A clutch of degrees and good articulation don’t guarantee good employment. Instead, a skill to present your qualifications and strengths in a systematic manner during the interview could help you immensely. In fact, many candidates holding the required degrees face rejection at the interview stage. However, with proper preparations, job interviews could be cleared successfully.
Here are some tips in this regard:
Set a clear goal for yourself
As a job aspirant, you should have a clear goal for yourself. This would enable you to analyse whether the employment you are seeking through the interview matches the goal you hope to achieve.
Learn the job description
Job description includes the nature of work and responsibilities. You will gain a clear idea about how far your skills could be utilised in the job you are seeking by learning the job description. This enquiry would also help you discover whether you could meet the requirements of the company. Job description is available in the hiring advertisements released by most firms.
Conduct research on the firm
Attend the interview after conducting thorough research about the firm where you are seeking a placement. This is possible by checking the institution’s website and speaking to employees. Note down the products and services offered by the firm; its values and aims; long-term goals of the company; members of the management team and recent achievements.
You can also check websites such as AmbitionBox to collect such details.
Improve communication skills
There are many youngsters who are fluent in several languages, but often fail to communicate effectively. In most instances, hesitation and fear prevent such candidates from presenting their ideas before the interview panel. Such anxieties could be overcome by practising mock interviews at home. There are two methods for this purpose. One is ‘mirror reflection exercise’ where you stand in front of a mirror and ask questions which are regularly raised during interviews and answer them. Another method is asking people who provide you confidence and comfort to ask questions and you can answer them. While attending a real interview, you should have gained confidence through such practice.
Be systematic and neat
Keep your certificates, resume and other documents sought by the firm neatly in a professional folder while heading to face an interview. The latest certificate has to be placed at the top.
Give attention to dressing also
Sleep well on the day before the interview and dress properly while facing the interviewers. Ensure that you stick to a professional dress code. Your dress has to match the official attire of the company or should go along with the dress code stipulated by the firm. Avoid the latest fashion trends and bright colours.
Don’t compromise on punctuality
Arrive at the venue of the interview at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Reaching late is no different from being absent.
Definitely carry call letter
While arranging the professional folder, check whether you have kept the call letter in it. A call letter is the official document inviting a candidate for an interview. Keep a copy of the call letter also in the folder. You will be allowed to enter the room where the interview takes place only with a call letter.
(The author is a human resources expert, corporate mentor and director of Cox Academy & Research Centre,Thiruvananthapuram)