10 things you MUST DO in a JOB interview

Piyush Bhatia, corporate communication trainer, Founder and CEO of BM English Speaking explains why doing your homework and asking the right questions will help you bag that dream job offer.

The job interview can be a turning point in the career of every professional.

While clearing an interview will help you climb up the corporate ladder, being rejected will pause your growth, at least for time being.

So it is very important that one takes interview very seriously as it can make or break a career.

1. Plan

Make a note of the date, time and venue of the interview and do a mental calculation of the time it will take for you to reach there.

Make a list of what you need to carry for the interview.

Read for industry-wise interview tips from experts in your profession or senior employees. Refer to these tips before you appear for an interview.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier

It is very important that you research about the company, department and designation you are applying for.

You can find a lot of information on the internet through blogs, annual reports of the company, news reports, and through your friends.

Summarise this information and note down the key points so that you can revise it at the last moment.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Make a detailed list of questions that you expect will be asked to you in the interview.

Be prepared for questions like 'Tell me something about yourself'; 'Why do you want to quit your current job?' and 'Where do you see yourself 5-10 years from now?'

Also write down what would be the best possible answers for these questions.

See if you can quote examples, facts and figures in the answers that you prepare.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Ask a friend or family member to ask you all possible questions and practice answering them till you feel you are confident.

You can even practice in front of the mirror.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

It is extremely important that you dress well for your interview.

In case you are not sure about what to wear for an interview, ask an elder or a senior professional you know to help you select the best attire for you.

Keep it formal. Avoid wearing bright colours or heavy accessories.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Writing the CV is an art.

Find time to research some of the best written CVs on the net.

Follow these tips and format it well.

Take a print of your CV at least a day in advance to see how it appears.

Ensure you carry 2-4 final prints in a folder or file for the interview.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier

Reach the venue of interview at least 15-30 minutes in advance.

If there are other candidates for the interview, avoid interacting with them immediately.

Instead take a deep breath and relax.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Enter the interview room with confidence.

Sit upright and maintain eye contact with the interviewer both while speaking and listening.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Listen to the questions carefully.

Make sure you speak in a clear voice and explain your points in detail whenever required.

It should be a natural conversation and should communicate your interest in your job.

Also, every question in an interview is an opportunity to sell yourself, so use any opportunity you get to highlight your strengths and achievements.

At the same time, be realistic in what you say. In case you are not able to answer a question, be honest and handle it assertively.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

At the end of the interview, do keep a list of questions you can ask the interviewer.

Questions like -- What will be my key performance parameters? Whom will I be reporting to? -- will help the employer realise that you are serious about your career.

And of course, don't forget to thank the interviewer before you leave.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh