Youth Incorporated Magazine

Job interviews are always stressful. No matter how many interviews you’ve given, whether it’s ten or zero, there is always a certain amount of stress and anxiety that comes before a job interview. You don’t know what the employer is going to ask; what if you mess up? What if you sweat profusely and start to stink? What if they ask you something you don’t know the answer to? There are a lot of ‘what ifs’, and that is okay. The important thing to remember is to always keep yourself composed and prepare the best you can from your side. Here are a few things to remember before a job interview that may help you feel more prepared and confident in your own skills and abilities. 

1. Study the role you’re applying for

It is crucial for you to know the job profile you’re applying for, and you have to know it inside out. For example, look at the requirements posed by the company, and then figure out how you can add value to the role and how your skills and experience can contribute to the company. 

2. Don’t be an outsider to the company

As important as it is to thoroughly analyze the role you’re applying for, it is equally as important to have done enough research about the company as well. Go through the company’s website and if they offer a product or service, try it out. If you seem clueless about what the organization does then it may not leave the best impression.

3. Update and perfect your resume

Updating your resume is something many people forget to do, and it leaves a bad impression on the employer, as it shows carelessness and negligence. Make sure your resume is up to date and also make sure that you know everything that you’ve put in your resume. Many people forget what they’ve included in their resume and that often works against their favour. 

4. Practice and prepare your responses

There are certain generic questions that all employers ask during a job interview, and you can find these with a simple search online. Also, if the company you’re interviewing for is well-known, then you could probably find interview questions they usually ask on forums like Reddit or Quora. Make sure you look for those too.

5. Be on time

A few light tips also come in handy because although it may seem obvious, we tend to forget these things when we’re stressing or have too much on our mind. Try reaching at least 15 minutes early, so that even if you get lost or don’t know where to go, you have enough time to find the place and settle. Having a few minutes before the interview also helps in collecting your composure.

6. Dress appropriately and follow etiquette

Workplaces follow a formal dress code, which should be followed even if you’re just going for an interview. In India, some workplaces also accept Indian formal wear, so women can wear Indian formals as well if they don’t have western formals. Certain things like being polite, well-dressed and respectful are expected, so make sure you keep these things in mind.

7. Research the salary expectations in your field

One question almost all employers ask at the end of the interview is about your salary expectations. If you don’t know what to ask for, look online for similar job prospects and what they’re offering. You can also ask your friends or family about what the range should be, if they work in the same industry and have an estimate. 

8. Be polite to all staff members you meet

It is a given that you have to be respectful and polite in front of your employer during the interview. But it is also important to be respectful towards any other staff member you meet, before and after the interview. This includes people you talk to at the reception, in the lift, or while waiting for your interview in the waiting room. 

9. Take your time and think before you speak

During the interview, it is natural to get nervous and fumble. Don’t let that get to you. Remember that the employer has taken interviews before, and knows the kind of stress you may be going through. It is okay to ask for a moment and drink some water. If you don’t know how to answer a question, it is best to think about it mentally before saying anything.

10. Be confident in your own abilities

Last but not least, know your worth. You were selected for the job interview because someone saw potential. So, don’t think about not being good enough for the role or not having enough experience, because that will not help you in any way. 

After all this, if you end up not getting the job, please don’t be disheartened! I know how it may feel, to put in your best effort and not get the job; but the best thing you can do is take it as a learning opportunity and do things better or differently the next time. The right job for you is out there, and it’s okay if there’s a lot of trial and error involved in the process.