How To Crack An Interview

How To Crack An Interview

Every year millions of freshers and candidates with years of experience appear for interviews to achieve their dream jobs. Just the mention of an interview can give one butterflies in stomach. But since a job interview is a very crucial step in the selection process, one must work hard to overcome the numerous hurdles in this path.

Results from three different employer

surveys in the United States last year have revealed that today’s students are generally viewed by employers as lacking in professional skills (Recruiting Trends Report 2021-22, published annually by Michigan State University, National Survey of Human Resources and Business Leaders, York College Study – Professionalism in the Workplace, Job Outlook 2021 Survey National Association of Colleges and Employers – NACE).In fact, the York College study found that 37.3% of (employers) felt less than half of all new graduates’ exhibit professionalism in their first year.

According to the American College Dictionary,

professionalism is exhibited by one of the “professional character, spirit or methods” or the “standing, practice, or methods of a professional as distinguished from an amateur.” Professionalism covers many facets, from appearance, to written & oral communication, to basic social niceties.

In the current economic circumstances, even college graduates are having a hard time to find a job. It’s ok to be a little tense during an interview, but following certain steps can lead to an awesome interview.

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• Be Cautious While Filling Forms for Various Purposes
• Can Women be Really Equal to Men?

Here are some tips on how to crack an interview and boost self-confidence:

1. Make a Research About the Company:
   Before attending interview, make a research about the company’s background and the job role for which you are being interviewed. By doing research you will get the knowledge to answer questions like: “Tell about our company?” “Who are our competitors?” “What are our products?” etc.
2. Reach Early to the Location:
   Punctuality is very important for the interview. Being timely are a few things you must practice in the standard of living because it can help you always. Reach ten to fifteen minutes early so that you can relax and ready to give the interview.
3. Dress Formally and With Neat Hairstyle:
   In an interview, your clothing tells a lot about your personality. Dressing formally shows the recruiter that you are professional and serious about this job role. Therefore, you should avoid wearing loud colours or funky jewellery. Moreover, you should groom your hair and wear clean and ironed clothes for the interview.

Men must always shave before appearing for an interview. In case you keep facial hair, then make sure it’s well-groomed and tidy. Use a soft perfume or deodorant. Men should be dressed in smart formal clothes such as well ironed trousers and shirt with a tie or formal suit and wear a formal belt and formal watch. Also make sure your shoes are polished.

It is not necessary for women to dress up in western attire. They can wear non-fussy and dignified clothes such as knee-length salwar kameez, sari or trousers/skirt suit. Just like men, wear a soft perfume and minimum jewellery. One should not wear open-toe sandals/boots to the office and make sure that your hair keeps off your face.

Most importantly, dress to impress when appearing for an interview,

4. Confidence Gets You Hired:
   When they call you, walk straight take permission to enter the room, greet the interviewers with a smile saying “Good morning/afternoon/evening” with a firm handshake, make eye contact with a small smile on your face. Do not look down, wait for their responses and answer questions confidently.
5. Maintain a Good Body Posture:
   A good body posture conveys the emotional state of someone and regulates the flow of communication. A confident handshake and a nod to your recruiter’s colleagues will show them how confident you are. Moreover, it is recommended not to slouch on the chair or bite nails during the interview.
6. Be Honest and Flexible:
   The biggest mistake most job seekers make is to fudge their Curriculum Vitae. If you don’t know any answer simply be honest in saying so, instead of giving wrong answers. Most organizations give importance to honest people. They also give preference to people with a flexible approach rather than those who are rigid in nature.
7. Always Answer Related Question:
   Don’t over-elaborate. Listen carefully and then answer pertaining to the question. Don’t make the interviewer confused by giving non-related answers. If you have not listened correctly ask again saying, “Sir/Mam, can you repeat the question please?” Use the word “please” when you ask anything every time.
8. Know What You Want in a Job:
   If they ask you “why do you want this job?” or “why did you apply for this position?” then give them a good answer. The most confident job applicants know exactly what they want and can explain it distinctly and quickly. They will not hire the candidates who don’t care about what type of job they want.
9. Communication:
   This is the employers no 01 desirable skill. Be sure your own skills in these four areas of communication are top-notch:

• Verbal: Develop your vocabulary, cut out slang, specific acronyms, and youthful talk. Take turns when speaking, and don’t hog the conversation.
• Non-verbal: Attend to posture, eye contact, facial expressions and personal space/distance, remember to smile, and give the speaker your full attention to convey that there is nothing more important than you. This includes turning off your phone (vibrate does not count).
• Written: Be polite, short, concise, and error-free.
• Listening: Stop talking, show interest, ask questions, and don’t interrupt
• Telephonic Communication: It’s used a lot in the selection process including setting up interviews, phone interviews, and job offers. Make sure your telephone etiquette is top-rate.

10. Finish the Interview on a Positive Note:
    Say “Thank you” to him/her for their valuable time. Ask them if you want to know any further information about the work, culture and etc in their company. Ask for feedback as it gives a positive impression about you but don’t overdo it.
11. Follow-up:
    Not many people do this but it’s advised that you should follow up with either the interviewer or someone from the human resource department. However, don’t try to sound desperate or use flattery. Make sure your email is polite and thanking them for the opportunity.

These steps will help you secure your offer letter in your first attempt and you will get the chance to start your career with the job you always wanted.