An interview is a nerve-racking moment for any job hunter. No matter how many times you have interviewed in your life, you still feel something in the pit of your stomach, every time you sit before an interviewer. Though it is generally alright to feel slightly nervous, it shouldn’t go to an extent where you end up sinking your chances at getting the job.
When it is time to face an interviewer, there is a lot more than just walking them through your resumé and telling them why you are a good fit. A lot happens within the first five minutes of the interview, and it partially depends on your preparation, leading up to the moment.
Let us explore some tips to help you ace your next interview.
Research the company and its relevant industry
Looking into the company before appearing for the interview is an applicant’s way of being smart and proactive. It is natural for any interviewer to ask the candidate why they would like to join their company and what is it that intrigued them most about the role. While most applicants focus on the role, and begin explaining why they are a good fit, they tend to miss what the interviewer is trying to check.
The interviewer wishes to see if you have taken the effort to research about the company’s history, mission, and vision for the future. They wish to know how you will fit into the company’s culture. Adding the part about the role is generally a diversion, which many candidates fall for.
Understand the company’s background and its relevance and position in the industry. This will give you a major edge when asked about their competitive advantages.
Practice well
Probably you have come across the saying “Practice makes perfect”. Yes, indeed it does. How well you have rehearsed the process, anticipated questions, and prepared your answers, accordingly, will be a major component in deciding where your interview goes.
Prepare for the mainstream questions
Whether you are interviewing for the first time or the 50th time, faltering while answering basic questions (tell us about yourself, what did you learn from this experience, etc.) can be a roadblock to your chances of getting your dream job.
The simplest (yet most effective) technique is to write down the answers and read them over again.
State your USP and why you are an apt fit
Most interviewers will ask you to review your strengths and weaknesses. While most of us state our strengths quite easily, we are unsure of how to dig into our weaknesses. So, why not take charge and mention your USP (ultimate selling point) as your strength before the interviewer asks you. Follow this up by how this strength of yours makes you an apt suitor for the role.
Interviewers appreciate candidates taking initiative. Besides, it is a booster for your confidence, which means the rest of the interview will proceed on a high note.
Have your questions ready for the interviewer
One of the most important parts of an interview is when the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions?” Through this, they want to confirm two important factors – how attentive you were, and if they missed out on anything. The key is to come prepared and stay attentive during the entire interview.
Look at it from the interviewer’s point of view
Look at the role to be filled, from the interviewer’s point of view. This will give you, as a candidate, a better understanding as to what is required of you. Most recruiters explain the role during the interview, but not many candidates see it from any other perspective than their own expectations. The recruiter must fill the position, and once you understand what it is they are seeking, your pitch will improve.
Get on the same page as the interviewer
A follow-up on the previous tip, remember that you are not on opposite teams. You are not playing against the interviewer. In fact, both of you are trying to fill the role in question. The interview is supposed to be you showcasing your best fit for the role, and the interviewer seeing the same. It is not a competition!
Convey positive points
Some interviewers may give you a case study or ask of a situational analysis. This is purely to gauge how you would respond to the tasks within the role. It is always suggested to present a positive response, rather than lay out the negatives of the situation or case. There is generally no right or wrong answer, but a way to measure your responses.
Furthermore, show positivity when asked why you left your previous organisation. Companies do not appreciate candidates bad mouthing their previous employer, because they feel you may tend to do the same if you left their team, too. Point at what you felt was missing in the last job and portray how you plan of filling that void with this role.
Energy and Proactivity
Your energy will determine if the interviewer is interested after the first five minutes. Energy speaks volumes. And interviewers judge a lot of candidates based on the first five minutes. No matter how exhausted you are (even if it is your third interview of the day), you must realise that the recruiter could be tired too, especially after interviewing dozens of candidates. So, it is your duty to inject some energy into the situation and be proactive. Keep the conversation going and don’t make it a purely one-sided conversation.
End on a good note
Always thank the interviewer for their time (and mean it). Tell them how you appreciate them taking the time to consider you for the role. It may be surprising to believe, but many candidates do not show this appreciation. The person across the table knows when someone is thanking them out of formality. So, be clear as to what you are grateful for. You can also use this time to ask for feedback. If the interviewer has a couple of minutes to spare, they would gladly do it.
Interview is a straining process for all parties involved. But staying prepared with the above tips will surely grant you an edge over your competitors.
There is so much you can learn from the process, irrespective of whether you get the job.
As promised, here are 5 bonus tips to help you prepare better:
- Bring a copy of your CV/Resumé
- Rehearse the “Tell us about yourself” question
- Body language speaks during the conversation
- Take mock-assessment tests and practice case studies prior to the interview
- Do not put all your eggs in one basket – do not rely on just one interview. Apply to as many roles as you can.
Which tips would you use while preparing for your next interview?
Let us know in the comments below.