We have cleared one hurdle in the process of getting a
job. As we know that it’s a first step towards the process,
you will get an Interview call only if you are able to use
the “CREST“ technique. Once the interviewer gets
the positive impression of your candidature and feels satisfied
and comfortable, he will call for an interview.
Through your resume you have already impressed the interviewer
and you have won the 10% to 15% of the battle, but still 85%
to 90% is remaining and that will depend upon the interviews
1. Come Prepared
Before you reach for an interview know your strengths, weaknesses
and accomplishments very well. An interview is not the time
to wing it. Prepare as much as you would for a presentation
to the Board of Directors at your company.
2. Research the Company
Find out as much as you can about the company through annual
reports, newspapers, from their website or if you know someone
from the company. Try to know the present status of the company
what are their plans for the future if they are expanding.
Your effort will show in the interview, and you'll be seen
as proactive.
3. Be Well Dressed and Properly Groomed
Appearance is a critical evaluation component.
4. Arrive 15 to 30 Minutes Early
Punctuality is a subtle clue about attitude and behavior.
This will give an idea of whether you are serious about the
job, you really love work or you do it for survival. Tardiness,
no matter the excuse, is a major blunder.
5. Exhibit Enthusiasm
First impressions, positive or negative, dramatically affect
the ultimate evaluation as we say “First impression
is last impression”. You can make or break an interview
within the first five minutes.
6. Appear Friendly and Outgoing
Smile and say hello to everyone. A positive reaction from
the support staff is an important factor in the evaluation.
7. Be Self-confident
High self-esteem and self-confidence are the hallmarks of
the successful individual. With confidence, be able to demonstrate
how you have overcome obstacles. There's nothing wrong in
feeling good about yourself.
8. Come Prepared for Key Questions
Practice your responses to all the typical questions, such
as "Tell me about yourself" and "Why are you
looking for a new position?" How well you speak will
have a bigger impact than what you say. If possible make 3
to 4 minutes speech about yourself. See to it that you will
not give a chance to think or to ask any questions till you
finish, interviewer can ask questions later if he feels you
have missed anything. Make it interesting and meaningful give
more of what you have done rather what you will do.
9. Remain Involved
The most effective interviews are those where an active two-way
conversation takes place. Not the typical question-and-answer
type. Begin early in the interview to interject your own relevant
insight. Do not ask to repeat the question and to avoid this
have eye contact with an interviewer, be a good listener.
Don’t be in a hurry to respond; listen carefully to
what he wants to say and then only answer.
10. Establish Your Worth
Discuss your specific accomplishments that demonstrate a proactive
attitude. Try and understand what the company is looking for,
give such an experience which is relevant to the future job,
such as: have you installed systems, done something not required,
trained someone, etc or if it is Sales position then tell
some incident where you have converted or closed a deal which
was very difficult to convert.
11. Know Your Five Key Strengths and Weaknesses
Be prepared to discuss in detail and with examples your five
or six main attributes. These should be the ultimate reason
you get the job over someone else and also your weakness as
the interviewer is looking out for personality traits.
12. Give 1-to-2 Minute Responses
Communication is the key to successful interviewing. A minimum
of one to two minutes of well-prepared discussion gives the
interviewer insight into your intellect and supports your
contentions.
13. Provide Examples/Details
Support statements about yourself with specific examples.
These will provide legitimacy to your claims. Without them,
the interviewer won't accept them as valid.
14. Remain Attentive
Stay alert during the interview. Maintain good eye contact.
Sit forward in your chair. Be animated. Show high levels of
interest and stay enthused. These actions can maintain or
generate momentum during the interview.
15. Don't Be Arrogant
A presumptuous, overbearing attitude will offset the finest
abilities.
16. Ask Probing Questions
A few strategic questions can demonstrate your intelligence,
analytical skills and assertiveness. Have these prepared from
your research. Avoid superficial small talk.
17. Be Positive about Co-workers
Don't bad mouth previous positions, companies or employers.
No matter how well founded, this implies a negative attitude,
typical of those who don't take personal responsibility for
their actions.
18. Clearly State Your Interest
By the conclusion of the interview, state that you are definitely
interested in the position and would like to know when the
next step will take place. It's best to demonstrate this interest
throughout the session. Be careful not to go overboard.
19. Know Your Objective and End with It
Establish your objective before the interview, like a second
interview or an offer. Ask for it if you have not achieved
it. Ask a question such as, "do you think my skills match
your needs?" This gets straight to the point and, at
worse, reveals other obstacles to overcome.
20. Write Thank-you Notes
This classy final touch shows you to be professional and sensitive,
and conveys sincere interest. An excellent follow-through.
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