Strategies to Crack an Interview

Preparing for a college interview? Preparing for a job interview? Feeling the jitters down your body about what’s gonna happen in the interview room?

We all feel these chills before the very important moments of our lives. Be it a club/committee interview or your dream job interview, keep some points in your mind and you will sail through the process without any storms halting you.

Intrigued about knowing what can help you outshine the others and come out with flying colours? Read this article till the end to become a pro at cracking interviews.

12 Tips to crack an interview-

Be punctual: Always reach the venue 10 minutes before the appointed time. This way, you can familiarise yourself with the environment and calm yourself before letting anyone else see that little glimpse of your nervousness (just to be safe).

Dress formally: Select an occasion suitable outfit beforehand. Understand the culture so that your outfit is coherent with that of the organisation/college’s expected norms or culture.

Be confident: Confidence is the key to everything. Sit with your back straight as it sub-consciously induces confidence in yourself. Show the firmness in giving your answers so that there’s not a grain of doubt in the interviewer’s mind about your abilities.

Pay attention to your body language: Non-verbal communication is even stronger than the verbal one. Fidgeting your hands or shaking your legs sends a sign of anxiety to your interviewer which can be a negative factor. So, practice your answers in front of a mirror and pay attention to the smallest details like your eye movements or hands placement.

Stay calm: Racing of heart and turning of stomach is quite normal when you are sitting in front of the panel. Thus, it is important to calm your nerves before an interview. Take deep breaths and answer normally.

Be attentive: Pay attention to what the interviewer is asking. It is always better to listen effectively before speaking anything inappropriate. Remember to focus on listening and take time before responding to their questions.

Say clearly: During the interview it will be important to act and speak professionally. It's okay to take pauses in between your speech but don't use words like 'umm' or 'uhh' as it seems too casual for an interview.

Make eye contact: Maintaining eye contact in a natural manner is a good way to show your confidence. Always remember not to stare at the interviewer. Keeping a good eye contact also shows that you are listening to what he/she is talking about and reflects your professionalism.

Stay positive: There can be many reasons that you might have a bad mood or just feel down on the day of the interview. There are less chances of getting a job if you show a negative attitude. Thus, no matter how bad or negative you feel it is important to show a positive attitude in front of the interviewers for an ever lasting impression.

Know about the company: You have to know about the company for which you're going to be interviewed. Check out all the relevant details about the company, or the latest news about it. This research also helps in preparing for the interview indirectly.

Prepare for potential interview questions: There are some basic questions that are asked in every interview. For instance-

Tell us something about yourself that is not mentioned in your CV.

Why do you want to be a part of this organisation?

Why should we hire you?

Do you have some new ideas that you will bring to our organisation?

Why did you leave your previous organisation? (in case of job switching)

Tell us about a situation when you failed badly.

What are some instances where you worked in a leadership role?

Always end with a Thankyou Note: The last thing you can do while leaving the interview room is to express how grateful you are to the interviewers. Saying a polite 'Thank you' after an interview is worth an effort.

The ultimate priority of the candidate must be to stay energetic during the interview. Be confident and follow these tips and tricks to crack your interviews. Show the best version of yourself to the interviewer.

Happy Interviewing! All the best!

~ By Isha Garg for Young Engine