6 points you must keep in mind while preparing for an interview

EMN March 13, 2019


Interviews can be the smoothest or the most daunting experiences of one's life.They can fill you up with self-confidence or can nip your spirits from the buds. It all depends on your approach towards it. If you sit back in overconfidence, you are prone to failures whilst if you research and prepare for the interview in advance, you may outshine yourself. Preparing for an interview in advance is absolutely essential if you really want to get selected.

However, people are often puzzled in this regard. They don't follow a well-organized method for preparation which is why they end up in panic right before the interview. You need to be smart while preparing.

Following are 6 points you must keep in mind while preparing for an interview:


1. RESEARCH

"Far and away the best prize that life offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."
- Theodore Roosevelt 

You must be aware of the company you have applied to and the job role you have applied for. Before going for an interview, visit the company’s website and familiarise yourself with its goals and objectives, awards and recognition. Also, study the latest news and the core values for the job profile for which you've applied.

When you frame your answers in inclination to the company’s goals, it makes the employer feel that you value and believe in the objectives of the company. It will mellow the employer’s approach towards you and give you an advantage over others.


2. PRACTICE MOCK INTERVIEWS

"There is no glory in practice, but without practice there is no glory."
-Anonymous
Practice makes a man/woman perfect. Preparation is the best way to clear an interview. When you practice enough mock interviews you infuse confidence within yourself and can escape through all those anxieties that one usually suffers before interviews.

Ask your friends and family to ask you random questions related to the company as well as the applied job role. Also, in every interview, there are a few generic questions like, “Tell about something about yourself”, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”,  “Who is your biggest inspiration in life?”, “ Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” that are always asked. Keep in mind to prepare these answers as they can make or break your interviews.


3. DRESS CODE 

"You can't climb the ladder of success dressed in the costume of fail
ure" 
- Zig Ziglar
Your attire is the first form of communication that you reflect on your interviewer. It forms the first impression and as they say “First Impression is the last impression”. 

You must keep in mind to wear formal attire in a formal setting. Never dress casually for an interview. A well-ironed dress with hair neatly done is crucial for every interview. It is advisable to plan and arrange your attire in advance rather than procrastinating it to the last moment.


4. PUNCTUALITY AND DISCIPLINE 

"Being on time to appointment and meetings is a phase of self-discipline and evidence of self-respect. Punctuality is courteous compliment the intelligent person pays to his associates."
- Marvin j Ashton 

It is better to be early than late. Always try to show up 15 minutes early for an interview. Reaching early leaves reflects dedication, value for the company, the value of time., seriousness for the job. Remember, being late for an interview is just not an option. You just cannot keep your employer waiting for you if you want the job.


5. ASK QUESTION

"He who asks a question is a fool for 5 minutes; 
He who doesn't ask a question remains a fool forever."
- Anonymous

When you ask questions from your interviewer, you do not only get a clear idea about the job you’re supposed to perform but you also leave a good impression. It reflects your seriousness and commitment towards your work. It also shows that you want to give your best. Having questions for your interviewer demonstrate how sincere, interested and motivated are you for your job position. 


6. EXIT

If the first impression is important then the last impression is equally significant. At the end of your interview, a firm handshake hand with the interviewer is very important. Smile and thank him/her. A good handshake is important to end an interview on a good note. It radiates positivity and confidence from you and the interviewer is bound to remember you.



These are the 6 points you must keep in mind while preparing for an interview. Remember, an advance preparation is necessary for giving a good interview. With enough practise, you are bound to succeed in not only interviews in particular but life in general.

- Jasleen Gallay

Source: https://mindgrad.com/free-reads/f/6-points-you-must-keep-in-mind-while-preparing-for-an-interview


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