INTERVIEWEE’S (CANDIDATE’S) PREPARATION FOR AN INTERVIEW

Preparation for an interview can be divided into three stages:

A)Preparation Stage/ Before the Interview/ Pre-interview

B)Performance Stage/ During the Interview/ Execution Stage

C)Review or Evaluation Stage/ Closing the Interview/ Post-interview

A) PREPARATION STAGE/ BEFORE THE INTERVIEW/ PRE-INTERVIEW: Following aspects should be considered while preparing for an interview:

1) Self Assessment- The preparation for an interview begins with self-assessment. Unless candidate is aware of his skills, achievements, abilities, strengths, weaknesses, hobbies, expectations, aims and work value, he cannot succeed in an interview.

2) Update Resume- Resume is a document that speaks first to the interviewer than the interviewee. The interviewer forms an opinion about the candidate from the resume. Resume should be carefully updated. All necessary information related to the candidate, educational and other achievements should be properly incorporated in the resume.

3) Review of Job Details- A candidate should know the details about available position- the duties, responsibilities, work pressure, nature of job, etc. and must review how his own skills relate to the post.

4) Collect Information about the Company- A candidate should collect information about the company such as its goals and targets, its business and services and other details. It will prove beneficial during the interview.

5) Think about the Possible Questions- A candidate should think about the possible questions that might be asked during the interview. Those questions might be related with job experience, need and requirement of the job, skills, readiness to work with others, expectations, salary, etc. Thinking about such questions before hand will save the candidate from confusion during interview.  

6) Carrying Documents- A chronologically arranged file with all relevant documents, extra copies of resume, copies of articles and papers published should be placed in a folder. The things claimed in resume should have documentary evidences.

7) Physical Preparation- Physical appearance is also important. Dress should be appropriate, formal and not too colourful. Shoes should be clean and well polished. Hairstyle should be suitable and too much make-up should be avoided.

8) Psychological Preparation- Psychological and mental preparation plays an important role in an interview. A positive attitude and self-confidence is must for an interview. A candidate should always think about his strengths and how they can be focused. He must have courage and frankness to admit that he is unable to answer a particular question. He should be mentally prepared to discuss delicate and tricky issues such as negotiating salary.  

B) PERFORMANCE STAGE/ DURING THE INTERVIEW/ EXECUTION STAGE:

After preparing for the interview then comes the actual execution of interview. Following points should be kept in mind while facing the interview:

#The candidate should reach the interview venue at least 15 minutes before, so that he can settle down and be comfortable.

#The candidate should report at the reception or to the interviewer’s assistant.

#He should observe the organisational environment and try to adjust with it.

#He should treat everyone with courtesy.

#After entering the interview room, the candidate should greet the interviewers politely.

#He should wait unless the interviewers ask to take seat. He should sit in a relaxed manner, straight and lean a bit forward.

#He should have a cheerful face with pleasant and comfortable look.

#Style of entering, closing the door, walking, greeting and taking the chair give an idea about candidate’s manners, confidence and attitude.

#He should maintain eye-contact with the interviewers and should not fiddle with objects.

#He should show eagerness to listen to the interviewers.

#He should not interrupt the interviewers unless they finish question.

#He should handover the file gently if asked to do so.

#He should respond and give answers relevantly.

#If he doesn’t know answer, he should say so politely.

#He should have control over temper, body language, paralanguage and gestures.

#He should avoid criticism and negative remarks about others or previous employer.

#If the candidate has any question, doubt, clarification, he should ask politely.

#He should be alert and attentive during the interview.

#He should not leave seat unless interview finishes.

C) REVIEW OR EVALUATION STAGE/ CLOSING THE INTERVIEW/ POST-INTERVIEW:

#He should thank and wish the interviewers at the end of the interview.

#He should leave the room genteelly.