Job Interview : 6 Important Points for Preparation

Job interviews make many people nervous. The best solution for this problem is adequate preparation. Here are 6 important points to take care of while preparing for a job interview.

1. Know Yourself. Everyone knows their own story but when it comes to talking about it, many people falter. This is because they have not practiced talking about themselves. There are no objectives while talking among friends but the case is different when you are sitting across an interview panel. The most common question to set the ball rolling is 'Tell us about yourself'. This is your chance to create the first impression on the Interviewers. You must begin with what you are doing currently; then give a brief background on your experience and educational qualifications. You must keep this to less than 2 minutes.

2. General Knowledge. Every job requires individuals to be aware of their environment, in other words, what is happening around them in the world of economy, politics, business and sports. One of the common questions asked in many interviews is 'What is the headline in today's newspaper?' Knowledge of current affairs shows a keen inquisitive mind and a general sensitivity to the environment. You must, in general, develop a habit of reading the daily newspaper and selected weekly or monthly magazines.

3. Academic Knowledge. A job requires specific skill-sets and the interview is a process of finding out whether you have them. Since you have studied in a college or university to gain knowledge and skills for a particular domain, you are expected to answer questions related to that field. For instance, if you have studied accounting, you may be asked questions related to debits, credits, general accounting practices and procedures. Before going to the interview, you must spend a few days in brushing up your basic study notes.

4. Work Experience. If you are currently working with a company, then you are expected to be conversant with your job responsibilities and your achievements in it. Most interviewers look for qualities of leadership and initiative and may ask you to recount any situation where you have displayed those qualities. It is helpful to think of such events during your preparation because it is not possible to remember on the spot. Even if you have one or two such events, you can always fine-tune them on the go during the interview.

5. Thinking Skills. A mind that can think logically can quickly is a valuable asset. Interviewers test the thinking skills of their interviewees by posing difficult questions. These can even take the form of puzzles and trick questions. You can take some time to think of the answer and once ready, make every effort to explain it in a logical manner. Articulating your assumptions and describing various alternatives can be very useful.

6. Attitude. Great attitude with average credentials is preferable than Great credentials with a poor attitude. Ability to deal with other people, solve crises, communicate effectively, and confidence in oneself are highly sought after traits in individuals. In the interview, you must display these qualities in the way you talk, walk, greet, sit and gesture.