer, Job Role, and the Interview Panel
Be thorough with your research on the job role you are applying for, and also on the research on your employer or organization who is interviewing you. The more you know about the organization, its values, and its goals, the better.
Be prepared, mentally, emotionally, and ‘factually’ on the duties entailed in the job role you’re applying for, and then see how much they match with your skillset.
For example, the skill of Adobe Photoshop is a prerequisite for the job role of a graphic designer.
Practise Communication Skills
Communication skill doesn’t mean making use of high-level vocabulary. Good communication skill simply means being efficient enough to be able to comprehend the speaker and express to the listener with the help of pauses, emphases and intonation in your speech, whichever language you might be speaking in.
Practice good communication skills with optimum energy in voice and conviction in your speech. Listen to the interviewer carefully. You’re allowed to ask them if you could not comprehend any question.
A firm hand-shake and phrases like ‘nice to meet you, thanks for your time, or may I be excused for a moment never goes to waste.
Don’t underestimate the Eye Contact
Making eye contact with the interviewer shows that you are honest, confident, and interested enough in the job role you are being interviewed for. Eye contact reflects self-confidence and determination, it’s a great tool.
Maintain Correct Posture
Body language experts always suggest keeping one’s back straight. A slouching back and shoulders are always looked down upon, whether you are delivering a lecture or applying for a role, or even addressing students in a workshop.
Try using Gender and Age Neutral Terms
A very simple etiquette is to use gender-neutral terms like manager, receiver, intern, and receptionist. Etc. Many organizations prefer using names of people instead of terms like ‘sir or madam.’
Wishing you well for your upcoming interview.