A job interview is a formal (or sometimes casual) meeting in which a candidate is questioned about their eligibility for a certain occupation. It is also an opportunity for the applicant to learn more about the company and the role they are applying for, as well as for the employer to determine whether the candidate they are interviewing is suitable not only for the job but also for the company’s culture, mission and vision, and what it stands for.
It is quite similar to an exam where you have to be fully prepared in order for you to pass with flying colors. Additionally, the anxiety of going on a job interview and encountering new people usually causes a lot of stress.
Today’s article will help you prepare for your job interview as a young professional, so get your notes and pens ready!
Types of Interviews:
- One-on-one interviews – The most common type. You are questioned by a single person (typically HR or an executive head), and this form of interview normally consists of a straightforward question and answer session, especially if this is your first interview. When you are invited to the next phase or final interview, additional in-depth information will be shared, and they will most likely also hand you your job offer documents.
- Panel Interview – A discussion between two or more members of a hiring team. Your future supervisor, a human resources representative, or other decision-makers may be on the panel. Each panelist gets the chance to ask you questions about your experience, credentials, and ambitions throughout the interview.
- Competency Interview – A behavioral or situational interview, also known as a skill or competency interview, is a type of interview procedure used to evaluate a candidate’s abilities and competencies in relation to the role.
How to Prepare for your Job Interview
- Analyze the Job – An important part of interview preparation is to analyze the job posting if you have it. Consider what the employer is looking for in a candidate as you go through the job description. Make a list of the abilities, expertise, and professional and personal traits that the company requires.
- Make a Match – Make a list of your assets and match them to the job criteria once you’ve outlined the credentials for the position. These could be abilities, attributes, certificates, or experience. When explaining to the employer why you are a good fit, you can bring up some of these characteristics. This preparation will help you be prepared to answer job-specific interview questions as well as behavioral interview questions aimed at assessing if you have the necessary knowledge, abilities, and attributes.
- Research the Company – Company research is an essential component of interview preparation. It will help you prepare to answer company-related interview questions. You’ll also learn whether the organization and its culture are a suitable fit for you. Check out company evaluations from customers as well as current and past employees.
- Practice Interviewing – Make sure you’re comfortable with technology if you’re interviewing for a job online. Study typical job interview questions and answers, and plan your response. Try to follow the same structure as the real interview during the practice interview. If it’s a panel interview, have a few friends act as panelists.
- Get Your Interview Clothes Ready – Don’t leave it until the last minute to have your interview attire ready. Even if you’re seeking a job in a more informal setting, you should still be neat and tidy. When getting ready for an interview, you should also take into account your makeup and accessories. Whatever sort of job you’re applying for, your first impression should be exceptional. Dress appropriately in business clothing for an interview for a professional position.
- Decide What to do with your Hair – The way you style your hair for a job interview is almost as important as what you wear. After all, the interviewer will notice everything about you, including your interview clothes, haircut, and makeup, and you will only have a few seconds to create a good impression.
- What to Bring to a Job Interview – What to bring to a job interview and what not to bring. A portfolio with copies of your resume and a list of references is recommended. Bring nothing except yourself and your credentials; no phone, coffee, gum, or anything else. Or, at the very least, turn off your phone.
- Practice Interview Etiquette – Interview etiquette is important. Remember to respectfully, warmly, and enthusiastically welcome the receptionist, your interviewer, and everyone else you encounter.
- Get Directions – If you’re doing an in-person interview, make sure you know where you need to go ahead of time. That way, you won’t be late for the interview. To find instructions, use Google Maps or a comparable app. Check to see if parking will be an issue. If you have the time, a practice runs a day or two before the interview is an excellent idea. You’ll know how long it will take to get there that way.
- Listen and Ask Questions – In a job interview, listening is just as crucial as answering questions. You won’t be able to deliver a solid answer if you’re not paying attention. It is critical to describe your qualifications in such a way that the interviewer is impressed. Also, be prepared to engage the interviewer and ask your own questions.
- Follow-Up with a Thank You Note – Consider your thank-you letter to be a “sales” letter. Restate why you want the position, your skills, and how you believe you can make a big impact. It is also an excellent time to address anything important that your interviewer did not ask or to which you did not respond.
As one of the leading human capital management organizations in Asia, Viventis Search Asia covers a wide range of industries and is always on the lookout for the best candidates.
If you are what we’re looking for, feel free to visit our social media channels to check out our career opportunities so we can help you get started on your job-hunting journey!
Final Thoughts:
Job interviews can be nerve-racking at times, but as the saying goes, opportunities favor the prepared, so it is to your best advantage to prepare and do what is required to land your ideal job. But it’s also important to remember that success doesn’t happen overnight, so don’t be discouraged if you weren’t offered the position. It’s natural to be disappointed, but use that setback as a chance to learn so you can do even better in your future job search.
If your goal is to reach the top of the mountain, you may as well enjoy the scenic detours along the way.
Sometimes it’s the process, rather than the outcome, that makes the journey worthwhile.
