Soft Skills

Before going for an interview, research the company you’re interviewing with, their mission and value and find your resonance with the organization. Also, try and identify who might interview you. Go through their professional social networks and find common interests. Conversations about common interests during interviews usually stick around, even after you have left.

Even though your resume represents you professionally, surprisingly, 85% of people lie on their resumes. Remember what you’re pitching, else you run the risk of appearing ignorant.

Prepare a set of questions and sit in front of the mirror with your answers. Well-practised questions reflect in your answers. Chances are that the interviewer may ask some out-of-the-box questions, but preparation has you covered.

However, preparation for an interview not only includes preparing on the subject matter but for the smaller details as well - like appearance, posture and body language.

Here’s what else you must do.

Dressing up well shows your seriousness and interest in the job. Dress for the job you’ve applied for! Make sure your clothes are wrinkle- and stain-free. Statistically speaking, you only have the first 7 seconds to cast an impression on the interviewer. This means that you need to act quickly in order to make a brilliant first impression on your interviewers.

While this basic practice is often overlooked, having a sound sleep is one of the most important things you can do before appearing for an interview. Sound sleep ensures a well-rested mind, thus, helping you answer questions more rationally.

Straight back, muted smile, confident handshakes are markers of professional etiquette. Keeping your palms open and well-rested on thighs, chin up, shoulders down are some other basic body postures that display confidence.

Punctuality and regularity are common traits that every organization looks for in a candidate. Reaching late for an interview is the worst thing you can do. Determine the fastest route to your interview location in advance and plan your commute accordingly.

Most interviews end with the interviewers permitting candidates to ask questions. Use this opportunity to show curiosity and interest in the business. Obvious questions leave an impression of a desperate attempt. While it is good to ask questions, don’t ask just for the sake of it.

If you have stated any previous work experiences on your resume, quote any example that fits well. It serves as validation. As a fresher, you could quote examples from college experiences or internships.

Interviewers seek answers and not lectures. When answering, don’t beat around the bush. Keep your answers short, crisp, and focused.

It’s natural to feel nervous and anxious before an interview. The need to perform well, look professional and leave a good impression can get the best of us. What matters most is to acknowledge how you feel, prepare well, and to put your best foot forward.

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