Interviews become crucial for any candidate who is up for the job market today. With changing times, the process has gone through a sea change. Patterns and atmospheres have transformed, and hiring managers have transformed. We have already seen a paradigm shift from traditional workspace interviews to virtual setups—work from the office to work from home. And the list goes on. 

But something that remains constant is your preparation for that big day. Lack of preparedness always reflects in a bad light. Therefore, we decided to help you in the process! By sharing our list of do’s and don’ts of preparing for your interview! 

Before proceeding, let’s have a brief look at all that’s covered here. 

• Defining interview
• Aim of an interview
• Types of interview

• Do’s of preparing for your interview:
  • Have a pre-check 
  • Focus on presentation
  • Listen, and not hear
  • Prepare open-ended questions
  • End with a warm exit 

• Don’ts of preparing for your interview: 
  • Go solo, not with someone
  • Don’t forget to carry your resume
  • Avoid foul-mouthing previous employer 
  • Don’t be late
  • Discussing your salary early 

Defining interview

Sociologist Pauline V. Young defines an interview as “A systematic method by which an individual enters more or less imaginatively into the inner life of a comparative stranger.” 

Sociologically the definition makes a lot of sense. In simple terms, it would be a formal exchange between individuals for analyzing the interviewee’s suitability for the job role. 

Aim of an interview

Therefore, its purpose comes down as a promising social exchange. In return, both sides are at the disposal of a meaningful outcome. Say the interviewer gets a candidate for the firm, and the interviewee gets a workspace for furthering his/ her skills. The whole process is directed towards getting a return where both pirates benefit from each other. 

Types of interview

Under this section, we will note the various types of interviews based on the criteria of:

• Mode of communication 
• Number of participants
• Stage of interview 

Mode of communication 

On the basis of mode of communication, the interview types can be stated as follows;

In-person interview, 

where the interview takes place face to face between the interviewer and interviewee. 

Written interview, 

where the interviewee answers the questions sent by the interviewer in written communication. Formally via email. 

Telephonic interview, 

where the interviewee answers the interviewer’s questions over the medium of the phone. 

Video conference interview, where the medium of the interview between the interviewer and interviewee is video.

Number of participants 

On the basis of participant number, interviews are classified as follows;

Individual interview, where the interview takes place between a single interviewer and interviewee. 

Panel interview, where the interviewee faces a panel of interviewers.

 Based on this, there are further subdivisions in terms of panels like:

Leader Panel interview 

This comprises a panel of interviewees where one acts as the leader for shooting questions. While the rest of the jury observes you for the questions. 

Driller Panel interview

This is where you are drilled by the remaining panelists based on the questions shot at you by one of them at the beginning. 

Positional play panel

This sort of interview sees panelists taking opposite opinions as a strategy to gage the candidate’s decision-making ability. 

Independent panel interview

This is where the panel consists of different individuals who raise questions concerning their department of interest. That is, the panel is independent of each other. Say a group of HR, VP, and divisional supervisors. 

Group interview, where the interviewer panel interviews a group of candidates together. 

Stage of interview

Next in line is the interview stage, which refers to the commonly known rounds of interviews. 

First Stage of interview, 

where the candidate’s profile is fact-checked and screened. The mundane questions are posed, which are direct and to the point. 

Second Stage of interview, 

where the practical work scenario is laid for the candidate to face. Oftentimes, this happens to be the final stage of an interview process. If not, further rounds depend on the organization. 

Apart from the mentioned criteria, interviews take place on certain other aspects as well, which include;

Behavioral-based interview

Technical interview

And lastly,

Campus interview

These would be the types in brief. While preparing for each. Make sure you study the approach well. 

Do’s of interview

Now coming to our major segment of the blog. The do’s. We have briefed you about the scenario and how it goes. Now here’s looking at what you should absolutely do. 

Have a pre-check

A company background check is a definite must-have. Read and research the company about where you are headed to. Read about the history of interviewers, company culture and careers, and achievements. This will prepare you for what’s next to come. Thus ensuring that you know the surroundings you are about to enter. This will give you an upper hand in your presentation. 

Focus on presentation

Appearances are deceptive! Yes, we know that. But dressing per the interview is invariably expected out of you. This adds to how serious you are about undertaking this particular interview. If not complete formals, try to keep it neutral and neat. Because your first impression matters. A lot. 

Listen, and not hear 

An interview is indeed an exchange between two individuals. But it is important for you as a candidate to listen first and with patience. Not listening and superficial hearing can cost your responses. So listen, analyze and then respond to your interviewer. Maintain eye contact and look confident in your body language. Therefore, listening becomes a critical “do” for your interview.

Prepare open-ended questions

The interviewer lets you question too. So make sure you are confident enough with open-ended questions. This shall be done to get specific responses from them for statements that wouldn’t suffice in a yes or no. Prepare your answers for questions that would bring out specific and lingering answers. This way, you will also have better clarity about your interviewing firm.

