Ultimate Guide to Interview Prep Mastering the Essentials

by

19 August 2024

Job & Career

interview prep

We have either been in the same spot a few times, or this is your first interview prep. No matter how often you straighten your tie, prepare yourself with your best answers, and finest smiles, chronic nervousness is common.

But why do we get nervous before an interview?

Even after understanding all the questions, why do our tongues get tied, and we can be at a loss for words?

Or do we?

Is there a possibility of this ever happening, or are we overthinking it?

The biggest reason behind pre-interview anxiety can originate from the myths and mysteries of a job interview. So, that is precisely what we are going to do today. Debunk these myths and give you the reality of a job interview.

Plus, this blog post will also focus on giving you curated advice for interviews to ace any, and most importantly, how to get rid of the anxiety psychologically.

Interview #Myths (…and the Truth)

Interview #Myths (...and the Truth)

As you prepare for your interview, here is some good news.

You do not have to perfect.

Do not worry; no recruiter is looking for a robot. We must already combat enough AI to take our jobs!

Authenticity will always trump any robotic response.

So, let’s give you a few more good news!

Myth #1 – You Should Have All the Answers

Undoubtedly one of the biggest myths of job interviews is having all the answers. There is a misconception that your incapability to answer a particular question directly indicates your incompetency.

Reality

That is simply not the case. In fact, sometimes interviewers ask you bizarre questions to test your practicality or even your creativity. 

Basically, there might not be a correct answer! They are just trying to understand how imaginative you are.

However, you might not have an answer to the question, which is all right. It is even okay to politely decline to respond politely. This shows integrity, as you do not wish to waste their time or your own. Plus, it shows your acceptance of your shortcomings and enthusiasm for learning more.

Myth #2 – Interviewer Holds All the Power

Myth #2 – Interviewer Holds All the Power

Since you are the one wanting the job, it is common to misconstrue a power dynamic. Many get nervous because they believe the interviewer holds all the power. 

You might also place the interviewer on a pedestal, thinking they might know a lot and are probably judging all the questions.

Reality

Interview prep is always a two-way street. While the recruiter judges your capabilities, you are also assessing whether the job is right for you.

Plus, their thought of hierarchy can make you more nervous. 

If you have confidence in your capability and know you will be suitable for the job, then treat your recruiter as your equal. The conversation can go much smoother from that point on.

Additionally, you are also allowed to have unique interview questions to ask your employer. It is not a one-way communication.

Myth #3 – You Have to Wear a Suit

Myth #3 – You Have to Wear a Suit

This is an age-old belief that what you wear will heavily influence your first impression on your interviewers. 

However, the myth is about wearing a suit and always having a tie around your neck.

Reality

Not that it will hurt if you wear one, it is not a necessity. Dressing yourself up in formals and looking presentable doesn’t always end with a suit. 

You can look presentable with a simple button-up & trousers.

For ease of understanding, we will pinpoint the ones who are not dressed up. 

  • Un-ironed cloths
  • Denim
  • Clothes that do not fit you
  • Hats
  • Ripped or distressed pants
  • Pants with too many revealing pockets
  • Revealing clothes
  • Too many accessories
  • A face full of bright makeup &
  • Open-toed shoes (unless they are strappy heels but prefer closed-toed pumps) or sports shoes.

If you have a pressed shirt and trousers that fit with closed-toed shoes, you should be ready.

Myth #4 – Your Resume Is the Only Game Changer

Myth #4 – Your Resume Is the Only Game Changer

You will find many prints and place their resume in a new folder for their interview prep. They might even present their resume to the interviewer before allowing themselves to sit (…and without even being asked).

Reality

They rang up for an interview upon perusing your resume. Therefore, they want to avoid sitting and reading through your resume.

So, presenting your resume before presenting yourself is not a game.

More than your academic or professional achievements, they are here to assess your personal skills. Believe it or not, other candidates might have the same resume.

This is not to demotivate your professional capabilities but to understand that it has already created the impression it could. 

