Saturday, September 29, 2018

How to Prepare for the Interview



The importance of being prepared for Interview






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.



Goals of the Interview


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.
Analyze the position


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.



Research  about The Company


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."



What to carry for the Interview


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.



Interview Dress Code


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"



Your Physical Appearance


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



Structure of the Interview



   Introduction


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.





The interviewer will usually start with some small talk (weather, sports, etc.) to try to relax you.



Information Sharing


Let the interviewer take the initiative and guide the interview.




Show a sincere interest in the organization and the position (let your research show!)





Listen to the interviewer! Be sure you are answering the questions asked.





Show enthusiasm.





Maintain eye contact.





Remember to ask questions from your prepared list.





Avoid "um," "like," and "okay."






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