The Ultimate Interview Guide
Preparing for an exam interview takes a lot more than Googling a list of common interview questions and mugging all the facts about India and banks. You have to make a great first impression appearance-wise, have a great knowledge of the post you have been shortlisted for and its roles and responsibilities, and, of course, know exactly how to convey that you’re the perfect fit for the job.
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So to help you get prepared, Team Crack it has compiled a list of all-time best pre-interview tips. From strategizing about how to tackle the toughest questions to packing your purse or bag, we’ve got you covered—with 18 ways to make sure you bring your A-game.
- Plan the perfect outfit. Not sure what to wear? If you have a contact or friend who works at the place you’re interviewing with, see if he or she can give you a heads up as to what people wear. Don’t wear new clothes, they will get you distracted during the interview process.
- Make sure you get your clothes cleaned, pressed, and tailored (a modern fit is best).
- Don’t forget about the little things: Shine your shoes, check for loose hems, and make sure your fingernails look clean. This is the stuff that you don’t always think people notice– =but they do.
- Looking your best boosts your self-confidence. If that means you need a facial, haircut, razor shaves, and then by all means does it! Feeling good about yourself will boost your confidence—and we probably don’t have to tell you that confidence is key to landing your dream job.
- Print out at least 3 copies of your resume. You want to have your resume ready to go in case you’re asked for it.
- Spend a few hours learning everything you can about the interview process —from as many sources as you can. Talk to friends and contacts, read current news releases, and, yes, spend some time on Google.
- It’s essential to spend time thinking carefully about what skills, accomplishments, and interview answers will resonate with your interviewers most. Your management abilities? Your creativity? The examples you share will probably be slightly different everywhere you interview.
- Have an answer to “tell me about yourself!” ready to go. Interviewers always ask it, and you want to be sure to nail this first part of the interview.
- Don’t be thrown off by the classic, “What’s your biggest weakness?” One foolproof method: Think of something that you struggle with but that you’re working to improve. For example, maybe you’ve never been strong at public speaking, but over the past few years, you’ve taken on leadership roles and volunteered to run meetings to help you be more comfortable when addressing a crowd.
- You can easily find lists of common interview questions—but don’t prepare by writing out your entire answer; instead, jot down a few notes or bullet points and keep them on hand for the interview itself. You’ll ensure you cover the bases—without reading from a script.
- Don’t forget about the numbers! Finding some numbers, percentages, increases, or quotas you can use when talking about your responsibilities and accomplishments really sweetens the deal and helps you tell a hiring manager why you’re so awesome.
- It’s likely you’ll get asked why you’re interested in this particular job. (And if you can’t answer this question, you shouldn’t be in the interview!)
- Don’t just think about how you’ll answer certain questions; practice looking in the mirror and answering them out loud. This prep work will help you clarify your thoughts and make you much more comfortable during the interview.
- Do as many mock interviews as you possibly can with a friend. You’ll be much better at answering, “So, tell me about yourself!” and “What would you bring to the position?” the 100th time you do it than the first, right?
- When the interview winds down, you’ll surely be asked, “So, do you have any questions for me?” So, prepare a few smart questions —thoughtful ones that show you’ve been paying attention and have done your homework.
- Come up with a go-to phrase that’ll help you avoid dead air if you need time to stall and gather your thoughts. Two strategies that work well are repeating the question thoughtfully before answering or saying (slowly), “Now, that is a great question. I think I would have to say….”
- Brush up on what certain body language conveys. Be aware of what you’re communicating through your posture and stance—and make sure it’s good. (For example, sitting with your arms and legs crossed sends a message that you are closed-off or feel defensive.) Think your movements through ahead of time so you are not distracted (or distracting) during the interview.
- Oh, and get some sleep. This sounds like something your mom would tell you, but there are few things that will throw you off your game like sleep deprivation.
References: The Muse
The Resource Book for FAQ in Banking. Download here