HR Nuggets

How to Nail the Interview!!!

In assumption that your application is considered for a job interview, there are basic things a job applicant is expected to have done prior to the interview date. We often assume that there are basic interview questions that are usually asked by default but these are merely assumptions and might not always turn out as planned, hence the need to prepare to nail the interview.

Basic Expectations:

Research on the company: The importance of researching the prospective organization cannot be over emphasized. Often time’s job applicants aim just to get into a job without taking adequate time to carry out a proper research on the recruiting company. While we most likely blame this on “lack of job” or when the “needed is not available, the available becomes the needed”, we fail to realize that researching on the recruiting organization gives you an insight on not just what the organization does but also if the organizational goals and objectives tallies with yours. Similarly, proper research into an organization, its board of directors, mission, goals etc., prepares you to demonstrate your level of preparedness for the job as well as the interview, and will most likely give you an edge over other applicants.
Dress for Excellence: I guess the saying that one should dress as he/she wants to be addressed comes into play here. Dress to suit the job, organization and your personality. There are a lot of unspoken words during interview that recruiters observe, which includes your appearance, countenance etc. Some recruiters are kind enough to advise you on the mode of dressing, others however expect that you would have carried out your research to understand the nature of their business as well as the dressing that suits their business. Why would you therefore flaw this simple but yet important aspect of the interview?
Strive to make a good first impression: Let us assume you walk into the organization chewing your gum or talking on the phone loudly simply because you are at the front desk and haven’t been called in for the interview yet and hoping to end the call or throw the call once you are called in. What makes you think the lady seated at the front desk isn’t the interviewer? The bottom line of the story is that, one must always comport him/herself very well irrespective of where you are, because the interview can take any form and shape.
Common Interview Questions: Even if this were to be your first interview, ask questions and read up some common interview questions and how best to approach them. For example practically every interviewer wishes you tell them about yourself, what you can bring onboard and how you intend to achieve such. However, questions an experienced applicant might be asked would most likely differ from a fresher’s interview questions, so it is very important to consider the requirements of the job in question, and your expertise. You will never be over prepared for an interview! Another important point to note is that, some interviewers would ordinarily wish to know why you intend leaving your current organization (known) to a new organization (unknown), while you might have all the opportunity to vent your anger and disappointment on your current or former employer, please DO NOT fall prey to this. Flee as much as possible from the temptation of bad mouthing your employer. Trust me on this, no employer or recruiter will have a second look at your interview sheet after you are done.
Arrive early: Arriving late for an interview is indirectly a lead towards failure, therefore this is inexcusable. Early arrival gives you time to settle in, organize yourself and be less tensed before the commencement of the interview. Mind you, you never know what you are been observed on, would you rather burn the cable? So gather all the documents you most likely will need for the day, head off early to avoid unforeseen circumstances.
Be concise, confident and honest: Answer what you are asked, sincerely without beating about the bush. If you can give an illustration, do so but in a very concise manner. Your manner of responses go a long way to depict whether you are well experienced for the job or you are just a bunch of storytelling garbage, also know that when your answers are not sincere experienced recruiters have an incline that something isn’t right about you.
Display good body language: Why do interviewers constantly aim at having an eye contact with the interviewee? The simple answer is because every part of you is being interviewed, while spoken words are observed, the unspoken ones are also very important, so display the right body language all through the interview and do away with bad habits e.g rolling your eyes, having anything in your mouth, avoiding eye contact, picking your nails, flinging your hair etc. (Except if you are applying for bill board advertorial position). Therefore the nature of the job application and its requirement should determine your bodily expression.
Ask intelligent questions: This can only be achieved if proper research has been carried out by you. Most interviewers give an opportunity for questions, this is the time to showcase your intelligence, ask questions that are insightful and exhibit to the interviewer that you are not just as vague as any other person. Recruiters are often thrown aback when a job seeker simply has no question to ask. You just have to ask some questions. The people who get hired are not usually the most qualified or most intelligent but those who are able to exhibit that they are the best fit for the job at hand. Give me the excuse as to why you cannot nail the interview and I will let you have a thousand and one reasons why you missed out. Always try to do things the right way.
Thank You: Just as it is, say thank you. This has been my personal weapon as I progressed in my career. I have always gotten commendation by simply thanking the interviewer after the interview by word of mouth and a follow up email for giving me the opportunity and hoping to hear from them soon. You do not have to say much. “Thank you” does the trick.
Your success to getting job offers are determined by how much time, effort, research and persistence you invest into your interview. The more the better.