Preparing for an Interview
PART 1
Objectives
By the end of today’s lesson, you’ll learn about:
• The Do and Don’ts of preparing for a job interview
• Interview etiquette in different modes of interview
• Importance of confidence and positive attitude during the interview
• Preparing and presenting a professional self-introduction
What is Assessed?
Personal Traits Experiential traits Core Skills
• Personality • Decision making • Technical skills
• Mental ability • Leadership • Knowledge
• Language • Strengths • Abilities
• Confidence • Weaknesses
Type of Interviews
I. Personal Interview III. Screening Interview
II. Technical Interview IV. Selection Interview
Points to keep in mind before an interview
• Research the company
• Understand the job requirements
• Map your skills and strengths to the job requirement
• Prepare questions to ask
• Prepare answers for commonly asked questions
• Be honest in your responses on qualifications and skills
Physical Interview
Interview Etiquette
• Reach the interview venue 10 to 15 minutes before time
• Wait for permission to enter the interviewer’s cabin and to sit down
• Greet the interviewer with a warm smile
• Make an eye contact with the interviewer. Avoid looking here and there
• Take care of your pitch and tone. Be polite but firm
Interview Etiquette
• Stay calm. Avoid being nervous during interviews
• Sit straight for the desired impact
• Avoid fiddling with pen and paper
• Keep your cell phone in the silent mode
• After the interview, don’t forget to thank the interviewer
Telephonic Interview
Telephonic Interview Etiquette
• Dress for the interview
• Smile. That’s right! Your tone sounds positive.
• Greet the interviewer
• Use a reliable phone and keep the battery fully charged
• Keep your voice and tone even and polite
• Sound enthusiastic and confident
• Avoid distractions and disturbances during the call
• Thank the interviewer at the end of the interview
Video Interview
Video Interview Etiquette
• Check audio video equipment and software are working without any problem
• Make sure your face is fully visible on the screen
• Choose a tidy room with no disturbance
• Dress for the interview
• Greet the interviewer and smile
• Stay calm. Keep your voice and tone even and polite
Video Interview Etiquette
• Sound enthusiastic and confident
• Maintain eye contact through the camera
• Mute when listening to the interviewer and unmute to talk
• Use the hand raise button to ask a question
• Thank the interviewer at the end of the interview
Different Platforms for Video Interview &
Online Interactions
How To Do An Interview Using Zoom on
Your Laptop/Computer
Using Zoom on Your Laptop/Computer
You must have signed up to Zoom and have the Zoom application installed on your
device first.
NOTE: Interviewing using a device other than a PC or Laptop may mean that there
is restricted or limited functionality e.g. Chromebooks / Smartphones.
Visit Zoom’s website here to sign up for free: [Link]
Start at Zoom’s Sign up Page Activate your account
Create your account name and password You can then try a test meeting
After installing the app, you’ll see buttons
Sign In to the app
to Join a Meeting or Sign in
You’re ready to Zoom!
How To Do An Interview Using Google
Meet on Your Laptop/Computer
What
to
Carry
?
• Multiple copies of your
CV/resume neatly put into a
folder. Don’t fold them.!
• All other supporting documents:
• Education Certificates
• Additional certificates of
courses done, awards or
recognition
• ID Proof
• Passport size photo/s
• Paper and pen
• Your wallet, mobile, comb (if you
are travelling) and a handkerchief
or tissues.
Questions to “Ask”
Asking questions
Questions to ask the interviewer shows your
interest in the
role and
• The next course of action engagement
during the
interview
• To know more about the company or job role
• Their expectations from a new recruit in the first 60 days on the job
• The growth opportunities available
Questions to “Avoid”
Questions NOT to ask the interviewer
• Salary - can discuss only if first brought up by the interviewer
• Holidays / Leaves– can discuss at the time of job offer
• Timings – can discuss at the time of job offer
Dress
Etiquette
Smart Casual
Business Casual
Business Formals
Interview Attire
Comfort: No matter how formal or casual the dress code is, you need to be
comfortable. When you're comfortable with how you look and feel, you
exude confidence and you can focus on what really matters that day.
No one should notice your outfit : If your clothes and accessories are
really loud, your interviewer will be distracted. If your outfit doesn't fit
right, or if it looks sloppy, you will draw negative attention to yourself. Stick
to neutral, well fitting clothes in order to keep the focus on you and all the
amazing qualities you bring to the table.
Positive Attitude
Positive Attitude
• Dress for Success. Make a great First Impression
• Boost Confidence. Give a pep talk to yourself and believe you are going to do well
• Focus on Posture
▪ Stand and sit up straight with your shoulders back, and look the interviewer in the eye
▪ For remote interview, practice sitting up straight in your chair and check your appearance ahead of time
▪ Smile, when you walk into the interview and during greetings
Positive Attitude
• Be an Active Listener. Look the interviewer in the eye when they speak, asking questions, nodding, and
understanding what is said. This keeps you engaged in the conversation and you learn about the job and
the organization.
• Emphasize the Positive
▪ Avoid saying anything negative about your situation, previous /current company, manager, or peers.
▪ Treat everyone you meet at the company, with friendliness and respect. It will not go unnoticed.
▪ Always be gracious and appreciative of the interviewer’s time.
Check Your Understanding!
Q. What type of interview will a department head or supervisor most likely conduct?
❑ Screening
❑ Referral
❑ Telephone
✔ Selection
❑
Q. When an interviewer asks, “Tell me about yourself,” what kind of information should you include?
❑ Information completely different from what is on your resume
✔ Information about you which is related to the job
❑
❑ Information about your personal life (ex. your favorite color)
❑ Information about how much you want a different job than the one you are interviewing for
Check Your Understanding!
Q. When should you arrive for your interview?
❑ At the time it is scheduled for
✔
❑ 5-10 minutes before the scheduled time
❑ 15-30 minutes before the scheduled time
Q. What should you focus on during the interview?
❑ The salary you want
❑
✔How much vacation time you want
❑ What you can offer the company or organization
❑ What the company or organization can offer you
Check Your Understanding!
Q. Which is something you should do at the beginning of an interview?
❑ Greet the interviewer
❑ Tell the employer your name
❑ Smile
✔
❑ All of these
Q. Which of the following is the most appropriate to wear to an interview?
✔
❑ Business casual
❑ Dressy
❑ Bright coloured and modern style
❑ Professional style
Check Your Understanding!
Q. Which of these are extremely important during a job interview?
❑ Eye contact
❑ First impression
❑ Your dress
✔
❑ All of these
Q. Video conferencing interviews
❑ are not used often
✔ are more expensive because of the equipment
❑
❑ can be cost efficient for employers when interviewing out-of-town candidates
❑ are used in 90 percent of first interviews
Check Your Understanding!
Q. Why should you be prepared to ask the interviewer questions?
❑ To show your interest in the position by asking questions about the role
❑ To communicate your excitement for the position
❑ To learn about important details about the job or company that may influence any future decisions you
make
✔All of the above
❑
Summary
In today’s lesson, you’ve learnt about:
• The Do and Don’ts of preparing for a job interview
• Interview etiquette in different modes of interview
• Importance of confidence and positive attitude during the interview
• Preparing and presenting a professional self-introduction