End with a warm exit

The way you conclude your interview also holds immense impact. Wish your interviewer, give a firm handshake and convey best regards. A good sporting spirit also counts and highlights your organizational behavior to them. Thus, adding to your chances of selection. Be humble, be polite. But don’t be submissive. Draw a fine line and maintain the professional distance. 

Don’ts of preparing for your interview

So far, we have read through the absolute do’s of preparing for your interview along with the defining and learning about the various types. Now it’s time to check the don’ts.

Go solo

We mean, do not tag along with a partner or a parent with this. When you go for an interview, make sure you go independent. The impression it casts on them is that if you cannot make an interview alone, how will you stand the work alone? So better take charge and go solo. Avoid tagging along with a family member. 

Don’t forget to carry your resume

A hard copy of your resume is a must-have. It doesn’t matter if you have already mailed it to the interviewer. Carrying the same can help them discuss well on that. Be ready. Do not fumble or make haste. You should be confident in your resume and answer with poise. Sharing a hard copy with them will help you look good and serious. They will consider you more diligent and willing. So carry your resume. 

Avoid foul-mouthing previous employer

This goes without saying. No matter what worked out or what did not. Your ability to not defame your previous employer for securing the present job speaks a lot about your character. Organizations seek employees who have a professional outlook. This also sends off an impression that if you wish to quit their firm after joining, you will bad-mouth them too. So try not to do that. 

Don’t be late

Make sure you are a few minutes earlier than late. This is one of the major turndowns for interviewers, as they find your approach casual. Be on time and stick to the schedule. If you got reasons, they got reasons too. So at all costs, do not be late for your interview. Show them you are serious and stick to it.

Discussing your salary early on

We get it. It’s the most crucial bit. But if you rush into it, the interviewer will be off the impression that you are only here for the money. This will push your chances of securing the job further away. Negotiate and talk, but do not hurry to that part. Discuss all the pointers. But keep this towards the end. 

Conclusion 

With this, we have reached an end to our blog. We hope the information shared here helps your next preparation. All that has been put out is briefly curated to suit you. Do let us know for queries if you have any. Or drop us a comment below. We will be happy to help! 

If you wish to connect with us for your next career move. Connect now. Connect here. 

The post Do’s and Don’ts of preparing for your interview appeared first on CEDCOSS Technologies Pvt. Ltd..

Ever wondered if all this might stem from the lack of self-awareness and clarity? After all, an ideal job is everyone’s share. Whether a fresh graduate or a mid-career stuck employee, scouting for that role is extremely important. Why? To answer that and help you further, we decided to bring in the “how” in an abridged manner.

• How to define an ideal job?
• The necessity to find one
• Ways to scout for your ideal job:
  • Identify your interests
  • Take interest-based personality tests
    • Myers-Briggs
    • Strong Interest Inventory
  • Look out for your desired job role
  • Learn about your dream firms
  • Use internships proactively
  • Leverage your social media
  • Review your current job (if you have)
  • Take the appropriate counseling (and identify your top 10 advisors) 
  • Questions you need to ask  
    • What’s your mission?
    • What’s your ideal work environment?
    • What’s an ideal salary for you?
    • What are your top 3 career paths?
    • How do you determine your value?

• How to seal your deal “your way”
  
  • Get clarity within
  • Create your headspace
  • Bring your terms soon
  • Explain to them your benefits
  • Don’t go overboard explaining

How to define an ideal job?

The first and foremost question we are going to address is the definition! In a generic sense, an ideal job would be where you feel satisfied. Something that pulls you out for the day. And helps you feel agile, motivated, and fulfilled. A place where you want to go and have that urge to do. For some, it would be ease of commutation; for some, it would mean valued outputs from the team, and for some, it might mean a fruitful environment. However, the “feel” remains constant—something you need to value and inculcate. 

Since we talked of the “feel” and stressed over “value,” let’s address the “why” then.

The necessity to find one

An ideal job is not a superficial term and has an impact much more severe than you think.

Considerably reduces stress and unwelcoming depression–

When you relish your job, these occurrences can minimize and keep a check on your mental health.

Holds more meaning to your life–

When your job role seems ideal, it gives you a purpose and a meaning of doing what you do. 

Helps your interest–

A job where you find your interest being worked on genuinely picks up your pace, and you make it your priority.

Secures your values–

What you believe in healthy sustenance of yourself via your work is crucial. And a job that supports the values dear to you improves your work.

These would be a few factors on why you should scout for an ideal job because it is not about the want but also your need. 

Ways to scout for your ideal job

Identify your interests

It doesn’t matter if you are starting or planning a switch. Listing out your interests is essential for proceeding further in this process. Take a pen and paper and start jotting down what you have, what you like. Please review it to the present situation and how you want it to be different. Once you do this, a direction is laid before you for the next search.  

Take interest-based personality tests

Often you are stuck with the dilemma of interests. That’s when a personality test helps you identify the core areas to pursue based on your tests. This is to say; it gives you a heads up on what you could look forward to. 

Below mentioned are some helpful tests to look up to.

