Finding a job can be challenging when you're in college, especially when you are balancing classes, schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and your social life. It can be tricky even finding time to schedule interviews, so once you have an interview secured, it's important to make the best of it.
Plan ahead, so you're prepared to interview on short notice. It will be much less stressful than trying to get ready just before the interview, especially if you need to line up appropriate attire and juggle your schedule to get to the interview.
Here are some tips for interviewing when you're in college.

Top Job Interview Tips for College Students

1. Plan ahead when you schedule your interview.
When scheduling your interview, make sure you have enough time to get to and from your interview if you have classes that day. If you're coming right from class, mention that to your interviewer. If necessary, it may be a good idea to ask your professor if you can leave a few minutes early in order to get to your interview on time.
2. Make sure you have the interviewer's contact information on hand.
Although it's important to give yourself enough travel time, in a college environment it's not unlikely to encounter unforeseen obstacles-maybe class runs late, a professor wants to talk to you, or a test runs over the allocates time. If something beyond your control happens and you find that you're running late, it's good to have your interviewer's contact information on hand so you can notify them.
3. Dress appropriately for your interview, even if it means planning ahead.
So you have an 8 AM class and on an ordinary day, you might roll out of bed and head to class in your pajamas. But if you have a 10 AM interview, make sure to plan accordingly. Even if it means wearing your interview clothes to class, make sure you look professional and put together for your interview. If you have to go to your interview straight from class with your backpack, a nice outfit will balance that out.
4. Bring a copy of your resume and cover letter to the interview.
Bringing a print-out of your resume and cover letter is a great move. It doesn't hurt to have extra copies because you may be interviewing with more than one person. Bring a list of references to share with the interviewer upon request. Also, consider bringing a copy of your transcript as well if you're interviewing for an academic-related position.
5. Turn your phone on silent.
Even if you get away with texting in class, your interview isn't a place to sneak in a few texts. Also, if your phone is constantly beeping or ringing during your interview, it creates a very distracting environment and reflects poorly on you. So, make it a priority to turn your phone on silent and stow it away in your bag or pocket during your interview.
6. Don't walk in with your earphones in and your music playing.
Although you might be dying to catch the end of your favorite song, put your device away before you walk into your interview.
7. Don't bring food to the interview.
Plan ahead and grab a snack before or after your interview, because it isn't professional to eat during your interview. This applies to drinks, too-even if you're running on two hours of sleep, finish (or throw out) your coffee before your interview.
8. Don't bring friends.
You should go to your interview alone, so don't bring your friends, or your boyfriend or girlfriend. If your parents are around, don't bring them either. If someone gives you a ride to the interview site, have them wait in the car or go and grab a coffee. Review these tips for what - and what not - to bring to an interview.
9. Remember to be polite, professional, and attentive during your interview.
No matter how tired you may be, make an effort to greet your interviewer kindly, and be active and engaged during the interview process. Be outgoing and positive, even if you feel crappy. Here's how to introduce yourself and start the interview off on a positive note. Take the time to learn as much as you can about the job and the employer, and be ready to sell yourself to the hiring manager.
10. Know your availability before you come to the interview.
Employers know that college students have busy schedules, so it's important to have an idea of your availability, such as how many hours per week you can work, if you can work weekends, and if you will be available during summer semesters or breaks. If you can, bring a copy of your class schedule or write up when you're available so you're not scrambling to remember during your interview.
11, Be upfront about your availability.
On a similar note, once you know when it's feasible for you to work, be honest with your employer. You don't want to end up taking on too many hours than you can handle, inconveniencing both yourself and your employer. Be sure to be honest with your interviewer about when you can work, and if your availability isn't the right fit for the employer, it's better to know that as soon as possible so you can look for other positions.
12. Email a thank you note after the interview.
Although you should thank your interviewer in person for taking the time to interview you, it's a great idea to send a thank you email as well. As well as being good manners, taking the time to follow up reiterates your interest in the position.

We're about to give you the best interview tips on the planet, but first:
You’ve found your dream job. You’ve applied for it. And now they’ve called you back for an interview!
Just one final obstacle stands in your way—you’ve gotta shine at that meeting.
But how to prepare for an interview in a way that will cover all your bases and allow you to walk out of there with a job offer?
Don’t worry! It’s really not as hard as it seems. With these professional interview tips and examples, you’ll be on your way to rendering your interviewer amazed by the time your appointment draws to a close.
By reading this job interview preparation article, you’ll understand:

• How to prepare for a job interview in the most effective way possible.
• Dozens of good interview tips that will allow you to feel confident and poised.
• Important interview rules and things to know before an interview.
• How to do well in an interview so that you get that job offer.

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Now, here are top interview tips to nail an interview:

1

Prepare for an Interview

There are days and days till your big one. So you can relax until then, right?
Wrong.
You’ve got to use this time wisely, or else you might as well have just declined the interview. But don’t worry, here are some of the best interview preparation tips out there to ensure you are ready to meet them when they’re ready to see you.
Here are 50 tips on how to prepare for a job interview:

1. Research the Company and Use Their Products

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Just like they’ll do their due diligence on you, researching the company to know what they do and how they operate is a must. Also, double-check if the company’s a match for you.
When you get to that interview, you’ll be asked about why you want to join and how you can contribute. Read up on the prospective employer on Glassdoor, for example.
Researching the hiring manager who will conduct the interview is much harder. It happens that you only learn who the interviewer is when you walk into the meeting. However, if you can, look them up online. You’ll have a way to make some great, tailored comments and small talk to bond.
Also, don’t go into an interview without trying out the products or services that the company offers. You need to prepare for an interview. If they have a blog, read it. If it’s a restaurant, eat there. If they manufacture dish soap, make some bubbly foam.
Employers expect you to understand their business, and nothing makes them happier than hiring a fan!

2. Prepare Questions to Ask Them

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Interviews are not all about them getting to know you. In 2018, you have to speak up and come at them with your own questions. You’re bound to hear, “Do you have any questions you’d like to ask?” Don’t give no as an answer.
What exactly should you ask your interviewer? How about a few of these: 65 Questions to Ask an Interviewer (Examples for Specific Jobs)

3. Be Prepared to Answer Their Questions

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
This is an interview—you’re gonna get questions. While you may not know how it’ll play out, there are some general questions that are asked in most interviews. Practice those! We’ll talk about some individual questions later in this article, or you can see more than 10 interview questions to prepare for here: Common  Interview Questions and Answers

4. Dictate the Date

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
If you can, try to get your interview to happen in the middle of the week and earlier in the day. Mondays are notoriously busy with catching up after the weekends, while Fridays have the negative aspect of a possible loss of interest in you over the weekend. Aim for earlier interviews, like an hour before lunch, at least, but not as soon as the office opens; both you and your interviewer will be less likely to feel hungry, grouchy, and tired.

5. Get Some Sleep

Importance: [⭐⭐]
You were probably going to get some sleep anyway, weren’t you? But what I mean here is an excellent sleep for the full amount of hours—you’ll need to aim for quality and quantity. Interviews are often an hour in length and beyond, so you’ll thank yourself when your brain is able to fire on all cylinders throughout.

