How many of you got cold feet before an interview and doubted everything from your clothes to resume fonts to any other minute thing? Thus, having the right tips for interview is essential.
Interviews are stressful but also a necessity. In today’s job marketing, it has become even more critical because of many applicants vying for limited open positions.
Interviews are the most effective tool organisations use to select the best talent from tons of resumes. While only just a few applicants can actually attend the interview round.
Did you know that every applicant has a 26.24% probability of winning a job offer? These statistics make sense why you can get nervous before an interview. During the first few rounds, the interviewer will throw questions at you from different spheres, including education, experience, personality traits, communication skills, industry knowledge, and more.
We make sure to share some of the top tips for interview so that it doesn’t get overwhelming.
What is an Interview?
An interview is a face-to-face, formal conversation between the interviewer and the interviewee. It encourages two-way communication where the interviewer tries to gauge the skill level of the interviewee.
It is an effective tool for the employer to assess the candidates and understand their educational and cultural fit with the company. Whereas, for the employee, it is a great way to know more about the organisation and get clear ideas about their roles and responsibilities, career path, salary, and more.
There can be several other objectives of conducting an interview in companies. But it can be intimidating, right? We say no!
However, by understanding the right tips for interview and acquiring the right job interview skills, you can crack them all.
Listed below are some of the job interview types
- Structured interview
- Unstructured interview
- One-to-one interview
- Panel interview
- Stress interview
- Telephonic interview
- Video interview
Top 10 Tips for Interview Preparation that Help You to Excel
Identifying what to do during an interview can get overwhelming, especially when you are Googling common interview questions and getting myriad answers.
Statistics say face-to-face interviews often last an average of 40 minutes, which is the most vital stage for job seekers to get an offer. However, the first minute and a half of the interview is the most crucial segment that makes your first impression on the interviewer and impacts their decisions.
But worry not. As a leading recruitment and staffing agency, we have some of the best tips for interview questions and preparations, which recruiters and HR managers have vetted.
We have compiled a list of 10 interview preparation tips.
Research the Company
You must spend a few hours learning about every ins and outs of the company, especially its success stories, vision and mission. This is an important tips for interview. Most companies prefer hiring candidates who align with their goals and objectives.
Learning from the company’s website and social media accounts is good, but you must not fail to research what others are saying in depth.
Learn About the Position
While applying for a post, you must learn about its requirements. Research says only a few applicants have the skills and knowledge required for a position they apply for. For example, if you are applying for a managerial position, you must complete a relevant degree, acquire experience, and grasp the necessary skills.
Use the Company’s Products and Services
If you are applying for a product-based company, having a first-hand experience with them is good. For instance, you are applying for a telecom business that manufactures mobile phones. It would help if you had any experience of using phones by that company.
Reading about the company’s products and services is essential when looking for interview skills and techniques. Additionally, it will show the interviewer how interested you are in the job. This is an essential tips for interview that you must try and embrace!
Learn About the Interviewers
Mostly, companies share the names of your interviewers, and if not, you can request them for the list. Next, learn about them, their roles, contributions to the company, and a few more professional details without being creepy.
According to your research, make a list of questions to ask your interviewers and establish good communication during the interview process. Show your eagerness, by mastering this tips for interview.
Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Interviewees need to understand their strengths and weaknesses before appearing for an interview. You can carefully think about your skills and accomplishments as your strengths.
Additionally, make your interviewer see how your strengths can meet their business goals.
However, never forget to mention your weaknesses when asked. Every person does have weaknesses, and sharing them with the interviewer, along with how to plan to deal with them, builds a sense of trust.
Introduce Yourself in the Best Way
Your introduction must include your experience, qualifications, skills, and achievements that clearly explain your identity. Introductions create impressions, and most recruiters prefer candidates who can tell more about themselves.
Never forget yourself, when learning about the top tips for interview.
Understand Why You Are Interested in the Position
Most likely, interviewers ask why you are interested in this particular position. You should never miss this question as it shows the recruiter how confident you are and what you can do for the company.
Make sure you identify some key factors about the position and the organisation and match your strengths, skills, interests, and work style to understand why you fit perfectly for the role.
Tell a Short Story
You must prepare stories of your success, handling of past projects, situations you faced, and more. But remember, the anecdote should be in sync with the position you are applying for, making it an important tips for interview!
It allows the interviewer to understand your behavioural skills. However, make your story concise and engaging, highlighting challenges, actions, and results.
You can always use the STAR (Situation, Task accomplished, Actions taken, and Results achieved) technique to describe such stories.
Familiarise Yourself with Common Interview Questions
You can always search for questions that interviewers commonly ask candidates in an interview—for example, long-term and short-term goals, your suitability for the position, etc.
However, ensure you practise these answers and not memorise from a script. You can practice for interviews by looking in the mirror and answering questions out loud.
Do Some Salary Research
While researching tips for interview questions, never miss out on the current industry salary scale. Interviewers often ask about your salary expectations by the end of the interview, and you must not say a too-low number and end up getting paid less than your peers. Nor should you ask for something unrealistic.
Tips for Interview: Things to Do During an Interview
During an interview, it is not just your qualification and experience that creates an impression on the interviewer, but your behaviour and personality traits.
Listed below are a few tips for a successful job interview.
- Reach the interview location 10-15 mins before the scheduled time
- Carry several copies of your resume and essential documents in an organised manner
- Before being a good speaker, be a good listener
- Focus on your body language, good manners, and professional skills
- Don’t speak negatively about your previous employers
- Be prepared to face personal questions
- Remain calm and positive throughout the interview
- Make sure you dress professionally
- Wait for the interviewer to talk about salary and benefits, and don’t broach the subject yourself
Once your interview is conducted, you must do a few things. Ask the recruiter questions like when they will contact you, whether they will notify only the successful candidates or all applicants for the role, etc. The next thing to do is send out personalised thank you emails to interviewers on the same day of the interview.
Lastly, you need to wait for a response from the other end. However, never lose hope if rejected in an interview and invest time improving yourself for the next.
How 6 Pence Help You with an Interview?
Interviews play an important role in candidate selection for companies. Interviewers must be well-prepared, relaxed, and confident when appearing for an interview.
We have shared a few tips for interview in the guide to help you stay confident and prepared before appearing for the next interview.
However, you must first submit your resume to multiple platforms to receive an interview call. You can submit your CVs with us at 6 Pence. We are a highly trusted staffing and recruitment outsourcing agency in the GCC countries, including Oman, Iraq, Bahrain, and Dubai.
6 Pence hires on behalf of leading companies in telco, oil and gas, IT, finance and banking, and public sectors. If you seek well-paying jobs in reputable companies, connect with us today.
Drop your CV by visiting our careers page today!
Also Read : What is the Importance of Employee Satisfaction in Organisations?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the interview tips?
Some of the top tips for interview include dressing correctly, focusing on body postures, brushing up your skills, practising common interview questions, selling your strengths, etc.
How to prepare for an interview?
You can prepare for an interview by looking for common questions and practising them. You can stand in front of the mirror while practising, increasing your confidence level.
How can I present myself in an interview?
You must wear formal attire, groom yourself, maintain your posture and body language, know how to introduce yourself the best and create an everlasting impression.
