7 Practical Job Interview Tips That You Should Know

Believe you can and you're halfway there – by Theodore Roosevelt, this is the best interview advice for all times. This is the spirit with which you must be infused when meeting a prospective employer. This kind of confidence makes a positive impact. The way you carry yourself is the single most powerful way of making a positive impression in an interview.

Here, we share a few job interview tips. Read through these, absorb them and go and ace that interview.

Before the Interview

Learn About the Company and the Position.

It is very important to do your homework before you attend your job interview. Read up on basics about the industry and the company. Go over your prospective employer's website, visit their office in advance and pick up brochures or mission statement leaflets which are normally kept in the reception area for visitors, visit their factory if they have one, check out their competitors. Be informed. There is no substitute for it.

Know Industry Standards

It is essential that you know the industry standards on compensation packages as well as skill set requirements. Check out salary structures in similar organizations and make discreet inquiries about the prospective organization too. This way, you will be able to take an informed decision about the compensation package offered vis-à-vis the skill sets you to possess.

On the Day of the Interview

Clothes Make or Mar a Person

Dress smartly for an interview. Clean cut, crisply ironed clothes in muted colors are the best choice.

Ladies, make sure you use subtle perfume, discreet make–up and accessories. And remember—no trailing scarves. The fussy dressing is for social engagements.

Guys, make sure your reflection tells you that you look smart and well groomed. Scruffy looks don't give good impressions at interviews.

Carry all the Relevant Papers

God is in the details. Check and double check your papers before attending an interview. Carry two copies of your resume, duplicates of work samples, if any, and education certificates (not originals, in case the file gets misplaced), a small diary and pen.

The head of an NGO managed to get a long sought after an appointment with the state chief minister. The objective was to present an appeal for allocation of land for a hospital. Imagine her state of abject embarrassment when the chief minister returned the appeal, gently pointed out that she hadn't signed it and gave her a pen when her handbag yielded none. You do not want to get caught in a situation like that!

During the Interview

Do Not Fidget

Avoid mannerisms such as clasping and unclasping hands, pulling at your ears, fluffing your hair, fiddling with your tie or any other item of clothing, coughing before speaking a new sentence and the like. Rather than concentrating on your reply, the interviewer could get distracted with the mannerism on display.

Be a Good Listener

You do need to talk to point out your abilities and potential, however, you should also know when to stop. Be an attentive listener and do not interrupt  when the interviewer is talking. You may pick up some information which will be useful later on in the interview.

Indicate long-term interest

Organizations are almost always on the lookout for people who want to be with them for the long haul. Do not hesitate to let them know that you are focused on career growth and that you would like to go a long way with them.

Be honest and let your true self-come through during an interview. You are sure to find the right match to make a successful career. Good luck!

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