1You have been called for an interview meeting confirms that you do have the qualification required for the job. Now in the meeting, you are being evaluated for other criteria. These other criteria are dependant on organizations culture and on the person taking the interview. In other words, sociability is a very important part of the interview process.
Here is a quick checklist of important things to consider at your next interview meeting. Let's take obvious ones first out of the way:
1. Reach on time.
2. Dress appropriately and sharply.
3. Keep Phone Off / Silent / out of the sight.
4. Make sure there are no spellings and grammar mistakes on your resume.
Now let's see some pointers which are not so obvious and candidates tend to make mistakes in this space -
1. More than 50% of your impact comes from your body language, the tone of your voice and facial expressions. Be aware and conscious of the fact and keep in check.
2. Mirror your interviewer for better chemistry and flow of conversation. If they smile, you can too relax for a bit. When they are focused, you should too stay focused.
3. Research the Company before you go to the meeting. Ask intelligent questions, not the obvious ones.
4. Answer the questions in more than "Yes" and "No". Say something more than given in your resume. They want to know about you as a person. An individual is more than their education degree and skills. Tell them your story, in short, that is.
5. Clean up your digital footprints. Check your social media pages and eliminate the shreds of evidence of your not-so-fine-moments. These days, interview starts as soon you apply. Even before hiring managers call you, they check out your Linked In and other easily available information. Meeting you is the last step. Be mindful of that fact.
Special suggestions for entry-level employees/freshers:
1. Do not enter the premises with your friends and music. Leave your earphones/headphones or keep them out of sight.
2. Have answers to commonly asked questions ready. Few examples are: Why do you want this job? Why should we hire you? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? You will be answering them in some shape or form.
3. You can now drop cool attitude of school and college. Brace up for a new life. Hope you are ready. All the very best. You can do it.