6. Be Alerted With Google Alerts

Importance: [⭐]
One helpful hack many pros suggest is to set up your Google Alerts and add monitoring for keywords related to the company(/ies) you’ll be interviewing with. This will provide you with an email digest of any mentions of the company so that you can stay as informed as the board members of what’s happening up to the minute of your interview.
Set alerts to be “as-it-happens” to ensure that you are afforded all relevant postings in real time. Add a Google Alert for the company as well as the managers/partners.

7. Practice to be Perfect

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐]
You may not know exactly what they’re going to ask you, but you do know they’ll ask you something. Practice the delivery of your speech and improve your compute time by asking a friend to pretend being the interviewer.
Don’t ask them to read from a list of questions you’ve prepared—an interview would not go that way. Instead, ask them to come up with how their idea of an interview would go. To go a step further, try doing it in a public place, like in a busy cafe, to really get the out-of-your-comfort-zone feel.

8. Check Your Online Presence and Your Public Social Media Profiles

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Your social media profiles may have more available to the public than you realize or care for. Ensure your interviewers don’t get the wrong picture by removing all negative pictures (and other content) of you, such as sexually-suggestive pictures, political rants, hangover complaints, and so on. Read this post to ensure you do it right: How to Check Your Online Presence Before Recruiters Look You Up
Would you go on a first date without showering and slathering on some deodorant?
No, right?
Well, an interview is like a very important first date. Here are some interview tips on style and what to wear in an interview:

9. Follow the Proper Dress Code

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐]
For women: Choose a solid-color pant suit with conservatively-colored shoes and shirt or blouse to match. Avoid wearing heels and too much makeup, jewelry, and perfume. If you choose to wear a skirt instead of the pants, pair them with light or skin-tone hosiery.
For men: A suit of a solid color is also recommended, especially in the most formal interviews. However, if you feel the company is not so strict, you could pair a blazer with some slacks for a semi-casual look. A white button-up shirt, a suit-matching tie, and black or brown loafers go well whichever route you take. As with females, keep the jewelry and cologne to a minimum.
Professional attire will help make a great first impression.

10. Wear an Undershirt and Great Antiperspirant

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
Don’t let those pesky sweat glands under your arms make you look like a fool—that’s easy enough to do, anyway.
Put on a tried-and-tested antiperspirant to reduce your underarm sweating. Also, wear an undershirt so that you have one more layer to protect any wet spots from being broadcasted publicly to the interviewer.

11. Dress to Impress

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
It probably goes without saying that you’ll want to choose from your best outfits to wear for your all-important interview. Don’t forget to iron, and don’t use too much perfume. Polish your shoes before leaving home. Trim your fingernails.
Also, as for interview dress tips, have a glance at the company’s about page, if they have one, to see if you can get a sense of how employees might be dressed there. It might be a great way to gauge what to wear.

12. When in Doubt, Lean Conservative

Importance: [⭐⭐]
You may not be able to get a read on what the dress code is, so err on the conservative side. Keep colors minimal and basic, instead of flashy or numerous.
If you really want to know what the employees wear on a day-to-day basis, consider stopping in for a quick look-around sometime before your interview (days, not hours, before).

13. Wear a Confident Smile

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
A friendly, confident smile is of the most important things to wear to an interview. While it won’t get them to overlook your other clothing, it will work wonders in making you look like a perfect addition to their team.
Learn more here: What to Wear to an Interview: Outfit Ideas for Men & Women [50+ Tips]

3

Use the Time Just Before the Interview

You’re hours away from your make-or-break moment. Here’s what you need to do just before the interview:

14. Bring Your Notes & a Copy of Your Resume

Importance: [⭐⭐]
One of the great things about interviews is that they can be treated like an open-book test. Not only will bringing notes help you to remember some of your answers and questions to ask them, but you’ll look more prepared and professional when you whip out a notebook from your briefcase before answering that tough question.
While you’re at it, bring 3-5 extra copies of your resume to have on hand. They probably won’t need it, but better safe than sorry!

15. Wash (and Dry!) Your Hands

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
If you’re a nervous Nellie, like I am, you might suffer from sweaty palms (among other things) prior to an interview. Here’s one of my favorite interview tips: don’t send the message that you’re feeling anxious before you even sit down for your chat; wash and dry your hands, or use an alcoholic hand sanitizer, to greet your interviewer with a confident handshake that won’t gross them out. Also, skip that greasy hand cream!

16. Silence Your Phone

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
There’s nothing more unwelcome at an interview than an unexpected call on the interviewee’s phone. While a ring to the desk phone of your interviewer may allow you to take a breath and collect yourself, don’t let it be yours.
However, don’t turn your phone off completely—you may find it comes in handy should you need to add a contact or appointment to your calendar.

17. Eat Something

Importance: [⭐⭐]
Have a light meal or snack just before your appointment. Not only will this help you to avoid any light-headed, dizzy feelings, but it will chase away those troublesome, embarrassing, and annoying hunger growls during the silence of the interview.

18. Arrive Early

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Don’t aim for getting there on time. There are so many things that could go wrong, according to Murphy’s Law. You may not find the right building or room, or traffic might befall you. You might need to use the restroom. Being late would surely sabotage your interview success. Double-check the interview location and aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before.
One of my favorite, personal interviewing tips is to arrive maybe 30-45 minutes early and position yourself at a nearby cafe. This way, you’ll all but eliminate circumstances that prevent you from arriving on time, and you can do a quick cram with your notes while having a tea.

19. Be Nice to Everyone

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Sure, you’re going to put on a friendly face for the interviewer, why wouldn’t you? But, as soon as you enter the building, prepare to encounter each and every employee you meet with just the same attitude and countenance. From receptionist to office manager to your future teammates, that charm could warrant a compliment about you to the ones in charge with your fate’s decision, and it could make all the difference!

20. Bring an Interview Survival Kit

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐]
You got your notebook and some copies of your resume in your briefcase or purse, but let’s go a bit further. Pack some items that will ensure that you arrive at the interview in excellent form, such as an umbrella, bandage strips, breath mints, a pen, a stick of deodorant, some paper towels, and a portable stain remover. Maybe a snack bar for any hunger pangs that pop up unexpectedly.
Get a whole interview checklist here: What to Bring to an Interview & Printable Checklist with 12 Crucial Items

4

Outperform the Competition During Interview

There are some things that you can’t do in advance, but you must still remember to take care of during the interview.
Below, you’ll see a list of the best interview tips and tricks for outperforming your competition during your time in the hot seat. Here’s how to behave in an interview:

21. Pay Attention to What They Say and Take Notes

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
Just before your interview starts, pull out that notebook (remember the one with your cheat sheet?) and take some notes. You’ll look like a diligent candidate, you won’t have to ask them to repeat much, and you’ll have any questions and answers handy for when that time comes.

