Living in the age of technology, days are gone when job seekers work hard to search for job openings according to their requirements and skills. Now, almost all companies use portals for posting job openings and searching candidates as well. Just update your resume and apply for the job that suits your skills. If it matches the employer’s requirements, you will get a revert accordingly for the interview.
So before the interview, invest some time to work on skills and activities to cut the crowd to nail the job interview:
Preparing to Nail Your Job Interview
- Prepare yourself: The easiest way of preparation for the interview is to search for the questions that the interviewer can ask according to the requirements of the job and the skills that you have. Prepare your answers, thus save yourself from fumbling. Do mirror exercises for practice.
- Do research on the company: Visit the company website to know the company’s mission and products, etc., and visit social websites as well to know more about the company, which will help you during the interview.
- Dress well: First impression is the last impression, so dress in pursuance of the job. The dress varies according to the profile you apply for.
- Carry updated resume (CV) and a pen: Bring 2-3 copies of CV because you have no idea how many people you have to meet. Additionally, carry a pen if you need anything to write.
- Don’t be late: Never be late for the interview, as it will create a bad impression. If you have no idea how much time it will take to reach the location, just leave early from home so that you will be on time for the interview.
- Turn your phone off: Turn your phone off to stop distractions.
- Be confident and relax: Be confident and try to relax. Nervousness is quite obvious before the interview, just make up your mind to think positively and have confidence in your skills.
- Don’t panic while you are waiting: Stay calm and wait patiently for the interview call for your name. Maybe the hiring manager is testing your patience or is busy somewhere.
- Manage right body language: This is the first way of communication you do indirectly, and it makes an impression. Your body language tells a lot about you, even when you are not communicating. So, manage your body posture and try to maintain eye contact.
- Analyze the area while waiting: Gaze around the area while you are waiting for the interview, just to analyze the environment, which may help further in the interview. You can go through magazines and newspapers.
- Ask permission before entering in interviewer’s room: Show basic manners, don’t enter directly into the room directly where the interviewer is waiting for you. Ask for permission first.
- Greet the interviewer: After entering the room, greet the interviewer to make a good impression and wait until the employer offers a chair to sit.
- Listen carefully: Listen carefully to the interviewer for successful communication. Ask if you are unsure of anything, and pay attention to what the interviewer is saying.
- Don’t talk too much: Try to limit your words, don’t get caught up in the useless talk that has nothing to do with the interview. It will also have a negative impact.
- Job-related Skills: Here you go. This is the time you have to tell the interviewer about your skills and how you can use them in terms of benefits.
- Show the right attitude: Show the right amount of attitude, so it does not look like a show-off. Don’t be over-confident or confused.
- Prepare for the unplanned: It is almost impossible that you have prepared the answer for all. Thus, take your time to answer. If anything is not clear, ask.
- Never ever criticize your current /previous employer: Never ever criticize your employer. It will make a bad impression on the interviewer. An interview is the opportunity to impress the hiring manager, not to criticize anyone. Maybe this is a trick question from the hiring manager to know what type of person you are and how you handle the query.
- Be ready to ask questions: Always ready with questions to ask the hiring manager if you get the opportunity. This opportunity provides you with extra information about the company, so listen carefully to the questions asked during the interview to ask your own questions.
- Note: Don’t ask for salary in the first interview until the job is offered
- Leave with a good expression: Leave with a smile on your face and greet the hiring manager for the opportunity. Show him the same humor as before. This is the last chance to impress.
Doing the things mentioned above is are great way to prepare and ace the job interview. Another extra tip for gaining that much-needed confidence on an important day is to thoroughly groom yourself the night before. That means taking a good, long soak at the bath, deep-cleaning and conditioning your hair, and cutting your nails. Getting rid of anything that can make you anxious is one way to help you feel more at ease during the interview.
