10 Steps from Job Interview to Job Offer

Your resume is like the product that you have to sell in the market. Your job interview is usually a key determinant in whether or not you will get a job offer or not.

We have 10 simple steps which guarantee a job offer right from when you take the job interview.

1. Know the Job Description (JD) for the position applied:

It’s important to thoroughly study the job description, before you appear for the interview.  If you don't have a copy of the job description, ask for it when the interview is scheduled.

Also your hiring manager, for the names of the people who will be interviewing you. Go through their LinkedIn profiles and know about their professional background.

2. Know the answers to standard questions asked in an interview:

Apart from the standard questions, greatest strength, greatest weakness, and "where-do-you-see-yourself-in-five-years" questions, prepare for the other typical interview questions, like:

·         So what do you know about our organization?

·         What made you apply to our organization??

·         Give us 5 reasons why we should hire you?
Why did you leave your last job? (Or, why are you planning to leave?)

·         Tell us about yourself.

You should be ready with explanations if there is a gap in employment, the reason you left your last job (if you are currently unemployed), or any other career setback you might have experienced

3. Have your own questions ready.

An interview is always a two-way process/ conversation and you need information to decide if you want to work there or not.  Observe the work environment and see if it suits you.

Ask questions like:

·         Is this a new job or a replacement for someone who has left?

·         Who will I be reporting to?

·         What will I be responsible for in this organization?

·         How does this team work?  How is success determined or measured?

·         What is necessary for the person in this job to be successful? How will you determine if the person is successful?

Don't be afraid to ask for clarifications if an answer isn't clear.

4. Never badmouth former bosses

A job interview is no platform to take your frustration out, be it your previous organization, your previous boss or the previous colleagues. Never complaint!

5. Be on time; be well-prepared, dress appropriately

Leave much in advance from the time you’re scheduled for the interview. Never be late, even if you arrive earlier than the scheduled time for the interview, doesn't matter, you can wait but remember you should never let your interviewer wait for you.

Carry several copies of your resume (customized for this opportunity.

If you have enough notice for the interview, be very well-prepared. Don't stop with checking the employer's website; also scan the LinkedIn Company Profile. If you know a current or former employee and you have some time, contact them to see what you can learn about the organization, the hiring process, and the people interviewing you. Google everything you need to know about the organization, the company profile, scan the LinkedIn profiles of the CEO, the founder of the company etc.

 Do not forget to put your cell phone on silent, or turn it off when you enter the interview area. Do not answer your cell  or text anyone during an interview

6. Exchange business cards:

Collecting business cards from the people interviewing you will make it much easier to send those post-interview thank you notes. It will also help you to address people appropriately during the interview.

7. Listen carefully, speak clearly

You have already prepared answers to many of the standard job interview questions.  But, listen carefully to the questions you are asked. Know what the interviewer wants to know, not what you want to speak Answer those questions clearly, don’t hesitate.

8. Ask your Hiring/ HR Manager about the next step are in the hiring process

Ask them in detail about the hiring process and what the next steps in the process are. Find out when you should expect to hear from their contact person. 

9. Attempt to build a rapport with your interviewer:

Have a limited eye contact, have a one on one conversation (remember: an interview is not a one sided process)

9. After the Interview: Follow Up!

Do not assume that you didn't get the job! When you call, be polite; gently remind them of your name, the job you had interviewed for, the date you interviewed, and the people who interviewed you. Ask if a decision has been made. If it hasn't been made, ask them when you should expect a call.

All the Best!