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Let’s be real. I’ve lost count of how many candidates show up to their first round of interviews with all the enthusiasm in the world… and zero prep. No idea what the company does, no clue why they’re asking for 18 LPA, and absolutely no questions when asked “Any questions for us?”
Look, I get it—interviews are stressful. But walking into one unprepared is like showing up to a sword fight with a spoon. Through my work as a consultant, I’ve seen what not to do—and now, I’m here to share what you should do. These five moves are your golden ticket to cracking round 1 and making it to round 2 with your head held high.
1. Stalk the Company (In a Non-Creepy Way, of Course)
Before you even think about hitting “Join Meeting,” get to know the company. What do they do? What problem are they solving? Who are their clients? What’s their latest funding round or product launch? This isn’t just trivia—it shows you’re proactive, curious, and actually interested in being there. Interviewers can sniff out a bluff in seconds.
💡 Pro tip: Casually drop in a nugget like,
“I read about your recent acquisition of XYZ. That’s a great move considering your expansion goals in APAC.”
Instant credibility. ✅
Boom. Instant brownie points.
2. Connect the Dots: Your Work + Their Mission
Once you’ve understood what the company is building, ask yourself: “Where do I fit in?” Align your past work, your strengths, or even your future goals with the company’s mission. This isn’t a TED Talk—it’s your chance to say, “Here’s what I bring to the table, and here’s why I care about what you’re doing.” That combo of purpose + alignment = irresistible.
“Your focus on AI in healthcare is something I resonate with. I worked on a similar model during my time at…”
This tells them: “Hey, I’m not just here for a paycheck—I belong here.”
3. Have a Salary Talk With… Yourself
Please, I beg you—don’t fumble when asked, “What are your compensation expectations?” Know your worth, be realistic, and back it up with a reason. Whether it’s skill upgrades, cost of living, or industry standards—have a clear rationale.
And while you’re at it, be ready with a solid answer to, “Why are you looking out?” It shouldn’t sound like you woke up and thought, “Meh, new job?”
4. Revisit Your Greatest Hits
You’d be surprised how many candidates blank out on their own projects. Go back and revisit what you’ve worked on. Know your role, your contributions, any data-driven results, and lessons learned. Bonus points if you can narrate it like a story rather than reading off a resume like it’s a grocery list.
Because nothing’s worse than this moment:
Interviewer: “Tell me about the XYZ project you led.”
You: “Umm… it was in 2021… I think it was about…” 😐
5. Ask Questions—Smart Ones
Interviews aren’t interrogations—they’re conversations. Come prepared with at least 2 thoughtful questions. It shows that you care about the opportunity and want to understand more. Ask about the team culture, growth plans, challenges in the role, or even the company’s future vision. No one wants to hire someone who’s just looking for “any job.”
🎁 Bonus Tip: Light Internet Stalking Is Allowed
Yes, it’s totally okay to ask who your interviewer is. Once you know, do a quick LinkedIn scroll. Maybe you share a common connection, interest, or alma mater.
Starting with:
“I noticed you’ve grown with the company over 5 years—would love to know what’s kept you here.”
...is a great way to break the ice. ❄️
Takeaway
A little preparation goes a long way. You don’t need to rehearse every line like a stage actor, but being intentional shows. You’re not just another CV in the pile—you’re a future colleague, a culture fit, a solution to their problem.
So tell me—what do you think are some must-dos before round 1? Let’s help each other not just survive, but thrive in interviews. Drop your thoughts below! 👇
️✨ http://www.aplushub.com/walls/dont-use-these-5-compelling-strategies-or-you-will-land-your-dream-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Don't use these 5 Compelling Strategies or you will land your dream job!
✨http://www.aplushub.com/walls/5-untold-secrets-to-acing-your-job-interview-and-landing-your-dream-role" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> http://www.aplushub.com/walls/5-untold-secrets-to-acing-your-job-interview-and-landing-your-dream-role" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5 Untold Secrets to Acing Your Job Interview and Landing Your Dream Role!
✨ http://www.aplushub.com/walls/only-the-smart-ones-decline-offer-without-raising-red-flags-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Only the SMART Ones decline offer without raising Red flags 🚩!!!
✨http://www.aplushub.com/walls/pat-yourself-if-youre-into-these-powerhouses-5-industries-set-to-transform-the-nation-by-2030-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">💡Pat yourself If you’re into these Powerhouses-5 Industries Set to Transform the Nation by 2030 🚀🔥
✨ http://www.aplushub.com/walls/the-curious-case-of-the-vanishing-candidate-a-recruiters-dilemma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Chttp://www.aplushub.com/walls/the-curious-case-of-the-vanishing-candidate-a-recruiters-dilemma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">urious Case of the Vanishing Candidate: A Recruiter’s Dilemma
Don’t stress about searching every career page or job site. Stay ahead with the latest opportunities from different sources right here!
Related Articles
Let’s face it—job applications today are beginning to feel like online shopping. Scroll, click, add to cart (or in this case, ‘Apply’), and then… silence. For recruiters and hiring teams, it’s like planning a whole dinner party only for the guest to vanish last minute.
As a consultant working closely with candidates and employers, one trend I’ve observed (and can no longer ignore) is this: people apply without purpose only to back out mid-process or go completely unresponsive. It’s not just unprofessional—it’s unproductive for everyone involved.
If you’re juggling multiple interviews or struggling to decide between offers, here’s how to bring clarity to your job search and cut out all the unnecessary noise.
