Getting an opportunity to be invited for an onsite interview is a deal which many of the job seekers worry about. It is an opportunity for the employer and you to connect more on a professional and personal level. Where you both get acquainted about each other’s interest, passion, skills and talents, and this is the point where both of you put your effort ahead to take the vital decision of hiring or joining. It also gives an opportunity for you to understand if you require the additional set of skills and more importantly you get to meet experienced people from the company itself. Below are the 17 important tips to prepare for the onsite interview:
A Guide to Mastering the On-Site Interview:
1. Research about the company:
During the first round of interview, you would have learnt few things about the company. For the onsite interview, ensure that you know much more about the company, learn about its history, previous CEOs, objective and visions. Understand their work culture and how you will fit in there, the product and services that company offers, their competitors, etc. A good background study will be helpful in communicating the people from the company indicating your pro-activeness and interest.
2. Understand the job description:
Learn more about the job description you have applied for, especially if you are a fresher. Once on-site, try meeting people from the similar job profile and understand how they work within the company. Also, keep yourself updated as to how you can fit into the work profile and how you intend to bring benefit to the company.
3. Learn about the managers of the company:
Before leaving to for the company, it is advisable to ask for the day to day schedule from the concerned person. Read and know who all managers you will be interacting with. Do a thorough research on them, about their current profile and their past experiences. Also, learn more and more about the senior management of the company. If in case you get the chance to meet them it will work in your benefit to be informed beforehand.
4. Prepare the answers for common questions:
Preparation before reaching to the place an essential aspect of the interview. Do some research and prepare a list of common questions that are generally asked during the interview and prepare a valid answer for the same. Many a times people tend to stumble while answering the basic questions which gives an unhealthy impression of yours to the employer. Examples of some basic questions can be, tell me about yourself, are you ready to relocated, if yes then why? How to do you see yourself five years from now? These early preparations will be handy during the conversation.
5. Prepare your online profile:
Personal branding is extremely important these days. If your online presence is weak, then work on it. Update your LinkedIn, Facebook or any other social platform you are on. If you have a blog about something you are passionate about then ensure to add that link on your social media platform. This shows that you are a versatile person and are interested in other things too. This personal branding will be helpful for employers to learn more about yourself.
6. Prepare the list of questions:
It is good to ask questions when on-site. The curiosity to learn more about the company shows your enthusiasm and interest towards the company. Ask questions related to the company or work, avoid asking questions related to salary or promotions as this might hamper your positive image. The research on the company and people will generate curiosity in you to ask the right questions. It is good to write these questions on a piece of paper so as not to forget them later.
7. Carry a small notebook and a pen:
Remember to carry a nice and neat notebook and a pen during onsite interview. One never knows when can an opportunity turn up where you require to jot down the important points or share some info on a piece of paper. Fidgeting pocket in search of pen and paper and asking others for pen does not look good. Since your aim is to leave the lasting impression so carrying them will add on to your proactiveness,
8. Carry essential documents:
Prepare the list of all the documents that are required to carry for the onsite interview. Have at least 3 or 4 copies of each to avoid any last minute mishap. Keep all these documents few days ahead of the travelling date to ensure not to miss out on any important document. Even before leaving check once again if all the papers are in proper order in the file. When needed to submit these documents it will be extremely convenient to share them to the concerned person making you easy.
9. Dress to impress:
No matter how talented you are or how good are you at talking. Another important thing to remember is to wear a right and clean outfit. Many companies these days have a semi-casual system of dressing so recheck the dress code of the company and carry the outfits accordingly. Keep additional pairs of the suits to prevent from any last minute unknown emergency.
10. Maintain a positive attitude:
Remember the moment you enter into the office campus you are being noticed from how you walk, or interact with people, your body language, your attitude of handling things. You might not know when someone is watching you, so always maintain a positive attitude and energy level. Keep your body language pleasant and smooth throughout the time.
11. Be professional:
An On-site interview is an opportunity to meet people in an informal setting also as well in the office. Maintain the decorum of professionalism with a touch of humour. You might meet people with whom you connect easily, but that does not imply to forget your purpose and get casual. Take it as a part of your interview and leave the best possible impression among the people.
12. Be wise during a conversation:
Many times in these scenarios the general conversation of politics, religion or topics of sensitive issues may come up. It is best to avoid to be a part of such a conversation and to give your opinion on it. Because in such cases the probability of agreement and disagreement varies. If in case a scenario comes up where your opinion or viewpoint is asked for then it is best to maintain the neutral perspective or be diplomatic about it.
13. Pre-interview stress:
Some people dread the idea of the onsite interview. One need to understand that it is just another step closer to your dream job and there is nothing to worry about. Focus on the essential points of research and practice, carry the right attitude and you will leave a lasting impression. There is nothing scary about it and one should try to stay calm for this opportunity. If in case you are still worried then it is better to talk to someone with experience and who can guide you better.
14. Avoid last minute plans:
Plan your trip beforehand, contact the company’s travel desk and know the essential details you require. From the address to the landmark and the estimated time of the journey from airport/train station, convenient mode of transportation. Also do some research and get the information beforehand. Once you reach the city, use a GPS system to track the place and always allow additional time to reach to the place to avoid any kind of delay.
15. Good night’s sleep:
Last night before the d-day, keep all the tensions and worries aside and take a nice deep sleep. A good sleep gives you a refreshing morning which will show on your face for throughout the day. Even if things get out of your hand, the relaxed state of your mind will help to deal away with it.
16. Send thank you note:
Emailing a thank you note is a nice gesture after coming back from your onsite interview. Share your positive experiences of the trip and the interview, what all you learnt in that time duration and how you think you can be a perfect fit for the place. Thank you notes are a way to create a chain of further follow-ups, also it shows your personal attribute and interest towards the company.
17. Keep in touch:
Regardless of getting the job or not, it is essential to maintain a connection with the employers. Do keep in touch with them, send cards or wishes on special occasions. These are the form of networking with the people and this is how people tend to remember you. This form of networking takes time to build but give results in long term basis.
Finally irrespective of the fact of getting the job don’t forget to enjoy this experience. Give your best shot and know the best will come back to you. It will act as a base for your career if you have just started with it or will add another feather for the people who are already in the industry.
