Common FAQs associated with an Interview Process
If you received the interview call that you waited for so long, then you will surely be very excited. However, along with excitement, a number of questions regarding job interviews might also creep into your mind. Here is a list of some of the most common job interview FAQs that are related with the interview process.
What exactly a job interview deals with?
This is a kind of a personal meeting with your potential employer, who will assess your qualification and will determine whether your skills and qualifications match with the requirements of the job.
What is included in a job interview process?
An interview is basically an event that provides the interviewer and the candidate a chance to know one another in a better manner and decide whether the candidate is the right choice for the job. The process of an interview might include a simple conversation between the employer and the applicant, or structured questions that help in evaluating the skills and abilities of the candidate. On one hand, the interviewer tries to find out specific skills in the candidate, whereas the candidate tries to find out about the company’s culture and the job responsibilities on the other.
What are the main types of interviews?
Employers can employ different types of interview process to conduct the interview. This can comprise of situational interviews, behavioral interviews, stress interviews, task based interviews, panel interviews, group interviews, and even video or telephone interviews depending on their needs. All the different types of interview process have different structure and characteristics.
Should I negotiate salary for the job?
In private sector, you will have to negotiate salary for the job, but this happens only when an offer is made to your after the interview process is over. A number of points should be considered while negotiating salary, which includes your career record (whether you are a fresher or an experienced executive), the experience you hold in a job, the kind of job, the job responsibilities that you need to render, etc.
What if the employer asks me about a skill that I don’t possess?
You might have to face tricky questions during an interview, and it can make you blank for a moment. You will be asked such type of questions especially when you are switching your career, or when you are being promoted. However, experts suggest that you should apply for a job where all your skills match with the job requirement. Still, if you face such a question, you should try to answer it in a positive tone.
How to prepare for an interview
Preparations before the actual interview play a very significant role in succeeding in interviews. You should try to find out some of the common questions that are asked in an interview, and should prepare their answers beforehand, as this enhances your confidence level. You should also look for tricky questions that can come up in an interview and should practice the way to deal with sudden tricky questions that can take you off your feet.
What should I do if the employer asks me about the gap in my job?
Try to make your answer as positive as possible, and emphasize more on the constructive activities that you were involved in during the gap. This can include some training, courses undertaken, voluntary work that you did, network building, etc. You can answer this question by saying that you are selective and you did not jump to any opportunity that come your way, and was waiting for a good job opportunity.
Is thank you message important?
Yes, it is important, and it is always better to put it on paper and send it to the employer soon after your interview. You can also email the message to your employer. this helps in displaying your interest in the job and keeps you in the list of preferable candidates as well.
What is the right dress code for interviews?
This is one of the common questions hovering in the mind of both male and female interviewees. Your apparel is an important part of the impression that you create in front of your interviewer, so you should dress to make an impact on the employer. You should first try to find out about the interviewing method and the culture of the organization you are interviewing for, and then decide whether traditional or casual apparel will work for the interview.
How should I work on my body language?
Your body language is another very important part of your interview, as it highlights your communication skills and your confidence. You should try to keep up eye contact with your interviewer and should also shake hands in a warm manner. Your posture while sitting should be correct as well. All the elements show that you are not nervous and you are prepared to meet all the challenges.
What is targeted selection or interview?
This kind of interview follows the principle that past experiences forecast behavior of a candidate in future. The questions usually asked in this kind of interview are very straightforward and the answers should also be very particular and related to examples from your previous jobs.
How to wrap up an interview
The final words are as important as the initial greeting in an interview. You can end up saying thanks for the time that the interviewer spared for you, or you can also ask about the further process of selection. Keep your tone positive and confident until the end.
In the competitive job scenario, one should not leave any stone unturned to grab the attention of employers, and a cover letter can help you achieve this. A cover letter puts forward your qualifications, intentions, and your skills in a crisp and appealing manner. For the best first impression, you should make sure that your CV is accompanied by a Cover letter.
Here are some of other major reasons why you need a cover letter along with your CV.
Your Resume is not just a document stating your academic record, work experience, or your skills; it is your key to the best of the jobs in the industry. Therefore, you need to pay extra attention to your Resume even if you are an experienced professional. Even after being in the business for a long duration you might still need help with your Resume
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