Content
1. Before the interview
1.1 Understand the role
1.2 Understand the organization
2. Interview
2.1 Telephone interview
2.2 Virtual (video conference) interview
2.3 In-person interview
3. Post-Interview
4. Commonly asked interview questions
5. Resources
Finding a job after graduation or a job change is not an easy task. After you’ve spent a lot of time working on tailoring your resume and cover letter for each application make and pass the first few stages of recruitment. You get called upon for the interview. You’re super excited! You face an interview but experience rejection. And this happened over and over again. It’s very painful and quite depressing to get multiple rejections at the stage of the interview.
Isn’t It more logical to take one step back and think of possible reasons for failing at the interview stage? Here is the step-by-step guide to transcend interviews and avoid rejections.
1. Before the interview
To begin this guide, this section is going to teach you all the necessary steps required on which actions you need to take before you have your interview.
1.1 Understand the role
Understanding the job advertisement is important before going for an interview because it provides important information about the role and the qualifications and skills that the employer is looking for in a candidate. By taking the time to carefully review the job advertisement, you can better understand the specific responsibilities and requirements of the role and tailor your application and interview responses to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with those needs.
Additionally, understanding the job advertisement can also help you to identify any potential red flags or areas of concern that you may want to ask about during the interview. For example, if the job advertisement mentions long hours or travel as a requirement, you may want to ask about these aspects of the job during the interview to ensure that you are comfortable with them.
In conclusion, taking the time to carefully review the job advertisement and understand the role will help you to prepare more effectively for the interview and increase your chances of success.
1.2 Understand the organization
It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the organization, its work culture, and other relevant details before an interview. The interviewer will assess whether you are a good fit for the organization and if you are genuinely interested in working there. To prepare, you should research the organization thoroughly, including its products, people, and culture. This knowledge will be useful in your interview, as demonstrating your understanding of the organization can help the interviewer determine if you are the right fit for the role. Here are a few tips for researching an organization:
- Start by reviewing the organization’s website. Look for information about their products, services, mission, and values.
- Check out the organization’s social media profiles and look for recent news or press releases about the company.
- Look for articles or blogs written about the organization or its industry. This can help you get a sense of the organization’s reputation and how it is perceived by others.
- Use LinkedIn and other professional networking platforms to learn more about the organization and the people who work there.
2. Interview
2.1 Phone Interview
A phone interview is a type of job interview that takes place over the phone rather than in person. Phone interviews are often used as a preliminary screening step in the hiring process, allowing employers to quickly assess a large number of candidates before inviting a smaller group for in-person interviews. If you have been scheduled for a phone interview, it is important to treat it just as seriously as an in-person interview. Here are a few tips to help you prepare:
- Find a quiet, private place to take the call. Avoid taking the call in a noisy or crowded location, as it can be difficult for the interviewer to hear you and it can also be distracting.
- Have a copy of your resume and any other relevant documents handy. This can help you reference your experience and qualifications during the interview.
- Practice your responses to common interview questions. Phone interviews often follow a similar structure to in-person interviews, so it can be helpful to have some responses prepared in advance.
- Make sure your phone is charged and that you have a good signal. If you are using a landline, make sure it is working properly.
- Use a professional greeting and introduce yourself. Make sure to speak slowly and clearly, and avoid using slang or filler words such as “um” or “like.”
Although it is a phone interview, it is still important to demonstrate good body language. Research has shown that your posture can affect the way you speak and come across to others. To convey energy and communicate effectively, it is best to sit upright, similar to how you would in a face-to-face interview.
Smiling can also be helpful, as studies have shown that a smile can be heard over the phone. By smiling, you can add energy to your delivery and make sure your responses are strong. Remember to avoid slouching or laying down during the phone interview, as this may negatively impact your communication with the HR representative or recruiter.
2.2 Virtual interview (video conferencing)
Virtual interviews, also known as online or video interviews, have become a common occurrence in the job market, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are preparing for a virtual interview, here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Make sure you have a reliable internet connection and that your device is charged or plugged in.
- Choose a quiet, well-lit space for the interview. Avoid any distractions or background noise.
- Dress appropriately for the interview, just as you would for an in-person interview.
- Test your equipment and make sure everything is working properly. This includes your microphone, camera, and any other necessary technology.