22. Be a Backseat Driver

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
Just because you’re in the hot seat doesn’t mean you can’t guide the course of the interview. Steer the conversation from your end, especially when confronted with a question or course of discussion that could paint you in a less-than-perfect light. For example:
Interviewer: “Can you tell me how your ABC project turned out?”
Interviewee: Crap. That one didn’t end well. Attempting to divert. “I more-recently completed project XYZ, completely similar to ABC and with results I’m proud of. May I tell you about that?”
See that? You know your project XYZ had great results, so you are trying to chat about that one, instead. Also, leaving the ball in their court at the end with the question keeps them feeling like they remain in control of the interview.

23. Don’t Trash Talk

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
Savvy interviewers may ask you, “what was the worst part about your last job?” This is because the reply you give here will answer a slew of other unasked questions about your personality, behavior, loyalty, and more.
Don’t speak ill about your former company or coworkers, at least not in a direct way. Interviewers get turned off when you opt for the low road. Keep your wits about you as you answer this loaded question, and tiptoe around saying the very worst:

wrong
“I worked with completely daft imbeciles.”

right
“I had some coworkers with whom I struggled to maintain a productive coexistence.”

Or, wrap a criticism in a blanket of compliment:

right
“I really liked my former colleagues, but if I’m to name one area in which they could improve, I guess I’d have to say that I'd enjoy working at a place with a more diverse company culture.”

24. Don’t Let Them Dwell on the Past

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
If you feel that the interviewer is spending too much time concerned with some old position, explain to them how it helped get you to where you are today, and how it would help you in the future. Frame these as learning experiences that remain useful to you.

25. Use Examples

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Similar to showing quantifiable achievements when starting your resume, you’ll want to give examples with results that can be measured and which are relevant. When given the opportunity, explain to them how their current requirements would be handled expertly should you be given the role:
“From the job description, I understand you are looking for someone who can take your outreach team to the next level. During my time with ABC, I performed a similar task, with excellent results…”

26. Control Your Body Language

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Sure, you’re talking with your mouth during your interview, but your gestures, posture, and body language speak inaudible volumes. Maintain a good posture, with your back straight and your head held high. Avoid putting your nervousness on display too apparently by keeping your legs and arms still. Try not to fidget and play with something in your hands, and don’t chew on your lips.
Communication skills mean being able to speak with both verbal and non-verbal signs! Feel like you could improve the way you communicate? See: Communication Skills and How to Improve Them for Your Job Search

27. Respectfully Avoid Illegal Inquiries

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
Once in a while, you may get a question that may be insensitive in one way or another, like about your origin or age. Most of the time, the interviewer doesn’t mean to offend and their interest is genuine and for small talk.
Try to keep your composure as you steer the question back on track. If you don’t want to answer their question, simply answer with something like:
“I’m confident that I’ll be able to meet the demands required of me and excel in my role.”
But what questions should not be answered? Here is everything you need to know: Illegal Interview Questions an Employer Cannot Ask [So Don't Answer!]

5

Answer Specific Interview Questions Right

Want specific advice? Well, as career coaches, we know very well what interviewers are likely to ask you, so use this chapter of mock interview questions as a cheat sheet to make sure you reply with what they want to hear.

28. "What Are Your Strengths?”

Importance: [⭐]
The employer isn’t looking to see how much you can bench, but rather what skills you bring to the company’s table. Focus on your best skills and achievements, and make sure that they are relevant to the company. Show and prove that you'll be a good fit. Read some great responses to this question here: "What Are Your Strengths?” Interview Question

29. "What Is Your Greatest Weakness?"

Importance: [⭐⭐]
Unlike the strengths question, the employer here wants to see how you answer more than what you answer. Use answers that show that you’re self-aware and open to improvement. Read some great responses to this question here: "What Is Your Greatest Weakness?" Best Answers

30. "Why Should We Hire You?"

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐]
This can be a stumper, if not thought out before the interview. However, if you prepare, it can turn into a golden opportunity to give a winning elevator speech. Summarize your best points, and try not to feel uncomfortable by being overly modest. Read some great responses to this question here: "Why Should We Hire You?" Best Answers

31. "Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?"

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
At first glance, this question seems like a piece of cake, right? But there are obstacles, particularly if you didn’t have an amicable parting-of-ways with your last organization. Don’t say anything that will make the company question whether that same situation could make a second appearance. Read some great responses to this question here: "Why Did You Leave Your Last Job" Best Answers

32. “Tell Me About Yourself”

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
This interview question is not as broad as it sounds. Hiring managers don't care where you were born and raised, what your favorite sport is, and so on. Rather, they’d like an answer back that is relevant to them. Think of what you might answer were this asked of you during a first date. Read some great responses to this topic here: “Tell Me About Yourself” Best Answers

33. “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

Importance: [⭐⭐]
For the love of Barbara, don’t dare say something like, “because I need work.” No, what interviewers are really asking here is for compliments. Convey your enthusiasm about their company. Show that you're not interviewing for a job only because there are no better options at the moment. Read some great responses to this question here: “Why Do You Want to Work Here?” Interview Question

34. “Describe Your Current Job Responsibilities”

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
Relevance is key here. Don’t tell them everything you did, because not all of it will be significant to this new company. Curate a list of tasks that are the most relevant, and speak about those. This is why preparation is so important! Read some great responses to this topic here: How to Describe Your Current Job Responsibilities

35. “What is Your Management Style?”

Importance: [⭐]
Before you skip over this question thinking it doesn’t pertain to you, think again. You could get this question no matter the position you’re applying for, as the hiring manager uses your answer to gauge your leadership prospects and potential. Give a brief success story about a time you managed a project or team. Read some great responses to this question here: What is Your Management Style? Best Answers

36. “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
Most people don’t have a defined plan as to where they’d like to be in 5 years, but this question is asked by employers more so they can understand a vague idea. They want to hear that they’re part of your future and if your long-term career goals align with the company. Read some great responses to this question here: “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?” Interview Question

37. Use the STAR Method for Behavioral Interview Questions

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Behavioral interviews feature questions about specific situations from your past work experience and how you handled them or behaved. They can be a doozy to answer, and to top that, they often come out of nowhere.
But there’s a great trick to answering them, and it’s not at all underhanded or black hat. It’s called the STAR method, and using it will help you structure your answers and deliver a response that will impress the interviewer every time.
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. To learn how to put this formula to work for your next interview, see this post: STAR Method for Acing Behavioral Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself
2. Tell me about your experience in your current position
3. Why should we hire you?
4. Why did you leave your last job?
5. What is your greatest strength?
6. What is your greatest weakness?
7. Why do you want to work here?
8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
9. What is your management style?
10. Do you have any questions for us?
11. What motivates you?
12. What are your salary requirements?
13. What are you passionate about?
14. How do you explain this employment gap?
15. STAR Method for acing behavioral interview questions
16. Informational interview questions
17. Situational interview questions
18. 25 Teacher Interview Questions
19. 25 Nursing Interview Questions
20. Illegal interview questions employers cannot ask

6

Be Ready for Skype & Phone Interview

I’ll skip the shower. Hell, I don’t even need to put on any deodorant (or pants!). It’s a phone interview.
That may be the case, but there are other ways you could choke during a phone or Skype interview. Just because you won’t meet them in person doesn’t mean you can let your guard down completely.
Here are some Skype and phone interview tips and advice for acing these remote meetings:

38. Know Where to Look

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
One of my favorite Skype interview tips is to make sure that you look at your laptop’s camera, not the screen. Sure, you can look down every now and again as you’re listening, but be sure to look into the camera when you are speaking. This way, you’ll look like you’re looking into their eyes on their end, rather than gazing down below eye level; though it may not be as important for these webcam interviews, 67% of hiring managers name failure to make eye contact as the top interview mistake.

