After all the hard work when candidates do get the ‘coveted’ interview, there are some bloopers which can be avoided. After dealing with hundreds and candidates over the years, ArteezHR has drawn up the following tips:

Before the interview

1. Research the company before heading out. Know the business, turnover and other important information.
2. Know what is your job role and expectations
3. Read your CV several times, there may be information you have written that you need to re-look.
4. Draw up a list of your most significant achievements and challenges faced (not failures!).
   This will most definitely be asked in various forms. Better be prepared than be caught mumbling out some insignificant episodes.
5. Think of why you are changing your job and articulate it well, when asked. Bad mouthing your seniors or management will show you in poor light. Always use positive ways of putting across things.

 

During the interview

1. If you are not 10 minutes early, you are late! Reaching early cannot be emphasized
   enough. If for some unforeseen reason you are getting late, do inform the interview
   coordinator before they call you.
2. Be polite and courteous to everyone whom you interact that includes the lift person, security people. Leave everyone with a warm smile. It will make both – you and them feel good!
3. Dress in business formals – even if nothing is mentioned in your call letter. First looks form lasting impressions.
4. Know the names of whom you are expected to meet.
5. Be seated comfortably and speak confidently.
6. Do not tell particulars that when cross checked cannot be confirmed. The lies come out sooner or later.
7. Answer in brief about all your achievements; avoid blowing your own trumpet! Humility is a quality everyone looks for.
8. Convey your challenges or your negatives in a positive way.
9. Speak about your lessons learnt from challenges rather than your mistakes.
10. Body language communicates more than your words.
11. When presented with technical questions, work out your options carefully – if need be think loudly. Often times, they are looking for the depth of your knowledge and processes followed and not the result as such.
12. Reserve your questions for the end.
13. Ask questions related to their business and future plans, not about your benefits.
14. Wait for their feedback, do not ask for responses immediately.
15. Leave with a smile and offering more information, if they require.