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As the interviewee
A few things that we need to keep in mind before going / appearing for an interview are:
1. Understand the job profile in detail from the placement agency or the recruitment person from the hiring company who has contacted you.
2. Go online and read about the company on its website or from other links giving you information about the organisation and what it does.
3. Read and re-read your resume to check for any spelling mistakes and/or grammar mistakes and make appropriate corrections, if any.
4. Carry a printout of your recent resume when you go for the interview. Know what is written on your resume so that questions about the same can be answered accurately.
5. You may need to carry along copies /originals of your certifications and testimonials. Carry these in a formal and neat office file. A passport size picture should also be carried.
6. Follow a formal dress code for the interview.
7. Arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes in advance so that you may visit the washroom and get your mind at ease before the interview.
8. Before going into the interview room please make sure your cell phone is on the silent or offline mode.
9. Greet the receptionist with a smile (first impressions count!) and ask for the person concerned. Greet the person concerned with a smile and a courteous Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening.
10. Be confident and reply to all questions asked truthfully and honestly.
As the interviewer
Interviewers too should be prepared for taking interviews and one should:
1. Understand the profile in depth that you are interviewing the candidate for; study the job description carefully and list down the attributes required for the job.
2. Read the candidate’s resume before taking the interview so that you have an idea of the candidate’s profile before meeting him/her. Check for the following:
a. Organisation of events in the resume
b. Clarity of description and conciseness of events described
c. Unexplained breaks in education and service if any
d. Quality of resume i.e. template used, grammar, spellings etc.
3. Keep a list of questions that you would want to ask ready with you. In case you need to ask a case study, keep a printed copy of the same on the desk.
4. If more than one interviewer is going to be present then both/all interviewers should be briefed about the job profile and the candidate’s profile before the interview.
5. Make sure that the room in which the interview is to be conducted is booked for the appropriate time slot and that any appointments/meetings that you may have, are rescheduled or appropriately scheduled.
6. Proper seating and lightening arrangements.
7. Before going into the interview room please make sure your cell phone is on the silent or offline mode.
8. Provide for relevant stationery if necessary during the interview.
9. Offer the candidate water before the interview starts.
10. Start the interview by making the candidate feel comfortable and less nervous.