39. Prepare for Maximum Bandwidth

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
You don’t want your computer or internet connection to give out in the middle of a video interview, or a telephone interview, for that matter (if you’re on a VoIP call). Close all your other programs. Sit next to your wifi connection. Block all other sounds in your environment by locking your cats in a closet, turning off the house phone ringer, and dosing your children with sleeping aids. Well, not really, but you get what I mean.

40. Speak Clearly

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
In a phone interview or a Skype interview, your voice is going to be weighed much more heavily, since your appearance and other aspects don’t have to be. Have a glass of water handy to keep your throat from getting dry. Enunciate to be sure that your answers are clearly understood.
Learn great Skype & phone interview tips from this guide: Top 20+ Phone Interview Questions & Answers [Best Examples & Tips]

7

Keep Calm in an Interview

Sweaty palms. Weak knees. Panic.
Interviews can be terrifying events for even the most confident among us. And if you’re prone to anxiety and nervousness anyway, awaiting the interview feels like having an imminent execution date.
But relax a bit. Here are some helpful interviewing tips for anxiety and nervousness that will see you through your big day with confidence and calm.

41. Avoid Coffee

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
You’ll likely be nervous and jittery enough as it is, and that’s before arriving at your interview. Don’t let your daily caffeine ritual cause you more suffering. Skip the coffee until after the interview.
However, if you need it to feel alert, or if, like me, you need it to avoid a withdrawal migraine, opt for a tea. Tea has a lower caffeine content (usually), and a cuppa has even been shown to reduce stress after consumption.

42. Skip the Alcohol

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Yes, interviewers are mean, scary monsters, but don’t take a shot of vodka right before to help steel your nerves—potential employers will smell it on your breath, most likely, and that could ruin any chances you may have had. If you really fear a panic attack at your upcoming interview, consider consulting your doctor about taking a prescription such as Xanax.

43. Get More Interviews!

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
At first, this may sound counterintuitive—how would being given more stressful situations help lower your anxiety?
Well, interviews are stressful not just because it’s a formal meeting where you’re in the spotlight, but also because it plays a life-changing role. If you have more interviews lined up, at least you’ll reduce the stress which comes from feeling like you only have one shot to get it right.

44. Focus on One

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
If you’re already dreading your interview, facing a group interview may feel like more than you can handle. First, keep your focus on one person of the group, and tell yourself that it is just you and they.
Later on, you should feel more comfortable, so switch your focus to the other(s). Don’t leave anyone out not to offend your future colleagues and seniors!

45. Just Breathe

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐]
When all else fails, and you still feel nervous, try deep breathing. Taking slow, deep lungfuls of air often helps reduce nervousness and stress, whether you are interviewing or in another anxiety-inducing situation.
Try this 4-Square technique:

• Breathe in slowly while counting to 4
• Hold that breath in while counting to 4
• Release slowly, counting to 4
• Count to 4 with lungs deflated before repeating

Navy Seals use some version of this breathing technique, and it’s worked quite well for me, as well. It’s one of my favorite last-minute interview tips out there.

8

Send a Thank You Note After the Interview

Hey! Where do you think you’re going? Just because you’ve made it through the interview doesn’t mean the fun has ended.
Don’t worry—our interview tips don’t stop there either. This is what you need to do after the interview:

46. Show Your Appreciation

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Send a thank you note after the interview within 24 hours. Not only is this a cordial gesture, but it also serves to remind them that you are waiting for their response. Craft your perfect letter of thanks—express appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. Read more here: How to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview (+10 Examples)

47. Give Them Some Space

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐]
Don’t go all stalker-like obsessive on them. After following up and still not receiving an answer, just consider it a loss and move on. How much follow up is too much? Find out: Following Up on a Job Interview: Full How-to Guide

Avoid Worst Interview Mistakes

So—
Now you know all key intreview dos. Let's take a closer look on the interview don'ts.

48. Avoid Being Impolite

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐]
CareerBuilder reports that the following mistakes will kill your chances of landing a job:

• Candidate answers a cell phone or text during the interview
• Candidate appears arrogant or entitled
• Candidate dresses inappropriately
• Candidate appears to have a lack of accountability

49. Remember You Speak With Your Body, Too

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Employers don’t like candidates:

• Failing to make eye contact
• Failing to smile
• Playing with something on the table
• Fidgeting too much in their seats
• Crossing their arms over their chests
• Having bad posture
• Playing with their hair or touching their faces
• Having a weak handshake
• Using too many hand gestures
• Having a handshake that was too strong

50. Don't Lie in a Job Interview

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]
Being caught lying about something destroys even the best first impression (the same rule applies to your resume, too!).
Best tips for job interviews? Avoid the mistakes mentioned above!

Key Takeaway

Well, that’s all I have for you here today. I hope you’ve found this interview guide to be helpful and informative. Keep these interview tips in mind:

• Prepare, prepare, prepare—So much of your interview success relies on how well you prepare for an interview.
• Look positive—Be warm and friendly to everyone you meet. Keep a smile on your face and present yourself in a confident manner to be the best interviewee possible.
• Keep calm & carry on—There are many ways to reduce and avoid your nervousness and anxiety before and during your interview, and they are all easily implemented.

So, what do you think of our job interview tips and suggestions? Got any more tips for interviews to add to the list? Let us know by commenting below, and thanks for reading!

The ultimate goal of studying hard is to get a job. But many of the bright students who are intelligent in their studies fails in interview round. The aim of this post is to provide some basic interview tips for freshers which help them in clearing their job interview successfully. While giving an interview the main concern of the interviewee is to impress his/her interviewer. So here are some basic interview tips for freshers that help you in clearing your interview.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Interview Tips for Freshers:

1) Information about the Company
Before attending any interview for any company, make sure you know enough about the company and you are willing to work in this company. To do this, Go through the history and the present position of the company. It will help you to understand them and make you more confident.
2) Your Resume
A resume is the main intangible tool to get a job. Prepare your resume according to the job profile the company is offering and highlighting your strength required for the job. Remember one thing, that the points you are mentioning in it should be the ones, you are really intended to. This should not be bombastic and not be false just to impress the interviewer.
3) Practice Makes you Perfect
Practice the way of your speaking and answer the questions which are often asked. Improve your communication skill. If you are good at communication, half of your job is done.
Also Read: Top 10 Most Important Personality Development Tips
4) Arrive Early
In today’s rushing world, no one can waste their precious time for waiting for someone. So arrive five-minute early. So that you can relax there. It will also depict your punctuality.

