Like every individual having a unique personality, every job interview is unique in its own sense. However, there are certain tips that can help you to avoid the pitfalls that ensure your exit.
So, practicing certain cautions and keeping in mind some tips can help you perform better in the job interview. Though never forget that it always remains on your shoulders how you deliver what you have studied, learned or worked upon.
Let’s take a peep in some of tips in the broader sense:
Know the position and company you are applying for
It is absolutely necessary to know about the company you are applying for. Apart from understanding the business, services, or other related information, you should also know about its whereabouts and what they stand for. You should also understand the importance of the position in the organization for which you are applying.
Going deeper, as you walk in the interview room, try sneak a peek on the facilities, sign boards, regulatory displays like state labor law posters that carry information about payment and others (note that the state labor laws regarding work may vary from state to another, for instance the minimum wage requirement might be different from New York to Texas, labor law posters, or some inspirational quotes hung by HR people. You might mention any of this when you describe why you would love to work for them.
Know your strengths and weaknesses
It is important to mentally assess yourself. You must know exactly what you are good at and what you don’t know. Avoid pretentious behavior while facing an interview. You should very clearly know what value you can bring to the position and the organization as a whole.
At the same time, you should know every inch of your resume and what projects you have worked on in the past. If you can get some reference from your colleagues or your seniors, nothing would match that.
Practice and prepare
It is good to prepare for some standard questions like “tell about yourself’ or “why you are leaving your previous job”. You must be very clear in your answer and should avoid jargons or slangs. In general, use complete sentences though answers should be to the point.
Prepare yourself for the interview in a professional manner. Your dress, your hair style, your body language and your gesture would all account for the success of your interview.
Answer in a polite way
Never rant as you answer. Keep a warm tone and try to answer the questions: You can go in details if the interviewer allows but don’t try to impose your opinions. It is considered good if you are passionate about new ideas and open to suggestions that can bring positive change.
Ask only relevant questions
Your interviewer will allow you to ask questions. You should be prepared for that. You can ask about the learning opportunities, organizational structure, and focus on innovation. That would encourage the interviewer to know that you have hunger for development.
Apart from these general guidelines, you should also avoid these tidbits:
- Bad temper and stressed appearance
- Lying about your skills
- Not doing your homework on the company and position
- Being too loud or too slow as you speak
- Not able to answer what you have stated in your resume
- Not listening attentively to the interviewer
