Padhega To Badhega: Facing Interview

You have just been invited to an interview with your dream company. It does not matter where you went to school, the number of degrees you may hold, the experience you have or whom you know; if you are unable to do the interview successfully, you will not get the job.Try following the tips below and you will not only be well prepared but also present yourself as a true professional.

Research the Company

Do your homework, e.g. go to the company's website and read about their vision, mission, strategy, products, finances, departments, competitive advantages, competitors etc. If the company does not have a web presence look them up at the library, call the Chambers of Commerce, and find out everything you can about them.

Prepare your Introduction & Key points

The introductory speech is your two minute opportunity to enlighten the interviewer about yourself and what you have to offer.

- Be prepared to talk about any career changes you may have had.
- Make a list of your main strengths and the things you are currently
working on towards your professional growth, with examples of each.
- Be also prepared to talk about your weaknesses and how you are
trying to overcome them.
Smile, be natural and speak with confidence. Practice in front of the mirror if necessary.
Identify Achievements
Employers want to know how hiring you will make their organisation better and contribute to their overall success. (Assuming you did your homework as suggested in point 1 you can offer examples of innovations, process improvements or revenue saving ideas that may be of interest).
Dress for Success
The way you dress makes a statement about yourself. Avoid bright colours and loud jewellery. Regardless of the job that you are applying for, it is a good idea to wear a neat and clean suit, even in a casual business environment.
Good Timekeeping is Essential
Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your appointment. Besides ensuring
you are not rushed, use this time to learn more about the company
ambience. Observe the company's employees as you sit in the lobby.
How do they look? Do they greet one another and say hello to you?
Are they smiling and happy or frazzled and frustrated?
Engage in a Dialogue
Remember, a conversation is a two-way exchange. Be curious and ask
lots of questions to get a good understanding of how the company,
department and management operate. Ask about the job responsibilities
and company culture, e.g. Employee Recognition Programmes, opportunities for Personal and Professional development, current and future challenges of the position, etc.
Be Open and Honest.
When responding to the employer's questions, tell the truth! If you made
a mistake, say it in a positive way, accept responsibility for it, and explain
how you have benefited from the experience & what you have learnt. Do
not pretend to be something that you are not, it will not work!
Do not talk Salary or Benefits.
The goal is to get as many options going as possible so do not talk about compensation at this stage, as it can be a knock out factor. Sell to the employer all that you can do for them. If they are interested they will make an offer and it is at that stage that you start negotiating those issues.
Take Responsibility!
Remember, 50% of the responsibility for the right job match is yours. You
are interviewing the employer just as they are interviewing you. After all if you are selected, you will be spending at least half of your waking day in this environment. So ensure that this is what you really want!