Interview Preparation Tips

Preparing for the Interview
Before going on your first interview, there are three things that you can do to convey a positive and polished image and to have a productive and successful interview.

Understand Yourself

1. Think about your skills, interests, and values.
2. Consider your strengths and weaknesses.
3. Be able to discuss decisions you have made and the thought behind them.
4. Identify accomplishments you are proud of. Be ready to support these accomplishments with specific information targeted towards the companies’ needs.
5. Identify things you might have done differently in your previous jobs.
6. Provide examples to demonstrate how you have developed your skills.
7. Be able to articulate why you are interested in this field. Think about your long-term goals.

Understand the Employer

1. Research the employer, the position, the industry or field, and (if possible) the people you will meet at your interview.
2. Read current periodicals and trade journals to learn about current trends in the field.
3. Review mission statements, annual reports, and company literature.
4. Think about the firm’s competitors, its clients or customers, or who the organization services.
5. Be familiar with the employer’s organizational structure.
6. If possible look up company information on the Internet.

Practice for the Interview

1. Have your facts ready! Refresh your memory by reading your technical manuals so you can recall the terminology at will.
2. Review in advance specific technical problems / or projects you have worked on where you were the problem solver.
3. Review interview questions with a friend and/or use an audiotape to critique your answers.
4. Write down your answers if it helps make your presentation more concise. Try to keep it short.

Some more Interview Tips

Why Do Candidates Fail In An Interview

* Poor grooming
* Discourteous and ungraceful body language
* Poor manners
* Poor diction
* Vague responses
* Unappealing resume
* Monetary benefits-centric approach
* Lack of punctuality
* Poor waiting hall behaviour

Some Behavioural "Unfavourable" Aspects

* Lack of personal or career goals
* Lack of enthusiasm and confidence
* Not owning up responsibility for mistakes
* Self-justification, aggressiveness
* Lack ofemotional maturity
* Negative and cynical attitude
* Over-reacting to questions
* Lacking sense of humour
* Complaining about various things and previous employers

Preparing for an interview - Look for

* Company's main products and services and likely new products and services
* Its key markets, its position in market and between major competitors
* Its financial position / profit / turnover
* Its history, reputation and achievements
* Arrange all the papers required in a folder : Resume / CV, call letters, degree certificates, mark lists, NSS, NCC, sports / games certificates, experience certificates, references.

The Previous Day

* Confirm the venue of the interview, distance, and mode of transport
* Locate the venue earlier
* Relax, have good sleep, visualise and pray

The Interview Day

* Reach the venue at least 45 minutes ahead of the interview
* Get familiar with the amblience
* Dont carry too much baggage
* Report to the authority concerned

Waiting Hall Behaviour

* Maintain Decorum
* Mingle with others politely
* Avoid smoking, chewing, flirting, gossiping, defamatory comments
* Greet others present
* Switch off the mobile
* Relax and visualise

While Entering The Interview Hall

* Enter confidently, not arrogantly
* Shut the door gently
* Smile and greet the interviewers
* Shake hands only if they offer their hand

During The Eye Interview

* Maintain eye contact
* Be attentive, listen carefully, and lean forward
* Don't lean on the table, and don't slouch
* Don't toss your files across
* Hand over your file-right side facing them
* Don't laugh or giggle but smile gently
* Be polite. use the words "Please" and "thank you"
* Don't argue but can orally acknowledge

End Of The Interview

* When informed, collect your belongings
* Thank everyone
* For a few steps from your seat, don't show your back
* Don't rush.But move out with dignity
* Shur the door gently when you leave

Follow Up

* Send the thanking letter to the company the same day
* Specify in the letter the point that was discussed
* Thank the Placement Agency, if any
* Thank your network source, if any

In Case Of Stress Interviews

* Don't be upset
* Let them not see that you are upset
* Accept their point of view
* Smile
* Don't argue but be specific in responses with justification