Some do's and don'ts when you are going for your interview
Do you remember your first day in college? Your first motorcycle? Your first Mercedes? And most importantly, your first job interview? Hey, we always remember the things that we do for the first time. And most importantly, we also remember the effort, pain, planning, etc., that we put into that first thing. There is always a first time for everything, and so it is with job interviews.
In our lives, our first job is as important as our first job interview. We learn everything right from the womb to the tomb. In India, every year, more than 30 lakhs people graduate from their colleges with a goal to enter a good job and a good professional life, entering the world of reality.
It's very important to prepare for your first job interview just as you would for a first date. So, the big question arises, how will you do that? (I am talking about job interviews)
Being in the HR vertical, I have personally interviewed many people, from freshers to individuals with more experience than my total age. From my experience, I have learned what, as a recruiter, I like, and here are the five most important things you should do when going for your first job interview:
1. Collect information about the company and the job where you are going:
Before heading to any interview, the first thing you should do is to gather information about the company you are visiting. Make sure you know the following about the company:
- Company name and the names of important management personnel.
- The business/industry the company is in and the main players in that industry.
- Details about the job you are interviewing for (if you have the job description beforehand).
- Basic knowledge about the industry in which the company operates.
- Major clients of the company (if available).
The above list is not exhaustive; there are many more things you can find out about a company. This information will boost your confidence and create an impression that you genuinely want the job and to be associated with the company.
Source of Information:
- Internet (search engines).
- Company's official website.
- Friends who may work in the company.
- Placement agencies that may have set up the interview.
2. Be on time for the interview:
Punctuality is essential when attending an interview unless there are major problems. Always plan and keep spare time to reach the destination on time. However, keep in mind that arriving one or two hours before the interview time is also not ideal. This can make you more nervous and bored. You don't want to appear exhausted and sleepy when you enter the interview room.
3. Dress properly:
Clothing is crucial as it boosts a person's confidence and comfort. Always dress well and be confident because the person sitting in front of you forms a first impression based on your attire, style, and body language.
Do's for males: Shirt and trousers are preferred in India.
For females: Shirt and trousers or salwar kameez.
Don'ts: Avoid wearing jeans, t-shirts, or revealing clothes. Refrain from using strong perfume on your clothes and limit the accessories you wear.
4. Body Language:
Your interview starts the moment you enter the room as the interviewer begins analyzing your body language. Always seek permission before entering the interviewer's cabin. Maintain proper eye contact (avoid staring), listen attentively, and show interest. Lean slightly forward to show engagement, use hand movements, and if you don't understand something, ask for clarification (without repeatedly asking to repeat). Stay calm, avoid speaking too fast, take your time to think before responding, and do not rest your hands on the table or cross your legs.
5. This is your last job interview:
Maintain the mindset that you must secure this job; there is no other option. This attitude will help you give your best in the interview, boosting your confidence and enabling you to provide the right answers to ace the interview.
This is not your last job interview:
Whenever you attend an interview, remind yourself that this is not the last job of your life. This mindset will give you the confidence to express yourself fully, alleviate nervousness, and present yourself authentically. Embrace failure as it builds confidence for the next opportunity.
Note: I have presented two options above, acknowledging that everyone has different behaviors and thoughts. It is up to you to choose which option resonates with you.
The points mentioned above are just a few things you should do before an interview. While there are many more strategies one can employ, following these guidelines will significantly improve your chances of success in the selection process. I am confident you will excel in your job interview.
Do you remember your first day in college? Your first motorcycle? Your first Mercedes? And most importantly, your first job interview? Hey, we always remember the things that we do for the first time. And most importantly, we also remember the effort, pain, planning, etc., that we put into that first thing. There is always a first time for everything, and so it is with job interviews.
In our lives, our first job is as important as our first job interview. We learn everything right from the womb to the tomb. In India, every year, more than 30 lakhs people graduate from their colleges with a goal to enter a good job and a good professional life, entering the world of reality.
It's very important to prepare for your first job interview just as you would for a first date. So, the big question arises, how will you do that? (I am talking about job interviews)
Being in the HR vertical, I have personally interviewed many people, from freshers to individuals with more experience than my total age. From my experience, I have learned what, as a recruiter, I like, and here are the five most important things you should do when going for your first job interview:
1. Collect information about the company and the job where you are going:
Before heading to any interview, the first thing you should do is to gather information about the company you are visiting. Make sure you know the following about the company:
- Company name and the names of important management personnel.
- The business/industry the company is in and the main players in that industry.
- Details about the job you are interviewing for (if you have the job description beforehand).
- Basic knowledge about the industry in which the company operates.
- Major clients of the company (if available).
The above list is not exhaustive; there are many more things you can find out about a company. This information will boost your confidence and create an impression that you genuinely want the job and to be associated with the company.
Source of Information:
- Internet (search engines).
- Company's official website.
- Friends who may work in the company.
- Placement agencies that may have set up the interview.
2. Be on time for the interview:
Punctuality is essential when attending an interview unless there are major problems. Always plan and keep spare time to reach the destination on time. However, keep in mind that arriving one or two hours before the interview time is also not ideal. This can make you more nervous and bored. You don't want to appear exhausted and sleepy when you enter the interview room.
3. Dress properly:
Clothing is crucial as it boosts a person's confidence and comfort. Always dress well and be confident because the person sitting in front of you forms a first impression based on your attire, style, and body language.
Do's for males: Shirt and trousers are preferred in India.
For females: Shirt and trousers or salwar kameez.
Don'ts: Avoid wearing jeans, t-shirts, or revealing clothes. Refrain from using strong perfume on your clothes and limit the accessories you wear.
4. Body Language:
Your interview starts the moment you enter the room as the interviewer begins analyzing your body language. Always seek permission before entering the interviewer's cabin. Maintain proper eye contact (avoid staring), listen attentively, and show interest. Lean slightly forward to show engagement, use hand movements, and if you don't understand something, ask for clarification (without repeatedly asking to repeat). Stay calm, avoid speaking too fast, take your time to think before responding, and do not rest your hands on the table or cross your legs.
5. This is your last job interview:
Maintain the mindset that you must secure this job; there is no other option. This attitude will help you give your best in the interview, boosting your confidence and enabling you to provide the right answers to ace the interview.
This is not your last job interview:
Whenever you attend an interview, remind yourself that this is not the last job of your life. This mindset will give you the confidence to express yourself fully, alleviate nervousness, and present yourself authentically. Embrace failure as it builds confidence for the next opportunity.
Note: I have presented two options above, acknowledging that everyone has different behaviors and thoughts. It is up to you to choose which option resonates with you.
The points mentioned above are just a few things you should do before an interview. While there are many more strategies one can employ, following these guidelines will significantly improve your chances of success in the selection process. I am confident you will excel in your job interview.