When two strangers meet, there is an ice between them. When the ice breaks, they become known to each other. The same is true for the prospective employee and the prospective employer. Interview breaks the barrier and sets the stage for future associations. Before we get into details of interview skills, let’s first find out the main objective of conducting an interview so that we know the foundation of our preparation for an interview.
Main Objective- The basic requirement of the interview is to find that whether or not the interviewee fits into the framework of the company’s operations. In other words companies have needs and the future employees have skills. So the needs are mapped with the skills and then the match is found. Since different companies have different needs, the required skillsets are also different. So it is not possible for a single individual to have all the different skills. Therefore, before appearing for the interview, one should check and match the skillsets with the employer’s expectations.
Preparation before the Interview- The preparation for the interview starts as soon as the decision is taken to apply for the post. As we discussed earlier, some research and the personal introspection are required to find suitability. Quite often, the interviewees are asked this question ‘Why should we hire you? This question can be only answered if the interviewee knows how relevant he or she is to the companies need.
To get to know about the companies requirements, the websites of the companies are the best and the credible sources. The website contains all the required information pertaining to the companies. This will give an idea to the interviewee where he or she fits into the companies.
On the interview day, certain hygiene factors have to be considered like reaching on time, being aware of the CV thoroughly, maintaining a smile while facing the interviewer for the first time.
Care during the interview- The desired conduct during the interview is one of the most difficult thing because the mental state is totally different from the normal state. The mind is filled with tension, nervousness etc. Under this unfavourable state, the chance of mistakes goes high. Quite possible the interviewee knows the answer and yet may find unable to speak. The best way to deal with this situation is to have more and more mock interviews before the actual interviews. As one appears for more and more interview, one comes to know that possible mistakes in advance. It is similar to the practice tests before the real test.
Everything matters during the interview. If something is spoken, it is the verbal language. If something is not spoken, it is the body language. In fact, the body language speaks more truthfully and forcefully. So, both the languages-verbal and body- deserve equal attention.
Honesty and the positive bent of mind are other important areas. If something is pretended, the body language will reveal it. So honesty is the best policy. The question that ‘why do you want to current job’ is another tricky question. It needs to be answered with lot of diplomacy. Never talk ill of the present employer even if the reason for change is the employer only. In this situation, take the conversation in different direction. Draw the attention of interviewer to the positive aspects of the prospective company being the reason for the switch over. This is a win-win situation for both the interviewer and the interviewee. The employer will fell happy to hear good points about the company and the employee can also avoid any talks about the current employer.
Cracking an interview is not that difficult as it may appear. The systematic approach definitely brightens the chance of success. In short, an interview can be the first successful step towards a rewarding career. All the best for a fruitful interview.