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How to do well in college placement interviews?
Learn, about the top 12 collage placement interviews tips.
Submitted by Mehak Aggarwal, on January 23, 2023
The ultimate goal for any college student is to get placed in good company after graduation. All the hard work a student puts in the years leading up to his or her graduation is put to a test during the placement interviews. Colleges offer on-campus placement interviews, where various companies come for recruitment. Sitting in a placement interview and acing it are two very different. Some people find this easier compared to others, and may find it hard to deal with. We have a couple of tips that could help you with these jitters.
Top 12 Campus Placement Interview Tips
1. Prepare a strong and well-defined resume
Your resume should be very clear, yet brief. It should be worded well, and give an apt description of your strengths. College placements don't require you to fill out application forms, so your resume holds the most amount of weightage to make a good impression. Highlight your strengths to show the interviewer why they should hire you, and why you would be an asset to their company.
2. Prepare by attending mock interviews
Attending mock interviews can help you understand how the real interview could potentially go. It will give you more confidence and also highlight the areas where you might need some more work. Many colleges and universities offer mock interview sessions, but in case your college does not have this, you can take the initiative. You can also get your friends to help you, by asking them to interview you to gauge where you stand.
3. Research as much as possible
I cannot emphasize this enough. Gather as much information as possible about the company you are interested in. The more you know about the company, the easier it will be for you to present yourself. Understand the goals and motives of the company, how it works, and also the way it hires. Read what others have written on the internet. The internet will give you all that you need at your fingertips. It will also give you clarity on whether this company is best suited for you or not.
4. Be Punctual
Punctuality is not something that can be compromised. Every organization looks for employees who are punctual. Reach the venue before time so you don't rush last minute. It will also give you more time to prepare for your interview. This will also showcase you as someone who values punctuality. This will assure the employer that you will respect their time even if you do get hired.
5. Be Presentable
No company would want a shabby employee. First impressions leave a lasting impression, so make sure it is a good one. Dress well and groom yourself before you appear in front of the interviewer. Your shoes should be polished, clothes crease free and hair set. Also, trim your nails before you go in. This will tell the interviewer that you care about your appearance.
6. Include a cover letter in your resume
Resumes are incomplete without a cover letter. A cover letter declares that you are serious about the offer. It should contain important information like why you are applying for the job, why you are the ideal candidate for the company, and the things you know about the company. For brownie points, try to find out about the person interviewing you so that you can customize your cover letter accordingly to attract his or her attention.
7. Beware of common mistakes most job aspirants make
Most job aspirants make common mistakes that could project them in a bad light. Some of these mistakes include overconfidence or underconfidence, nail-biting, chewing on a pencil, or being overly anxious among others. Another common mistake is dressing too casually. These may seem like small things but they have a big impact on how your interview goes.
8. Be Committed
Every company looks for people who are committed to their work. The ultimate goal is to hire people who are willing to put in the work to take the company to the next level. Show the interviewer that you are committed to what you do and are not afraid of working hard. Have a clear long-term vision and set goals for yourself. If you seem uncommitted, the recruiter would choose someone else over you.
9. Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses
Scoring well in an interview requires you to be self-aware. Self-awareness is an extremely important factor that most people tend to overlook. You want to be aware of the things that you are good at, as well as the things that require some work. Do not apply for a job that is not up your alley and highlight your weaknesses. Instead, interview for a department that would help you flourish by highlighting your strengths.
10. Always stay updated
It is extremely crucial to know about the organization you are applying for. Try to get as much information as possible before you sit for your interview. Search the web, read articles and look at reviews from others. Also know the morals the company follows, its long-term growth plans, and how it has progressed in the past. If you want to make an even better impression, try to find out more about your interviewer. If you know about the company, it would tell the interviewer that you are up to date and keen on being a part of the company.
11. Pay attention to the company's presentation
When a company comes to recruit employees, it will give a small presentation about itself. You must pay attention to what the presentation tells you. There is a chance the interviewer might ask you questions about the presentation later, to know what you understood or learnt. It is always a good idea to know as much as possible about the company you're applying for.
12. Your beginning and end should be well planned
It is obviously very important to make a good first impression when sitting for a job interview. How your interview progresses banks on the first impression you make on your interviewer. What most people don't realize is how you end your interview also has a huge impact on your interviewer. If you end on a good note, it could help you secure a position in the company. There are a hundred other people who apply for the job, so you need to show the interviewer that you are the best choice. It will definitely have a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts
It is always nerve-wracking to sit in an interview when your career is at stake, but how you conduct yourself holds a lot of importance in the eyes of the recruiter. It holds a lot of weightage and can help you score a job at the company of your dreams. These are a couple of tips to help you prepare, and can work like a game changer. However, at the end of the day, practice makes a man perfect. Just be yourself and don't let your nerves get the better of you. Your confidence matters, and showcasing your real self in front of the recruiter should be the goal.