Top 10 Basic Interview Tips for Freshers

5) Dress Like you mean Business
Your dressing sense is the mirror of your personality. It defines the society you belong to. Dress like you are a part of them. Always wear a formal suit. Black trouser and a white shirt would be the best combination. Avoid wearing colorful shirts and trousers. Look like a professional.
6) Switch Off your Phone
The disturbance is not acceptable in any form and the job is more important than your one call or a message, so turn off your phone before entering.
 7) Show Enthusiasm
Give an answer with such a great feel so that interviewer can feel your enthusiasm for the job in your voice only.
Also read: Top 10 Basic Group Discussion Tips for Interview
8) Keep Eye Contact
It is required to have an eye to eye contact with the interviewer because it shows your confidence and your honesty.
9) Be Yourself
People like natural things more than man-made. Be natural in front of the interviewer. Don’t try to copy an accent which you will not able to continue after some time.
10) Be a Part of them
Try to connect yourself with them, show your interest that you want to be a part of their family.
These are some basic interview tips for freshers; if you want to clear your interview successfully then you must have to follow all the above tips.
Also See: Top 10 Universities in the World 2013
There are some questions that are often asked in an Interview-
Q1. Tell me about yourself?
Q2. Why should we hire you?
Q3. What are your salary expectations?
Q4. Which is more important to you money or growth?
Answer such questions clearly and to the point. Don’t try to explain them like a story reading, do not be argumentative while answering, address politely and with confidence.

Conclusion
We all know the importance of prestigious jobs in our life and it’s not easy to grab such jobs for the first time. These are the basic interview tips for freshers. So, if you really want to clear your interview then must remember all the above points.
Do share your view how you like our article on basic interview tips for freshers.

Here are 5 most common interview questions for freshers – things that HR managers ask the candidates about themselves.
For freshers, facing your first interview is nothing less than having bittersweet feelings at their best. Not only are you too excited but also very nervous for those one-on-one interview rounds. The mixed feelings can modify your thoughts and either leave you speechless or you end up blabbering unnecessary stuffs.

Both the above situations would work against you and you may lose out on a good work opportunity. To successfully clear all your interview rounds at one go and leave a positive impact on your HR manager, we bring to you most common interview questions and answers for freshers.

1. Casual greeting – “Hello, how are you today?”

One of the most common interview questions, it is intended to make you feel comfortable and settle down for further rounds. You need to answer with a positive and pleasing smile. In case you had any difficulties during the day, you may mention that too. If you’ve had problems reaching the interview venue, do say about that. However, do not go overboard.
Example:
I’m alright sir, but just that I couldn’t seem to locate the area properly, as I’m not too familiar with the place around.

2. Tell us something about yourself

This has to be the best and most favourite HR question. Often candidates stretch their answer to impress the interviewer. However, the answer is expected to be simple sounding yet informative about yourself as in:

• Highlight your education background – especially your highest qualification
• Provide a brief about your family and where you live
• Mention your major achievements, hobbies, and interests in short

Example:
I’m Priya Singh from Bombay. I did my B.Com in Accounting & Finance from NM College, Bombay University. I also completed my plus two from the same college and topped the boards with 97% in HSC Boards. I have four members in my family and I live in Andheri. I love reading books, especially on political science; my favourite authors being Aristotle, John Mill, and John Keynes.

3. Tell us something about your key strengths?

With this one again being one of the most common interview questions, you must know that the idea is to understand how much you know about yourself. Besides, the question digs deep on your confidence level and your knowledge about your own strength. You may sound like:

• Stay simple and positive. Begin as “I take things positively, and I am a very positive person”
• You may mention one of your personal experiences to support your answer
• If you have a fair idea about the job profile, you can also include short pointers about it.

Example:
Mam, I believe my greatest strength is my ability to grasp things quickly. Like for instance, I had to put up a presentation in college at inter-college arts exhibition. In that, despite being introduced to the rest of the team members at the last moment, I was able to easily understand the artifacts and represent successfully.

4. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

While the question aims at knowing your career goals, it also evaluates on your commitment towards the organization. As in, if at all there are any immediate plans for you to switch over in search of better prospects. That’s why, the question can be a bit too tricky. You should be knowing how to tackle the situation with proper reasoning and vocabulary.  
Example:
In the next five years, I visualize myself taking up different roles within the team. Going strength to strength to strength from being a marketing executive to handling a team and various projects. For that, as a fresher, I wish to absorb as much knowledge and take my learning curve ahead.

5. Why should we hire you?

The intention of this question is to understand which quality of yours would be more helpful for the company’s growth. However, since you’re a fresher, you cannot explicitly highlight any of your expertise in any particular domain.
Hence, you need to tackle the question by having apt knowledge about the company and your specific qualities that would suit the organization. In case you don’t know the company well, you may mention some common qualities like quick learning, team player, flexibility, etc.
Example:
During my college time, I’ve had a good number of internships and exposure to the industry. Being a fresher, it wouldn’t be difficult for me to adjust in the new environment. Hence, we can save on training time and other resources.
Above are some of the most common interview questions and answers for freshers about the candidate. In the forthcoming posts, we shall discuss some more questions and answers HR managers ask freshers regarding the company and other general questions.
Related Articles:
7 Tips to Bounce Back After Receiving Interview Rejection Letter
Tips & Tricks to appear for an Informational Interview
8 Tips to Excel at a Skype Interview

Top 20 Fresher Interview Questions With Answers!

After making your way through the shortlisting process, your way ahead is dependant on your performance in this crucial round – the interview. And it needs, apart from the right knowledge and skills, confidence and poise. Dealing with personal interviews becomes easier once you’ve faced a few rounds. However, for a fresher, it may still be a daunting task.  And that’s why, in this blog, we aim to help you with this by taking up 20 fresher interview questions and their answers.

Confidence: A Core Interview Problem

The thing that most candidates lack so often isn’t qualification or skill, but the confidence to handle the questions thrown at them. For this very reason, they find themselves lost and confused during the interaction. Knowing common questions beforehand can be very helpful for presenting a more confident self in front of the interviewer.

Common Fresher Interview Questions

For fresher candidates who are facing interviews for the first time, we bring here the Top 20 fresher interview questions and their best answers:

1. Tell me about yourself.

Understand what the interviewer wants to know when he asked you tell him about yourself.

A common icebreaker, this is the candidate’s chance to set the tone of the interview and to present themselves in the best possible light.

Why this question:

The interviewer won’t jump to level difficult. They are experienced enough to handle all type of interviewees so the first question is normally to make the person comfortable. This doesn’t mean that the answer isn’t considered.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

It’s easy amble through on this one. After all, you have known yourself for many years. However, if you go into this without any preparation, then all those years won’t count for much.
By asking this question, the interviewer usually intends to know things beyond your resume.

