Young students, nowadays, lose no time in becoming a part of the work force after completing their education. Unfortunately, there are more candidates for lucrative posts and the competition is cut-throat at all forums.
Appearing for job interviews
Young students, nowadays, lose no time in becoming a part of the work force after completing their education. Unfortunately, there are more candidates for lucrative posts and the competition is cut-throat at all forums. This makes it imperative that the candidates are well-prepared for their job interviews.
When organizations are looking for candidates their objective is to match applicants with the organization. On the other hand, the applicant’s objective is to match their goals and abilities. With proper preparation, the interview process can actually be geared in the applicant’s favour.
FYI!
The purpose of the resume and application is to bag you an interview call and not the job itself. That’s why in the last paragraph of your application you should request an interview call. And when you do get the interview call - and it’s the opportunity you’ve been waiting for - don’t waste it. It’s a truth universally acknowledged by recruiters that a majority of youngsters appearing for job interviews do not come adequately prepared.
Things to take into account
The interviewer considers not only your knowledge, skills and abilities, but also looks at your personality, background and style. Do your research and learn all you can about the organisation you are applying to. Make sure you know its full name, location, products, industry position, earnings and growth and overall structure.
Take your score a notch higher by learning these about the opportunity itself:
1. Job title
2. Job functions
3. Job qualifications
4. Career path
5. Salary range
6. Travel
7. Relocation
Don’t forget to ask yourself some questions before you apply: “Can I do this work? Do I want this job? Does the job pay what I am worth? What kind of future can I expect?” These questions will help you realise whether you’re up for it and not wasting your time or theirs.
Usually, interviews are behavioural or knowledge-based. They can either be a combination of both or there can be more than one interview. However, there are some questions common to them. These include:
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
3. Why do you want to work for our organisation?
4. How can you add value to the organisation?
Practice makes a man perfect!
Now, practise how you will conduct yourself during the interview. Since appearance is a priority, let’s begin with it. Dress conservatively; you can’t go wrong with that. So girls intending to wear jewellery and make-up, should keep them to a bare minimum. Also remember, no casual or party wear if you wish to look professional.
Going into the room with a smile and greeting warmly does wonders. It’s appropriate to smile a little during the interview, but not too much. Too much smiling can be regarded as a sign of nervousness, and you need to show that you are confident. After that you have to be careful about your posture. Leaning a little towards the interviewer indicates your interest in the present conversation. The interviewer should get the impression that you are not just another candidate who is applying for every job coming his/her way. Even your intonation during the interview matters! A good idea is to practise a mock interview with a friend and get feedback from him/her.
Don’t fret when you get an interview call. Through adequate preparation and knowledge you can impress the interviewer and nail the job.
