Here’s the Perfect Guide on How You Should Prep – Up both, Before and After Your Job Interview

Hello professionals! Job interviews can be both predictable and unpredictable. You master different skills and boost your brain with the latest industry updates. But during the interview, the jitters always come in between your smooth answers and the interviewer. Furthermore, the shrewd interviewer is in a constant pursuit to confuse or trick you with their bewildering questions. It is the time when your presence of mind is heavily tested. So, this article is dedicated to you, not only to help you ace in your job interviews but also to guide you in what should you do after it to create a lasting impression.

Before the Interview

1. Read the JD in Details: Before you apply for a job vacancy, read the job description (JD) carefully. Check what skills and qualifications it requires. Observe the responsibilities that the company expects you to take if you get the job and analyze whether you are experienced or qualified accordingly. If you think the JD suits you, then you can easily guess the expected questions the interviewer can ask and take better preparation.

2. Study the Company: Only sharpening your skills is not enough while preparing for an interview. Learn about the company you are going for an interview in, the industry it belongs to, its background, operations, website, and social media pages. Plan out how you can apply/utilize your skills for the position you’ve applied. All this will help you in answering the general FAQs like: why should we hire you, give us your suggestions on how to improve the company profile or website, what suggestions do you have, comment on this strategy/activity/advertisement/etc.

3. Be Clean, Crisp, and Punctual: Always opt for formal attires and make sure whatever you choose to wear is clean, ironed, and appropriate. Have your hair tied or combed neatly. Maintain a graceful and minimal look, and do not be late. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your interview. This will show how responsible, punctual, and serious you are about the interview.

4. Sort out the Important Documents: Create separate files where you can carry your work samples, updated CV, and other important documents. Talk about the work samples during the interview. This provides a glimpse to your expertise for the required position.

5. Make Your First Impression a Good One: It takes only 7 – 8 seconds for the interviewer to judge a candidate. So, be polite and soft-spoken. Smile and greet with a firm handshake. Respond to questions confidently and be honest if you do not know or are not sure of an answer. Showcase your skills, expertise, field knowledge, and experience and also ask a few questions. This shows that you have done your research and you are serious about the job. Prepare insightful questions, adding any additional queries that might arise during the interview.

After the Interview

1. Know the follow-up procedure: Before leaving the interview, ask your interviewer or recruiter-in-charge about your hiring manager’s timeline, when, how, and with whom you should follow up with. Also, ask for the interviewer’s business card or contact details.

2. Analyze thoroughly: After you have left the interview, review the whole interview process in your head. Observe how you have answered: was it fairly good, or could you have done better? Also, try to think about how you felt regarding the whole experience, the interviewer, and the company: was there any negative vibes, or was it straight out professional? Scrutinizing yourself and the company together will help you to perform better the next time, make a decision and choose your job wisely.

3. Send a Thank You letter: A thank you note is essential after an interview. Make sure to mail it the same day if the interview was held early in the morning, or mail it the next day if it was held in the previous afternoon or evening. Write about your experience in the interview and the questions you could have answered better. Personalize it individually, if you are sending it to multiple interviewers of the same organization.

Keep all these tips in mind, and you are ready to crack any job interview successfully. All the best!