With the rising population, getting a job is quite difficult. Every year there are very few job post vacancy is opening as compared to eligible pass out students. That's why, with the passing of time, there is cutthroat competition. In such competition, also many managed to get a job. Then why can't you? Your success in a job interview depends on how well you prepare for it. In a written exam, the candidate has the time to think and then write an answer, but in the interview, you have no time to think or frame your answer to tell. In this stage, many candidates get feared and answer the questions haphazardly. This decreases their chance of getting selected.

Most common reasons for not getting jobs:

1. Not doing job interview preparation properly or preparing in the wrong process.
2. Not reading the job post description well.
3. Fail to showcase your skills and abilities in front of the interviewer.
4. Not giving attention to what you should do and don't do during the interview.
5. Not reading your resume.
6. Getting feared and losing confidence immediately.

Interview preparation basically involves researching the company, job post, and requirements and confidently matching your answers to the interview questions, which makes them feel that you are the right person. Well, all these are possible with the pre-interview preparation.

An interview is the most common stage for job recruitment. So preparation through the correct procedure is essential to crack it.

Let’s know how to be prepared for the interview:

1. Learn about the company

It is essential to get in-depth information about the company in which you are going to give an interview. You must know the company's profile, so spend some time learning everything you can about the company. Go through the company's website, social media pages, LinkedIn, employee reviews, and other sources to learn about the company. Though it is very difficult to know insight into the companies, Glass Door is one of the websites that provide reviews about the companies.

Try to find the company's mission, management, types of products or services it offers, types of clients it serves, work culture, and number of employees terminated, along with the post they are in. Get some insights about the company's growth prospects, latest revenue, investors, and business plans. All these things will help you to give answers in that way. You also need to know about the company's highest and lowest salary structure or the salary scale each employee is getting. According to that, you can demand or negotiate your salary.

Moreover, your knowledge about the company does not help you to give answers in the interview but also makes them feel like you are very much interested in working with this company.

2. Read the job description

Before applying for a job, always read the job description thoroughly. It will help you to understand the position and the type of candidate they are looking for. Keep the focus on the keywords they are mentioning in the job description so that you can match your skills and qualification with the job description. Also, mention those keywords in the resume. It will increase the probability of getting a call for an interview; if any questions are asked regarding those, you can easily give answers.

3. Learn about the interviewers

The interview is the most common and important stage of hiring. It matters a lot for both the interviewers and the candidate because the candidate will get a job, and the company will get the right person on whom they can rely their progress. That's why hiring managers go through the candidate's resume very well. Then why, as a candidate, will you not research about them? Find whether it is the right place for you.

Do research about the company and the hiring manager on various online platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and others. Check their social media contact and reach. If you collect all this information before the interview, you can overcome your fear and be able to give correct answers with confidence.

4. Be prepared with expected interview questions

Though interview questions depend on job descriptions but in all interviews, there are a few common questions every interviewer asks. You should go by preparing with those common questions. You can easily get the commonly asked question by searching on the internet. Make a list of all those common interview questions and frame thoughtful as well as impressive answers. Prepare those by practicing, not by rote process.

Here is a list of a few common questions for you, but search more on the internet.

• Tell me about yourself.
• How did you hear about this position?
• Why do you want this job?
• Why are you looking for a job change?
• Why should we hire you?
• What are your strength and weaknesses?
• What is your salary expectation?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?

Related: 50 Most Common Interview Questions and Answers

Related:  Don’t Answer These Questions During Your Job Interview

5. Focus on your body language

An attractive personality always attracts others. Your body language reflects your personality. If you have smart body language, then you will also look smart, which attracts your hiring manager. It is the first and foremost impression you create in the mind of the interviewer. Be mindful of how you smile and greet them. Don't show you are desperate for this position. It will make you look less confident. Be calm and cool during the interview session and give answers.

6. Wear proper outfit

Do not go to any job interview wearing casual dress. Always wear a formal dress. You can also check the employees' photos, if any, available on their website or social media platform. You can get an overall idea about how to dress up. You should ensure that you are looking like a professional in the interview. Wear a clean dress, polish your shoes, and keep your fingernails clean. Women can take light makeup, also. Men should pay attention to their proper haircut/hairstyle, facial, and shave.

7. Ask questions to the interviewer 

Usually, at the end of the interview, the interviewer asks the candidate if they have any questions. Candidates mostly reply, "No." You should absolutely ask some questions that are specifically related to the job position and company. Asking questions will give you an opportunity to decide if this is the right place for you.

8. Take a printout copy of your resume

You must take a printout copy of your resume if you are going to an in-person interview. However, if you are giving a telephonic or video interview, it will still help you to easily refer back to it.

9. Organise your documents

Before going to an interview, organize all your important documents, both original and its photocopies such as your certificates, mark sheets, bank passbook, PAN card, Passport size photos and identity proofs like Aadhar card, Voter id, etc. Complete your bag pack ready one day before the interview. Don't forget to bring a water bottle and light snacks with you. 

10. Negotiate salary

As the question on salary is common at the end of the interview, you must prepare with how you will answer the question. No doubt the main cause behind the job is money but remember that demand your salary what you deserve. There is nothing wrong with demanding or negotiating a salary. If you have a good experience, then demand a high salary according to market demand and the company's status. But if you have low or no experience, then do not demand a high salary. If you do this, there will be very less chance of getting a job.