The rest now depends on how you present yourself. Plus, this is an opportunity for you to make yourself stand out.

Myth #5 – You Should Have a Firm Handshake

Myth #5 – You Should Have a Firm Handshake

The things people overthink before an interview prep can charge anyone’s curiosity meter. One of them is having a firm handshake.

Many believe that a firm handshake can telepathically transfer one’s strong will and professional excellence to one’s interviewer.

Reality

Again, a good handshake is a sign of a confident personality. However, correlation is not causation.

That is, someone with a slightly weaker one isn’t automatically wrong for the job. Shaking hands with the person who escorted you to your interview and your interviewers is a sign of respect.

Your interviewers will consider you as a polite being (…irrespective of the firmness of your hand). Plus, there are other factors to assess you, so rest assured they are not overthinking your handshake.

Also Read: Red flags of a job interview: 8 reasons to turn down an offer

Things To Remember While You Interview Prep – Advice for Interview

Things To Remember While You Interview Prep – Advice for Interview

While preparing to be your best self in your interviewer’s eyes, do not forget this last-minute advice for an interview.

Check The Job Description: Before you sit before answering the questions, remember to go through the job descriptions a few times. 

It doesn’t matter if you can’t answer one question, but you should know what job you are interviewed from. Plus, offering you a different job role other than the one in the description is also a major red flag you should look out for.

Research The Company: Do not give your interviewers the impression that this is just another interview. Show them that you want the job and start having personal communication about the company. 

Knowing that you know about the company creates a steady impression.

Non-Verbal Communication: 70% of communication in your job interview is non-verbal. When you start your job interview prep, do so in front of a mirror. 

Finding your best presentation posture, a pleasant smile, and firm eye contact. The entirety of you should be communicating with your recruiters. Especially if you are in a video interview, your non-verbal communication skills will be scrutinized more.

Keep In Mind the Timing: You should always be early enough for your interview. This was the interviewer’s understanding of the candidate’s conceptual skills. nature, heavily influencing your acceptance rate. 

Make it a habit to be 10 minutes before the assigned time for your corporate interviews.

Interview Doesn’t End After You Leave: Always send a thank you mail expressing your gratitude. 

You can also give a better reply to a question asked during the interview. This will show your enthusiasm towards the job, and the fact that you are carrying your research forward even after the interview.

Bizarre Interview Questions (…and Their Answers)

Bizarre Interview Questions (...and Their Answers)

Interview prep is indeed a serious matter. However, sometimes, interviewees can even ask bizarre questions to cut the tension and add some witty humor.

The wittier your answers to these bizarre interview questions are your recruiters will be impressed.

Here are some of the common questions whose answers you should prepare.

1. “What’s The Color of Money?”

A company once asked their financial candidates this question. This can either be a trick question or a question to test someone’s creativity & knowledge.

While the obvious answer would be green, one candidate answered “it depends on the country. While US dollar is green, Japanese Yen could come in blue, green, and purple based on the currency amount.”

Can you guess who was hired?

Yes, the one with a worldly knowledge about currencies from all over the world. Now, that is someone with a keen interest in finance.

2. “If you were shipwrecked on an island with no food, water, or internet connection, what is that one thing you would like to have.”

Now, this is a question that has no right or wrong answer. The recruiter is just trying to assess your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

One candidate answered “a kindle” which seemed like a dreamy answer. While another candidate said “a boat” which was quite logical.

The candidate who got the job said a hammer & a knife. Truly, you will need two important tools to fashion any tool out of whatever’s left.

This was the interviewer’s understanding of the candidate’s’ conceptual skills.

3. “If you could fly or be invisible, what superpower would you choose?”

This is another interview question that recruiters use to break the ice. Through this superpower question, they are just trying to determine whether you are a spotlight person, or someone more willing to work behind the scenes.

Oddly, many choose flying over being invincible. However, for candidates who choose invincibility, recruiters can get an idea about their introversion or extroversion nature.

