How to Crack Job Interview and get Desired Job

It’s always been difficult to ace a job interview, which makes it stressful for candidates. It has become even more difficult since the Covid-19 pandemic, as organisations have adjusted to the new normal and candidates must also deal with changes in the workplace culture. Because the majority of businesses have moved to digital infrastructure, it is very likely that the first round of interviews, if not the entire interview process, will take place online.

Whether it is a virtual or face-to-face interview, preparing for it beforehand is imperative.

Getting an interview call for your dream job is another step in the right direction. However, it is not the end of the road as you still need to crack that interview.

To get through the interview successfully, there are a few key things that need to be considered:

Research about the employer

While having a strong resume and relevant experience is advantageous, having a good understanding of the company will help you stand out during the interview. When it comes to acing an interview, research is crucial. Knowing about the company and whether or not you might be a good fit for it makes the candidate more relevant to the company.

On the other hand, the interviewer may become frustrated if they are unfamiliar with the company. It also demonstrates a lack of initiative on your part. Knowing something about the company is so important that many interviewers will ask their candidates how much they know about it.

Look up for important information about the company – vision and mission, key personnel, and recent milestones. You should also read up the latest news about the specific department or vertical for which you are interviewing.

Analyze job description

Along with researching the company?, be sure to note the key focus areas of the role you applied for. Read carefully the job description, and make a list of the points to justify how you are capable of achieving these specific duties.

In case you have past experience, mention briefly critical instances where you have contributed. Be eager and enthusiastic but not desperate.

Brush up basics

You’ll need excellent subject knowledge in addition to an impressive personality. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, you can expect some difficult questions. If you’re new to the subject, brush up on the fundamentals. If you have previous work experience, organise your thoughts and present them well.

Set your first impression

Whether you’re having a face-to-face or virtual interview, making a good first impression is always important. It all starts when you walk into the room or turn on the video for an online interview.

Make sure you sit in a quiet area, away from the rest of the house and other potential distractions, for virtual interviews. Furthermore, having a clean and clutter-free background is critical in demonstrating the candidate’s level of professionalism.

Also, be sure to look directly into the camera and keeping yourself focused. While appearing for a face-to-face interview, make sure you put on the right attire and dress-up well. Apart from a decent formal attire, wear confidence in your body language, and go for it.

Prepare for potential interview questions

Many common questions appear in the majority of the interviews. Here are a few examples of common questions:  ‘tell me about yourself’, ‘describe who you are’, ‘why should I hire you’, ‘why do you want this job’, ‘where do you see yourself in five years’, etc. Make a list of such potential questions related to the job profile, background, company, etc. and prepare for them in advance.

Be punctual ⏰

To appear professional, arrive early. Latecomers are frequently rejected even before they show up for the interview. Prepare your travel method and route ahead of time. Maintain a time buffer in case of heavy traffic or other unforeseen circumstances. This way, you can arrive on time and stress-free.

Share more about your experience

One of the most common interview questions these days is “tell me something that isn’t on your resume.”

This assists in determining whether or not the candidate is a good fit for the company’s work culture. Apart from demonstrating your competence, make sure to tell the interviewer that you’ll be a good fit for the team.

As a candidate, consider this question as an opportunity to share about your attributes, strengths, and qualities. When the interviewer knows about your intangible strengths, it becomes easy to succeed in the interview.

Avoid yes or no answers

Answering questions with just yes or no is strictly prohibited, as it demonstrates the candidate’s lack of confidence and nervousness. Always go into detail with your answers and try to turn the Q&A round into a conversation.

One of the most important reasons to avoid using yes or no is that it provides little information about your experience to the employer. Consider the interview round as an opportunity to sell your skills in an elaborative manner.

Make eye contact

When speaking with an interviewer, make sure to look them in the eyes. Don’t look down, at the clock, or at the wall. This demonstrates a lack of self-assurance. Make eye contact with the interviewer to communicate. This exudes confidence while also allowing you to establish a meaningful connection.

Show gratitude

No matter how your interview goes, always take a moment to thank the interviewers for their time and consideration. A positive attitude and polite behaviour can go a long way in impressing people.

Conclusion

Make sure you thoroughly prepare for your interview, no matter how difficult it may be. Additionally, after the interview, make an effort to contact the interviewer or hiring manager.

For example, you could send them a quick text or email thanking them and emphasising how important the interview round was. Additionally, if you know you’re going to be shortlisted for the next round, be proactive.

You can always write a short email to follow up if you haven’t received any updates. Short, formal sentences are preferred.

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