Congratulations on getting selected for your dream job interview!

But well, we can all admit how we hardly remember what a real interview felt like amidst the vogue of telephonic interviews and virtual meetings during the pandemic. In 2022, which is post-pandemic, where the corporate world is re-opening to face-to-face interviews, interpersonal skills would matter the most.

According to various government surveys employment rate has fallen, but people seeking employment have risen. This means tough competition and calls for doubling efforts to better your chances of being selected. At this crucial point, performance anxiety strikes us all – we tend to forget or get overwhelmed – and stress starts piling up. This impacts your body language and can lower your chances of getting onboard.

So, what should be done to reduce this and keep your calm? Wouldn’t you like to know 10 amazingly effective yet simple interview tips and techniques to help you ace that interview?

If so, then you are at the right place.

To increase your chances of getting through the interview, we have brought you 10 simple and effective interview preparation tips which are discussed below in this blog.

Let’s find out what they are & let this blog solve as a guide to how to prepare for an interview

Smart Tips to prepare yourself for an interview in 2022

A few days before the interview can be daunting. Though we might be familiar with the titbits, we might still not be sure of what is the company’s global or national presence or its vision; added to it, there is always anxiety about what kind of questions will be asked, what would be the expected behaviour from you etc. To clear such doubts, let’s look at some job preparation tips that will help you sail through a challenging and uncertain your dream job interview in 2022.

1. RESEARCH AND IDEATE

Research would help you identify the company’s industrial needs and tell you what is expected from you as a candidate. It would additionally guide how to prioritize your skills, which would prove extremely beneficial during the interview.

For many who don’t know how to research, here are some key bullet points that you can follow:

• Know your WHY clearly
• Read the job description provided by the company carefully
• Stay updated with the current market positioning and size of your desired company
• Read through reviews of previous employees to get familiar with the recruitment process.
• Politely ask the concerned contact person to brief you about the interview process
• Discover more from business magazines or the company brochure
• Visit the company’s accounts over social media platforms

After thorough research, the next important step is ideation. Reading through common answers which are easily available on google and structuring your thoughts with diverse perspectives can give you a boost and help you relax. It will enhance your personality as you would be well-informed and an individual with a multi-faceted personality.

2. IDENTIFY AND DEFINE YOUR SKILLSET

No one other than you would know yourself the best.

You can start by focusing on your value system and core beliefs. These primarily shape your skills. For example, if you showcase values of honesty, and kindness, or strictly abide by the deadline for assignments, your skillset would be time management, a good emotional quotient or empathy.

After identifying and defining your skillset by using the right keywords, include these during your mock interviews. Be sure they are clear and effective.

3. PRACTICE MAKES IT BETTER

Well, no one can be know-all for an interview, but practising a similar scenario would prepare you better. Practice boosts confidence and tackles that performance anxiety.

This can be done by taking mock interviews or asking friends and family members to interview you.

For those who cannot do either of the above things, here are a few sample situations that you can practice:

• Basic interview etiquettes like how to enter the room, how to greet the interviewer, etc
• Pitch and tone – these two help you build rapport with your interviewer and usually determine your confidence and reaction to uncertain situations. Improving your pitch and tone with practice will certainly increase your chances of getting selected.
• Preparing answers to common questions like “introduce yourself”, and “where do you see yourself in five years” would reduce your structuring time and let words flow freely.
• Practice your resume and know it thoroughly

Lastly, make sure you keep it engaging and interactive.

4. MAKE SURE TO CARRY ALL THE RIGHT DOCUMENTS

It is good to be busy polishing your interview skills, but it is equally essential to carry the required documents. Below are few pointers to keep in mind:

• List down the required documents
• For uncertain times, keep extra copies
• Make sure to keep scanned copies as well
• File them in a professionally apt folder
• Set the order of your documents as per the mail or as per priority

Now that you have practised enough and improved with the right feedback, it is time to face D-day with confidence. Let us address some more key interview preparation tips to make the right impression on your interview day.

5. ATTIRE MATTERS – DRESS PROFESSIONALLY

It is said that dress simple but significant. This will create a positive impact on the interviewer before even interviewing you. The right attire would have characteristics like –

• Pick formals – a formal cotton shirt and a trouser or a simple Indian Kurti would be the right choice.
• Be comfortable – it should not be body-hugging or too loose. Choose the right fit for your size.
• Keep it light – choose pastels or black and white as the colour for your outfit for the important day. Colours pleasing to the eye make the other person comfortable enough to communicate openly.
• Accessorize right – buy a pair of stud earrings that matches your outfit
• Wear a mask as the pandemic continues to persist.

6. COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY.

Interview techniques like right body language, tone of answering, and communication skills create a perception of you during the interview.

Body language reflects your confidence and your thoughts. While waiting in the reception lobby might make you impatient and stressed, non-verbal communication like biting nails or fidgeting or raising eyebrows show nervousness and might do worse to you. Effective interview techniques like:

• Not sitting with folded hands
• Keeping a genuine smile, greeting in a formal way
• Being proactive
• A firm handshake
• Being punctual
• Polite behaviour,

convey confidence and positiveness to the interviewer.

7. KEEP YOUR CALM:

While practice can help you get better at certain skills and help answer common questions intelligently, dealing effectively with uncertainties is a challenge to overcome.

You could choose any from the below pointers to loosen up before going inside that room:

• Meditate before the interview or take deep breaths
• Divert your attention by using techniques like counting backwards, practising mindfulness
• Eat right so that you don’t upset your health
• Lastly, be prepared emotionally and mentally

Finally, when you are called in for the interview, don’t forget to follow the basic interview etiquettes that you have practised for so long!

Although researching beforehand is essential, asking the interviewer the right set of questions is equally important to learn more about the company.

Make a long-lasting impact by ending your interview with these final job interview tips:

8. WRITE YOUR DOUBTS

Writing down something leads to clarity of thought and expression. Prepare a list of your doubts that you feel are necessary to be asked to the interview panel. Sort them as per priority. Remember to be audible and not sound vague.

9. ASK FOR FEEDBACK

Ask the interviewer for feedback. Feedbacks let you analyze yourself better; constructive criticism is always good for progressing ahead in professional and personal life.

10. BE OPTIMISTIC

We often set higher expectations and tend to get disappointed when they are not fulfilled. Staying practical and optimistic helps during and after the interview. It gives you the strength to accept defeat while allowing you to express your emotions appropriately if selected.

Lastly, whatever may be the result, continue to believe in yourself and your skills. Hold your head high but without arrogance.

And voila! YOU are all prepared to face that interview confidently and surely get that long-awaited offer letter.

Wish you all the best.