By Nina Varghese
Below is a series of essays on interview preparation, interview process and tips for success in interviews. Pieces of the same series include:
Congratulations on getting the job interview call letter! When you hold the job interview call letter, remember to tell yourself that you are among a select 20 per cent to get the job interview call letter. The job market is very competitive. You need to prime yourself to give your best to this crucial interview. Good interview preparation makes the difference between getting and not getting the job. Here are some interview preparation tips to help you through the interview process.
Interview preparation tips:
Research the organization
The first step to good interview preparation is to research the organization. Learn more about the various businesses of the company, their subsidiaries, who their competitors are and what their advertising says. Interview preparation materials that you can use include company web sites, media reports, annual reports and product analysis. If the company is listed, then read the financials of the company too. This research will also give you a fair idea as to where you fit in and what interview questions the interviewer is likely to ask.
Rework your CV
One of the first steps to the interview preparation process is to fine tune your resume. So take a hard look at your resume. Rewrite your mission statement to match the requirements of organization and add relevant experiences or skills that will make you more attractive to the organization. A study of the company’s advertising will give you a feel of the organization’s marketing strategy, whether it is aggressive or laid back. Set the CV’s tone accordingly
Reassess your skills
Many job interview questions will focus on your core skills and so the interview preparation process includes being prepared for technical interview questions on your skills. So pull out your books and brush up on your core subjects again. Read about the latest findings in your particular field. Talk to people in this particular vertical and learn about recent trends. Highlight the skills sets that would be required by the organization. For instance, if you are applying for the vacancy of a copy writer in an advertising agency, take samples of creative writing you have done in college or for the community.
Network with the organization
Once you get the job interview letter, make your sure you establish contact with the points person, usually in the Human Resources (HR) department. Tell her that you have received the letter and iron out any thing in the letter which is not clear, be it time of interview, location or what certificates/ samples of work you have to carry with you.
Don’t stop with the human resources. Establish contact with people in the job functions you are interviewing for. Your interview preparation will get a solid boost if you can meet with them to learn more about the organization and their careers.
Practice is an important part of preparing for an interview
You might feel foolish doing this, but it is a good idea to practice in front of a mirror. Smile and say `Good Morning’ to yourself. Answer common interview questions to yourself.
Better still is to get others to interview you. Friends and faculty are often a good source. You can also avail of Graduate Tutor’s interview preparation and practice services to have a professional interview you.
Plan what you are going to wear the job interview based on the culture of the organization. It is better to be a little over dressed than underdressed. Select clothes which are not too loose or too tight.
