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The importance of being prepared for Interview
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To ensure the success of your interview, it is essential that
you recognize the importance of being prepared. You must clearly define your
goals for each interview. Likewise, research the company for information that
you can use in the interview and to determine where someone with your
qualifications would fit in, and exactly how you could personally contribute
to the growth and development of their organization. Practice answering the
sample resume questions as well as memorize the dates, professional titles,
responsibilities, etc on your resume.
Remember, your preparation will speak volumes for your sincerity as well as
professionalism. |
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Goals of the Interview
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There are several goals to be accomplished during an
interview, both on the part of the interviewer as well as the applicant.
Applicant Goals:
1.
Make a favorable impression
upon the interviewer.
2.
Communicate to the interviewer
what you can do for their company—what skills you possess.
3.
Obtain information about the
company and the position.
4.
Determine whether or not this
is a position that is of interest to you.
What are the Interviewer’s Goals:
1.
Obtain information about the
applicant’s career history, skills, etc.
2.
Determine if the applicant has
the skills necessary to be successful in the position.
3.
Make a favorable impression
upon the applicant—making the applicant want to work for their company.
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Analyze the position
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Research the specific position you are applying to. If there
is a job description provided, that is an excellent starting point. Read job
descriptions of similar positions at other employers. Some skills and
personality traits commonly sought by employers include: initiative,
maturity, the ability to work as part of a team, computer literacy, problem
solving, written and verbal communication skills, and flexibility.
Think through your background and note instances, examples, or experiences
you can share to prove that you have the required skills and traits.
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Research about The
Company
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It is vital that you know as much as possible about the
company or organization before your interview. You want to make the best
possible impression on the employer and demonstrate your interest in their
organization.
Find out what they do, their history, their major accomplishments, their goals
(if known), their competitors, their reputation, size, growth potential,
ownership, training, career opportunities, working conditions, and any other
relevant information.
If it is a public company, you can secure the company's annual report, which
usually contains a wealth of information. Visit the company’s web site; also
do a search using a major search engine to see what you can find on the
industry, other similar companies, etc.
While you are busy gathering this information, you should also be trying to
determine where someone with your qualifications and experience would fit in,
and exactly how you could personally contribute to the future growth and
development of the company.
You may be asked:
"Why do you want to work for our company?"
"What do you know about our company?"
"Why do you think you would be successful working for us?"
All of the above questions can be answered thoroughly if you
have good background information on the company and a clear understanding of
your own qualifications. The time and effort you spend in preparation will
not be hidden from the employer conducting the interview. It may not
guarantee a job offer, but it will go a long way toward indicating your
sincere interest in their company—and the value of that cannot be measured.
"Visit the employers' website and learn something about the company
before you attend your interview. Feed them the opportunity to talk proudly
about something positive you have found Visit the Website of the Company Know
about the business Lines of the Company , Its Products services nature of
Business, Turnover , Its main Promoter its Locations etc. This would
certainly give you an advantage."
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What to carry for the Interview
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In addition to a note pad and pen, you should be prepared to
bring the following:
Support Materials
What you bring depends a great deal on the position for which
you are applying. If you are seeking a position as an advertising copywriter,
you should bring samples of your work. The same is true for almost any
creative position, for example, staff artist, interior designer, architect,
etc. You should bring materials that are appropriate to the position that you
are interviewing for, such as letters of recommendation, professional and
personal references, and other materials related to your career.
For instance, a salesperson should take along records of sales achievements,
honors, etc just as a graphic designer should bring a portfolio with samples
of their work. During your interviews you are selling your abilities and your
qualifications. Anything that will help the sale should be used.
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Interview Dress Code
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Your overall appearance will have a profound impact on the
outcome of your interview. The first six minutes are usually the most important
in the interview. It is during these first few minutes that you create your
image. If the wrong image is conveyed, a negative decision may be made early
in an interview. A good portion of that initial image is the result of your
appearance. By appearance, we mean your style of dress, your physical
appearance, and your mannerisms and habits.
People tend to dress in a manner that reflects their
self-image. The way you dress is one of the key nonverbal ways in which you
communicate.
Making the right first impression is vital to the success of
your interview, so it is important that you decide on the image that you want
to convey and dress appropriately. Even before you begin to speak, the
interviewer is likely to have formed opinions about you based on the way you
are dressed, your personal grooming, posture and Body language
A successful and confident job applicant looks different than
someone lacking confidence. Winners look different than losers. Those who
manifest a loser's attitude, who are worried about the interview, will be
found in ill-fitting clothes, poorly matched colors, shoes that are not
shined, etc.
As part of your interview preparation, take inventory of your
wardrobe and select those items that can be put together to create the image
you want to convey. As a guideline, consider the following:
- Select
fabrics that tend to be wrinkle-free.
- Be
sure your clothes fit properly.
- Dress
appropriately for the position you are applying for.
- Avoid
excessive jewelry, perfume, etc.
- Avoid
extreme styles.
- Stick
to basic colors.
- Be
sure clothing is clean.
- Be
sure your shoes are cleaned and polished.
In summary, you must strive for a neat, clean, well-groomed
look. If you exercise common sense in the clothes you select, you will go a
long way in creating the image you want.
For most corporate interviews a low-key approach to dress is
usually best, as this projects a professional image and does not cause a
distraction. For men, can sport a Tie and a Sober Coloured Shirt.
"Remember to carry a notepad or portfolio"
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Your Physical Appearance
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You should be alert, wide-awake, and convey inner enthusiasm.
We advise job applicants to get a good night's sleep before their interview
so that they will be in top physical and mental condition for their interview.
If you are run down or tired, you are going to appear that way, and this will
create a negative impression. So prepare physically as well as mentally. Make
sure you convey the image of a healthy, alert, well-rested, and confident
person.
In addition, while it seems basic, we must remind you that it is imperative
that you arrive at the interview clean and neat, including your hair,
fingernails, teeth, etc. So that you do not look physically rushed, allow
plenty of time to arrive at the interview. You will be less nervous and
tense, and you will have time to compose yourself before you meet the
interviewer.
Your Habits and Mannerisms
While you are being interviewed, your habits and mannerisms will be observed.
With this in mind
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Structure of the Interview
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Introduction
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Greet the interviewer by his or her proper name (Example Mr.
Mishra), shake hands, and make eye contact. Be sure you know how to pronounce
the interviewer's name.
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The interviewer will usually start with some small talk
(weather, sports, etc.) to try to relax you.
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Information Sharing
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Let the interviewer take the initiative and guide the
interview.
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Show a sincere interest in the organization and the position
(let your research show!)
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Listen to the interviewer! Be sure you are answering the
questions asked.
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Show enthusiasm.
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Maintain eye contact.
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Remember to ask questions from your prepared list.
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Avoid "um," "like," and "okay."
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