7 Steps To Adequately Prepare For An Interview
You may have the right qualifications and necessary skills for a job posting, but unfortunately, they cannot guarantee you a job. Companies receive hundreds of applications from individuals with similar qualifications for a vacancy. In such cases, hiring teams assess a candidate’s potential through tests and interviews. You have a better chance of being noticed if you are properly prepared for these rounds. Accordingly, here are seven steps to help you prepare for an interview.
7 steps to prepare for a job interview:
Understand the role
The preparation for an interview starts when you submit your application for a specific job. Apply for jobs only if you have most of the skills they are looking for. The profile description can give you vital clues about a hiring manager’s questions in an interview. If you lack any skills mentioned in the job description, you can work on learning those through short-term courses or ensure to emphasize the supplementary skill sets you bring to the table.
Know the company
Browse the company website, social media profiles, job sites, and news articles. It will help you understand their businesses, core strengths, clients, vision, and work culture. Knowing about the organization will help when you’re questioned about your suitability for the role. You can learn about the managers of the department you are applying to by browsing their professional profiles on the internet. Talking about the company also shows the hiring manager that you have gone the extra mile to know more than expected.
Make a master list of potential interview questions
An interview process typically involves a screening call, technical interviews, and an interview with the HR team. Senior, managerial, and technical roles may have more than one round of interviews to assess the depth of your technical skills or administrative abilities. Many job sites compile interview questions for technical, non-technical, and managerial roles. Go through these questions and understand your strengths and areas you may need to work on.
Keep practicing
Prepare answers for potential questions and practice by answering them in your mind and in real-time. You can answer the questions in front of a mirror or ask your friends and family to conduct a mock interview. It is recommended to record and rewatch your responses and see if you can improve them. You can work on reducing stutters and pauses through continuous practice.
Watch your body language and posture
While practicing your answers, it is imperative to be cautious of your body language and posture. Though you may be nervous or anxious, try not to come across as such. Hiring managers may initially ask simple questions to help you calm down, but they may also pick up on your nervousness and be doubtful of your suitability for the job. Sit erect at the back of the chair and avoid slouching. If there is more than one member in the interviewing team, maintain eye contact with the person asking the question and ensure to look at others while answering the question. Keep your feet on the ground and avoid crossing your legs. Do not shift your position too often. It is advisable to keep your arms relaxed by your side or on your lap. Avoid touching your face too often or fidgeting with your clothes or the stationery. If you are seated at a round table, try to keep your limbs to yourself, so you don’t accidentally kick the interviewer.
Maintain a formal dress code
Adhere to the dress code if the company has prescribed one. If they have not, it is ideal to err on the side of formality. Make sure your clothes are not crumpled. Avoid wearing overly bright attire and flashy accessories, and see to it that you are well-groomed. Have a small notebook and pen handy if you have to note down some information.
Keep your profile updated
Hiring managers may look up your professional media pages and websites if you have shared them in your resume. Keep the profiles updated with information on your current role, professional certifications, and memberships. Leave out any personal details about relationships or yourself.