Therefore, when preparing for an interview, remember to choose these items wisely.

The End of Every Interview Prep

No matter how your interview was, always end it with a good note. Remember to shake their hands and express your gratitude for their time.

Do not rush the recruiters for a reply. Try waiting for 48 hours, and then send them an email asking for the result.

Your interview prep doesn’t end after the interview. A follow-up can always be a game-changer!

Hopefully, this blog post was able to calm you down. If you have more words of wisdom for our audience, please add them in the comment section below.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Company Job

Finding Your Dream Career: 5 Useful Tips for you to Research about a Company before You Apply

Working out of necessity is what mostly everyone can relate to; working because you love your job is rare. If you are looking for a change, a different job, something that makes you feel useful and joyful, you need to research the company before you apply. If you research a company through an online site like Hush, you will get to know many things about that business. You will learn about the salaries as well as the office hours and what is expected of you as an employee. Best of all, research will give you an idea of whether you will fit in and like the position or not. Below are 5 useful tips to help you research a company before you apply there. This could help you find your dream career. 1. Go to The Source When researching a company, always go to their website. This is where you will find the "About" section. Read this part carefully as it will tell you how the company came into form and why. You will want to read the "Who-is-Who" section of the website as well. You don't have to commit any of this to memory, but you should know who the top people are in the company you want to work for. Also, read over the “Mission - Vision Statement” because this is where you will find out what the company stands for and why. 2. The Company's Competitors When looking at a company you are considering applying for, look at their competitors as well. Unless the business is so unique it has no competition, there is always another company who is doing the same thing. You would want to know the reason behind the opposition so you can discuss possible ways to improve the business if you get the job. Knowing what others are doing and either doing the same or better, is always a plus to the bosses. 3. Network Find an employee list and see if you know any of them. If you do, great, you can talk to them and ask how they like the job and the company. If you don't know any of the employees, ask your friends and family if they know anyone who is working there or had worked at some point. Talking to former and current employees will give you an "insider’s" look at how the company treats their employees. If you live in a smaller town, you could find an employee much easily. Getting a firsthand account of the working conditions allows you to make more informed decision on whether or not you want to work at this company. 4. Business Reports Not every company is featured in a nationwide magazine, but a lot of cities have local business magazines. Check at the public library, or online, and find out if the company you are researching has ever had an article written about them. Even the local newspaper could have a write-up or two about the company you are considering. Try to find any and all media, both good and bad, about the company to help you make a better decision about working for them. 5. Charity Through the company's website, you may be able to discover if they support a certain charity. A company that shares its wealth is worth taking a second look at as a possible employee. Armed with information, you can wow the interviewer and hope to become the next employee of the month. Read Also: Don’t Get A Second Job: 10 Unconventional Ways To Make Money Discuss With Your Web Designer And Explain What You Want Before Starting The Job Do I Have Enough Super To Retire: Considerations Before Leaving Your Job

