Preparing for job interview

An interview is face-to-face or conversation in general using other mediums like Skype, telephone and as such where interviewer asks questions to which an interviewee must give answers to (Dixon, 2015). People prepare for an interview in their own different ways and there’s no right or wrong way to approach it. However, there are few of the techniques I follow while preparing for an interview for a job that I’m desperately looking for:

• Research about the organization where you’re going to give an interview to. If you’re there and ask some basic things about if you know what the organization does, to which you’re unable to answer, it would set a negative impact on the chances of being selected
• Go through position competencies requirement. Also, read the TOR well. There might be few things in the TOR that you’re unable to do as well but if that’s something you’ll be able to learn in quick succession, at times you need to phrase it in a way such that it’ll appear like you can do it all
• Go through your CV properly and ensure that you know about all the terms that you’ve placed in the CV
• Dress smartly for the interview
• Arrive to the interview 5-10 minutes early. Make sure that you’re not too much fast nor too late as it’ll show that you don’t value their time much. Even if you’re early go dwell around somewhere, have a tea or anything but visit the complex just around the time
• Be confident and positive in the delivery of your message during the interview
• Be on point. Don’t go around hitting the bushes. If you’re asked about a certain thing, answer on that; don’t divert from the topic much.
• If you can relate, tell a professional emotional story which the interviewee could remember even after the interview is completed and you’re long gone.
• Be prepared to demonstrate your skills properly. As during an interviewee marketing position, you might be asked to sell a certain product right then and there and if you’re not prepared for such things, you’ll be puzzled. So, it’s best that you prepare for such things for the interview.
• Don’t be a "Yes-Man”. A big no to this as this is something that happened to during my previous working environment where I had to make a hiring. There were six people we shortlisted for a position among which three of them would have been called for next round of interview. All except one of the person said that the quality, the website is really good of the one we showed (it was a sample website we took) to which even the other staffs in the interview weren’t convinced. The person even if was the second best in the interview wasn’t called for the next round, just for that attitude.

References

Dixon, D. (2015). How to Nail the Job Interview. ASHA Leader, 20 (5), 32.

Job interview is the conversation between applicants and representative(s) of the employer that aims on accessing whether the candidate should be hired or not. Even if we have a good resume, failing the interview can prevent us from getting the job we desire. Interview is like a test where the employer wants to get idea about whether we are actually capable of doing the job we have applied for (Conroy, 2017). In most of the cases, getting call for an interview means we have met most of the criteria required and the employer wants to analyze how well we can support the things mentioned in the application form.

The following things should be considered while preparing for an interview for a job we are desperately looking for:

1. Research: Research is like detective work. Researching about the company signals that we understand the protocol and have prepared beforehand. We need to go through the website and Facebook profile of the company (if it has one). In addition, checking on the news, history, competitors and scope of the organization help us to prepare well by providing clearer idea about what the company believes in and is looking for (Hardavella , Gagnat, Xhamalaj, & Saad, 2016).

2. Review CV and Application Form: Most of us post the same CV for every job we apply that may go wrong at times. So it is important to review the CV and make sure that we include the skills, abilities and characteristics required for the job with the examples of the situations we have applied those in prior workplace. But mentioning anything that is not true in the application is a big no. The CV and application should reflect professionalism (Hardavella , Gagnat, Xhamalaj, & Saad, 2016). We should know everything we have mentioned in CV and application so that we don’t go blank when the interviewers ask us to elaborate on the points mentioned in those papers.

3. Contact the Referees: This is the thing most of us don’t pay much attention on. We mention the name of the people in reference without their knowledge. So we need to inform our referees about the interview and alert them that they might get a call or mail inquiring about us.

4. Reverse Thinking: One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is thinking of the interview for interviewer’s point of view. This helps us to come up with the probable questions that may be asked in the interview. This will provide idea about what the employers are looking for and we can prepare the answer in advance. For example: Why did you choose this particular institution or job? What are our strengths and weaknesses? What skills make you capable for this job? Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? are the commonly asked questions. So we need to appear in interview with concrete answers for these questions.

5. Brush up on Etiquette: The etiquette and manners are what the interviewers look for in the candidate. Dressing the part, being on time, using appropriate body language, using suitable tone and pitch while speaking are some of the things we need to pay attention on. We should also be careful about personal hygiene and the way we interact with the interviewers.

6. Pack key items: Because of hurry, nervousness or anxiety, we may forget to carry the necessary documents while appearing on interview. So it is wise to pack all the required documents beforehand. The copies of resume and certificates along with maps to the location (if we are don’t know the location well) should be carried (Hathaway, 2006).

Even if the job is what we were looking for desperately, we should present ourselves as confident not desperate candidate before the interviewers.

References

Conroy, C. (2017). How to Prepare for a Job Interview .

