How to prepare for an Interview?

What is the purpose of an interview?

Effective interview preparation plays a pivotal role in the overall interview process.  But understanding the purpose of interview and by grasping the true essence and objectives of the interview, one can significantly enhance their ability to present themselves in a more compelling manner to the interviewer. Interviews are a critical step in evaluating whether a candidate possess the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience required for a specific job. It allows the employer to dig deeper into the candidate's resume and assess their suitability for the role. In addition to these, interviews serve various other objectives, including:

• Evaluating Communication Skills
• Cultural Fit: 
• Assessing Qualifications and Skills
• Motivation and Enthusiasm: 
• Clarification and Information Sharing
• Team Work: 

What do companies/hiring managers typically evaluate candidate on?

Companies and hiring managers typically evaluate candidates on several key factors during a job interview. These evaluations help determine if a candidate is the right fit for the position and the company culture. Here are the primary aspects they consider:

Eligibility: Hiring managers evaluate candidates based on their qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to the position. Qualifications encompass both qualitative attributes like professionalism and quantitative factors such as past contributions in previous roles.

Professionalism: During the interview process, candidates are assessed not only for their technical qualifications but also for their qualitative skills, which encompass their professionalism, formal demeanor, appearance, and attitude.

Adaptability: Companies value candidates who can adapt to changing circumstances and show a willingness to learn and grow in their role.

Stability: Your track record of tenure and consistency in your past roles is a key aspect considered when assessing your qualifications.

Relevance: Sometimes the best of the talent may not be hired because the person may not be relevant in terms of role, culture fit, seniority, progression, team and various other things.  

Salary Expectations: Discussions about salary expectations and benefits is also a factor of evaluation.

Which are the various rounds of interviews?

Initial Screening Interview: This is usually the first round and aims to assess basic qualifications, skills, and interest in the role. It's typically conducted by a recruiter or HR professional.

Technical or Skills Assessment: In technical roles, candidates may undergo a round where they demonstrate their technical expertise through tests, coding challenges, or practical exercises.

Panel Interview: Candidates meet with multiple interviewers simultaneously, often representing different departments or teams. This helps assess how candidates interact with various stakeholders.

Case Interview: Common in consulting and strategy roles, candidates are presented with real or hypothetical business cases and are expected to analyze and propose solutions.

Group Interview: Candidates interact with each other and the interviewers in a group setting. This assesses teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.

Final Interview: The last round typically involves senior management or decision-makers. It focuses on assessing a candidate's alignment with the company's vision and values.

Technical Presentation: For roles that require presentation skills, candidates may be asked to prepare and deliver a presentation on a relevant topic.

Depending on various companies, their size, structure, requirement the different rounds of interview happen with different companies. A candidate when applying and more importantly when going for an interview should be aware of who would take the interview, the type of interview so that the person could prepare accordingly. 

Also, please note that it is highly likely that persons in different rounds of interview may ask the same question. This is to check how consistent are you with the answer. Please remember a fact or a truth can always be told in the same manner but persons don’t remember lies and hence can’t replicate them 

What are the various mode to conduct an interview?

Companies conduct interviews in two primary modes: online and offline (in-person). Each mode has its advantages and is chosen based on various factors.

When Companies Conduct Online Interviews?

• Remote Roles: For positions that are entirely remote or have a significant remote component.
• Initial Screening: Often used for the initial stages of the hiring process to narrow down candidates.
• International Candidates: When interviewing candidates from different countries.
• Cost Savings: When budget constraints make in-person interviews impractical.

When Companies Conduct Physical (offline) Interviews?

• Senior-Level Roles: For senior positions or roles involving leadership and significant responsibility.
• Hands-On Roles: For jobs where physical presence or skills demonstration is essential (e.g., manufacturing).
• Final Rounds: Often used for the last stages of the interview process.
• Cultural Fit Assessment: When assessing cultural fit is a priority.

The choice between online and physical interviews depends on the nature of the role, company preferences, and logistical considerations. In recent times, many companies have adopted a hybrid approach, conducting initial screenings online and reserving in-person interviews for final rounds or critical assessments. Ultimately, the mode of interview should align with the company's hiring goals and candidate requirements.

What are the Advantages and disadvantages of online and offline interviews?

Online Interviews:

Offline (In-Person) Interviews:

How to prepare for an interview?

a. General Guidelines:

1. Review the CV submitted: Ensure you have gone through the CV and know about each sentence, achievement or job description mentioned as most of the questions could validate your claims in your CV 
2. Research the Company: Understand the company's history, culture, values, and recent developments.
3. Review the Job Description: Familiarize yourself with the job requirements and responsibilities.
4. Prepare Your Answers: Anticipate common interview questions and formulate concise, relevant responses.
5. Highlight Achievements: Showcase your accomplishments and how they align with the role.
6. Practice Interview Etiquette: Dress professionally, arrive on time (online or in-person), and exhibit good manners.
7. Body Language: Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake (in-person), and sit upright (online).
8. Questions for the Interviewer: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role and company.
9. Mock Interviews: Practice with a friend or mentor to gain confidence.

Interview of mariners

In most interviews for fresh mariners, companies evaluate candidates on attitude, aptitude, stability, progressive thinking and intent. Understanding these points are very important for mariners so that they can accordingly prepare for the interview. In addition to the above, following guidelines could be used to prepare:

1.  Why you want a shore job - Prepare for the question. This is a personal question but ensure that your reasons align to company and it’s growth. Ideally this shouldn’t revolve only around family because you may not get a very good family time once ashore
2. Show growth minded attitude: For yourself and company 
3. Impress your long-standing commitment: While you would always have the option of going back to sea, showcase your commitment to stay put in shore job through thick and thin
4. Be humble: While you could be at Sr. level and essentially head a department or the vessel, you have to start from scratch when ashore. Showcase this humbleness
5. Team Work – While we work as a team ashore but it’s hierarchal and well defined responsibilities. Showcase how you could work in companies having flat structures

Conclusion

In conclusion, interviews are pivotal in the hiring process, serving as a means to assess qualifications, skills, and cultural fit. Candidates must be well-prepared, understanding the specific factors that companies evaluate, including eligibility, professionalism, and adaptability. The interview process may encompass various rounds, and the choice between online and offline interviews depends on role requirements. Adequate research, tailored responses, and good etiquette are essential for interview success, ultimately shaping the path to career advancement. To take help for the interview, you may connect with us or whatsapp on +91 8104974528 or +91 8976124339

 or write to us on education@seaandbeyond.com 

P.S – In order to get interviews, one needs to have a very good CV to atleast get interview calls. To know more about CV and how it should look, please review this blog