The entire interview process is time consuming and tedious task and requires proper planning. The most challenging part of an interview is to hunt for one and getting ready with all the research work done up-to-date.
There are possibilities to receive job notifications for which you must have applied weeks ago or a recent job opening. Keep yourself flexible enough with the interview timings to avoid last minute rush; compile all the requisite documents for that interview, keeping a checklist handy including:
- Copies of resume
- Professional References
- Pen and notebook
- List of your own questions
- Knowledge of the company and position
- Identifications
- Positive Attitude
It’s good to be overly prepared and walk in the interview with everything organized. Time may come when the interviewer manager may ask for a telephonic round before inviting for a face to face round; this list will work for that too.
Copies of Resume
Admitting the fact that there is a major shift toward digital platforms like LinkedIn, candidates are still expected to get hard copies of their resume.
Having a few print out copies of updated resume, in a latest professional format, does no harm. In fact, career management experts suggest in getting one resume for each interviewer is actually a good idea.
References
Besides hard copies of your resume, prepare a list of professional references to share it with the panel in advance. The interviewer may not ask for it but it is always advisable to do so, as you will be saving interviewer’s time for the next step if they are interested in you.
Pens and Paper
This has to be a default point in your checklist. There’s no harm in jotting down points during an interview as it may create a powerful impact on the interviewer. This can also be used to write a post-interview thank you email or a note for the interviewer.
It should be neat, tidy, organized and minimally distracting.
List of Questions
This is an important segment of any interview process; you may be asked whether you have any questions for the interviewer. This is the time to be impressive and grab the opportunity to leave a powerful impact on the panel. So use this opportunity to your utmost advantage and never say no to this.
While questions may vary from company to company and position to position. Here are a few questions that may help you in general:
- How will this position grow over the next three years?
- What have been the achievements of previous employers in this position?
- How will my work contribute towards the company’s mission?
- What have you enjoyed the most while working with this company?
Research
Before applying for any job opening or sending your resume for future reference, you should do your homework first. Have a thorough understanding of the company through different channels, mediums and networks, learn about the company’s mission, values and work culture.
This will enable you to have a more intelligent conversation with the interviewers, and help with the hiring process. In addition, this research will help you creating a good list of questions to ask with the interviewer.
Documentation and Identification
Be prepared for the ending of the interview, as it sometimes turns out to be unpredictable. You may get a job offer and there may be chances, they will ask for identity cards, certain documents etc, so it is advisable to carry all the necessary documents along with you.
Positive Attitude
Your non-verbal communication talks a lot during an interview, your body language and voice tone are the ones which play a major role in this process.
What this means is, don’t let yourself too stressed out while preparing for an interview as this not let your personality do the talking. It can be understood as if there is one more candidate and he also has the same comparable skill set then your positive attitude and confidence will make you stand out in the race.
Preparing self with these tips may not guarantee a job but it will surely make you confident enough to land in the interview room with the best foot.