How to answer:

Prepare well for this question and answer smartly. It would be better if you give a quick but well-defined summary of your background.
Here are a few cues:

• Talk about your professional self, precisely.
• Don’t go into your whole life story.
• Talk about your achievements and strengths,
• Indulge in specifics, but don’t narrate your resume.  

The Right Answer:

A model answer for a CSE graduate, asked the question – Tell Me About Yourself.

Read more on how to answer Tell Me About Yourself in a job interview.

2. Why should we hire you?

“Why should we hire you?” Job interview question.

Usually positioned mid-session or near the end, this one from the set of fresher interview questions is a chance to portray yourself as the most ‘fit’ candidate for the position.

Why this question:

Direct and to the point, it’s not a chance to talk about why it’s a good opportunity for you. Afterall, you were shortlisted and did beat so many applicants to sit on the hot seat and that means something.
It’s a self-analysis to check your suitability for the position being offered.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

By asking this question, the interviewer usually wants to ask “What makes you best-fit for this position?”

How to answer:

Focus on your qualifications and skills and how they can help the company.

• Start with your professional persona and move on to how you stand out vis a vis others with the same qualification.
• Match those to the job description for the position
• Add traits that will help the company’s business position and show you in line with the company’s business ideologies and processes.
• Improvise according to the company’s requirements.

The Right Answer:

A model answer for a six-month content writer asked ‘Why Should We Hire You’.

If you need more help on handling this question, take a look at How to handle “Why Should We Hire You”. 

3. What are your strengths?

Know your strengths and weaknesses.

Most candidates take it for granted that they will know the answer to this question. However, this (over)confidence costs them in the end as they find it hard to frame their answer. Yes, it is an easy question, but that is the whole point of it.

Why this question:

This question is to test how you will respond to something like this and that is why you need to put in some thoughts and preparations to get it right. Despite being one of the most widely asked questions in job interviews, interviewees tend to mess it pretty often. 

How to Answer:

Do not use too many adjectives or go on with a list of strengths you have. Instead, sit, think, relax, choose one or two skills and explain why you consider having those strengths. Include strengths that the company is looking for. Some prior research will provide you with enough clues for that. And, even if you have an impressive list of strengths to your name, try not to come across as too arrogant.
Stay positive throughout your answer. You can begin by saying – “I have strong ethics while at work. When I have to meet some deadlines at work, I try to complete it within the stipulated time or ahead of that. While I was in my college…”

The Right Answer:

In reference to the job – A model answer for a developer asked ‘What are your strengths’?

You can read up more on how to answer this particularly tricky job interview question by clicking on How to answer “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

4. What are your weaknesses?

Talking about your weaknesses during a job interview.

The question that follows is something you can amalgamate with your previous answer.

Why this question:

According to an interesting write-up on ‘The Business Insider‘, – What Hiring Managers Really Want To Know – the question is a test of character. If I were to liken it to an onion, it is a question with multiple layers, which can be peeled through for each of them.
The first layer is obvious – there are looking for cues or red flags on why they should not hire you. Next, they are looking at your ability to be prepared and maintain composure in a difficult setting. They also want to know how self-aware you are and whether you’re doing anything to overcome them.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

Summarising the points given above, here are the real questions nestled within a broader ‘What are your weaknesses’.

• Why should we not hire you?
• How do you react in a pressure situation?
• How self-aware are you?
• Would your weaknesses impact your job performance?
• What are you doing to improve on your weaknesses?

How to Answer:

Do not say that you don’t have any because that’s arrogant, overconfident, and practically not true! Instead, talk about your weaknesses and talk about how you are working towards eliminating them.
Do not count waking up late, drinking, smoking, etc. as your weaknesses.

The Right Answer:

Some of the best answers when talking about your weaknesses. (Image: The Balance)

5. What are your long-term goals? What are your short-term goals?

Know how to answer the fresher interview question about your career goals. (Image; Flexjobs)

This is to check your commitment towards the job. A casual query like this can turn into a probe into your maturity and the levels of dedication you maintain towards your overall work graph.

Why this question:

From a recruiter’s perspective, the job interview is the best time to get focused information from a candidate, which will help them make a decision about them. Asking about their goals, both short-term and long-term goals, helps these recruiters understand where they are coming from and what plans they have for their lives.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

This also lets them decide whether the candidate would be a good hire and would stay in the company. What motivates them and where would they go, if they face an opportunity in line with those goals – both internally and externally.

How to Answer:

Haven’t thought about your future, five years down the line, let alone in the coming six months? Start thinking. This is how you can answer this fresher interview question.

• Think of what you want to do in 6 months, 1 year, 5 years
• Include the Company in your plans
• Begin explaining short-term goals.
• Include long-term goals, but don’t talk about salary or explicit details

So, don’t say you want to earn a lot of money and then run away to Prague. Yes, there are interviewees casual enough to answer that. On the other hand, don’t say your long-term goal would be getting “your chair” (the interviewers). That will pretty much take away the job from you.

 The Right Answer:

A model answer for an analyst on what are your goals.

To know more about creating your work goals, we recommend this read.

6. How well do you handle stress/pressure?

How well do you handle stress also adds to the workplace environment.

This is a very common fresher interview question that you will come across.

Why this question:

When an interviewer asks you this question, he is keen on knowing how you are affected by pressure and what is your way of managing it.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

The interviewer is checking for your composure, work ethics and how you actually stand against real-life situations.
They’re asking:

• What are your stress points
• Do they impact your job performance
• What do you do in a crisis situation
• What are your weaknesses – things which can put you in a crisis situation.
• How do you handle such a situation

How to Answer:

You need to be well-prepared for this in advance as you can’t get away by saying you are never affected by any kind of work pressure. After all, almost every individual get affected by work pressure at any point of time.
The best way you can answer this question is by giving specific instances from the past when you managed to do good in spite the tremendous pressure. That can give a clear picture to the interviewer about your ways of handling stressful situations.

The Right Answer:

A model answer on How do you handle pressure.

7. Are you willing to relocate/travel for work?

Would you move or relocate for work. (Image: LearnOutLive)

Moving to a new city can be an exciting idea, but when a recruiting manager asks you this question, he is looking for something different than what you are thinking. He wants to judge your level of enthusiasm and passion for the job role.

Why this question:

A recruiter who asks this question is more privy to the demands of the job position than the candidate. And they’re filtering candidates on different counts – one being flexibility and availability at different locations and the other being an inclination to go places for the job.
They are also checking on your enthusiasm and willingness for the job on offer and the company.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

With this one question the recruiter asks you:

• Would you be open to travel for the job?
• Would you be open to transfers for the job?
• Would you be able to come in, when required?
• Are you really keen on this job?

How to Answer:

While answering this question, emphasize on your willingness to work with the company. Show your enthusiasm for the job role.
Don’t respond with a ‘No’ even if you are not willing to relocate.

The Right Answer:

Model answers on ‘Would you be willing to travel or relocate for the job’.

8. What are your hobbies?

Pick a hobby, talk about it.

This question is necessarily not asked to judge you on your job role. By asking this question, an interviewer wants to get an idea of how you are as an individual.

