It has been observed that most of the people pass their written tests but fail in their interviews, why it happens? There are several things here are some to improve, so that the next interview you give must be a successful one.
1. Interview Preparation
Counselors:
Prof. Ghufran Majeed Hashmi
B. Com, B. Com (Hons.),
M. Com (Mgt.), MS (HRM).
Anila Muhammad Ashraf,
BBA (Hons.), MBA (Mgt. & HRM).
Dr. Zeeshan Haider,
MBA (Mkt.), MS(HRM), DHMS.
Dr. Erum Siddique,
Dental Surgeon,
DHQ Hospital, Abbottabad.
Career Clinic
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2. Interview Tips: 10 Tips To Improve Interview
Performance
The day has come: You found an awesome job,
applied, and got a call from a real-live human being who
wants to meet with you. Congrats! But your work has
only just begun.
Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need
to prepare for their job interview. Why, you ask?
Interview skills are learned, and there are no second
chances to make a great first impression. These 10
interview tips will teach you how to answer interview
questions and convince the hiring manager that you are
the one for the job.
3. Before the interview
Your interview preparation is directly related to your
success in the interview.
Thoroughly research the organization you're interviewing
with, the industry, your interviewer, and the job itself. Find
out the interview logistics, like the office location,
paperwork, and interview format.
Prepare your CV and any other required documents.
Practice for the interview without memorizing or over-
rehearsing answers.
Doing a mock interview with a friend or family member is a
great idea. Some creative visualization will also help to
motivate you.
4. Reach on time
Arriving late for a job interview is inexcusable. It shows a
casual attitude and will leave a bad impression on your
interviewers.
Aim to reach at least 15 minutes early. Doing this will also
give you time to observe the office atmosphere, and ensure
that all your documents are ready and organized.
Be polite and pleasant
Be polite and greet everyone whom you meet. This includes
not only the interviewer but also any other employees or staff
members you might come across.
Smile, make eye contact, and have a firm handshake. Being
likable and sociable at all times will greatly improve your
chances of doing well in the interview.
Be enthusiastic and genuine
During the interview focus on remaining upbeat and candid.
Pay attention to what your interviewer or interviewers say,
and try to understand everything. Think through what you are
going to say and give honest, concise answers. It's alright to
pause for a while before answering a question.
5. Underline your individuality
Make sure your answers bring out who you are and why you
want the job.
While your professional experience is definitely a crucial part
of this, it's important not to neglect the more personal aspects
of who you are, such as what inspires you and why this is the
right job for you. Your interview should not sound like an
excerpt from your CV.
Use stories to match your qualifications to what the
interviewer is looking for, and emphasize why you are a good
fit for the organization.
Ending the interview
At the end of the interview, ask about the next steps in the
process. This includes asking about more documents which
you might need to submit, and the date when the results of
the interview will be declared.
Thank your interviewer or interviewers and add that you
enjoyed talking to them. To give yourself an advantage over
other candidates, also send them thank you emails and notes
shortly afterwards.
6. 1. Practice good nonverbal communication
It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight,
making eye contact and connecting with a firm handshake.
That first non verbal impression can be a great beginning—or
quick ending—to your interview.
2. Dress for the job or company
Today's casual dress codes do not give you permission to
dress as "they" do when you interview. It is important to
know what to wear for an interview and to be well-groomed?
Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends
on the company’s culture and the position you are seeking. If
possible, call to find out about the company’s dress
code before the interview.
3. Listen
From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is
giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are
not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good
communication skills include listening and letting the person
know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer,
and match that style and pace.
7. 4. Don't talk too much
Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know
could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared
ahead of time, you may ramble when answering
interview questions, sometimes talking yourself right out
of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through
the job posting matching your skills with the position's
requirements and relating only that information.
5. Don't be too familiar
The interview is a professional meeting to talk business.
This is not about making a new friend. Your level of
familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is
important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the
interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your
place as a candidate looking for a job.
8. 6. Use appropriate language
It's a given that you should use professional language during the
interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or
references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation—
these topics could send you out the door very quickly.
7. Don't be cocky
Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a
fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty.
Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your
ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too
reserved.
8. Take care to answer the questions
When interviewers ask for an example of a time when you did
something, they are asking behavioral interview questions,
which are designed to elicit a sample of your past behavior. If
you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer
the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your
ability and talk about your skills.
9. 9. Ask questions
When asked if they have any questions, most candidates
answer, "No." Wrong answer. Part of knowing how to
interview is being ready to ask questions that demonstrate an
interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions
also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right
place for you. The best questions come from listening to what
you're asked during the interview and asking for additional
information.
10. Don't appear desperate
When you interview with the "please, please hire me"
approach, you appear desperate and less confident. Reflect
the three Cs during the interview: cool, calm and confidence.
You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer
believes you can, too.