How to get ready for an Interview?

Preparation

As the interview is largely a subjective process, it is critical to bring out facts as correctly as possible. To ensure this, have the following well covered in your preparation: Know how to keep yourself calm. Often going well prepared is the best way to enhance your confidence. Know all about the company and its business - research the company and interviewer, if possible.

Analyse why you want the job. What soft skills do you have to offer the organisation? For instance, the resume may have shown some concrete examples of skills as a team player, but now you need to convince the interviewer of your ability to fit within a team.

Prepare questions you wish to ask about the job or organisation. Line up references in advance in case you are asked for them.

Dress Code: Check the standard dress code of the organisation and try to stick to that attire. It is appropriate that you dress correctly for the occasion - being over dressed may not convey a good message.

Asking Questions: Most interviewers will ask you, if you have any questions. It is quite acceptable to ask relevant questions and seek clarifications. It displays your keenness to know more about your potential employer. Some good topics to touch on while asking questions -

The competitive environment in which the organisation operates. Executive management styles the organisation practices. How organisation goals have changed over the past 3-5 years.

What obstacles the organisation anticipates in meeting its objectives. Pay and benefits do get discussed during the last stages of the interview. Do not bring up the topic on your own and wait for the interviewer to do so. If asked about expectations, do not hesitate to quote a figure. Remember not to set unrealistic expectations about salary and benefits, which the employer cannot meet. A study of the market situation, your skill sets and current emoluments should give you a good idea of the possible compensation package you can ask for. Before closing the interview, you might like to ask the interviewer when you could hope to hear from them. Make sure to leave your current contact details where you could be.