Important Interview Tips for Interviewers and Interviewees

Are interviews easy? In a nutshell, yes. Follow these Interview Tips and see yourself in the position you always wanted to be in.

Key Take Aways

• An interviewer shall prepare the interview questions and adequately structure the interview flow.
• Make sure no questions about caste, creed or religion are asked.
• The interviewee shall be well prepared for the interview and should be thorough with the company’s business and job description.
• The interviewee shall ask questions and not remain silent.

There are two sides to an interview: giving it and taking it. They both need to be ready for it and be aware of the questions that will be asked and the appropriate ways to respond.

Why is it important to prepare for an interview?

If you are selected for an interview, your application has cut through the clutter and made a good impression. That is the good news. Preparing for an interview boosts confidence, gives you clarity in your thinking and gives an impression of sincerity. The flip side is that you must do your research before the interview and then think carefully about how to present yourself.

Tips When Interviewing Someone

1. Prepare the interview questions and structure: The interviewer must plan a well-structured interview. Give the candidate a road map of the interview. This will help both remain focused and know what’s coming next. Make sure you have prepared your questions beforehand. Make sure that you plan the interview in a way that even the candidate gets an opportunity to ask questions.
2. Conduct the interview: Conducting interviews as planned is essential. First, start by making the candidate comfortable and at ease. Then brief the candidate about yourself and introduce the company. Ask questions relating to the job role. Asking behavioural questions will help you analyse the candidate’s approach and thought process and help you judge if they are suitable for the job.
3. Revert the interviewee: After the interview, greet the candidate politely and let them know how the interview was and when they expect any revert from your end.

Interviewers Shall Avoid These Questions

An interviewer shall ask questions related only to the job role they are interviewing an applicant for; anything other than that is considered illegal or irrelevant.

No interviewer shall ask questions related to caste, creed, age, physical fitness, and personal questions, nor pass any personal comments.

The following questions need to be avoided by the interviewer.

• What is your age?
• Where are you born?
• What is citizenship?
• Are you married or planning to start a family?
• Which caste do you belong to?
• What are your religious beliefs?
• Are you physically unfit?
• What is your or your family’s financial status?
• Do you have any criminal background?
• How many sick leaves did you avail yourself of in your previous employment and why?

Interview Tips For Interviewee

The day of the interview has arrived. Congrats on making it to the interview round through Best In Jobs. You have to successfully answer the interviewer’s questions and make a good impression about yourself.

A job interview is a gateway for you to prove your competence, discuss your desire and become the most suitable candidate.

Here are some tips to keep handy for making a fantastic impression on the interviewer:

1. Prepare for interview questions: It is indispensable for you to be prepared for the questions that will be asked. There is n number of books and videos on “common interview questions” available for you to refer to. Out of those commonly asked questions, pick out a few questions that you might encounter during your job interview.Best in Jobs also provides our candidates with a list of generally asked questions.
2. Pre-interview research: It is always suggested and expected that the candidate has researched the company’s profile, background, products, and services and read the job description. This will help in boosting your confidence and reflect a positive impression on the interviewer.
3. Interview questions to ask: When allowed to ask questions, GRAB IT. Answering the “Do you have any questions” question with a NO is wrong. After studying about the company, make sure you jot down some points. Ask questions from the points you jotted down during the interview. This is where you can tell the interviewer how interested you are in the company.

Interview questions for the interviewer:

• What is the definition of success for this company?
• What are the learning opportunities available for me?
• What is the next five years’ vision of this company?
• Which part of your job makes your work interesting?

4. Practice job interviews: Before performing any act, rehearsal is necessary. Just like that, you must practice before going in for any job interview. It is easier than it sounds. Ask your peers, friends or family to play the role of interviewer and hand them a list of questions. This activity will not only boost your confidence but will make your thoughts clear and your tone smooth and more articulate.
5. Interview follow-up email: After shaking off a goodbye with the interviewer, the interview process doesn’t end there (if not confirmed). Following up is required. You have to let them know you’re still interested in that job. A simple line states, “Hi, Jon Doe. I’m writing to let you know that I am still interested in the job. Looking forward to further updates on the interview.”

The interviewee Shall Avoid Making These Mistakes

• Have a poor body language
• Be unprepared for the interview
• Talk too much or Over-praise yourself
• Ask zero questions
• Give unclear answers or ramble a lot while answering
• Speak negatively about your previous employer or colleagues

Bottom Line

The secret to getting your dream job is having perseverance and the urge to be selected. When looking for a job, you can be sure that there are more applicants with the same qualifications as you and standing out from that crowd can be difficult. By making constant efforts and taking necessary actions, you can cut the crowd, highlight yourself, and be a valuable applicant in the employer’s eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How much interview prep should I do?
A1. There is no such limit to it. The more you prepare the better you get. Still, it is advisable that you should have at least four to five practice sessions.

Q2. How to impress an interviewer during interview?
A2. Confidence is the key. Being well prepared, reading about your job role and submitting an updated CV with the latest information are the bare minimum requirements.

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