Interview Preparation Lesson-1

Welcome to

Interview Preperation
Lesson 1

• This lesson will help you prepare and provide you with tips and strategies to increase your chances of success.

Let's assume you have an interview tomorrow.

• The first step in preparing for an interview is to conduct a self-assessment. This means taking some time to reflect on your skills, experiences, strengths, and weaknesses.

Step 1: Self Assessment

Multiple Select

According to you which of the following are your core strength ?

(There is no right or wrong answer)

• I have good Listening and communication Skills

• I enjoy taking challenging tasks.

• I find myself figuring out things on my own and do self-learning

• I admire punctuality in life and thus show up on time regularly.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are your weaknesses?

(There is no right or wrong answer)

• I'm unable to communicate well in English.

• I tend to procrastinate or become easily distracted and overthink

• I lack experience for my next job and need to improve my skills

• Difficulty with time management

- Kilroy J. Oldster

" Self-awareness requires us to reassess where we came from and where we are going." 

Great! You've completed the first step!

Yes! You read it right! The second step is to research the company you are interviewing with. This will help you understand the company's mission, values, and culture, and allow you to tailor your responses to the interviewer's questions.

Step 2: Company Research

Multiple Choice

Select the ways you can research more about the company you are interviewing with.

• Check out the company's website and its products or services

• Check out the company's social media accounts

• Look for news articles or press releases about the company

• All of the above

• The third step is to dress appropriately for the interview. Your appearance can make a big impact on the interviewer's perception of you.

​Step 3: Dress Appropriately

1. Make sure you have a strong Internet Connection

2. Check your Camera and Microphone

3. Select a quiet and a well lit location or add a decent virtual background.

4. Join the meeting 10 mins before.

5. Maintain eye contact during the interview.

6. Ask permission before presenting your screen

Online Interview Checklist !

Step 4:
Practice Common Interview Questions

The next step is to practice common interview questions. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the interview.

​Alright !
You look ready for a Mock Interview!

Pro-Tip: Dont forget to greet your Interviewer!

Multiple Choice

Greetings Dear Candidate, can tell me about yourself ?

• Ask if the interviewer wants to know about family and background

• Give a brief overview of your education & work experience

• Discuss your hobbies and interests

• All of the above

Tell me about yourself?

• This question is often used as an icebreaker and gives you the opportunity to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications.

• A brief summary of your work experience and education is a good way to start and helps the interviewer get a sense of your background and expertise.
  

Example Response:

Good Morning Sir/Ma'am, I'm Neeraj Singh and I have recently graduated from Mumbai University with a degree in Marketing. During my time there, I developed a strong foundation in marketing principles and gained practical experience through internships and part-time jobs. For example, I worked as a social media intern for a local nonprofit where I developed content for their social media platforms and helped increase their online engagement.

In addition to my academic and work experience, I am a good communicator, team player, and problem solver. I have strong interpersonal skills and enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and knowledge to a dynamic organization where I can continue to learn and grow as a professional.

Multiple Choice

Why do you want to work for this company?

• Because of the salary and benefits

• Discuss what you like about the company and how your goals align with theirs

• Say that you need a job and this company seems okay

• All of the above

Why do you want to work for this company?

You need to discuss what you like about the company and how your goals align with theirs. This question gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and your enthusiasm for the role. You should research the company before the interview and talk about what specifically interests you about the company and how your goals align with theirs.

Multiple Select

What are your weaknesses?

• I don't have any weaknesses

• Mention a weakness that is actually a strength

• Be honest and mention a real weakness, but explain how you are working to improve it

• Talk about a weakness that has no impact on your job performance

What are your weaknesses?

It's time to be honest and mention a real weakness, but explain how you are working to improve it !
This question is designed to test your self-awareness and honesty. It's important to be honest, but also show that you are taking steps to improve. Mentioning a weakness that is not related to the job or saying that you have no weaknesses may come across as disingenuous.

Multiple Choice

What are your salary expectations?

• Mention a specific amount

• I'm flexible and open to negotiation as per company's standard

• I refuse to answer the question

• Talk about how much you were paid at your previous job

What are your salary expectations?

This question is not so scary as you think it is !
Always say that you are flexible and open to negotiation. This question is often asked to gauge your expectations and to see if they align with what the company can offer. Saying that you are flexible and open to negotiation shows that you are willing to consider different options and are not just focused on salary.

Multiple Choice

Why should we hire you?

• I need a job

• Talk about how you are the best candidate for the position and give specific examples

• Mention your education and work experience again

• The company need me to fill the open position

Why should we hire you?

Talk about how you are the best candidate for the position and give specific examples. This question gives you the opportunity to sell yourself and show why you are the best fit for the job. It's important to give specific examples that demonstrate your experience and skills that are relevant to the position. This helps to show that you have a clear understanding of what the job requires and how you can contribute to the company.

Multiple Choice

Do you have any questions for me?

• No, I don't have any questions.

• Yes, can you tell me more about the company culture?

• No, I think you've answered all of my questions.

• Yes, when can I expect to hear back from you?

Do you have any questions for me?

• The best way to respond to this question is option b) "Yes, can you tell me more about the company culture?"

• This question shows that you are interested in the company beyond just the job duties and are considering the culture and environment as well. It can help you understand if the company values align with your own and can demonstrate your interest and initiative.

We've come to end of Lesson 1.

Pro-Tip: Ask questions ! Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company or the role. This shows your interest and initiative, and can help you gain a better understanding of the company and the position.