Attending interviews

Once you are called for interviews, you are no longer just an applicant but a candidate. On paper your experience has given them the hope that you may satisfy their requirements. This is the point at which you have the opportunity to really “sell” yourself.

Before the interview

Preparation

• Study the company’s background and understand the role
• Use the marketing material from the company to learn more about their marketing strategies and client relationship policies
• Make notes of any points you may wish to clarify at the interview
• Re-call those internships experience (if available) you had done before. If the roles are similar as what you applied, drop down the key points what you had come across and and explained how you tackle the issues in the projects. 

Self Assessment

• Reviewing your own profile
• Highlight the strengths and experiences that match to the requirements of the role
• Identify potential weakness of yourself
• Think of the possible questions and practice the answers
  • Don’t be surprised by awkward or unusual questions in the interview. Stay claim. These questions may be to test you under pressure
  • Whenever possible, do role play to practise

Right before interview

• Confirm your attendance and interview details
• Check out the interviewer’s position. This will influence the way you approach the meeting:
  • An HR personnel will usually not be assessing candidates’ technicalities, while a line manager is unlikely to give you details of the companies’ benefit scheme
  • In some cases, HR staff are equipped with the knowledge to assess in technicalities though they are not the subject matter expert
  • At times, the interview could also be done in a format of panel interview
• Check the names of the interviewers and correct pronunciation
• Also check out if there would be any tests and if yes, what kind of a test and the duration. If you apply a position which requires some mathematical skills, bring a scientific calculator which may be advantage to you.
• Plan your journey
  • Have an alternative to the chosen method of travel
  • Be on time-it would be even better to arrive a bit earlier to settle down before the interview
• Remember, use the interview as an opportunity for an exchange of information, instead of just answering questions

At the interview

• Be as natural as possible
• Be professionally dressed
• Switch off your electronic devices
• Pay attention to your body language: eye contact and smile
  • Avoid distracting mannerisms like repeatedly crossing/uncrossings legs
• Listen to questions carefully. Clarify if needed but avoid interrupting 
• Use jargon appropriately
• Allow silence
• Show excitement and interest
• Tell the truth, be consistent
• If it becomes clear that your views differ from those of the interviewer, express your views tactfully or move on to safer ground
• If the interviewer does not cover a subject that you think is important / in your favour, make sure you include it. You may be invited to ask questions at the end of the interview, or you can simply say, “May I just add one point……”
• Don’t criticize your past / current employer
• Don’t draw attention to your weakness by apologizing or making reference to it. Turn negatives into positives whenever possible 
• Don’t ask about salary and leave it to the other side to open the bidding expected turnaround time
• Thank interviewer for the time
• Give firm handshake

After the interview

• Review your performance: what went well? What can be improved?
• Jot down any questions you find difficult or for which you were unprepared -> find the answers and prepare them for the next interview
• Send a thank you email to the interviewer if you get his/her email contact