Why this question:

A recruiter might be interested in knowing about your health, energy level, or your ability to gel with your colleagues. Doing things apart from the job means that you are an all-rounder and your hobbies give an insight into the type of person you are.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

Specifically, the question behind the question on your hobbies and interests depends on who is asking it. If it’s the HR or the first-line recruiter, they want a better understanding of you as an individual and your commitment levels to your interests.
If it is from your reporting manager, then it’s to get a better sense of you and whether they would be able to get along with you, beyond the formal office structure.

How to Answer:

There are certain hobbies and interests that should obviously not be discussed in an interview. Even if your favorite time-pass is partying, it is advised not to say it at all. Same goes for activities like gambling, drinking, smoking, or any other illegal activity.
While answering this question, make sure that you are honest and your hobbies are genuine. Don’t say that you are a fitness enthusiast even if it’s been more than a year since you last hit the gym.
Whatever you say, be prepared for follow-up questions. For example, if you say you love watching movies, be prepared for the last movie you watched, or the type of movie that excites you.
In short, include these things:

• Mix professional and personal interests
• Mention positives – things that contribute to you (health, education, learning)
• Mention positives with community good – volunteering, green initiatives, helping others
• Include your passions and be prepared for follow-ups

The Right Answer:

A model answer on ‘What are your Hobbies and Interests’

For more information, read about hobbies and interests which will make more employable.

9. When can you start?

Improve your employability skills and in turn your chances to get hired (anupartha)

This may seem to be a simple question, but it isn’t! For most candidates, it can feel like the most exciting question of their interview. But please stay calm as this doesn’t necessarily indicate that you have been selected for a position.

Why this question:

Usually, employers ask this question when they hire for an immediate joining and the position is essential to company’s operations.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

The recruiters are judging your position right now – how eager you are for this position and how soon would they be able to close it, if they hired you.
A quick as soon as possible means you need this job straight up – maybe you’re between jobs and gives them an upper hand in the negotiation process.

How to Answer:

While answering this question, avoid sounding too desperate (even if you want to start it right at the moment!).The best way you can respond to this question is by conveying that you wish to start it as soon as possible.

• Communicate your eagerness to join soon.
• Factor in your current commitments – for a fresher these could be the time you graduate, any upcoming plans
• Give a clear date
• Ask about the company’s needs and requirements

The Right Answer:

How to answer, ‘When can you start’.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

Career Tips (career.ku.edu)

When a recruiter asks you this question, there may be a lot of answers arising in your mind – “I would like to move up the hierarchy”, “I want to be the best version of myself”, “At your role”, or “I want to see myself as a consultant.” However, you should refrain from saying any of these out loud in an interview.

Why this question:

An open-ended approach to knowing about your career goals, this is an attempt to learn about the maturity level of the candidate, their willingness and dedication to the prospective job.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

Repeating the above point, here are what they’re really asking:

• Your goals
• Your willingness to continue with the brand
• Whether you would be a good role fit

How to Answer:

So, how do you answer this question? You can be honest and still answer them what they expect to hear from you. Just think about where this position can actually take you and how that is in line with your broader career goals.
The best you can do is be honest and try to keep your answer relevant to your job and the industry. Don’t share your plan of writing a novel in five years when you are applying for the position of a Programmer.

The Right Answer:

A model answer on the interview question Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years.

For more information, read our piece on Interview Questions: ‘Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years’

11. What’s your dream job?

This is a very tricky question. It might happen that your dream job has nothing to do with the job for which you are being interviewed. Still, avoid mentioning it. Rather try connecting it to the position for which you are being interviewed.

Why this question:

Interviewers ask this question to know how this position motivates you. Or, whether you will stick to the position or you just want to take this up as a short-term assignment.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

When a recruiter asks you about your dream job, they’re really asking you these questions:

• What is your motivation
• What are your positive stress points
• Do these idyllic aspirations match our work environment
• Would you fit into the current role/organisation

There are also instances where the recruiter may not be a company employee, but a consultant. In that case, if they’re asking you about your dream job, they may have evaluated you as a good candidate for future positions and may connect with you, if they see something similar.

How to Answer:

Ideally, you should not answer specific job titles. Don’t share your ambitions about a job whose responsibilities are far from achievable while staying in the position that you are applying for. A good idea is to focus more on skills and not the designation.
Focusing on the industry is the key to answering this question.

The Right Answer:

A model answer for a prospective app developer asked, ‘What is your dream job’.

12. Are you comfortable with late night and weekend shifts?

Know how you feel about working on your personal time. (Image: Unperfection)

Another tricky question asked commonly – especially at startups, mid-size companies and with volume-oriented roles, like sales. So, be ready for this one if you’re going to one of these interviews.

Why this question:

The question doesn’t mean your company is planning on ruining your weekends. But depending on workload, companies do need flexible candidates who can handle the pressure at the workplace and work late when required.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

The recruiter is asking you:

• How flexible are you?
• Can you take initiative to sacrifice personal time for a situation?
• Can you handle workplace pressure?
• Can we rely on you to step up, if required?

How to Answer:

Ideally, a carefully enthusiastic response towards being occasionally willing to do so, is a good way to go.
If you aren’t comfortable with it for some reason, state the reason politely. Or you can just say that it would be fine once in a while but you normally prefer maintaining a work-life balance.

The Right Answer:

Model answers on the question would you be willing to work late shifts and weekend shifts.

13. Create an imaginary difficult work situation and tell us how you will overcome it?

Have a problem-solving approach especially while preparing for fresher interview questions. (Heather Marcus)

Making up an imaginary work situation on the spot can be difficult. It is considered one of the toughest interview questions which test a candidate’s natural characteristics that can’t be analyzed in a short interview.

Why this question:

Interviewers ask this question in order to know how you will deal with an unprepared situation that might arise during your work tenure.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

A basic, open-ended question this allows the interviewer to understand the candidate beyond scripted answers and the brief on their resume. It also lets them understand the likely ways in which the candidate would respond to challenges and the kind of situations they may face in their role.

How to Answer:

When this question is thrown at you, stay calm and composed. Go back to the past and think of any difficult situation you might have faced. It can be anything related to your past academics or professional career.
You can tell about the dilemma of choosing your stream in the college, or about the unconventional career path you had to choose for yourself. You can mention who helped you during that stage of your career. Or, if you had to choose an unconventional career for yourself, how you persuaded your family members.
If you can’t link this question to any incidence from the past, you can instead relate it to your job description of the current job. You should develop an idea of unusual scenarios that might arise while in the job and the possible outcomes of that. Avoid giving a long and unnecessary description. Your ideal response should be short and supported by relevant facts.

The Right Answer:

A model answer for ‘How You Overcame A Difficult Situation.’

14. What’s your biggest accomplishment?

Looking for career success tips? These hold true in each and every case.

Another tough interview question for a fresher to face, this close-ended question is as much a test of calibre as of self-awareness.

