Are you a fresher appearing for an interview for the first time? Do you have a job interview scheduled but don’t know where to begin?

We have the perfect solution for you! Just go through the following phases and be ready to face your potential employer.

Preparing for an interview involves three major phases:

• before the interview,
• during the interview, and
• after the interview.

Before the Interview 👇🏾

1. Research the job – find out what type of profile the employer is looking for. Carefully review their expectations and make a list of the skills, knowledge, and professional and personal qualities that are required by the employer and critical for success in the job.
2. Check your eligibility – once you have made a list of the employer’s expectations, think about your qualifications and whether you fit the criteria set by the employer. Assess what can you bring to the table and why they should hire you.
3. Research the company – try to find out about the company you’ve applied to through its website, social media pages, employee reviews and other online sources. It will help you prepare to answer interview questions about the company and to ask the interviewer/employer questions about the company. You will also be able to find out whether the company and its culture are a good fit for you.
4. Practice mock interviews – prepare a list of expected interview questions (insert the link to another blog – Frequently asked interview questions) you think can be asked. Give this list to your family members or friends who can conduct a mock interview for your practice. This will help calm your nerves because you won’t be scrambling for an answer while in the actual interview.
5. Organize your documents – keep hard copies of all your documents including CV/Resume, marksheets, certificates, ID proofs and photographs in a folder just in case the interviewer/employer needs them for easy access. If the HR has asked you to bring any particular documents like salary slips, relieving letter from previous employer or bank statement, be sure to keep them ready as well. (Learn how to write an effective CV or Resume here.)
6. Prepare your interview clothes – choose a formal dress that you would be wearing for the interview. Make sure the clothes are clean and wrinkle-free. If you plan to spray deodorant or perfume, make sure it is mild. Overall, plan for a neat and clean look with well-cut hair and shaved or trimmed beard.

During the interview 👇🏾

1. Reach the location before time – give yourself a few extra minutes and arrive a little early for the interview. Reaching early gives you the time to freshen up, reduce your anxiety and mentally prepare yourself for the interview.
2. Follow interview etiquettes – the way you hold yourself in the office tells a lot about you. Remember to greet the receptionist, your interviewer, and everyone else you meet politely, pleasantly, and enthusiastically. Keep a check on your body language, make sufficient eye contact and be mindful of what the interviewer is asking or saying. (Learn how to introduce yourself properly here.)
3. Ask thoughtful questions – a conversation should be two-sided, so be prepared to ask the interviewer some relevant questions like any doubts regarding the position, company or any other issue.

After the interview 👇🏾

1. Follow-up – send a thank you note or mail, reiterating your interest in the job. Consider this as a follow-up with HR, to discuss anything of importance that your interviewer did not ask or that you forgot to answer as thoroughly, or as well, as you would have liked.
2. Analyse your performance – think about all that you said during the interview and analyse how you performed and what areas could have been better. Ask yourself if you forgot to mention something – this will help you in appearing for interviews further!
3. Notify your references – if you’re an experienced candidate, make sure you notify your references that they might receive a call from your prospective employer.

Good luck! 👍🏾

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