How to be ready for a job interview

Don’t waste this opportunity to showcase your hard and soft skills.

WHAT TO DO
Research, research
Conduct in-depth research on the company, its work culture, projects and problems, so that it reflects your passion and shows why you can be a perfect fit in the organisation.

Know your interviewers
Find out about interviewers, especially the hiring manager, by talking to former and current employees, or HR personnel, so that you are familiar with their style and questions.

Know the job description
You need to brush up your core skills so that you can explain how you can contribute to the role, why you are a good fit, and how you can enhance the team’s and firm’s performance.

Use STAR format
To highlight your behavioural skills, cite specific situations, tasks, action taken and result which helped resolve issues and improve efficiency. Also use metrics where possible.

Ask questions
Do have your own set of questions about your specific role and skill implementation, team structure, performance targets, etc.

Also read: Get a job in top companies: Find out about the strategy and preparation you need to join the best workplaces
Also read: Get your resume right to ensure shortlisting when applying for a job

WHAT NOT TO DO
Arrogant, too familiar
If your attitude is overbearing, condescending, or very casual, you will convey lack of soft skills that may be crucial to your role in the company.

Lack of research
This is the worst you can do to ensure you don’t get the job. If you are unfamiliar with the company, you’ll never be able to convince them that you are a good fit.

Mumbling, poor body language
Lack of confidence or rambling responses, combined with fidgeting and improper or defensive body language, are a sure way to get rejected.

Asking wrong questions
Do not ask questions about salary or perks, work hours or leave schedule, and company’s performance.