Preparing for Interview
- 1. Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University Raisan Village, Gandhinagar – 382007 School of Technology Name of the faculty: T. Hephzibah Mary Interview 1. Preparing for Interview: 1. Research the organization – This will help you answer questions and stand out from less-prepared candidates. Seek background information Visit the organization’s website to ensure that you understand the breadth of what they do. Review the organization's background and mission statement. Assess their products, services and client-base. Read recent press releases for insight on projected growth and stability. Get perspective – Review trade or business publications. Seek perspective and a glimpse into their industry standing. Develop a question list – Prepare to ask about the organization or position based on your research. 2. Compare your skills and qualifications to the job requirements Analyze the job description – Outline the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Examine the hierarchy – Determine where the position fits within the organization. Look side-by-side – Compare what the employer is seeking to your qualifications. 3. Prepare responses – Most interviews involve a combination of resume-based, behavioral and case questions. 4. Plan what to wear Go neutral – Conservative business attire, such as a neutral-colored suit and professional shoes, is best. Err formal – If instructed to dress “business casual,” use good judgment. Plug in that iron – Make sure your clothes are neat and wrinkle-free. Dress to impress – Be sure that your overall appearance is neat and clean. 5. Plan what to bring Extra copies of your resume on quality paper A notepad or professional binder and pen A list of references Information you might need to complete an application A portfolio with samples of your work, if relevant 6. Pay attention to non-verbal communication Be mindful – Nonverbal communication speaks volumes. Start ahead – Remember that waiting room behaviors may be reported. Project confidence – Smile, establish eye contact and use a firm handshake. Posture counts – Sit up straight yet comfortably. Be aware of nervous gestures such as foot-tapping. Be attentive – Don't stare, but maintain good eye contact, while addressing all aspects of an interviewer's questions. Respect their space – Do not place anything on their desk. Manage reactions – Facial expressions provide clues to your feelings. Manage how you react, and project a positive image. 7. Follow up – Many interviews end with “Do you have any questions?” Bring a list – You may say, “In preparing for today's meeting, I took some time to jot down a few questions. Please allow me to review my notes”. Be strategic – Cover information not discussed or clarify a previous topic. Do not ask for information that can be found on the organization’s website.
- 2. In your opinion, what makes this organization a great place to work? What do you consider the most important criteria for success in this job? Tell me about the organization’s culture. How will my performance be evaluated? What are the opportunities for advancement? What are the next steps in the hiring process? 2. How to prepare for a job interview: Do some basic research – By learning about the organization and the job applied for, will enable you to review your resume from the employer’s point of view. Think ahead about questions – The questions you ask in an interview are just as important as the answers you provide. Before the interview, prepare a list of questions, eliciting various types of information. Having a list of questions should impress the interiewer with your organization and thoroughness. Bolster your confidence – By overcoming your tendencies to feel self-conscious or jittery during an interview, you can build your confidence and create a better impression. Polish your interview style – To bag the job give the interviewer an impression of poise, good manners and good judgement. If you maintain eye contact, smile, sit in an attentive position and use hand gestures adroitly, it will certainly create a favourable impression. The sound of your voice can also have a major impact on the success of the interview. Dress to look good – You can impress the interviewer just by the way you look. The best policy is to dress conservatively. Wear the best quality formal clothing, in solid colours. Good grooming makes any style of clothing look better. Be ready when you arrive – Things that should be carried for an interview are a small notebook, a pen, a list of questions you want to ask, two copies of your resume kept in a folder, an outline of what you have learned about the organization. Be sure you know when and where the interview will be held. Plan to arrive early, allow a little extra time just in case you run into a problem on the way. 3. Interview – before, during and after Make a natural entry – enter as if you are part of the company. Do not forget the dress code. The voice should be clear, steady and animated. Do not grunt or groan. Carry your folder – it should contain certificates, testimonials, project papers. Arrive on time. Do not experiment on the mode of transport. Eat sensibly. Scan the newspapers’ headlines of the day. Read the earlier two issues of the paper. Sit alert slightly leaning forward. Maintain eye contact – be honest and straightforward. Make eye contact with the interviewer while answering questions. Take time to think. Do not express emotions – never look at the watch. Say “I don’t know” when unable to answer any question – a frank admission will not go against you. Smile at times. Be confident. Accept cup of coffee or tea, if offered. Send a thank you note.
- 3. Send maximum of two follow-ups. 4. The importance of interview: Though the candidate's resume, cover letter and job application give interviewers an overview of her background and skills, the interview may be the best chance the candidate has to make a favorable impression. For better or worse, the candidate's physical appearance and ability to handle herself during the questioning will leave a lasting impression and play a vital role in the interviewer's decision-making process. The interviewer also uses the process to assess the candidate's personality to determine if she would be a good fit for the organization. The job interview serves as a two-way street for the exchange of information. The interviewer has the opportunity to learn more about the candidate's background and can also impart more in-depth information about the company and the various duties the job entails. The candidate also has the chance to ask questions to gain additional insight regarding the expectations of the job and to get a better feel for the organization's culture. The interview provides a selling opportunity for the organization as well as the candidate. The interviewer can highlight the positive aspects of working for the company, such as how plans for growth can lead to future opportunities or how the company is recognized as an industry leader. Candidates can expand upon their skills and positive personal attributes to demonstrate how they can help the company achieve its short-term and long-term objectives. In situations where companies receive a heavy volume of applicants for a job opening, interviews are a valuable tool for narrowing the field. In particular, a round of preliminary interviews helps the company to weed out unsuitable candidates so it can then pay closer attention to the "cream of the crop" in subsequent interviews. For job seekers fortunate enough to possess skills that are in great demand, they can use the interview process to help determine which company would ultimately be the best fit.