N.Vijayagopalan

A Job interview is something which needs to be handled with due preparations, care and caution. Your fate is by and large decided in the interview and hence it pays rich dividends devoting a little extra attention to this inevitable phase of entering into a career. 

Have a look at a few important aspects to be taken care of in attending a job interview.

1. Be Prepared

Be familiarized and prepared to face the basic interview questions which are generally asked - like your introduction, your hobbies, your interests, your goals, why should the company hire you, etc. Practice them before your interview with well thought out points and try to make them interesting.

2. Acquaint with the company

Always study about the prospective employer company which is going to interview you by going through the website. Know about its history, vision, mission, management team, products and services, goals and objectives etc. Go through internet content, press releases and data available online so that you are able to answer any questions on it.

3. Be on time

Always try to leave early from your house and make it a point to reach 15 minutes before the call time. Nothing looks worse than reaching late for the interview.

4. Dress Well

As they say, your first impression is the lasting one. So always dress to impress. Wear crisply ironed formals, clean shoes and your hair should be neat and tied up. A nicely dressed person always tends to leave a good impression than a person who comes shabbily for the interview.

5. Be confident

Be calm and composed. Do not let your nervousness come up on your face. No matter how nervous you are, always look confident. A confident candidate always has a better opportunity as it shows how he can handle situations in a better way. No company would want to employ a person who is shaking due to nervousness during the interview.

6. Be honest and flexible

Always be honest and factual in responding to whatever you are asked. Do not lie or exaggerate regarding any thing as it may back-fire and expose you in the future. If you don't know the answer to any question, say it with confidence. After all, you are not supposed to know everything and its perfectly okay. It's better than giving wrong answers and giving a wrong impression.

7. Let your CV reflect you

Keep your CV updated and impressive and ready to be presented when asked. Your CV is the most important document which sells you to your prospective employer. Keep it updated and make it sellable. Enhance it with all the skills you have and all that you have done in the past. Ensure that your suitability for the company and the post is well reflected in your CV. Do not make the mistake of fabricating it in any way. Keep two copies of the updated CV with you in a folder.

8. Keep Testimonials in a folder

Even if not mentioned in the call letter, it is better to keep a folder with you containing your certificates and testimonials.

9. Be warm and friendly

You are noticed in every way. Be friendly with other candidates, the reception staff and interviewer and always keep that smile on your face. It also helps you to conceal your nervousness as well. Do not make the interview one-sided. Ask a few questions to your interviewer about the company and your job profile.

10. Ask for feedback

Before the interview closes, politely ask the interviewer as to how it went without bluntly asking about the chances of being selected. It gives a positive image of you as it shows your keenness towards accepting the job offer.

Face the interview with preparations, confidence and positivism and brighten the chances of your getting hired.