READ MOREDetails
what is a remote job

What Is a Remote Job? Everything You Need to Know

There was a time when companies feared that remote work might affect healthy company culture and productivity. However, the pandemic made us realize that remote work can be a great work experience.  When it comes to remote work, companies allow employees and employers to control where, how, and when they want to work. Multiple studies have confirmed that it helps to establish a positive work environment. Since 2020, remote work has become popular among all industries. We can observe that remote opportunities are all over the job boards. Some companies even describe themselves as fully remote. But the real question is, what exactly is remote work, and how successful is it to work from a remote location? Don’t worry, we have covered everything you must learn about remote work in this blog post. We will pay attention to the benefits and challenges of remote working. I will also discuss the recent remote job posts in high demand. What Is a Remote Job? In simple terms, remote jobs specifically talk about such work which does not require you to be physically present in the office space. Previously, remote working was considered just the same as working from home. However, in recent years, the term has evolved. Now, remote working means working from anywhere other than the traditional work setting. Whether working from a co-working space, your couch, or even a hotel room in another country, it is considered a remote job. Ultimately, the main aim is to get the job done regardless of the location from which you are working. If you have your laptop or proper internet, you can work from wherever you want. Remote working includes two specific types: Full remote. In this case, all the interactions take place on a virtual platform. Partial mode. This is also known as hybrid working. In case of partial more, the team splits up, and some of their employees work from multiple locations. Most of the companies follow their definition of remote working. You can find the specifications on their job descriptions and websites. For example, a company may offer you remote work, but you may have to work while residing in a particular city. Why Have Remote Jobs Become So Popular Lately? The traditional 9 to 5 and 40 hours of week still exists in various companies. However, more companies are moving towards the remote working policy. As per the remote working policy, employees are free to choose whether they want to work from the office or from a remote location. They get the opportunity to choose whatever suits them the best. Remote working has made a massive transformation in our way of working. It offers both flexibility and productivity in an organization. On top of that, it provides excellent access to the global talent pool. The remote working process has helped redefine the overall company culture. It also helps to adopt new and advanced technologies. Alongside the benefits, remote working has become a central part of the professional landscape. Thus, both employees and employers must adapt or instead embrace the opportunities and challenges it offers. In such ways, the companies can combine remote working with their daily operation. This will further empower individuals as well as organizations to connect through the digital world.  The Major Benefits Of Remote Jobs There are a lot of benefits to working as a remote worker. In this section, we will discuss the benefits of remote jobs and why they appeal to employers and employees. You can work virtually To learn about what a remote job is, it is necessary to understand the significant benefits that it offers. One of the most prominent benefits of remote jobs offer is that you can work from anywhere . You just need to have better internet access. While working as a remote worker, you can choose your location. It can be a cafe or your own house. You can also work when you are traveling. You have a good internet connection, a well-functioning computer setup, and the time to complete the allocated tasks. However, some companies have specific rules and regulations regarding location. It would be helpful to understand the company policies regarding remote working. A flexible working schedule Remote working offers you a flexible working schedule. Suppose you are mostly productive during the early morning hours. In such cases, you choose the morning shift and tailor your working schedule accordingly. Remote working allows you to seize the opportunity and choose flexible working hours, leading to great productivity. It enhances your motivation Remote working helps you decrease additional distractions from your co-workers, further increasing your motivation. Additionally, it allows you to develop good habits. You also start following best practices that can help you to optimize your day-to-day activities. It saves you time and money When working as a remote worker, you can quickly minimize the time you spend commuting. It also helps you to save money on gas or maintaining your car. Moreover, you can invest less in working clothes or the meals you have outside. As a result, you can keep a proper balance between work and personal life while saving money.  Are There Any Challenges? While remote working has a lot of benefits to offer, there are a lot of challenges that you might face while working as a remote worker. But that doesn’t mean that you cannot avoid the obstacles. You need to have proper planning to overcome the challenges. In this section, we will discuss the significant challenges of remote working.  Long working hours There can be instances where you may have to work longer than your usual shift timing. As we have learned, remote working promotes flexible working hours. Thus, you must ensure you are logging off right on time. Consider setting an alarm to help you stay updated about your working hours. Complexity in establishing communication When working as a remote worker, you communicate with your co-workers virtually. This can lead to a massive communication gap. If you feel like such things are happening, consider talking to your manager and scheduling a meeting. This can help you to speak to everyone directly and further resolve the communication issue. Massive workload As a remote worker, you are more productive than in an office setting. This can lead to an increased workload. In such cases, do not hesitate to speak to your manager about it. Let the management know about the excessive responsibilities. The manager can help you to rearrange all your priorities. This can help you to maintain a manageable workload.  What Are The Different Types Of Remote Jobs Available In The Job Market? Remote working frees you from a 9 to 5 desk job just to complete some meaningful work. In 2024, a lot of industries and companies prefer to provide remote jobs. In this section, I have provided you with a list of remote work available in the job market. The industries that are preferring remotes working in 2024: Computer and IT industry HR and recruitment Customer service Medical and health industry Accounting and finance industry Marketing Project management The top and most common remote jobs of 2024: Accountant Front and back-end developer Content writer Marketing executives Financial analysts Product marketing managers ‘ Brand managers Customer service representative Graphic designer HR recruiter Technical writer Project manager Can I Do Work From Home? Is the remote job the one for you? Remote jobs may be an ideal deal for all employees. Imagine taking frequent breaks, balancing your work and personal life, and working in a flexible shift- who doesn’t want it? Even if remote work is ideal for all, practically, only some are perfect fit for remote work. There are many cases where the employees felt left out, isolated, and lonely. As a result, it had a significant impact on their productivity. But you can still try to determine whether it is ideal. Firstly, you can start working as a remote worker and try it. See if it works out for you or not. Secondly, you can ask yourself whether you will be motivated to work even when your supervisor is not around! Are you going to feel isolated, or if remote working can actually increase your productivity? Asking such questions yourself can help you get a proper idea about it. This article has been helpful for you in understanding what a remote job is and everything you must know about remote working. , don’t forget to stay connected with us for more blogs and articles. Read Also: 5 Of the Highest Paid Remote Jobs 10 Work From Home Jobs For Moms And Dads

READ MOREDetails
Job-Boards

Top 10 Best Job-Boards In The US In 2023: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding the perfect opportunity can be challenging. No worries, as job search engines will aid you in your search. These platforms compile job listings from various sources, making discovering openings matching your skills and preferences easier. Here Are Ten Best Job-Boards In The US In 2023 Take a look at the ten best job search engines in the US for 2023; they can make a significant difference in streamlining your process and connecting you with potential employers efficiently. 1. Lensa Lensa has become one of the top job-boards in the US for job seekers of various skills and backgrounds. Lensa's powerful job search engine scans numerous job sites and gathers the most relevant opportunities in one place. It also offers job alerts to keep you updated with the latest postings. Lensa's convenient features, such as keyword filtering and date-posted options, enable you to refine your search further. This job board suits everyone, from college students seeking internships to experienced software developers looking for new challenges. Employers and recruiters also benefit from Lensa, as it allows them to browse a vast pool of qualified candidates and connect with them directly. Additionally, Lensa provides useful resources like salary data and employee reviews to help guide you in your job hunt. For those seeking specialized roles, particularly in tech jobs, this platform ensures a tailored experience. Subscribe for email alerts to stay informed about your industry's latest opportunities and trends. With Lensa, you have a reliable partner in pursuing a fulfilling career. 2. Monster.com Monster.com is user-friendly, allowing job seekers like you to upload your resume and get matched to relevant positions quickly. For skilled professionals such as web developers, Monster offers a variety of job listings and remote work options. The site also provides valuable salary research tools to help inform your job hunt while offering essential career coaching services to sharpen your interview preparation. Knowing the benefits and tools on Monster.com can make a difference in your job search. This platform may just help you find your next opportunity. 3. Dice If you're looking for tech jobs, Dice should be on your list of US job sites. Dice is a specialized job-boards for professionals seeking roles in software development, web development, and other technology-related industries. You'll find job listings from startups to Fortune 500 companies on Dice. The key benefits of using Dice are its focus on tech jobs and the ability to upload your resume for potential employers to view. Unlike some other niche job-boards, Dice provides a job search engine and job alerts so you can stay updated on the latest openings in your field. 4. Linkedin LinkedIn continues to be a leading job board in the US for job seekers of all backgrounds. This platform stands out with its focus on professional networking and a user-friendly interface. LinkedIn allows you to filter by job title, location, and remote work possibilities when searching for job opportunities. Aside from job searching, LinkedIn assists in expanding your professional network. You can connect with peers in your field and seek advice from experienced professionals. The platform also offers valuable career advice, salary research, and interview preparation. 5. GoogleForJobs GoogleForJobs also offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies your job search process. It caters to various industries, including software and web developers. GoogleForJobs streamlines hiring and recruitment. This platform accumulates job listings from various websites and makes them easily accessible. This eliminates the need to visit multiple job websites, helping you save time and effort. Additionally, it provides customized job alerts based on your preferences and qualifications. Employers recognize the benefits of GoogleForJobs, and by advertising on this platform, they enhance their employer brand, attracting top-notch candidates like you. Happy job hunting! 6. ZipRecruiter ZipRecruiter offers job seekers the chance to match with open positions based on their skills and requirements. Unlike LinkedIn or Indeed, Ziprecruiter stands out as a job board and aggregator, compiling listings from various sources such as websites, recruiters, and niche job boards. As a job seeker, you will appreciate their search engine capabilities, allowing you to filter by job title, location, and remote work options. Plus, there is an added benefit of receiving job alerts customized to your preferences. Building a profile on the site makes your resume more accessible to a broader range of recruiters and hiring managers. Web and software developers especially can find targeted job opportunities in their field. 7. WeWorkRemotely WeWorkRemotely is one of the best job board options for remote work opportunities in the US. You will find jobs across industries, including web development, design, customer support, and more. WeWorkRemotely attracts recruiters and employers from reputable companies, increasing your chances of finding high-quality remote work options. This site also offers valuable career advice, interview preparation tips, and salary research resources to help nail your job hunt. One aspect to consider is the costs associated with using the platform. There may be some costs for premium features and offerings, but its reputation and valuable resources make it a worthwhile investment. So, take advantage of WeWorkRemotely to find remote job opportunities that suit your skills and aspirations. 8. Ladders Ladders is a well-known job board, popular among job seekers focusing on high-level positions. This platform offers listings for various industries but specializes in roles with a salary range of $100,000 and above. Ladders emphasizes professional networking through its integration with LinkedIn, bolstering your chances of discovering new job prospects. Their reputation ensures exposure to the right pool of highly skilled candidates. Although posting positions may involve costs, the value it delivers in qualified and committed applicants makes it a top choice among Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups. Remember that job search engines, like Indeed and ZipRecruiter, may aggregate listings from Ladders, offering you another avenue for exploring available positions. However, for a direct experience with features tailored for high-income professionals, visiting Ladders' website is a smart move in your job search. 9. FlexJobs Flexjobs will be among the top 10 job boards in the US, providing job seekers with remote work opportunities. The platform caters to various industries, featuring software and app development positions, web developers, and many other job titles. As a job search engine, Flexjobs simplifies the job hunt by enabling users to filter job listings by location, job title, and more. Flexjobs is a cost-effective option with a solid reputation for connecting job seekers to potential employers and startups. This job board stands out for remote work opportunities, as it balances niche and broader categories for job listings. 10. AngelList If you’re interested in startups and technology companies, AngelList is one of the best job boards. As you search for jobs on this platform, you'll see a variety of open positions in diverse fields, including software, innovative technology, and creative roles. Angellist offers several benefits for tech-savvy candidates. You can quickly create a profile, add your skills, and connect your LinkedIn account for seamless networking. The platform also supports a comprehensive job search function where you can find remote work and easily apply to exciting opportunities. To make the most of your experience on Angellist, maintain a detailed and accurate account, subscribe to its email alerts for job opportunities, and utilize its salary research features for informed job applications. Conclusion In your search for the perfect job, these top US job boards will be pivotal for providing diverse opportunities. Exploring these platforms increases your chances of finding a position that is perfect for your skills and aspirations. Invest time in understanding how each job board works and tailor your application for the best results. Stay informed and use these resources to enhance your success in landing your next job. Good luck in your job search! Read Also: How Many Jobs Are Available In Major Banks? Best Paying Jobs In Medical/Dental Instruments Is Medical Specialities A Good Career Path? – 12 Best Jobs

READ MOREDetails