How to face the interview

The preparation for an interview follow the guidelines and make that first impression which will help you to get your desired and dream job. There is a simple exercise which will not take you more than two hours.

  • A Day before the interview
  • The Interview day
  • After the Interview

A day before the interview

1. The Basic Interview Research
Every interview must be preceded by research to give you an edge over the rest. Find out as much as you can about the company before the interview.

Here is a list of the information that you must have:

  • Organizational structure
  • Geographic location of home office, branches, stores
  • Size of company
  • How long have they been in business
  • Divisions/departments that interest you
  • Products/Services
  • New products and services they are developing
  • Career paths
  • Job description & job title
  • Types of clients
  • Growth in the past and future potential
  • Employee benefits
2. Specimen questions
Here is a list of common questions usually asked in an interview. Prepare them well
  • How would you describe yourself?
  • What are your goals and objectives and how are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
  • What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
  • What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
  • What do you expect to be earning in five years?
  • What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
  • Why should I hire you?
  • Why did you choose this profession? What qualifications do you have that make you think that you will be successful in this field?
  • How do you determine or evaluate success?
  • What do you know about our organization?
  • Why did you decide to seek a position with this organization?
  • In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our organization?
  • What qualities should a successful manager possess?
  • Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and those reporting to him or her What has been your biggest achievement and why?
  • Tell us about your previous job experience. Reasons for leaving the previous job.
  • Do you have a geographical preference and are Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you? Are you willing to travel?
  • Are you willing to spend at least six months as a trainee?
  • Why do you think you might like to live in the community in which our organization is located?
  • What have you done that shows initiative?
  • What major problem have you encountered, how did you deal with it and lessons that you learnt out of them?

3. Company expectations
Every company has a set of expectations from the prospective employee. In order to know that you fulfill those expectations, you must ask yourself the following questions:
  • Do you have the skills to do the job?
  • Do you fit in the organization structure?
  • Do you understand the company and its purpose?
  • How do you stack up against the competition?
  • Do you have the right mindset for the job and company?
  • Do you want the Job?

4. Pick your outfit, and go to bed early
Lay out your interview outfit the night before, get a good night's rest, and always get an early start.
The interview day

1. Non-verbal messages
Non-verbal language speaks larger than words. As you walk in the interview room, here are a few things that you must keep in mind.

Start it off like a winner.

  • The handshake: Offer your hand, and give a firm handshake, a pleasant smile and a positive and confident attitude. Introduce yourself.
  • Posture: Stand and sit erect
  • Don't fidget: There is nothing worse than people playing with their hair, clicking pen tops, tapping feet or unconsciously touching parts of the body.
  • Eye contact: Look the interviewer in the eye
  • Move your hands: Gesturing or talking with your hands is very natural, but keep it in moderation.
2. Be comfortable
Take a seat facing the interviewer, however, slightly off center. Be sure that you are in a comfortable position

3. Listen attentively
Look at the interviewer directly, but don't get into a stare down! Sit up straight. Try to relax. It's okay to take a few notes if the questions are lengthy, or you need to remind yourself of something you want to stress

4. Avoid nervous mannerisms
Pay attention to nervous mannerisms. Everyone is nervous to some extent, the key is to appear calm and composed

5. Speak clearly
Use good grammar and a friendly tone. Never answer just "yes" or "no" to a question. Always clarify, expand on your answers. Be sure not to go on rambling

6. Be positive and enthusiastic
Pump up your enthusiasm prior to the interview. Never whine, gripe or complain about past employers, jobs, classes etc

7. Ask pertinent questions
Be prepared to ask a few questions. Do not monopolize the interviewer's time, particularly if you know they have appointments scheduled following your interview. Do ask thoughtful questions. Don't ask about salary and benefits, this can be discussed when the company is definitely interested in you

8. While giving answers to questions
Lay out your interview outfit the night before, get a good night's rest, and always get an early start.

  • Be concise: Listen to the questions carefully and answer to the point. An interviewee rambling on is likely to turn off the interviewer.
  • Provide examples: Support your contentions with examples. Think of recent strong strategic examples of work you've done, then when the question is asked, answer with specifics, not in generalities.
  • Be honest: It is always better to state the truth than beating about the bush. If you don't know something then state the fact.
  • Keep your guard up: Always maintain your professionalism. Don't get swayed by the friendly behaviour of the interviewer and disclose everything. For all you know it might be a trap laid out by him.

After the interview

Extend your hand to say thanks.
The next day write the interviewer a brief note reiterating your interest in the job. Spell his or her name correctly!
  • Follow up. If you haven't heard from the interviewer within the time frame indicated at the close of the interview, call them to relay a polite reminder that you're still interested in the job. Ask when they plan to make a hiring decision.
  • If you aren't hired and you are still interested in the company, it pays to keep in touch with the interviewer. Often, through persistence, you may be offered a position at a later date.
Chin Up. If you don't get the job, don't be disheartened. Gear up for your next interview. After all the more interviews you tackle the more polished you become. You may want to contact the interviewer who rejected you and see if you can get any pointers on what to improve before your next interview.