Why this question:

An interviewer intends to know about your biggest achievements at work in the past and also about your work ethics.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

They wish to analyse you in a larger sense,  beyond the scope of standard interview questions and the resume. Your answer helps them gauge your level of maturity, insight, how you act in different situations. It is also an insight into your soft skills – confidence, problem-solving, initiative, self-management and adherence to tasks.

How to Answer:

The best you can do is tell about an accomplishment that is directly related to your job. Give an instance from the last job where you did extremely well. Keep in mind that you mention the accomplishment that added value to the company. Focus more on the core values and show them how you can be an asset to the company.
On the other hand, don’t lie if you don’t have anything concrete to tell. Be honest that you are still waiting for something that can be called as your biggest accomplishment.

The Right Answer:

A model answer on ‘What is your proudest accomplishment’. (Originally carried by Charlotte Observer)

15. How much salary do you expect?

Going for your first job? Here’s how you can negotiate your salary. (Image: HT)

Although this question comes so straightforward, the answer is complex. At the interview stage, when you have still not been finalised for the role, you won’t wish to give the chance up with an ambitious number. Neither would you want to commit to a small number and put yourself in a corner.

Why this question:

From the interviewer’s perspective, this question is an obvious filter – whether the candidate would realistically fit the company’s budget or not. It is also a judgment call – on maturity, self-awareness and industry awareness.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

Here is a list of questions they are really asking:

• Have you thought about your worth?
• What kind of salary do you expect?
• Do you fit our budget?
• What is the scope of negotiation?
• Should we select you?

How to Answer:

Just because they are asking doesn’t mean you will get what you quote. In fact, it’s a test as well. Do not say something that doesn’t go well with the position. Do your research before you quote any number. And, in other words, be realistic and keep in mind what not to say in an interview.

The Right Answer:

A model answer on salary expectations for a fresher.

16. What do you know about this company?

Do your company research before the interview. (Image: Groupon)

With this question, interviewers choose to filter the desperate candidates from the prepared ones. This question is not just about company knowledge but your dedication to the position that’s available and the company it’s available with.

Why this question:

Interviewers ask this question to know if you care enough to do research about the role and the company before coming to attend the interview. Their goal is to hire people who want a specific job in the company and someone who is passionate about working there. They also want to judge your level of curiosity to know things.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

Here is what they’re really asking:

• Are you really serious about this job?
• Have you invested time and effort in researching about our company?
• How well do you know us? Our sector? Our strengths and Weaknesses?
• Should we invest in you and bring you in as an asset to us?

How to Answer:

If you didn’t do your homework well, you can’t actually answer this question without stumbling and guessing. Read and research about the company you are interviewing for. More similar questions can be raised, so be prepared with enough information to build your answers on.

The Right Answer:

A model answer to this common fresher interview question – ‘What do you know about us’.

17. Who do you think are our main competitors?

A hiring manager wants to know how aware you are of the field you are gearing for. And, the other companies with which they compete. Your answer to this question shows your degree of awareness of the industry.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

They wish to know whether you’ve done the comprehensive company research, which would make you an essential hire. So, it boils down to assessing the seriousness, dedication and maturity of the candidate.

How to Answer:

To answer this question, you need to do a research about the chief rivals of the company. Ensure that you don’t speak out the gathered facts to the interviewer. Rather you should present an analyzed version.
You must not provide wrong facts and figures and disregard a firm in any manner. By doing this, you can reduce your credibility. Don’t forget that the sole aim of the interviewer is to understand how your services can help the company in beating its major competitors.

The Right Answer:

A good answer for an app developer asked ‘What do you know about our competition’.

18. What are your thoughts about working in a team?

It is an unsaid rule that companies look for employees who can gel in well with their teams. Team players are future leaders, and a candidate who can’t work well in a team is more of a liability to the company than an asset.

Why this question:

Beyond core skills, the move towards finding the right-fit candidates is also dependant on their employability skills. It is these, which ensure that a candidate remains productive for the organisation and helps it along on an upward trajectory. And team skills remain core to these employability skills.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

The recruiters are asking you:

• Do you gel well within a team?
• How do you perform, when you have to collaborate and coordinate with both within the department and outside?
• Would you be a negative influence on the team? Would you hinder or hamper operations?

How to Answer:

Provide instances from your college or internship life to tell your interviewer how you are a team player.

The Right Answer:

A model answer when asked ‘What are your thoughts on working with a team’.

19. What kind of work environment do you expect?

A perfect blend of a friendly work environment and encouraging career growth.

When you’re asked this question, don’t relax. This query comes from the niggling set of tricky fresher interview questions and is an attempt at understanding the ideal work environment for the candidate. And, whether the current office would be one.

Why this question:

The employer is often interested in knowing if the employee would be able to fit into the environment of the office. Those factors can be the organization structure, leadership style, work-life balance, size of the company, etc. For instance, the environment of a start-up will be quite different than an MNC.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

• What a recruiter is asking you with this question?
• Would you be a role-fit in our organisation?
• What are your pain points? Would you leave an organisation if you don’t find your ideal environment there?

How to Answer:

Your answer to this question helps them identify your most productive environment. The best you can do here is show your flexibility. It is better to go to the company’s website in order to have a better understanding of the same.

The Right Answer:

An ideal response when asked ‘What is your ideal work environment.’

You can also read 7 ways to adjust to a new workplace.

20. Do you have any questions from me/us?

Handle the trickiest job interview questions like a boss.

It is the most commonly asked question towards the end of an interview. As it is one of the last questions of your interview, it leaves you with a final opportunity to leave your mark on the interviewer. And, that is why there should be no chance of not preparing for it.

Why this question:

Often interviewers ask this question to understand how well you’re prepared for this interview. They’re checking your preparation, enthusiasm, and readiness to work with the organisation.

What are they ‘really’ asking:

They are asking you:

• How keen are you on the job?
• How confident are you about your chances?
• Are you willing to learn from your experiences?
• How eager are you to do this work?

‘How to Answer:

Prepare a list of questions that you want to be answered. Your question should be asked to the relevant interviewer. For example, if your interview is with the HR, your question should focus on the overall interview process or the organization’s structure. In case you are giving an interview to the person who will be your Manager, your question should focus on the kind of work and the work responsibilities.
Keep in mind that you don’t ask questions related to off-work activities like party and vacations. Avoid asking personal questions to the interviewer. Try asking one question at a time and make the whole process feel conversational.

The Right Answer:

What to say when you’re asked, ‘Do you have any questions for us.’

Conclusion
Preparing all these questions beforehand will help you immensely in putting up a confident self for the interview. However, don’t learn the questions by heart or it will sound as if you are just repeating what you crammed up. Remember, the key to actually bagging the job is to maintaining the right body language, as much as it is about answering the questions correctly. 
So, even if the question thrown at you is something you are not prepared for, sit up straight, look the interviewer in the eye and answer with confidence and without a quiver in your voice. If you think that the right body language is something that you need to work on and guided through then opt for online interview tools like Mock-AI.
So, be casual, be confident and remember that this is not the last job you could get in the world, so just take it easy!