Every young prospect would be called for a face-to-face interview at some point in his/her career. This is definitely thrilling news, especially when it is the first interview. However, here’s the catch: you should be well prepared, say the right things and avoid the wrong mentions to be able to eventually land the job.
Appearing at an interview can prove to be a daunting experience for first-timers. Being too excited and nervous at the same time, they may end up saying things out of context and not saying things that matter most.
So, here are a few do’s and don’ts to help you prepare better for your first face-to-face interview.
Do’s
Be flexible: When you are answering a question related to job responsibilities or a possible place of employment and the interviewer tends to harp on the same, you need to stress your willingness to be mobile. It will demonstrate that you have an ability to adjust with any environment and take challenges.
Demonstrate your learning: When asked about particular cases or issues, explain in detail about your internship experiences. Use the conversation and divulge more details about yourself. It is not wrong to seem more elaborate, so that the interviewer can gauge your potential and develop a better understanding about your competencies.
Showcase your knowledge: Hiring managers like to test the candidates’ knowledge about the organisation they have applied for. Make sure to check their official website and make a concerted attempt to know about the company’s business operations prior to the interview.
Access their official brand page on social media to find out basic company information and latest updates. This will show the interviewer that you take the interview seriously.
Ask how you can succeed in the job: For interviewers, the best thing during a face-to-face interview is to hear interesting questions from the candidates. Do your research well. Talk to employees in the company about the particular role on offer ensuring that you have meaningful queries at the end of the interview session. This will prove that you are keenly interested in knowing the company better.
Don’ts
Go overboard: Hiring managers are looking for passionate employees who are willing to dedicate themselves to a particular job role. They are not interested in someone who desperately wants to land the job. Answer questions succinctly and do not exaggerate or deviate. Avoid extreme openness and flexibility to adapt or else the interviewer might see you as an over anxious or incompetent candidate.
Make personal comments: Avoid praising the interviewer’s physical appearance, referring to other known employees (unless specifically asked for), asking personal questions, gossiping, and making sensational or sexist comments. These are likely to be viewed as highly irrelevant talk in a job interview and thus may lead to your being judged as being unprofessional.
Be judgmental: Refrain from making caustic or evaluative statements about people, processes, or technology in the companies that you have interned with or had worked at. Do not reveal your biases to the interviewer.
Badmouth: Do not ever badmouth your last boss or someone else in your internship or past companies. It is unethical and will send a negative signal that you may be difficult to manage.
Being invited to a face-to-face personal interview is in itself a success, but it might be only the first step of a long hiring process. The main objective of attending an interview is to send signals of assurance to your future employer that you are the right talent they have been looking for.
Ensure that your CV does not lie and avoid exaggerating experiences. Demonstrate that you have the right balance of skills, attitude, and knowledge required for the job.
Good luck with your job interview!
The writer is Dean and Advisor, Departments of MHRM/MSW, D.G.Vaishnav College, Chennai.