Myers-Briggs test

More than being a test, it is a personality type indicator. Where it helps you analyze the personality type you have, and aids in your decision-making. A total of 16 types were identified, which the mother-daughter(Myers and Briggs) duo developed for better personality type understanding as an indicative test. 

 Over the years, the theories and applications might have changed. But its core has helped multiple people all over to identify with their workspace personality. 

The strong interest inventory

Devised by E.K. Strong, his “Strong interest vocational blank” went on to be named “Strong interest inventory” over the years. It has been instrumental in helping people identify their likes and dislikes with its 291 listed items. Therefore, adding to the aid of career guidance. 

Additionally, you can turn to the book “What color is your parachute” by Richard Nelson Bolles.  

Look out for your desired job role

Once you set out with your identified interests, seek a role that fits in your mental bracket. As that will help you pinpoint the right opportunity. Chalk out all that fits your category, say salary, the right profile, the correct requisites. Thus, helping you settle with a choice.

So if you are interested in management and channeling people, then human resources could have something for you!    

Learn about your dream firm

Once you have identified your interests and roles, it’s time to look out for firms that sit with you. As in, check for industry reviews, how is their reception amongst other employees and clients. What is being said about their work and how they can help achieve your goals. 

Use internships proactively

Once you join hands with a firm to learn about your interest-based role, use the opportunity to not just learn but get aligned with the teammates. Their experiences and suggestions can help you ace well.  

Leverage your social media

Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram are not mere apps. But they hold immense potential. They help you connect with people of similar domains and get their assistance/ guidance in your onward decisions. Often when you connect with them, you get further leads to progress. Thus, helping you land your ideal job.

Review your current job (if you have)

When you review your present situation, what you need and what you want will become apparent to you. Cross-marking the not-so-favorable ideas about your current position. While tick-marking, the absolute pointers, will help you identify the next set of lookouts. Therefore, reviewing becomes a must. 

Take the appropriate counseling

Proper counseling or guidance is a definite requisite in the ideal job decision-making process. Connecting with experts of relative fields or counselors can help your dilemma. But something more that can add to this is identifying your top 10 people to seek an idea.

The group doesn’t necessarily have to be all experts. But people who know you well and vice versa. These can be your best friends, some close relatives, or people you interned/ worked with. As they know you, your capabilities, and your weak pointers. Therefore, their analysis and suggestions can aid you in the process. 

And finally, when you narrow down your considerations, focus on

Questions you need to ask

What’s your mission?

These questions are important for you. The purpose here is to identify your motive. So asking yourself what your mission is with this job, you can have a purpose lined up. 

What’s your ideal work environment?

This is crucial to be identified. If you are in an environment you want to switch from, think of all the reasons you want to and sum up the things you absolutely want. Because an ideal job should be a space for you to have that all.

What’s an ideal salary for you?

The work you do at the end of the day needs to pay you. And in ways that suit you. Your needs, your basics, and all the other necessary expenditures. Figuring that out is essential because you need to quote an apt CTC to your next hiring manager.

What are your top 3 career paths?

Focusing on a goal is much appreciated. But what if you have to find a middle ground with something? That’s when jotting down three possible trajectories on the same line of thought can be really helpful. Say for example, you wish to enter the advertising industry, and you are interested in the creative direction, so exploring client management, to creative creation along with direction can become your top 3. 

How do you determine your value?

Now, this becomes an ultimate question for your enhanced output. The value that you serve is significant for your growth and continued progression. Identify what will be defining your valued input in an organization, as that can bring you focus. 

How to seal your deal “your way”

So far, we have focused on how to look for your ideal job. But before we part, we decided to bring you some heads up for the deal! 

Communicating your terms is essential, but you shouldn’t be too stringent with the terms. Negotiation is the deal-breaker. So focus on that. Here we have some suggestive ways to consider before you lock your terms of that ideal job.

Get clarity within

Before you get into a conversation, make sure to be clear with what you will ask and why. Once you are clear, two things will happen: 

• You will be confident. 
• The recruiter, on the other side, will have clarity about you. 

Create your headspace

Rehearse your interaction. Take a run-through in your head and be present mentally. This will help you loosen up a bit and destress yourself in the process.  

Bring your terms soon

Do not hold up till the subsequent rounds for terms you want to be clear with. Since the pandemic, 10.6 million open positions have been listed since November 2021. So much that the period got termed as “The great resignation.”

So to save yourself from any hassle, bring your terms soon. But remember, it’s a negotiation. 

Explain to them your benefits

Prove that you will be an asset to the organization. If you have laid out some terms, tell them that working that way will bring up maximum results. In short, give out your benefits to them. 

Don’t go overboard explaining

The major lookout! Explaining your benefits is quite good. But delving too much into it will not help you. Tell them that “this & this” is essential for you. You don’t need to tell them “the how,” or “the why.” All they need is how your requirements are going to sit with them. 

Conclusion

With this, we have come to the end of our blog regarding the help of finding an ideal job. If you wish to connect with us for any opportunity or partnership, connect right here. 

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