Do's and Don'ts Before and During an Interview Session for Freshers

Appearing for an interview for the first time can be a daunting task. What helps in facing it is preparation and professional tips. Following certain standards can turn the odds in your favor. The do's and don'ts that ought to be followed before and during an interview are as follows.

Do's and Don'ts Before Appearing for an Interview:

Do's

1. Go through the job description: Before applying for a job, it is important to go through the job description. It can help you in gaining a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities that you would be accountable for. Reading it can also help in understanding the skills and qualities that are expected for the job profile. So even if a candidate doesn't bear the requisite abilities, he will get a certain idea about the skills that are needed before applying for the job.
2. Update your resume:Once you understand the job profile, make sure you build a resume that is in accordance with the job description. Building a strong resume that comprehensively describes your skills and abilities and is pertinent to the position is very important.
3. Appear presentable:Recruiters most of the time don't mention a dress code that the candidates are expected to follow before appearing in an interview. However, it doesn't give candidates the liberty to dress in casual clothes. Hence, it is advisable to maintain the decorum of an interview and dress up in a presentable manner.
4. Arrive on time:“First impression is the last impression.” Therefore, the last thing that you want is to keep the interviewers waiting. Showing up late can put you in an awkward situation and would definitely raise questions. Unless there is a valid reason, being late can ebb your chances of clearing the interview.

Don'ts

1. Don't micromanage your interviews on the same day:Before appearing for an interview, the hiring managers may ask the candidate to appear for qualifying rounds in order to test your soft skills. Therefore, the process can get longer, putting you in a difficult situation. So avoid scheduling more than one interview on the same day.
2. Don't go unprepared:While going through the job description, make a note of topics that can be asked in the interview. Try to read about the company on their website, as the interviewers may test your knowledge about the company history, its operations, etc. Hence, going unprepared for an interview can create a negative impression.
3. Don't use informal modes of communication:Before applying for a job, candidates are required to communicate with the HR department. It is expected that you use a formal mode of communication such as e-mail. Using informal modes such as text messages or social media can make you appear unprofessional.

Do's

1. Begin with a proper introduction:As soon as you appear before the interviewers, the first question that will be tossed at you is “Tell me something about yourself,” or “Introduce yourself.” It is believed that you make an impression (good or bad) on a person within the first 8 seconds. Therefore, to make a lasting impression, you should be well-prepared for these types of questions. Give an introduction that is short and justifies the attributes that you have mentioned on the resume.
2. Maintain eye contact with your interviewers:Maintaining eye contact is a sign of positive body language. It signifies that you are being attentive to what the interviewer is saying. Most of the time you would have an interview panel with more than one person; in that case, it is important that you make eye contact with all the parties.
3. Be attentive:Interviewers can be intimidating, and they can ask you questions to test your patience and integrity. Remember not to get tricked; just be honest and never exaggerate.

Don'ts

1. Don't be nervous:Appearing for the interview for the very first time can make you anxious. But being nervous during the interview can deter your ability to answer questions effectively. So all you can do is practice a self-talk before appearing for an interview so that it can make you appear confident.
2. Don't discuss benefits and perks:Questioning the interviewers about benefits and perks tacitly implies that you are more interested in the incentives rather than the job. Instead, you must ask questions regarding the job profile or the projects that you would be working upon.Skills and abilities are fundamental in securing a job. However, companies look for professionals with strong ethical and moral values. Therefore, these are some of the protocols to follow on BSR and enhance your chances of making it through the interview.