Top Five Interview Tips

Top Five Interview Tips:

Interviews —whether for a job, internship, or business school—can feel like walking into an unknown territory. A mix of excitement and anxiety often swirls together. 

We've all been there: fumbling for words, tripping over nerves, or reflecting afterward, thinking, “I could’ve done better.” And guess what? You’re not alone!

Well,  Confidence in interviews isn’t magic. It’s the result of preparation that helps turn that anxiety into assurance, so you can show your best self.

* Mindset Makes a Difference: 

Imagine you’re a chef. You know you make the best risotto in town, but if you’re only focused on the competition, you’ll lose sight of your unique flavor. Reflect on your own unique strengths. What experiences have shaped you?

Maybe you led a school project where you had to juggle deadlines and personalities—show how that taught you resilience. 

Approach the interview like a match where your skills meet the company’s needs, like pairing the right ingredients for a perfect dish.

* Do Your Homework:

Before you step into the interview, do the equivalent of studying for a big exam. 

Picture this: If you were to meet someone for the first time, you’d read up about them, right? 

Do the same for the company. Understand their culture, the role, and their recent accomplishments. 

Let’s say you're applying to a tech firm; know their latest innovations or challenges. This knowledge will allow you to weave your answers in a way that aligns with their goals. Think of it as tailoring your responses to fit like a well-tailored suit.

* Practice:

Remember when you were learning how to ride a bike? At first, you might’ve wobbled, but with practice, you got better. The same applies to interviews. Find someone—your seniors, mentors, or a friend—and do mock interviews. If no one’s around, practice aloud in front of a mirror or record yourself. It’ll help you avoid awkward pauses or searching for the right words during the real thing. 

* The STAR Method: 

When asked to describe a challenge you faced, use the STAR method to keep your answers clear and compelling:

   - S:Situation – Picture you’re a firefighter. Your situation is the fire at a local building.

   - T:Task – The task is to save everyone inside and prevent the fire from spreading.

   - A:Action – You developed a strategy to coordinate with the team, rescuing everyone efficiently.

   - R:Result – You successfully saved the building and all lives, receiving recognition from the fire department. 

This structure helps show not only your thought process but also the impact of your actions.

* The Complete NO-NO’s:

   - Avoid rambling: Keep your answers focused and to the point.

   - No negativity about previous experiences. Never badmouth past employers. Instead, talk about the lessons learned.

   -No vague answers: You know the saying “actions speak louder than words”? It’s true here too. 

Should you need additional guidance,  feel free to reach out to me on aditi.gosalia@gmail.com