Interview Tips by Experts at Times and Trends Academy

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Interview Tips

5 Things That Will Help You Crack The Interview

Interview Tips

At one time or the other, we have all been tensed about speaking in public. Stage fear has gripped us many times, and all of us have been there. Was it confidence or less preparation that inflicted stage fear in us?

And we can absolutely relate the same with job interviews. If you are too desperate to get the job, the chances are that you will be more tensed. And if you are not prepared well, then chances are that you will be more tensed. Doing your research well will offer you more confidence.

Interview Tips

Here, we bring you 5 tips that will help you crack the interview.

1) Research the Job Profile in and out:

You should always understand the job profile you are applying for. You should check the desired skills-sets that a job requires. And then identify the skill-sets that you possess. Let’s say if a job requires ‘Multi-tasking ability,’ and if you possess it, then you should have valid examples to support your claim. So, it can be an internship or a live project, you should be able to illustrate an example where you demonstrated that skill in the past.

Your skillsets that you have acquired in the past should be able to add value to the organization that you are intending to join. Let the other guy know that you will be an advantage to the company.

Interview Tips

2) Homework about the Company:

You may or may not get to know the company during the job interview. But, don’t leave any stone unturned. Do your homework, and dig out all possible details. Look for details like:
a) Inception
b) Products & Services
c) Important People
d) Market – Target Audience
e) Suggestions, if any
f) Checking Social Media and Website
g) Knowing about Awards
h) News Coverage
i) Vision and Mission
j) What value can you add to them

3) Use Referrals:

Just in case, if you have any connections in the company that is interviewing you, then you can use those in your favour. You can also use your LinkedIn account to know if you have any common connection with the HR, or Founder or anyone who’s interviewing you. By having referrals, you can create a positive environment during the interview process. It can be little more casual because of referrals, and this will help you to be more confident. Remember, connections are very important in your career. A good word put for you will always help you in career.

4) Ask Questions

Prepare an elevator speech. It is a sign of confidence if you have some questions for the employer as well. You can always enquire more about job profile. So, better prepare a list of questions that you can shoot during the interviews. But make sure these are relevant questions. Don’t ask questions just for the sake of; make sure you ask questions that doesn’t have answers on the website. Your interview should be more like a conversation. Ask questions that will indicate that you are very interested in joining the company. This is a good opportunity to show your keenness.

5) Demonstrate a Good Body Language:

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Body language and gestures are very vital components during the interview. Sometimes, your body language speaks for itself. Your body language gives away the answer to many questions. It also tells about your attitude, interest, and enthusiasm. Your body language has to be positive during the interview because that is indicative of the confidence.

Postures also talk about your professionalism. Good body language also needs a good practice. You also need to have proper voice modulation during the interview. Voice modulation is very important if you have a telephonic interview. These little things are significant.

If you take care of these five things, you will having amazing confidence and will be able to leave a remarkable impression on the employer. You will also have a good amount of control during the interview. Your interview will be a way smoother than you ever imagined. And all of these aspects will make sure that you crack the interview.

All the best!

Frequently Asked HR Questions during the interview:

  • Introduce yourself/ tell us something about you.
  • Tell us about your strengths and weaknesses.
  • What do you want to be in your life? Your Ambitions/Goals/Passion.
  • Where do you see yourself five years from now?
  • Why do you want to work with us?
  • Can you work overtime if required?
  • Are you comfortable working with a lesser salary?
  • Tell us about your family background.
  • Have you handled pressure before? Please give us some instances for the same.
  • How can you add more value to the organization?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • Why should we hire a fresher like you?
  • What are your hobbies? Tell us about any particular hobby for next two minutes.

Ten Mistakes That You Should Avoid During Interviews

With this article, we will discuss things that you should avoid during your job search and job interviews.

Things you should avoid:

  1. Chasing Fortune 500 companies. You will find many good ones too.

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2) Going after all the companies all by you.

3) Not doing homework about the company before appearing for an interview.

ten-mistakes-that-you-should-avoid-during-interviews-2

4) Permitting HR executive to screen you in the first place because their job is to reject you
5) Having no time limit during the interview process.

