Interview Tips: How Prepared You Are

The key to a successful interview is ‘how prepared you are’ for it. This is where the following interview tips are useful.

Before the Interview
• Research and gather information regarding the structure, history, achievements and goals of the company.
• Prepare your updated resume and make sure you can explain everything on your resume. Remember, you can be asked questions regarding any thing mentioned on your resume.
• Prepare some specific questions that you can ask the interviewer. At the end of the interview, you should ask some questions to the interviewer.
• Practice your interview skills. For example, rehearse interviews at home by setting up a role-play with friends or relatives.
• Pay special attention to how you will answer particular, and sometimes awkward questions that deal with possible barriers to getting the job.
• Know the time and place of the interview. Make sure that you arrive on time. After all, nobody ever got a second chance to make the first impression.
• Know the name of the person who will interview you. Sometimes, more than one person conducts interviews. Try to know about them, who they are.
• Get a good night’s sleep before your interview so that you feel refreshed and relaxed on the day of the interview.

During the Interview
• The first few minutes are very crucial, where you get an opportunity to make the first impression to the interviewer. For example, you should enter with a smiling face and shake hands with the interviewer.
• When you are asked casual questions, such as about your hobby or the weather, show pleasure in answering such questions. However, keep your answers short.
• Be confident about your skills and abilities, and show this confidence to the interviewer.
• Describe your skills, abilities, knowledge, experience and qualifications with specific examples. Your motive should be to assure the interviewer that you are the right person for the job.
• In your answers, show that you are motivated, dependable, and enthusiastic, and will do the job very well.
• At the end of the interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have anything to add or any question. Take this as an opportunity, and ask the questions, you have prepared for this occasion. Questions must be designed in a way that it shows your interest in the company.

At the End of the Interview
• Thank the interviewer. Use a formal salutation.
• Ask when you can expect to hear from them.

If you are unsuccessful in clearing the interview, do not feel bad about it. Learn from each interview and improve on your shortcomings so that you are ready for the next interview. With patience and experience, you will soon become more capable of getting the job of your choice.

About the Author: