Tips for a successful interview

1. Research about the company – Make sure you thoroughly research about the company as that will give you some important insights about the company & the job. It will also help craft some customized responses to certain interview questions.

2. Wear the right attire – Dress up for success. Choose the right combination of clothes & accessories to wear for your interview. If ever in doubt – it’s always a good idea to call & ask the HR about it well in advance so you can be well dressed. You have to look sharp as that’s one of the first thing the interviewer observes about you.

3. Arrive on time – Get to the place at least 10 minutes prior to the start of your interview. Arriving too early could also throw a red flag & could mean that you are desperate for the job. If possible, do a test run a day prior so you know which route to take to arrive on time.

4. Bring a few copies of your resume & samples of work – Make sure to carry at least 3-4 copies of your resume as you never know if the interviewers have a copy of it on hand for their review. Professionals like fashion designers & others will also have to carry samples of their work. This will also show that you are well prepared.

5. Carry a folder which has all the essentials – Bring a smart looking folder which has copies of your resume, a note pad along with a pen & your business cards.

6. Don’t forget your mobile phone – Take your mobile phone with you so that you can call in case you have any issues with the directions. Also, don’t forget to either switch your phone off or change to silent mode before the interview as it can be distracting if you receive a phone call.

7. Prepare the right questions for the interviewer – A successful interview is when you ask smart questions back to the interviewer. (More details on what questions to ask the interviewer on Page 4)

8. Have the perfect answer for weakness questions – There are ways to answer even the weakest questions with a flair to make a positive impression. (More info about this one on Page 5)

9. Body language is an important factor – One of the key factors that makes or breaks an interview is body language. Factors such as a brisk handshake, body posture while being interviewed, etc., are observed to understand about a person. Body language can tell a lot about a person. (More info about this one on Page 6)

10. Ask relevant questions during the interview process – Interview is not a one-way traffic. You have the power to make it interesting by asking great questions about the company, the job you are being interviewed for, goals of the company, etc. This will not only ensure a great conversation but will also show the interviewer that you are truly interested in the job.

15 important signs that show that it is time to quit your current job and join a better organization

1. You are losing passion

2. You are not comfortable at work anymore

3. You are not comfortable with your team

4. Your company is unable to stay afloat

5. Work stress is killing you!

6. You don’t think that you are a good fit to the company’s culture anymore

7. Work stress is affecting your health

8. Your quality of work is not at par

9. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy

10. Your true potential is not being recognized at work

11. More work and less pay

12. Your team mates look down upon you

13. Boredom creeps in at work

14. You are a victim of sexual and or other work place harassment

15. You hate your job!

Interview Body Language Tips

5 important body language tips to follow during an interview
1. A firm handshake radiates confidence.

2. Keep eye contact with your interviewer.

3. Pay attention to the conversation during an interview to prove that you are a good listener.

4. Sit-up with back straight as this displays self confidence.

Last but not the least …
5. Smile – Keep a smiling face during the interview.

Common Resume Mistakes

  1. Resume is too long. (Keep it brief & don’t write a novel.)
  2. Includes a photo of the applicant (not required unless you are applying for a job that requires the hiring manager to know how you look!).
  3. Uses an inappropriate email address – Example – hotguy@abcmail.com
  4. Formatting is not consistent throughout the resume.
  5. Does not contain enough white space.
  6. Includes irrelevant information.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE & MONEY WILL FOLLOW…

Someone once said that passion is the most important aspect in their life that keeps them going despite ups & downs in their career. When you love the work you do, it only helps bring in innovation & new ideas no matter whatever the challenges may be. But if you work only to earn money then it is going to lead to a tipping point when you will finally give up on it because you just do not love what you do.

The traditional thinking would be that one has to become an engineer or a doctor or a scientist or join a multinational company to earn big bucks……then why do we find some other folks within our own circle who have broken the traditional chain & chose to become artists, photographers, musicians, etc., & have become super successful & we still remain where we started (maybe a tad bit successful) & yet curse our company, our work, our team, etc.

Love what you do my friends……money will eventually follow if you have the passion for what you do!!!