The post is by guest writer, Akansha Arora. She is a professional writer and blogger who loves to pen down her views on a number of topics that interest a reader. She writes keeping in mind the current scenarios and wishes to keep her readers well informed. Find her online: @AkanshaArora21.
The purpose of spending years in college and getting a degree all comes down towards getting a job. You might be a topper in your college, but if you do not have polished interview skills, your theoretical knowledge might not fetch good returns. To convert an interview to an offer, you require certain interview tips to focus on your skills and keep aside enough time for interview preparation.
When you are a fresh graduate, one thing that misses your portfolio is the experience. The interviewer is considerate enough on this that but would judge you on every other parameter. Hence, sitting in front of a panel can create a stressful situation if you are not prepared.
Here are some Interview tips, following which fresh graduates can prepare for an interview.
1 out of 5 interview tips: research about the Company
The interviewer would expect you to know about the organization you wish to work for. Hence, it is important to have a download about the organization. Browse through the company website, about us section, about the culture and some facts and figures. If you are equipped with right kind of information, you have the required confidence to face the panel.
Some of the commonly asked questions are:
- Why do you want to work at our company?
- What do you know about the company?
- How do you think would you fit in the company?
2 out of 5 interview tips: analyse the Job Description
Every company has a job description for each opening. Usually, the job description gives you a fair picture about the responsibilities of the role. It also gives you insights about any particular skill set required for the role. Analysing the job description would help you draft your answers to what the interviewer is looking for. The possible questions include:
- Why do you think you fit in this role?
- Why should we hire you?
3 out of 5 interview tips: the Body Language and Eye Contact
Apart from what you speak in the interview, your body language and eye contact also make a huge impact on the interviewer. Sometimes, if your posture is not in sync with the words coming out of your mouth, you lose your chance.
“A warm smile, a firm handshake, answering after listening and making a conversation would help you get an edge in your interview.”
4 out of 5 interview tips: know Your Resume
Your resume is the tool that got you promoted to the interview. Not knowing your resume in and out would most probably make you sink in an interview. Most interviewers would use your resume as a platform to generate interview questions, determine your credibility, and review your skills and qualifications.
If you are not well versed with your resume, interviewers would know that you have not stated the true information in your resume. You should be able to speak about your resume clearly without any hesitation and in detail.
Review your resume from start to finish and ensure you can intelligently present all the facts stated in your resume. Reading your resume prior to your interview would help you remember.
5 out of 5 interview tips: have Questions
An interview is an opportunity for you as well as the organization to get the right person. Hence, you might think ‘what can I ask’ in an interview, it is very important that you ask questions to ensure that you fit in the position well. Not only it makes you more confident about the job role but also leaves an impression on the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the role and the company.
Asking questions at the end of the interview shows:
- You have researched
- You are interested
- You are intelligent
- You are in the conversation too
- You are enthusiastic
- You are knowledgeable
- You have come prepared
Kill the awkward moment of silence whenever you have the interviewer asking you ‘any questions’.
In the End
You should prepare for your interview in a complete manner and excel in it. Your first interview is a golden chance to begin your career with what you like. Hence, give it your best in the first shot. If you really want to get through the interview, keep in mind all above the mentioned points.
You might like to read our post on Interview dress tips that really work and interview DO’s that really works.