- Be prepared to answer common interview questions and have a copy of your resume and any other relevant documents handy.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your virtual interview goes smoothly and that you can effectively showcase your qualifications to the employer.
Body language
Body language is an important aspect of communication, and it can be just as important in a virtual interview as it is in an in-person interview.
Sit up straight and maintain a good posture. This can help you come across as confident and engaged. Make eye contact with the camera. This can help create a sense of connection with the interviewer, even though you are not in the same physical location.
Use appropriate facial expressions and gestures. This can help convey your emotions and thoughts effectively. Avoid fidgeting or displaying nervous habits such as playing with your hair or biting your nails. Use hand gestures appropriately to emphasize your points, just as you would in an in-person interview.
2.3 In-person interview
An in-person interview is a type of job interview that takes place in person, usually at the employer’s office or another location. In-person interviews provide an opportunity for the employer to assess a candidate’s fit for the role and the organization, and they are often the final step in the hiring process.
To succeed in an in-person interview, it is important to prepare and make a good impression. This includes dressing appropriately for the interview, arriving on time, bringing copies of your resume and other relevant documents, practicing your responses to common interview questions, showing enthusiasm and interest in the role and the company, and using appropriate body language and nonverbal communication.
Storytelling
Storytelling can be a powerful tool in a job interview, as it allows you to illustrate your skills, experiences, and accomplishments more engagingly and memorably. When used effectively, storytelling can help you stand out from other candidates and give the interviewer a more well-rounded understanding of who you are and what you are capable of.
Here are a few tips for using storytelling in a job interview:
- Choose stories that illustrate your skills and experiences. Think about the specific qualities and abilities that the employer is looking for, and choose stories that demonstrate those qualities.
- Use the STAR method to structure your stories. This stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Start by describing the situation you were in, the task you were asked to complete, the actions you took to complete the task, and the result of those actions.
- Use concrete details to make your stories more vivid and engaging. This can help the interviewer better understand and remember your story.
- Practice your stories beforehand. This can help you feel more confident and ensure that you deliver your story effectively.
3. Post-interview
The purpose of a post-interview follow-up is to thank the employer for the opportunity to interview and to reiterate your interest in the position. It is also an opportunity to address any concerns or questions that may have come up during the interview. You can do it by sending a thank-you email or writing a thank-you letter. Below is a sample email format to appreciate the employer for the opportunity.
Dear [Employer],
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to interview with you and your team yesterday. I was truly impressed by the company’s mission and culture, and I believe that my skills and experience would make me a valuable addition to the team.
I was particularly interested in the discussion we had about [specific topic discussed in the interview]. I am confident that my experience in [relevant experience] would be an asset in this role.
I am excited about the potential of working with your team and contributing to the company’s success. Thank you again for considering me for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Commonly asked interview questions
To be well-prepared for an interview, it is important to anticipate and practice answering some common questions that may be asked. While there may be role-specific questions that are tailored to the position you are applying for, there are also some standard questions that tend to appear in many interviews. Here is a list of some questions that you may encounter during your interview:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want to work for our company?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.
- How do you handle conflict or difficult situations?
- What are your long-term career goals?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- How do you stay up-to-date with industry developments?
By anticipating and practicing your responses to these common interview questions, you can increase your confidence and increase your chances of success in the interview.
If the employer says, “Do you have questions?”. This is a golden opportunity to ask some logical questions about the prospective role and its components, products/services, etc. It is a great way to demonstrate your interest in the position and the company, as well as to gather important information that will help you make an informed decision about whether the role is the right fit for you. Here are a few potential questions you may want to ask an employer during an interview:
- What are the key responsibilities of this role?
- What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the team or organization right now?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
By asking thoughtful and relevant questions during the interview, you can show your interest in the role and gather important information to help you make an informed decision about whether the position is right for you.
5. Resources
- MyInterviewPractice (Thousands of Interview Questions per Industry): https://myinterviewpractice.com/industries/
- CareerVidz: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtPXCqjm9c7nqgJL-vBSZg
- The Muse (51 Questions to ask in an interview): https://www.themuse.com/advice/51-interview-questions-you-should-be-asking
- Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelcyvjoseph/2019/03/30/interview-101-the-dos-and-donts/?sh=6418921378fe