Useful Interview Tips to Grab the Best of Job Opportunities

All the hard work and dedication you put in for college projects and examinations stand trial in a job interview. Interviews can be stressful for the best of us. Being nervous before an important job interview is very common and probably a good sign. Competition in the job market has increased so much that recruiters go through a large number of candidates before selecting the one that best fits their requirements. There are so many other, equally, if not more qualified, candidates have applied for your dream job. So, how do you make sure that you stand out from the crowd and make a good and lasting first impression? A job interview usually lasts 7-10 mins. How to ensure you make the most of the time you have in there?

Following are a few tips you can use before, during, and after a job interview, to catch the recruiter’s attention and grab the best of job opportunities:

  • Sharpen Your Resume: Short, crisp and honest are the three worlds to remember when you make your resume. Based on this 2-page document the recruiters will decide whether to even consider you for taking an interview or not. Keep it updated and do not use cliched words like ‘hard working’ and ‘dedicated’. Be specific about your skills and accomplishments. Proofread your resume, you don’t want the recruiter telling you that your grammar or spellings are incorrect. Be sure to read up your resume before going for a job interview.If they ask you something from it, you should have an answer ready without any delay. Know it like the back of your hand.
  • Research: Research about the recruiting company well. What they do, who are the leaders, what areas do they specialize in, recent developments in the company, the job profile they are offering and how do you fit into the company and the job profile, are some of the questions you must be ready to answer without a second thought. Reading about the company will help you gauge the work environment and ethics in the company and you can formulate your answers accordingly. Know how much salary they usually offer to someone at your level, you must base your salary expectations on their company policies. Set up a google alert for the company at least a week before the interview so that you can stay up-to-date on the happenings in the company.
  • Dress Up for The Job You Want: Always wear formal clothing for an interview, unless mentioned otherwise. Smart and clean clothing play a very important role in making first impressions. Iron your clothes, polish/clean your shoes, groom your hair properly, and take care of basic hygiene. Do not wear too much makeup or perfume or too many accessories. Stick to simple and clean attire in soft formal colors like blue, beige, black, brown, grey, etc.
  • Come Prepared: Always arrive 10-15 mins before the scheduled time. Carry multiple copies of your resume neatly arranged in a folder. Carry all your academic certificates, internship certificates, proof of achievements, etc. You don’t need to carry a bag full of documents, decide which ones are important based on the nature of the job and carry them. Keep a pen and a notepad handy. Prepare answers for all the obvious questions that may be asked in the interview. Instead of giving vague and clichéd answers, give examples to substantiate your claims. For example, if you say you are self-motivated, instead of saying that you take initiatives on your own even when no one has asked it off you, back up your answer with an example of the time when you took an initiative on your own.
  • Don’t Forget Your Manners: Manners go a long way in making a good first impression. Even before the interview, while sitting in the waiting room avoid being on the phone, carry a book to read while you wait for your call. Greet as you enter the room. Ask if you may sit down if they haven’t already asked you to. Body language must be attentive, confident, and relaxed. Walk confidently, keep your back straight, while sitting keep your arms lightly on the armrest or on your knees, keep your feet firmly on the ground.You must not at any time during the interview sit with your arms or legs crossed as it is considered rude and a sign of arrogance. Always stay respectful and don’t bad mouth anyone. Copy their movements and body language, it gives an impression of understanding and cohesion between you and the interviewer. But remember not to overdo it.
  • Talk, Not Ramble: When you are asked a question, your answer should be specific to the question. Don’t keep going on and on. Let them get to know you better, not get bored because you don’t know when to stop talking. Always be nice to everyone, even to the guy at the door or someone who brings you water. You never know when your interviewer is watching you. Ask your questions to get a clear picture of what to expect and what are the kind of responsibilities you will be handling if you get the job. Before leaving thank them for the opportunity to speak to them and that you are looking forward to working with their company. Keep your questions short and don’t push too hard if the interviewer answers vaguely.
  • Post Interview Ritual: After the interview, within 24 hours send a thank you note to the interviewer via email. Keep it short, not more than 2-3 paragraphs. It’s all about doing everything you can to stand out from the crowd and ensuring the interviewers remember you while making their decision instead of just relying on the notes they made during the interview. Do not pester them with repeated emails or calls. If they haven’t connected with you, either they have selected someone else or they are busy with something else.

We, at the Lingaya’s University, are committed to make our students completely industry-ready by the time they graduate and enter the real corporate world. Our Training and Placement Cell serves to guide and prepare the students for the job interviews and placements,and also arranges internships for them to make them experience the actual work life. The cell also organizes group discussions, seminars, and mock interviews as a part of their career guidance program and personality development initiative. The Training and Placement Cell in collaboration with the PDP department in the University and competent external vendors, conducts special classes to prepare the students for clearing aptitude tests and interviews, both technical and personal. At Lingaya’s University, our focus is not just academics, we strive to pave the way to a better and brighter future for our students.

Lingaya’s University
Top University in Delhi NCR
Nachauli, Jasana Road,
Old Faridabad Faridabad, Haryana,
India – 121002