The job search battle has become even more difficult in the Covid scenario. However, one need not tie oneself in knots. Half the battle is won, if you are well-prepared for the interview. So, let us understand some vital interview tips, which would help us in acing the interview.
What should you do to crack an interview?
Often, jobseekers want to quicken the process whenever they get an interview call. An interview call however, does not guarantee an offer letter. So relax and do not rush, rather focus on preparation to position yourself as a strong candidate and make a great first impression on the hiring team. Some of the points, which should be a part of preparation, are:
- Conduct research and try to gain knowledge about the company and its position in the market
- Give a thought as how you can present yourself so that you look professional
- Introspect how effectively you can discuss common interview subjects
How to crack a job interview
Here comes points which you need to keep in mind while preparing for a successful job interview:
Get to know your potential employer:
Always know the company well, before you go for your interview. It is good to know about its foundation, recent developments, stakeholders, culture and values. Look for recent news about latest achievements and future goals of the company.
The best way is to browse the company is on Ambition Box (https://www.ambitionbox.com/list-of-companies) to know its reviews, Q&A and more. This exercise will add clarity to your interview answers.
Read the job description
Assess the job description so that you are able to explain how the job is suitable for you. Pay heed to keywords, required skills and experience, and the roles that a successful candidate will have. Give a thought as to how you will be able to justify your qualifications and profile with the description and keep relevant answers ready for the recruiter.
Practice answering interview questions
While your tête-à-tête will have more to do with company- or job-specific topics, however there will be at least a few typical questions. Here are a few questions you are likely to be put-up:
Can you tell me about yourself?
Mostly this question is a conversation starter through which recruiters try to know you better to understand your background and career journey. Begin with your current position and describe your efforts to reach where you are, so that you get a chance to display your professional journey and put emphasis on your recent achievement.
Answer: “Currently, I work as a Software Developer. It pleases me to provide efficient software solutions. I led a team consisting of 10 programmers at XYZ Company for four years. Prior to that, I worked as a system analyst at XYZ Company for two years. I reduced security breaches by 75% by convincing all employees for our Concept of Least Privilege drive. It has been a great learning experience, but I am now looking to expand my horizon in the DevOps domain. “
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Hiring managers specifically put across this question to know more about the areas you are good at and can improve upon. While responding, always mention your best technical and soft skills. Never pick randomly and mention a weakness you have never worked on. Take-up an area where you have already taken initiatives to improve. It is a great interview technique as it adds positivity to a question that is likely to be negative.
Answer: “I have gained expertise in technical skills such as user experience and visual design, having worked in web development for eleven years. My proven ability to solve conflicts and think analytically, gives me an extra edge to work efficiently with clients. However, during my initial year, I realized that I was not able to communicate clearly with clients. I learnt a few ways for mending my written and verbal communication, which improved my productivity by 20%.”
Why are you keen for this position?
Recruiters ask this question to understand how well you are aware about the job and the organization. Take this opportunity to state how well you have researched the organization and the job opening. Try covering the organization’s goals or recent achievements and the vast opportunities that the position has in store for you.
Answer: “Having worked in a supervisory sales role for four years, I am prepared well to move to a managerial position. Appreciated for displaying excellent team management skills, in the absence of my supervisor, gives me confidence to do justice to this position. I am quite excited about working for an established organization which expands its quarterly sales target by 20%.”
Why are you leaving your current job?
Through this, the employer seeks to know what is making you look for a new role. Just refrain from mentioning anything that has a negative connotation about your present company. Always, talk about positive aspects, like pursuing professional growth or a greater challenge.
Answer: “Having spent a decade working on my sales skills in the current organization, makes me ready to take a plunge into a new challenging role. I am determined to get a position in a new company where I can put my current skills to use while flourishing and leading a team of effective sales professionals.”
Why should the company hire you?
This is a direct question to encourage you to elaborate why you are the right person for the job. Emphasize on your expertise, relevant experience, initiatives and accomplishments while demonstrating how well your overall candidature matches with the company’s mission.
Answer: “I am enthusiastic about the sales domain and have taken initiatives to improve my expertise and worked to reach higher goals across my career journey. In the last 9 years in the field, I have been promoted from a junior sales role to a sales manager position. Also, my goals align well with the organization’s objective while practicing smarter sales and marketing.”
Dress professionally for your interview
“First impression is the last impression” quite aptly applies on your D-day. Off course a professionally clad candidate would have an advantage over someone who has simply come in casuals. Dress appropriately after reviewing the company’s website or social media page to know the employee dress code. Often a business outfit like a pant with a professional shirt or a formal suit will be a good option.
Think about your questions in advance
Though interviewers often put across more questions than they answer, they expect aspirants to express their interest for the job and organization by asking knowledgeable questions. Be prepared considering what you exactly wish to know, from the company’s culture and vision to future prospects for growth and development.
“Success comes to those who work towards it” is quite apt a phrase for an interview preparation. If adhering to the mentioned interview tips sounds daunting and you need coaching from an HR expert on how to do it better, then seek help of our professional service – Interview Prep (https://resume.naukri.com/interview-preparation-tips?fftid=101021), and you are sure to be successful in your job search process.
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https://resume.naukri.com/articles/dealing-anxiety-interview/
https://resume.naukri.com/articles/successful-panel-interview/
https://resume.naukri.com/articles/deal-difficult-interview/
Written By: Mony Singh
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