Obviously, an interview is an occasion meant to land you a better job or maybe your first job.
And quite often than not your victory in an interview, is not entirely dependent on those minutes you spend with the interviewer. So I have decided to break up this section into some categories.
a. Preparing for the interview
b. Waiting for the interview.
c. The First Impression
d. During the Interview
e. After the Interview
a. Preparing for the interview
• First of all, read your submitted resume once. Nothing is worse than not being sure of what you have
written in your resume.
• If the company you have applied with has a website or you have their brochure, Collect all the details
relevant to you. Write down at least 3 points as to how you could contribute to this company.
• Keep all the documents, which the Interviewer is likely to ask for. This may include Resume
copies, Original Degree certificates, Experience certificates, latest salary slip, reference letters etc.
• You could also spend some time reading anything relevant to your
Interview.
•
Have answers already prepared for some frequently asked questions like " Why are you changing your
job", "What are your strengths and weaknesses", "Explain your style of working" etc.
• Depending on the position applied for, pre-select your dressing style. Normally, being conservative and wearing nothing unusual like loud T-shirts, flashy clothes etc. is recommended. Neatness and presentability is a basic thing any interviewer looks for.
• If you are too jittery, rehearsing interviews with an able friend could improve your performance.
• Alert your references, in case the interviewer calls them live during the interview!
• Arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the schedule at the interview venue. Arriving late is unacceptable.
b. Waiting for the interview
• While waiting for the interview, you may be given forms to fill. Do not overstate or understate your skills. If required, crosscheck your resume so that you do not contradict
yourself.
• Acknowledge other interviewees, but don't get too personal. Their nervousness could be infectious. Also a misdirected talk could affect your calm composure.
• You may be in a waiting room with CCTV surveillance. So don't do anything unusual, which could catch someone's attention.
• Check whether you have your pen ready and also other required documents.
•
Try to be in a relaxed and positive frame of mind. Remind yourself that you can do it.
• Just before you enter the interviewer's room, take 3 deep breaths with closed eyes to improve your focus. Also switch off your mobile or keep it in silent non-vibrating mode. Relaxed concentration is a must at the onset of any
interview.
c. The First Impression
• Even if the door is open, tap on it in a gracious manner. Remember, the interview panel may be discussing about the performance of the previous candidate or just indulging in a
casual talk. Respect the interviewer's privacy.
• Once you get the permission to enter the room. Walk towards your chair in a manner resplendent
with confidence and enthusiasm. Do not forget to wish the interview panel with a natural-looking smile. Sit only after being told to. Your body language usually has a big impact in an interview.
• When offered a handshake, it should be firm and non-clumsy. Exude confidence.
• Make a concerted effort to remember the name of the interviewer/s
with their designation/s, if mentioned or if you have been informed earlier.
•
Appear relaxed and positive. Maintaining stable eye contact with the interview panel throughout the event is a good indicator of your confidence level.
• Anything that could give an impression of nervousness or indiscipline should be avoided.
Actions like tapping foot, fiddling with hair or make-up, fidgety pen movements are the usual culprits.
d. During the Interview
• Be courteous. Lack of good manners will carry one nowhere.
• Take some time, maybe five seconds to understand the question asked
.Use this time to plan the flow of the answer you propose to put forward.
• If the situation demands, graphical representation on paper could help your task.
• Do not appear over-enthusiastic too. Allow the interviewer to finish his question before answering, even if you know what he proposes to ask.
•
Talking too less or too much on anything is not recommended. Do not wander here and there. Talk to the point and without hitches.
• "I-know-everything" phenomenon.
will put off the most lenient interviewers.
• On a multi-member interview panel, do not ignore anyone totally.
• Looking overanxious or too desperate for the job. The interviewer wants people in demand only.
• Acting too diplomatic or too secretive or unwillingness to explain career gaps, if any.
• Referring areas in which your expertise is less could put you in a vulnerable
spot.
• If your knowledge is less or shady in a topic, do not bluff on it. Integrity counts.
• Talking in a westernised accent that too in an inconsistent manner would surely mess up your prospects. Be natural and be yourself.
• Emphasise your individual role in projects but do acknowledge the work of your teammates too. If you don't, you will give the impression of not being a team-man.
• For tricky or controversial questions, an ideal reply should be brief without elaborating much.
• Counter-arguments are avoidable, if possible. Do not let egos blind your composure..
• Even if your responses are intermittently cut short or something demoralises you, put up a brave face and continue unabated. They may be just testing your patience. All said and done, a shower of totally pointless and unacceptable rude questioning may be given befitting replies!
•
Do not boast about other job offers in hand.
• Acting too personal or casual once you are sure of getting the job is also not advisable.
• If you have any questions about the nature of the job, do not hesitate to put your word in a pleasing
manner. It indicates your interest in the job.
• Before leaving the room, do not forget to thank the interview panel for their time and consideration. Appear positive and say that you look forward to see them soon again.
e. After the interview
• Once you have reached your home or any place where you cannot be disturbed, just replay the interview once or twice in your mind. Write down points, negative and positive you found about the event. Also identify the topics or other things on which you need to improve. Also follow up the interview, by sending a brief thank-you letter or e-mail to the recruiter and the interviewer.
• Luck also counts. But fortune favors the brave and the person who keeps on putting efforts!
• Last but not the least, know that no one is perfect. Even the Interviewer is in search of the
best match. Most of the times, exact matches may just be not available or affordable! Even if you make some mistakes during the interview, take it in your stride. You still stand a chance!
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