Hardavella , G., Gagnat, A. A., Xhamalaj, D., & Saad, N. (2016, September). How to prepare for an interview. Breathe, 12 (3), 86-90.

Hathaway, L. R. (2006). How to prepare for a job interview: Follow our Guide to Land Your Next Job. Nursing, 36 (1), 18.

Any interview is a stressful situation for almost every one. On the one hand the people who are taking interview want to find the best fit for the job while the applicants want to show case all that they are and squeeze it in that particular given time frame. No wonder the air inside an interview room always seems to be a bit thicker. Presented below are some ways I would prepare for an interview.

1. Research the job you are applying for

The first step is to understand the organization and job you are applying for. Do you believe in the goal and vision of the organization? Also are you fit for the role they have advertised for? Preparing to these questions gives you clarity for the next steps.

2. Prepare a strong CV

A strong CV does not mean that you put every single detail of your academic qualification and experience. Long CV does not make it strong. Instead understand the job description and cater your academic or experience to it. If your experience is more appealing then put it before your academic qualification.

3. Prepare a list of possible question

It is a good idea to go online to search for possible question. Try and understand what the organization you are applying for wants in the job and what you can deliver to add value. Questions such as "what is a…,” What does…,” "What happens when…,” "What do you do if…,” "Here is the situation, what would you do,” practical simulations, "why would you…,” could be some of the question to be prepared beforehand. (Bell & Smith, 2006, p. 443)

4. Stay calm

Before the interview there may be a lot of other candidates who are talking about the interview and getting nervous. This is kind of contagious so I would stay away and remember my pitch and question in my head. People coming and going, longer and shorter period of the interview may not matter but the thinking and assuming agitates. So staying calm would be the answer.

5. Understand the interviewers

It may be difficult to know but if you can find out and research a little on who is taking the interview can help. Social media is an open source of information on peoples likes and dislikes.

6. Stand out

With many candidates it can be harder to stand out. But small stories or incident that are related to the question can help you being remembered by the interviews later in the selection process.

7. Answering the question

The built up pressure can add to people speaking without thinking. You do not need to start explaining everything as soon as the question is asked. Think for a minute, compose your thoughts and speak. If you do not know something do not try and make up things. A simple "I do not know about that or I was unaware of that fact, thank you” would be a better answer. Giving short and precise answers would be good.

8. Change you mindset

Imagine what it would be like having them as your team member or mentors and talk to them. Over thinking of the situation can be dangerous as it will inflate your thinking and nervousness. Instead prepare a mindset where you are excited to go and explain to them that you are someone who will be a good addition in their team. Thinking of them as the people who are going to choose you will stress you out but thinking of them as your team members will give you motivation to talk freely.

These are some ways in which I would prepare for the interview.

Reference
Bell, A. L., & Smith, D. M. (2006). Communication. In A. L. Bell, & D. M. Smith, Management communication (pp. 500-505). Delhi: John Wiley & Sons. Inc.

How would you prepare for an interview for a job that you were desperately looking for?

First, I will invest my more time to do research on the specific company and HR Manager. It demonstrates my enthusiasm for the career field, and more important the organization. It allows me to able to articulate how my skills, knowledge, and value match those of organization and industry (Montoya, 2015). For example, I have the skill of embedded system design and I do my research similar types of an organization like a Himalayan solution, Tektronix electronic and smart tech solution. So my research is about how can I help to grow and where I can use my skill on this organization.

Second, is to create an initial list of questions they would like to ask during my interview. At first, sit down and put some thought into what information I looking to get from this meeting. And other words what question do I need to be answered to know if this a right opportunity for me. What area do I need to clarify to make if I comfortable this environment is one and which I can thrive?

The main purpose of the interview is all initial question asked, make sure I put some thought all aspect of the organization and the position. Put thought into 3 most important benefits that I bring to an organization above and behind that of my colleagues (Kajornboon, 2009). The reason behind this is what three things are most important they want for the hiring manager to take away from this conversation. What are those benefits, characteristic, or abilities that I have very few others have, why they choose for me to hire over someone else? It is because of my work ethics, articulate some specific examples, if I have any creating cost some actual project that is one my best work if I have any technical actively list out flues of accomplishment of which I am most proud.

The third is, be prepared to answer for the common question. One of the most common question interview questions is "Tell me about yourself?” Oxford HR Consultants Ltd (2013), HR Manager initially open this question because it allows them to make and mediate assessment how to handle myself in an unstructured situation. It is perfectly acceptable reframe and in order to understand what specifically the interviewer with like you recover. Be prepared to give an introductory summary or the background of your experience.

