1. How to improve your interview skills
So, you got shortlisted for a job opportunity of your interest and went for an interview. Interestingly, it went well but somehow, you never heard back from the employer. After waiting for their response for days, you were communicated that you have been rejected, and that made you wonder where you went wrong. Has it happened with you more than once? Well, it might be possible that you make some innocent mistakes during the interview that spoil your impression and make the recruiter reject your candidature. To help you up your game, here are a few tips to improve your interview skills.
2. Playing victim
This is one of the most common mistakes people make during a job interview. Playing the victim card by cribbing about work burden, unprofessional seniors or personal problems does not always help. Every employer is looking for someone who is self-driven and has a solution-oriented approach. Discussing only your problems might make the interview believe you can’t deal well with challenges at the workplace. Isn’t that obvious?
3. Money matters
Finance-related matters need to be dealt smartly during an interview. Yes, most of us work for the salary that gets credited into our account every month but you can’t be too upfront about it. Justify the raise you are expecting by explaining how well you would fit into the role and would contribute to the team. Be a little careful with your words and try to not project yourself as a greedy employee.
4. Body language and confidence
The way you carry yourself speaks volume about you. Pay attention to your body language as the person on the other side will always observe it. Make sure you are confident and are not sitting with your arms crossed. Postures like sitting with your hands on the table, continuously shaking your legs or not maintaining eye contact are indicators that you either bored, under-confident or anxious.
5. Not doing your homework
You might be good at what you do professionally but you must do a detailed research of your KRA in this new job profile and the company. This would prepare you to answer questions like ‘what do you know about us’, ‘why you want to work here’ or any question on similar lines in great details. Again, this would prove that you are pretty serious about this job opportunity and are well prepared for the interview.
6. The first impression
Did you arrive late for the interview? Were you dressed in your casuals and looked uninterested? Did you look aggressive while putting forward your point of view? Or, you just stormed out of the room and forgot to thank the interviewer for his or her time? Well, at times, your first impression is the last one in an interview. Make sure you project yourself as a passionate and professional worker who would fit well in the company’s work culture.
7. Communication skills
Are you a good listener or you start answering questions even before the interviewer finishes talking? Do you ask questions related to the company’s leaves policy and your annual package before discussing your work profile? Or, you just answer the interviewer’s questions and have nothing to ask from your side? Your communication skills can make or break this deal. Make sure you are polite during the entire interview, think before you answer anything, ask the right questions at the right time and follow up with the recruiter after the interview. It shows that you are interested in the job, have a proactive approach, and give an idea about what kind of employee you would be once you join.
8. Blaming the company and colleagues!
Remember you might never make a good impression if you start blaming your present company and colleagues. In fact, the interviewer might get the impression that you are not a loyal employee of your current organization and also, not a team player.