The current job market is competitive and requires you to be well prepared before you attend an interview. It is always advisable to research the company and the job role you are applying for. Job postings and forwards could be misleading and at times difficult to understand for a fresher or may not have all the information you are looking for. Try talking to employees that are perhaps working in a similar profile that may be capable of describing to you the actual nature of the job role. It is not possible to predict every interview but it is possible to sketch the process and sight some does and don’ts you might want to follow.
An interviewer barely knows anything about you when you step into the interview cabin. He mostly relies on information that is provided on your resume to build up an image of you. He generally takes a quick glance through your resume and sights your qualifications, the university where you have pursued your education from, your past work experience and your age.
The first impression is always the one that lasts. Experienced interviewers generally make up their mind in the five minutes of the interview. Greet the interviewer when you step into the cabin and ask for permission to be seated. Don’t forget to thank the interviewer when you do. Body language plays a key role in your interview. Don’t slouch or lounge in your seat, you may come across as casual. Tapping the table, jiggling your legs or clenching your fists may seem that you are nervous. Always face the interviewer, maintain eye contact (don’t stare at them) and yes, smile.
The interview is mainly structured like this
The Introduction
The Free Speech Round
The HR Fitment Round
The Introduction
Now, what does the interviewer really want to know about you? The first question is always: “Tell me something about yourself?” or “Will you please introduce yourself?” But don’t forget to listen to the interviewer and understand the question. Make sure you answer the questions asked. If you are unsure of the question, clarify your doubt and only then proceed with an appropriate answer. Remember that the interviewer doesn’t know anything about you and is only asking you about YOU,that no one knows better about, than you yourself, so there is no need to be nervous.
We generally start omitting information that is on the resume considering that the interviewer has your resume in hand. But then the interviewer doesn’t want to know about your favourite colour or the food you like at the start of your introduction. You are expected to inform the interviewer about all the information provided in your resume and more.
You could start to by mentioning your full name, where you are from, where you presently reside, your age, your educational qualifications, your work experience, your family background and what you do in your free time. Be loud when you speak and give it all out in a single go. Don’t pause till you complete your introduction unless you are asked a question. An interviewer is generally looking for a candidate who is fluent and can hold a conversation as the job profile includes talking to customers. Always reply with full sentences and avoid monosyllabic answers.
The Free speech Round
The last thing you say in your introduction is always what the interviewer might question you on. For example: If you were to say, “In my free time, I like travelling.” The interviewer would ask you, “Which is the last place you been to?” Don’t stop making a single sentence. This question is when the interviewer expects you to talk for at least 20 sentences on the subject before you stop. The interviewer wants to examine your thought process, grammatical skills, clarity of speech and vocabulary. A good tip would be to prepare for such questions in advance knowing the fact that you could predict them based on what you choose to say at the end of your introduction.
The HR Fitment Round
When the interviewer is convinced about your free speech round, he or she will take a quick run through the work hours, shift timings, weekly offs, your future plans, benefits as an employee, the salary structure, incentives, etc. just to make sure that you are an HR fitment to the role.
At the end of the interview, the interviewer might ask you if you have questions or need any more information about the job. Don’t be afraid to clear your doubts. You must make a well-informed decision about your career.
While leaving the interview cabin make sure to thank the interviewer for their time and patience. A firm handshake and a big smile will definitely add some plus points to your interview.
Good Luck!
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