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. 

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When we discuss the subject today, LinkedIn already has 706 million active accounts across 200 territories! Yes, it is this huge. The professional social networking site hosts everyone from recruiters/ employers to firms to job-seeking candidates to the ones scouting for professional ideas. It has been around before Facebook, Twitter, and, of course, Snapchat and Instagram, but LinkedIn has gained momentum now.

In the following blog, we have attempted to identify the importance of LinkedIn, the benefits of LinkedIn, and not to forget the ill-effects it might possess.

Here’s the blog flow for you before we proceed to its depths.

• What is LinkedIn?
• Why is it essential now?
• The benefits of LinkedIn
• The ill effects of LinkedIn

What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is no different than the other commonly known social platform, Facebook. But the innovative way it provides for presenting one’s resume is something to check out. With this, you don’t have to struggle in cramming your achievements. Your records and your accomplishments. 

A LinkedIn profile helps one build a resume that you don’t have to personally send. Anyone who visits your profile will see it all. The professional networking site also helps you learn relevant courses and add them to your name. 

Sounds interesting? The more you get into the site, the more waiting for you. 

So yes, in a nutshell, LinkedIn lets you present yourself with your best professional foot forward. 

Why is it essential now?

Now, this is what brings us to the core of this blog. Why is it essential? What is the importance of LinkedIn today? 

With the ‘what,’ the definition of the platform is distinct and clear. Now looking into ‘why it’s essential,’ here are points to ponder. 

It brings you into the recruiter’s search

The best part of being updated with your profile is that you pop up in your recruiter’s search. If you have the relevant skill mentioned in your profile, your chances of falling on that list are extremely high. As 87% of recruiters use it frequently, make sure you put yourself out there.

Job search is active

With LinkedIn, you constantly get job opening/ job opportunity updates based on your job alert. You can take follow-ups from the hiring managers. Find and locate your ideal firm, and connect with their respective teammates. Thus, your search gets much more active.

The reach is global 

With LinkedIn, you reach a massive global audience as it is not limited to your native country/ territory only. You can connect with people from all around the globe. Thus, leading to more fruitful and informative people for your knowledge base that increases your chances of landing your dream job. 

Industry news will be at your fingertips

People use LinkedIn as a professional network that also brings the best from the industry. The latest news and the ongoing discussions are all a great part of the active circuit. Following certain industry experts to certain hashtags can help you here. 

Personal branding at its best 

LinkedIn is one of the best platforms to showcase all of your capabilities and harp on networking opportunities. What you do and what you wish the world to know can be easily put forward in your profile. It makes you look professionally sound. So mentioning your skills, your certifications, your volunteering, all of it plays a major role. 

Helps in company research

The platform has been ideal for people to identify the companies they would like to work for or with. This helps you learn the pros and cons and connect with the company’s vital resources. That is, you learn about how the company works, what it highlights, and how the company is being spoken about. All this will fall under your lens. Ensuring you complete transparency. 

The benefits of LinkedIn

So far, we have seen why LinkedIn has become essential today. The next in line to this is the benefits. The benefits of LinkedIn, therefore, are as follows.

• It will benefit you if it’s a part of your job application. We say this because many firms now have switched to online applications. You must have seen that now you also get an ‘easy apply’ option on your LinkedIn applications. So you see, it is aiding in your application fulfillment!

• It is free of cost. Of course, the paid version comes with many additional features. But the free site also gives an enriching experience. 

• Brings a plethora of networks. That is, you can always connect and expand your network. There is no limit to that. You can connect to your teammates, possible recruiters, industry experts, college alumni, and those you wish to connect with. This helps your learning, gives insights, and helps you land your desired job role. 

• You can join LinkedIn groups for better reception of information. Leaving a few, the rest are informative and help your knowledge base. This will contribute to leads and ideas. 

• LinkedIn lets you have social endorsements for your skills and work. You can always ask your fellow or past colleague to share recommendations for you. As this boosts your profile in the network and adds to your credibility. 

When explored and utilized, these benefits help in the promotion of your profile. So make sure you do that well. 

Find your right profile today!

The ill effects of LinkedIn

This social media site has cons too! Surprising that we are saying this, but it’s true. While it comes with many benefits and reasons that affirm the importance of LinkedIn, here are a few that you should be careful about. 

It can get expensive-

LinkedIn often prompts you to avail of the ‘premium.’ While the version lets you see who saw your profile and lets you avail for the jobs, the recruiter can see the premium badge against your name ‘featured applicant.’ Indicating that you paid for the job. Plus, you have to shell out a certain amount to maintain that premium. While there are some amazing benefits too.

It can become your regular mindless browsing-

True, the platform is rich with resources and can help one’s branding. But it is a social media site that runs on engagement algorithms. There can be tons of job postings that may not suit you yet pop up for your search. And there is always a high chance of you losing the track and mindlessly browsing on it, just like Facebook and Instagram. 

It can create a social pressure-

Not every time you go through LinkedIn it gives you a good impression. It often has adverse effects mentally. Often there is a lot to see. Your mind hits a roadblock, leaving you to feel dejected. Plus, a lot of this pressurizes maintaining a certain level of LinkedIn activity to look well.  

So the point is that everything you do on the platform comes with a set of pros and cons. It’s on you how to filter that for your betterment.

Conclusion 

The importance of LinkedIn and its discussion receives a halt here. As we have neared the end of this blog. The aim of this was to enlighten you on the provisions and also give you the slight hint of demerit it can possess. 

If you wish to share your thoughts on this, drop a comment below and let us know. Or, if you have any queries/ questions or wish to connect with us, click here. We will be happy to help. 

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We hope our blog served you well. Hoping to keep you updated always. Till then, keep reading. 

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