Days before the interview
- Take a sheet of paper fold it horizontally in the center. On the left side jot down what the employer wants for the position you are seeking. On the right side write down your qualifications that meet the requirements.
- Research the employer company, the industry and the competition the company is facing.
- Prepare a brief note on yourself. That may run into a minute or so.
- Note down at least five achievement stories to answer the usual interview questions such as tell us about you and a time when you faced a problem and how you solved it.
- Prepare five questions to ask the hiring manager about the job, the company, its place in the industry and its competitors.
- Research the range of salaries for posts like the one you are seeking so that you can find your worth and negotiate with the potential employer.
- Calculate what you want based on your living expenses.
- Before giving their names as references, get their permission.
Prepare yourself to answer usual interview questions such as these:
- Tell me about you.
- Why are you leaving your present job? Or why did you quit your last job?
- What do you know about this company?
- Let us know your plus and minus points.
- What is your ambition?
- Why do you want to work with us?
- What is your best accomplishment?
- How would your former boss and colleagues rate you?
- Tell us why we should give you the job.
- How much salary you are expecting?
Are you looking professional? Stand before a mirror and check yourself; confidence partly comes from good looks.
Take the following things to the interview:
- Copies of your resume on quality paper
- A list of your references
- A pad on which to make notes
- Directions to the interview site
- Reach the interview location at least 10 minutes before the interview.
- Revise your prepared stories and answers.
- Go to the rest room and find out how you are looking.
- Tell the receptionist why you are there.
- Stand and greet your interviewers with a firm handshake.
- Keep a smile and maintain eye contact.
- Make your points distinctly but don’t sound like you are rehearsing.
- Enjoy the conversation.
- Learn as much as you can about the company.
- Put questions to the interviewers, listen to their responses and try to read between the lines.
- At the end of the interview, thank the interviewers.
- Seek interviewer’s card so that you can send a follow-up letter to them.
- Write down what you think about your performance.
- After some time, review what you wrote and make an assessment of your prospects.
- Send a thank-you letter to the interviewer reminding him of your qualities and skills.