Sushmita is a highly accomplished individual, having graduated with a B.Tech degree in Computer Science and being a top performer in her class with exceptional technical skills. However, despite her impressive credentials, she has not been successful in securing a job, unlike her classmates who have landed at least three job offers out of five interviews.
It would be unfair to assume that Sushmita is not capable enough. On the contrary, she is a perfect candidate who simply lacks the ability to present herself in a positive light during the selection process. There could be various reasons for this, such as her inadequate soft skills or her inability to negotiate her salary effectively during the HR round.
To overcome these challenges, Sushmita needs to devise her own strategy. Here are some tips that can help her and people like her in this regard.
- Willingness to learn – Mrs Sudha Murthy, Indian Educator, author and philanthropist, once told a story about a candidate with a Civil engineering background who appeared for a programming job. He straightforwardly told the interview panel that he hardly knows anything about computers, however he can learn and perform programming based jobs.
Surprisingly, the man proved his mettle and did extremely well in the company as a computer programmer.. Hence, if you have willingness to learn and you are honest, who knows you might become the next star in your working place
- Take a closer look at the company profile – Before applying for a job, it is crucial to carefully review the company profile because it enables you to determine whether the firm’s values, culture, and goals correspond with your own professional objectives.
Not to forget, it provides you with information on the company’s stability, competitiveness, standing in the industry, and potential for expansion. You can indicate your interest in the position and help yourself prepare for the interview by being familiar with the business model, target market, and competitors of the organisation.
You can decide if a company is a good fit for you by doing some preliminary research on it, and you can improve your chances of getting hired by doing so.
- Polish your soft skills– In addition to having strong technical skills, having polished soft skills is crucial for doing well in interviews. Communication, interpersonal, time management, problem-solving, and other soft skills are included.
It is essential to demonstrate these abilities during the interview because they could significantly influence the hiring decision. A candidate with good technical capabilities but without interpersonal or communication abilities might not be chosen over a candidate with adequate technical skills but refined soft skills.
To make a good impression during the interview, it is crucial to practise active listening, develop your soft skills, be well-prepared for frequent interview questions, and improve on your body language.
- Dress to impress – First impression is the last impression. Your appearance can say a lot about your character, level of professionalism, and attention to detail. Maintaining good hygiene and dressing in nice, well-fitting clothing demonstrates that you are taking the interview seriously and are mindful of the company’s culture and values.
Conversely, a shoddy or unprofessional appearance could suggest a lack of interest in or commitment to the job. To create a good first impression, it is crucial to dress appropriately for the interview, paying respect to the dress code specified by the firm or industry standards.
Practise the interview before final shot
- You should practise your answers to popular interview questions like “tell me about yourself,” “what are your strengths and weaknesses,” and “why do you want to work here?”
- Ask a friend or member of your family to help you perform a mock interview. You will get the chance to practise question-answering in a mock interview scenario thanks to this.
- When practising your responses, record yourself and then review the recording to see where your delivery and body language might be improved.
- Prepare to talk about the experiences and credentials indicated on your résumé.
- Practise effective communication techniques such as keeping eye contact, using confident body language, and communicating clearly.
Salary negotiation is an art – It can be difficult to negotiate a wage with HR, but it’s necessary to do so to make sure you’re getting paid fairly for your qualifications and expertise. Here are a few advices:
- Research – Before engaging in any negotiations, find out what the going rate is for the position and your degree of expertise. You’ll have a clear concept of what to ask for and expect as a result.
- Be assured – Approach the negotiation with expertise and assurance. Be prepared to support your points with specific examples of your accomplishments and the value you add to the firm. Make your case clearly and calmly.
- Be adaptable – While it’s necessary to demand what you think you’re worth, it’s equally crucial to be adaptable and willing to make concessions. Think about additional perks or benefits that might be negotiated, such flexible work schedules or more vacation time.
- Timing – It’s crucial to hold off on discussing pay until the appropriate moment. Neither wait until the very end nor bring it up too early in the process.
In conclusion, having a degree and technical skills alone are not enough to land a job. Additionally, it calls for the capacity to show oneself as favourably as possible throughout the selection process. Anyone can increase her chances of landing a job and making a strong first impression during interviews by heeding the advice given above.
Every detail matters, from studying the business to honing her soft skills to dressing accordingly. Furthermore, learning how to bargain for a pay rise is a useful ability that can help you get paid what she is worth. These actions will help any candidate stand out from the competition and eventually achieve her dream position.