Forth important point has pronounced the words correctly at interview time. I should avoid mumbling or talk to fast. This would not help to understand what I am saying. So it is important for me to pronounce my words correctly. When I speak fast, the possibility must be our interviewer hard for hearing or maybe does not understand the language really well. So make sure I talk little slowly so that I am clearly audible to my interviewer.

The fifth point is, be brief and take a minute and last answer the question According to the University of KU KANKAS (2017). Just offer of 2, 3 things is interesting and useful. Next, I should be prepared to answer the "why am I looking for this organization?” this question. First never speak poorly my current companies and boss. Speak in negatively someone else actually has to opportunity intended impact. Secondly, put the reason for open to know opportunity and best possible way. The question is changed to sell me. Reflect that what this new role required and think about the answer the contrast that my previous company does not have what this current job does.

Another common question to be prepared to answer is "Why do want to work for a company”? This is the perfect time to show I have a fact and to do my previous work related to this works and this position really nurture my skill and I have the confidence, I can handle the situation and do my best for this position. I have the strong academic qualification and the qualification directly relate to this job. So I can give my 100% to the job.

One of the most important points is, my answer directly fits the concern and objective of a prospective employer. And other words I want to be selling with the buyer is buying. Briefly, communicate professional accomplishment not personal once. The goal of answering the question soft and sweet tone for the interview.

According to Saint Mary’s University (2009) General guidelines for preparing the interview:

Planning For the Interview:

• Know Myself
• Know my field of interest
• Know the employer
• Know the position for while I have applied
• Know the interview format ahead of time
• Prepare for an anticipated question
• Make a question to ask

During Interview

• Arrive earlier
• Arrive Prepared
• Make a good impression first
• Give thoughtful and complete Answer.

References
Kajornboon, A. (2009). The key to a successful interview is preparation. Chulalongkorn University Press .

Montoya, M. (2015). Preparing for Interview Research. The Qualitative Report, 21(5), 811-831.

Oxford HR Consultants Ltd, O. H. (2013). HOW TO PREPARE FOR INTERVIEW. AN OXFORD HR GUIDE .

Saint Mary’s University. (2009). General Interview Guideline. Career Service Note .

The University of KU KANKAS. (2017). Preparing for Job Interviews. A HELPFUL GUIDE FOR ENTERING THE JOB MARKET .

The interview is viewed to be the most common and appropriate tool for the selection of employees in all types of organizations all over the globe. Interviews are often scary, sometimes intimidating and frequently stressful. On that point are only face to face talking to know near the candidate’s knowledge, attitude towards his/her work and co-workers, communication skills, his/her passion, values, genuineness (Rinkus, 1999). Every organization wants to select best and suitable person.

Getting into an interview already signifies that the chances of getting a job have increased. But this doesn’t mean that the job is an easy thing to grab. Many people have failed in their interviews and missed the opportunity for the job. Taking an interview has become one of the highly practiced recruitment process which filters the best among the good. Depending upon the nature of the work, the interviews can be preliminary and then the final one. It is also advised to be on time and quite hilarious one, at least for me, to speak whatever you know but speak.

There are some ways to prepare for an interview where we were desperately looking for:

1. Well research of the company
Before going for interview we should try to figure out what the company is about, the working styles, their values, impacts, history and vision. For this, we should give our time to use the internet to discover as much information as we can know about the company. And then we should find out whether the company and company culture, their values are a good fit for us or not (Doyle, 2017).

2. Respond critically to their contextual questions
For every question we should listen it first, try to figure out the source of the question, and then connect it with any experience. This is because answering in detail with examples, having an opinion, maintaining eye contact, and asking intelligent questions pays off extremely well during an interview.

3. Prepare questions
At the time of company research, we should also generate a list of questions that may be asked by the interviewer. Practice on it. This will help ease our nerves when it’s time for the real thing.

Next, prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Ask about the role expectations, the culture, and growth opportunities, anything that will give us a clearer picture of what it would be like to work for this organization. Asking questions shows you’re not only engaged in the interview, but interested and already thinking about your future with this company.

4. Body language and tone
Here, I would suggest speaking clearly, slowly, with maintaining the high and lows on tone. Our body language during a job interview has a large effect on the hiring manager’s perceptions of us. You should focus on body language include slouching, looking off in the distance, playing with a pen, fidgeting in a chair, brushing back your hair, touching your face, chewing gum, or mumbling. A relaxed tone of voice works together with relaxed body language to keep the focus of the interview on the content of our conversation.

The above mentioned points are the main things I would focus on. Besides that we should always be on time, carry our resume with us. When we enter the room, should maintain proper eye contact and give a pleasant smile.

References

Doyle, A. (2017). The Balance. How to Prepare for a Job Interview .

Rinkus, A. (1999). A Comparison of Written Versus Oral Interviews. Evaluation & the Health Professions, 2 (4), 477-486.