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6) Focusing too much on the resume

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7) Focusing too much on self-introduction and your advantages after having the job
8) Not Justifying your strengths with examples
9) Literally requesting them to give you a job
10) Not saying Thank You after the interview

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Do’s and Don’ts of an Interview

So, you have tried to get an interview appointment. Now that you have really got an interview appointment, you are anxious about the interview process. Don’t worry; this is natural. All you need is few expert tips, and you will be good to go with.

You need preparation. You cannot ignore preparation part and just land up in the interview. You never know what can be the reason that disqualifies you from the interview, regardless of your talent and experience. Here, we bring you a list of do’s and don’ts that will help you really well during the interview.

1) Don’t’: Ask about the company background during the interview. (It’s a blunder and indicates you are just interested in the salary)

Do: Do the research yourself!

2) Don’t’: Go without Resume Prints (It’s not their job to remember your resume or even get it printed)

Do: Take efforts to get at least two resume copies.

3) Don’t’: Go with a funky hair-do, tattoo art, and piercing stuff. Well, there’s a list. Avoid these things. (You aren’t there to show how ‘cool’ you are. Get over it. Unless of course, you are trying for an internet start-up. If you want the next meeting, then better avoid loud styles).

Do: Wear your best clothes. Yes, formals and nice shoes. Have a suit? Wear it! A corporate professional look never fails to impress the interviewer.

4) Don’t’: Try to go impromptu method in the interview. (You might go blank, or stammer or stop in between.)

Do: Always be prepared. Preparation helps a lot. Just use the internet and watch out for a list of common questions asked during the interview. Prepare short answers backed up with experiences, if any.

5) Don’t’: Ever arrive late. (People use smartphones for navigation stuff. That is okay. But, don’t blindly rely on an application. You may lose internet connection or battery backup. If you are relying on the time given by the app to reach the destination, then you might reach late. And the app doesn’t take actual traffic into consideration.)

Do: Better leave early from your place and reach early.

6) Don’t’: Be arrogant or over-friendly with anyone. (This includes front-desk of the office. Sometimes, employers do take feedback from everyone possible. Your mannerisms and interactions with people matter a lot in any organization.)

Do: Be professional and courteous. (But don’t go overboard).

7) Don’t’: Keep on checking the messages, posting stuff on social media or attend calls during the interview. (you will probably never get a call back)

Do: Keep your phone away for some time. (This is doable, isn’t it?

8) Don’t’: Respond with one-word answers, especially in ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ (If you are asked about any particular competency, you should share your past experience relating to the same. If you lack any experience, you might offer them a solution from your end on how you would handle that position or that solution. No answer is right or wrong, what matters is your justification to the answer. So make sure your justifications convince the interviewer.)

Do: Illustrate with more examples.

9) Don’t’: forget your body language and manners. (Remember nonverbal communication is very crucial in getting the job. Watch how you speak, how you sit, how you shake your hand. All of these things speak volumes about your confidence and professionalism. If possible, get business cards after the interview from interviewers and all other people who met. If you happen to get e-mail Ids, then shoot a thank you note on mail after the interview saying how grateful you are for the interview opportunity. And do not play with things like pen, paper, etc. during the interview. You are on the watch.)

Do: Business Etiquettes are a must. Practice body language before a mirror if you want.

10) Don’t’: stop yourself from asking questions. (You are also supposed to evaluate if the job is a well-fit to you. So, shoot relevant questions. Ask about the learning and training opportunities that you would have during your stint in the company. Don’t ask about how many leaves you will be granted and when will you get the next pay raise. You can even ask them about their journey in the organization.)

Do: Jot down three best questions that you would want to ask during the interview (so that you leave a good impression, and primarily allows you to make a good decision.)

11) Don’t’: Go overboard in sharing your experiences. (People sometimes get emotional or excited and go on a narrating spree about their debts, credit cards, personal stories, family problems, credit snatcher ex-boss, etc. You need to avoid these)

Do: Keep a calm composure and professional conduct.

12) Don’t’: Be very casual. (You need to ask some questions that help the employer or the interviewer to know that you are genuinely interested in the job. If you are way more than casual, then they might feel that you don’t care much about the job. If you add ‘I am looking forward to work with you’ or even ‘I think this is an exciting opportunity for me,’ then this leaves a positive impact and show your interest or enthusiasm in the job.)

Do: Be keen for the job.

We hope this helps!
Good Luck!