Thread by @hannytalker

Thread on how to ace interviews

This is going to be a bit long and detailed

Interviews are typically arrangements between the hiring company and the candidate to meet, get to know each other better and assess suitability for the role, in terms of skills, competences, persona and general outlook on life.#hannytalker

interviews are perhaps the most important bit of the whole process, and failure at this all-important stage could cost you a desk at the company. Please note that there is no one size fits all approach to this.#hannytalker

You should note, however, that it is not in all cases that you would be required to take a physical interview. Depending on preference of the recruiter, objectives of the interview, physical barriers and other considerations, you could be subjected to any of these varieties:

Telephone Interviews: The recruiter puts a call across to you and assess you via phone. More often than not, it serves as an initial screening tool, and could land you a proper interview (if there’s more than one). #hannytalker

Some of them are without warning, while you’re informed about others in advance. Whichever way, be sure to sound your best. #hannytalker

Video Interviews. This is a technological upgrade on telephone interviews. In addition to listening to you, it offers the recruiter an opportunity to observe your person; facial expressions and reactions, dress sense, and composure. #hannytalker

Subsequent to this, you might not need a physical interview.

Face-to-Face Interview. You’re in a conference or meeting room, with a single representative of the company. He/she poses questions at you, and you’re required to impress only one person. You should observe and understand facial cues, leading questions and body language

Expect to be drilled on your general knowledge about the company, specifics on your role cum skillset, including scenario-based problems to test your soft-skill areas.

Panel Interview. It is daunting enough to face one person; here you’re meeting people who have been on the job and have probably heard all you have to say over and again. You might be required to face a panel of 3-5 persons. #hannytalker

Group Interview. You would be subjected to a replica of what happens at a typical Assessment Centre. Rather than face an interview panel as a stand-alone candidate, you would be required to prove competence in groups. #hannytalker

Before the Interview…

Research the Company
You can never know too much (especially of a place you’re yet to experience). Scour the company website thoroughly, reach out to your potential colleagues (LinkedIn helps an awful lot), #hannytalker

find out from friends working with similar companies in the same industry. Research remuneration packages as well; it would aid your negotiations. It is also time to glean a bit more specific information about the role you would be filling. #hannytalker

A comprehension of expected daily routines would help you prepare your interview notes.

Inquire about the questions you could reasonably expect for the role you’re applying to. The internet is replete with sample interview questions for different industries. In fact, there are a few for specific companies, complete with suggestions on how to respond.

Talk to a recruiter to arrange a mock interview for you in order to reduce apprehension.

On the day of the interview

Arrive on time and dress well. You can never go wrong in business corporate.

During the Interview…

Maintain a Positive Outlook. Smile, and maintain good eye contact with your interviewer(s). It passes you off as a confident person.

Rather than mumble, speak clearly and audibly, being particularly careful with your choice of words (avoid colloquialism and jargon).

Clarify, when in doubt. An awful number of candidates do not know they have this privilege. You’re human, and it is expected that you misinterpret some queries. When in doubt about what the interviewer is asking you, clarify their ask, and you never can go wrong.

Don’t fall victim of over-confidence. If you’re not sure of the answer to a question, you should honestly admit it, and highlight the fact that you’d go back and find out.#hannytalker

Pose some questions to the Interviewer. For most interviewers, this is usually a sign that you’re genuinely interested in the company, and are prepared for the interview. I did a thread on possible questions to ask. Search for it. #hannytalker

After the interview

Thank the interviewers before leaving and if possible send a thank you mail. #hannytalker