Have you crossed the written test? Now looking to prepare for the next round of Interviews. Getting tensed? What if I said that preparing with the tips I have provided in this article will lessen your stress? The tips that I am going to offer in this blog are also offered by many MNCs to crack the interview.
The most important question here is to understand the aim of the interview.
The aim of the interview round is to examine:
- Your knowledge and interest in the company and the role you are appearing for,
- Your level of expertise for the job position, and
- Your potential to help the organization in growing.
These are the three basic parameters of a company to check on a candidate at the time of the Interview. So let’s dig in and have a look at the best tips to prepare for an interview.
Here are the important tips that you need to keep in mind to prepare for an interview:
1. Well-researched the company
Read about the company, its working areas, and its projects. If there is something about the company in the news read that as well. It will help you in preparing for interview questions like:
- “What attracted you to our business?”,
- “What do you know about our company?”, and
- “What are your views about our big news last week?”
You can research the company on its official website, social media, and newspaper.
Also research about the interviewer, if you have a clue about him/her. Search for him on LinkedIn to know more about him. Additionally, check if you have someone in a mutual connection to know about the interviewer.
The smart move here would be to review the job description as well as there might be a possibility that your interviewer put up questions from the job descriptions like “Have you read the job description?”, “What are the job requirements?”.
Your preparation shows the interviewer your hard work and sincerity in doing things and also boosts your confidence. An important thing that you should keep in mind is that show your interest in both the company and the job so that the interviewer does not feel your enthusiasm for one thing only.
2. Answer Preparation
Your research would help you in compiling the best answers for the interview questions like:
- “Why do you want to be a part of this organization?”,
- “Why are you the best fit for this role?”, and
- “Why we should hire you?”
Incorporate all your experiences, skills, and personality traits to prepare the best answers and showing that how you would help in the growth of the organization. Share one or two examples that why you are the best fit for the role to help the recruiter to visualize you for the role.
3. Body Language
Body language is as important as your research. No interviewer wants to welcome an employee who is dull and under-confident. Focus on your physical appearance as “your first impression could be your last impression” in the interview.
Dress up yourself with neat and ironed formals, have a haircut, and trim your beard. You are also evaluated on your appearance in an interview as it shows your discipline and way of presentation to others. In the future, you are going to present their company.
One more thing that makes your physical appearance more attractive is your confidence. Do not let your anxiety overcome your confidence. Feel confident, and use the formula of breathing (take a deep breath then exhale it ) to answer. Confident individuals have higher chances of selection so be confident. A few body gestures that you need to follow in an interview:
- Use hands to talk
- Do not keep your palm close as it shows you are hiding something (An open palm reflects there is nothing to hide)
- Make eye contact
- Do not shake or cross your leg
- Do not play with any object like a pen, pencil
- Maintain a straight posture (When asked a question, lean forward a little and keep your feet’s on the ground)
- Avoid touching your face
4. Salary Negotiation
Put this in the hands of the recruiter, and let him begin the topic of salary navigation. If the recruiter asked for your salary expectation, you can opt for one option among the two I provided below:
a) Discuss a wide range of packages that you wanna take
b) Turn back the question to the interviewer by asking: What would you offer to the right candidate? Or What have you allocated for the right candidate?
Note: Negotiation usually takes place when you have another offer in hand.
These are the 4 basic tips to kick-start your interview preparation. It will not only help you in making your preparation on track but also guide you throughout your preparation journey.