Let’s fix it—here are 5 things to check before applying to your next job:
1. Know What Growth Looks Like—for You
Chasing the slightly higher offer without evaluating the actual learning opportunity? Classic mistake. Money is important (yes, we get it), but so is your career trajectory. Understand what each role brings to the table in terms of learning, exposure, mentorship, and challenge. A stronger learning curve today = better paychecks tomorrow.
2. Pick Roles That Mean Something
Ask yourself: What kind of problems do I enjoy solving? Whether it’s a specific industry, product type, or technology—knowing this helps filter out 80% of irrelevant opportunities.
3. Startups Aren’t “Plan B”—They’re a Masterclass in Growth
The obsession with “MNC only” often costs freshers the opportunity to build real, hands-on skills. Small companies and startups can teach you more in 6 months than a large organization might in 2 years. They shape your mindset, teach you agility, and help you discover strengths you didn’t know you had. Learning > Labels. Always.
4. Don’t Settle for the Glitter—Look for Alignment
When your long-term goals align with the company’s vision, you don’t have to force-fit yourself into a role. Know your worth, define your expectations, and stay focused. A slightly higher CTC or a fancy title shouldn’t distract you from your bigger picture. This is your career—not a short-term trade.
5. Online Reviews ≠ Universal Truth
Experiences vary wildly. What didn’t work for someone else might be exactly what you’re looking for. Instead of relying on hearsay, have real conversations. Research thoroughly. Match your personal values and goals with the company’s culture and expectations.
✅ Bonus Tip: Prepare Yourself With Intention
Once you’ve shortlisted a role or moved into the interview stage, take a moment to reflect. What do you need to know to make a decision you won’t second guess? Go into conversations prepared, curious, and honest about what you’re seeking.
In Closing:
Applying mindlessly and stepping back halfway through only delays your journey and others’. A little clarity upfront can save a lot of time (and a few awkward “Sorry, I’m no longer interested” emails). Be intentional, be informed—and yes, it’s okay to say “no” early on, as long as it’s done with respect.
Read More:-
✨ Don't use these 5 Compelling Strategies or you will land your dream job!
✨ 5 Untold Secrets to Acing Your Job Interview and Landing Your Dream Role!
✨ Only the SMART Ones decline offer without raising Red flags 🚩!!!
✨💡Pat yourself If you’re into these Powerhouses-5 Industries Set to Transform the Nation by 2030 🚀🔥
✨ The Curious Case of the Vanishing Candidate: A Recruiter’s Dilemma
Let’s keep it real — job hunting isn’t just competitive, it’s cutthroat. While you’re casually applying and waiting, someone else is out-strategizing you and shaking hands with HR.
Spoiler: You might be unintentionally doing their work for them — by making these 10 classic job search mistakes 👇
1. Using the Same Resume for Every Role
If your resume isn’t tailored, it’s trashed. Hiring managers want relevance, not a one-size-fits-none template.
2. Zero Company Research
Going in cold? Expect a cold shoulder. Show them you care — research their mission, values, and latest updates.
3. LinkedIn is Gathering Dust
Your online presence should be working while you sleep. An active, optimized LinkedIn = recruiter magnet.
4. Cover Letters That Bore
Skip the clichés. A good cover letter adds flavour, shows effort, and sets you apart instantly.
5. No Follow-Up After Interviews
Silence isn’t cool — it’s forgettable. A thank-you email isn’t desperate; it’s professional.
6. Only Applying to Big Names
Chasing only MNCs? You're in a long queue. Mid-size companies can offer better learning, growth, and faster decisions.
7. Not Knowing Yourself First
If you don’t know your strengths, how will a recruiter spot them? Job search confidence begins with self-confidence. Your clarity becomes your edge.
8. Unprepared for Common Interview Questions
If you're improvising your way through interviews, you're risking rejection. Rehearse the basics — confidence is built, not born.
9. Salary Talk Gone Wrong
Ask too soon? Risky. Too late? You settle. Research, set your range, and know when to bring it up.
10. Giving Up Too Soon
Job hunting is a marathon, not a meme. Don’t let 3 rejections crush your confidence. Adjust and keep moving.
🎯 Stop giving away your shot. Fix these and make sure the next offer letter has your name on it — not someone else’s.
Job hunting in 2025 feels like dating apps — you keep swiping, hoping to land the right one. But here’s the catch: If you're a techie stuck on a non-tech portal (or vice versa), you’re bound to get ghosted.
Let’s cut the confusion. Based on verified industry usage and platform specialization, here are India’s top 3 tech and top 3 non-tech job portals — no fluff, just facts:
💻 Top 3 Tech Job Portals
🔹 Hirist – Used by leading startups and tech giants (like Swiggy, Paytm, and Flipkart), this one’s a goldmine for developers, product managers, and data folks.
🔹 CutShort – Known for fast, AI-based hiring. Ideal for product-led startups hiring full-stack devs, UI/UX designers, and growth hackers.
🔹 TechGig – A coding + hiring platform. Helps companies evaluate skills via challenges. Great for freshers and mid-level devs looking to prove their chops.
📋 Top 3 Non-Tech Job Portals
🔸 IIMJobs – Best for finance, consulting, sales leadership, and HR roles. Premium jobs for serious professionals.
🔸 Naukri.com – The OG. Covers everything from operations to marketing, HR to sales. Still the #1 choice for large-scale hiring.
🔸 Foundit (formerly Monster India) – Revamped and easy to navigate. Known for roles in marketing, admin, operations, customer service, and more.
Moral of the story? Don’t apply everywhere. Apply where it makes sense. Your next job might just be a click away — on the right site.
🎬 Next:
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