EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS
Mastering The Art of Interviews
The best way to prepare for an interview is to practice your answers to typical questions that interviewers might ask. You can make a good impression by highlighting desirable traits like accomplishments, skills, and the ability to manage high-priority tasks. In the following article, we discuss why students seek employment, and we also provide sample interview questions and answers, and ways in which students can prepare themselves for the interview process.
Why do graduates seek employment?
Graduates seek employment for a multitude of reasons such as paying of student debt, develop their skills and build their confidence in the workplace. Graduates who take on full- or part-time jobs often have better developed time management and interpersonal skills than those who have no work experience. While working can provide you with an income and additional means to support yourself, it can also help in developing your professional experience, learn new skills and get a head- start on your potential career path.
Typical stages of interviewing:
Screening Telephone Interview
This type of interview is often conducted by a Human Resources professional or the hiring manager of an organisation.
The purpose of these interviews are mainly to screen out any candidates who are not suited for the specific job role.
This type of interview is often between 20-30 minutes, taking place over the phone or via Zoom.
Video Interview
Speak loudly enough to be heard easily in a quiet place where you can focus. Remove any distracting items from your view. Act confidently and remember that it's OK to ask the interviewer to repeat a question or ask for some time to think about your response.
A video interview is one of the most popular and efficient ways for employers to conduct interviews. Make eye-contact through the camera and not the screen. Make sure that the area captured by the computer camera is clean. Make sure about your internet connection - a reliable and stable internet connection will do. Organize your notes in front of you in order to enhance the answers that you give.
Different organizations have different interview processes, so you might have a few video interviews in one day or throughout the process. Ensure that you have the interview link 24 hours in advance to avoid any issues that may arise.
Depending on the stage of the interview process, these interviews can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
In-Person Interview
If the job role is in-person, and you have made it to an in-person interview, you are likely in one of the final stages of the interview process, well done!
Be sure to dress appropriately for the interview, arrive at least 10 minutes early and bring any items you might want or need during the interview, including water.
You may be meeting with a team of people in various positions. Be sure to research everyone's role and ask different questions based on individuals' roles.
Interview Ready: Your Guide To Preparation And Success.
An interview can be an intimidating and nerve-wrecking process as its outcome can have a significant impact not only on your professional journey, but your personal life as well. Additionally, there's nervousness about being judged and being rejected (Most of us can relate).
In order to combat this anxiety one must be thorough in their interview preparation. After all, confidence is the key to success, and confidence comes from preparation.
A successful interview will be dependent on how well you have prepared for it. In order to succeed in any interview, you should focus on the 3 P's that are essential to an interview - preparation, practice, and positivity. Preparing extensively around the 3 P's will help you get an edge over other candidates and increase you chances of getting hired.
Always follow a comprehensive approach while preparing and consider all aspects like the organisational profile, communication skills, and body language along with aptitude questions. To be self-assured and composed during the interview, you must prepare well.
Depending on the job role there might be different interview procedures though the basics stay the same. The interviewer will check your level of confidence, knowledge of the subject, and your ability to articulate answers.
The 3 P's of an Interview
Preparation
This is the most important aspect of any interview. If you are well-equipped and confident but don't have the aptitude, then your chances of getting through the interview are slim. It's not just the technical know-how and knowledge about the job role but rather an all-inclusive approach.
Focus on the following aspects in your preparation process:
Research well -
Along with the job description, find out about the organisation's culture, values, challenges and purpose. Follow the organisation's social media accounts and visit its website (if it has one) to read the about us page. Familiarize yourself with the products and/or services the organisation offers. Find out any latest news about the organisation if possible. You should also be aware of the CEO and founder's names.
Research if the organisation is associated with any social causes. You might get asked: "Why do you want to work for this organisation?", and if you are aware of the organisation's profile, it will be relatively easy for you to answer this question. You can also establish how your personal values align with the organisation's values. Remember to always be open and honest when answering questions.
Carry all the necessary documents -
Make sure that you have the necessary and required documents. Have multiple copies of your Resume/CV and ID's.
Also, carry adequate supplies like pens, notepads, etc. These supplies may not be required, but you have to be prepared to write down or make notes of any important points made or details shared by the interviewers or hiring staff.
Be prepared for general questions -
A common mistake that candidates make is that they only prepare for technical or job-related questions and get flustered by straightforward questions like :"Tell us about yourself," "What's your expected career trajectory," or "Describe your strengths and weaknesses." These questions test your self-awareness.
Be prepared to elaborate on your previous experience and what your expectations are from the job role that you are applying for. You should also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer, such as what they expect from you, what are training and development opportunities like in the role you are applying for, etc.
Presentation -
For some job roles, you may be required to give a presentation. Get accustomed to the equipment, whether it is a board presentation or a PowerPoint presentation. Be thoroughly prepared by practicing several times on it.
The 3 P's of an Interview (cont'd)
Practice
After gathering all the information possible about the job role, organisation profile, and comprehending your answers, it is time to practice. Being aware of the responses and communicating them out loud are two different things. Practice speaking in front of the mirror or record a video of yourself if you are preparing for a virtual interview as it is equally as important to take care of your body language during video interviews. It will help you in structuring the answers effectively and improve your tone and pace.
It will also be advantageous to have a mock interview with a friend, family member, or mentor who can give you valuable and constructive feedback and suggestions. A question-and-answer session would also be beneficial in making you comfortable with the dynamics of an interview.
The more times you go over your own answers and speak them out loud, the more self-assured you will become. Your responses will also get refined as you keep practicing. For technical roles, practice with relevant tools and technology that may be used during the interview.
Positivity
Positivity is mirrored in the way that you carry yourself. Your body language, tone of voice, demeanor, and appearance all contribute to the success of your interview.
It is important to do the following to remain and uphold a positive demeanor:
Be prepared for general questions -
A common mistake that candidates make is that they only prepare for technical or job-related questions and get flustered by straightforward questions like :"Tell us about yourself," "What's your expected career trajectory," or "Describe your strengths and weaknesses." These questions test your self-awareness.
Be prepared to elaborate on your previous experience and what your expectations are from the job role that you are applying for. You should also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer, such as what they expect from you, what are training and development opportunities like in the role you are applying for, etc.
Presentation -
For some job roles, you may be required to give a presentation. Get accustomed to the equipment, whether it is a board presentation or a PowerPoint presentation. Be thoroughly prepared by practicing several times on it.