How to prepare for a successful job interview?

How to prepare for a successful job interview?

Interview etiquette

Before anything else, preparation is the key to success – famous words by Alexander Graham Bell. Congratulations, you have now earned your spot for a job interview with a company of your choice. But it is not just about simply turning up for the interview. With careful job interview preparation, you can build your confidence and reduce the stress – and use the occasion to showcase the best part of yourself and convince the interviewer that you are the best choice for the role.

Here are some necessary steps to prepare for a successful interview.

1. Learn more about the company

We are sure you have done some basic fact-finding about the company, but now it’s time to dig deeper. Pre-interview preparation - learn more about the company's history, values, growth, objectives, role expectations, mission, and culture. Additionally, research your interviewer as much as possible. This will help you to foresee certain questions and signal to your interviewer that you are genuinely interested. A Google search is a great way to get a general overview. Do visit their company website, particularly the “About Us” and media section, and go through their LinkedIn page, other social media handles, and latest posts. This will give you a feel for the company's purpose, business objectives, people culture, and commercials. Finally, get in touch with any contacts in your network who are associated with the company via direct employment or through other associations to gain some valuable insight.

2. Prepare for some standard job interview questions

While no two job interviews are alike, it will help if you plan your responses to some common questions ahead of the interview. The right response will not only help you stand out from the crowd but also give you an opportunity to project yourself in the right light. This will also ensure that you do not fumble or hesitate while responding which will up your confidence level.

Tell me more about yourself?
What made you apply for this position?
Why do you want to quit your current company?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What is your preferred working environment?
What are your salary expectations?

What can you offer those other candidates who cannot?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Tell us about your biggest career mistake.

3. Ask your own questions

It’s easy to get caught up in preparing for the interviewers’ questions that often candidates forget to prepare their own. Planning ahead and preparing these questions shows interest and good practice. Here are some great examples of questions to ask at the end of your interview:

What are the key expectations from this role in the short term and long term?
Can you describe a typical day in this role?
What do you enjoy most about working for this company?
How would you describe the company culture?
Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?

4. Pay attention to your resume

It does not stop with just putting together a good resume. It could be professionally written, or you could put it together yourself. During the interview, you will be asked questions related to your resume, so review it thoroughly. Make a checklist of your career highlights, such as related skills, project experience, major achievements, gap history if any, and experience. Then map how these are relevant and tie in with the job you’re interviewing for. When you are questioned about your previous or current position, you can then use the opportunity to highlight how you make a good fit for the role instead of simply narrating your resume.

5. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse your interview

Although it may seem like an overload – after all, you have researched the company, organized responses to questions and you know your resume backward. But we would still emphasize the importance of doing a mock interview with a trusted friend, colleague, or family member who is competent enough to give you constructive feedback. This will give you a chance to understand and improve your body language, tone of voice, and overall appearance. Ask your mock interviewer to add some surprise questions to test how you think on your feet. When you get feedback, correct and change what is not working to improve and avoid making these mistakes during the actual interview.

6. Go over the job description in detail

A job description outlines the essential experience, skills, education, and training expected from the potential employee. Ensure you read the job post thoroughly and understand the responsibilities and skills mentioned clearly. This will help you analyze exactly what you bring to the table and what is relevant to your future employer. On the other hand, you will be able to figure out areas where you lack expertise and how you can fill the gap. When questioned during the interview you can share how you want to learn and grow in your career and challenge yourself with new work experiences. Do not be afraid to bring up skills – both hard and soft – that are not mentioned in the job post. As long as they are relevant, you can reveal your resourcefulness by highlighting them.

7. Arriving on time

A timely arrival for an in-person interview is important to make a positive first impression. Check the route well in advance and plan your travel well in advance to avoid last minute confusion. Pay attention to any traffic jams or interruptions that could cause a delay and always have a backup plan. If you have a virtual interview, set up and test the interviewer’s chosen platform in advance. Ensure your laptop or mobile device is fully charged and positioned so you are framed well, in a professional background and good lighting. For both interviews, make sure you arrive early – 10 minutes for in-person, 3-5 minutes for virtual.

8. Be very particular about your appearance

Even if it’s a virtual interview, you should dress professionally and appropriately. A good rule of thumb is to go more formal than you would in the role. Your appearance makes a lasting impression, so make sure you are neat, tidy, and groomed. Get your interview outfit ready in advance and you’ll show up feeling confident on the day.

9. Carry necessary documents

Bring along a copy of your resume and cover letter. Not only does this give you the chance to scan them beforehand, but if your interviewer doesn’t have them, you’ll be able to provide them – this shows you are professional and organized. For the same reason, take copies of your reference list and reference letters.

10. Post interview steps

As part of your interview planning process also think ahead about the post-interview process. Do remember to ask at the end of the interview when you can expect to hear back and if they require any additional information in the interim. You can consider writing an email thanking or sending a short professional mobile message thanking them for their time. This further underlines your interest, plus it shows that you understand good interview etiquette.

Navigating your way through the world of work and job opportunities in India? You can always reach out to us for career advice and expert insight.