No doubt, curriculum vitae & resume with elegantly perfect cover letter somewhat matters in finding the job but that is not enough. It just shows how good you look on paper. Pragmatically, one has to face different situation at the time of interview. It is the interview which finally decides how really good you are? There are certain etiquettes which decide your future. How you speak to the interviewers? How you pamper yourself? What you dress that special time? What your body language expresses- all is taken into consideration.
One should never forget that interview is an ordeal of his/her self confidence. It is the direct verdict based on the ability and capabilities of job-seekers. If you are appearing for job interview, take a grip on yourself, develop your personality uniquely; ready yourself to take on every situation. Your well-planned preparation will definitely help you to be poised & confident in your crucial meeting with big boss. Remember some points to make your interview a great success.
Home Work is Necessary
As soon as you get call letter, acquaint forthwith yourself fully with the company you are interviewing for, its head office; its branches in India & abroad; its mission statement, activities, goals, work culture & what types of employees they are looking for. Bring an extra copy of your resume with you at the time of interview for easy reference. Before appearing in front of the panel of big bosses, you must visit the company website and take note of everything you need or you think which is necessary for you to know about. In nutshell, gather complete information even its annual report & sales brochures. Success mantra is: invest some time to inquire about all genuine things of the company. If you know some of company’s old or current employees or its dealers, talk to them frankly about the company.
Confidence, leadership & Poise
If you are fully confident, none can stop you joining the company you are dreaming of. At the time of interview, don’t puzzle or be indecisive in answering their queries. Show off your would-be boss how you can add value to the company? How you will be able to solve company’s knotted problem amicably. Tell the officers in what ways you can help the company reach their goals and targets. Explain your potentials to them with poise & confidently. The very crucial point is: listen the all questions before you answer and answer the questions fully.
Don’t ever show your quickness. Don’t be too short or give too long answer. Rambling on any issue is always a weakest point in companies’ interviews. If you don’t thoroughly understand the question, get clarification without delay. But don’t give wrong answer. It will mess up your prospect in the company. Leadership is the best quality what the companies are look for from their future employees. If you are not confident, you can not demonstrate your leadership ability.
Try your best in showing off your leadership qualities so as the employer can get a chance to evaluate your potential how you can fit into the company? Always remember that don’t break off eye contact with the panel of interviewers while answering the questions. Since everybody observes you, how you answer the question, how you speak in front of them, how you behave- “Eye contacts” with them will definitely enhance confidence and the traits of leadership in you.
Be poised even at the last moment. At the end of interview, never forget to thank the every member of the committee. Leave the room with dignity and elegance. Don’t look back. If they offer handshaking with you after the interview, show off your beauteous smile & confidence. Your physical connection in cheerful mood will help you getting the job.
Good Manners Count Much
Show your good manners while interviewing. Never be miser in saying “please” or “thank you” whenever necessary. Don’t sit awkwardly or cross the legs while answering the question. Never lean back in the chair. These are bad manners. Seniors take such actions as their disregard. Maybe, they think of you an arrogant & over-confident guy/lady. Be careful about each thing, the way you walk in, your way of introducing yourself & your etiquettes in salutations etc. Don’t joke to anybody needlessly despite they meanwhile make jokes with each other. They are bosses. And boss is always right, don’t forget this important phrase. Always sound warm & eager towards them. If you have received an accolade or huge recognition, don’t forget to mention it discreetly. It is your honour but you don’t ever sing the praises of the other companies you have already work with, in the interview. This way the interviewers will think you don’t value the company you are interviewing for. Most important point: don’t be hurry in discussing salary.
Dress Up Elegantly
Dress matters much. It portrays the interest of the candidate. So, dress yourself elegantly and appropriately. Your dress must be sober, neatly-clean and good looking. Avoid long heels, slippers, T-Shirts, thigh-high skirts or scanty dresses etc. Be careful in wearing wrinkled or tea- coffee- stained pant-shirt, suits. In winter, pant coat with a good neck tie is a genuine dress. Avoid rough-tough jeans, casual baggy; gaudy and fancy dresses & sports shoes also. Never choose loud contrasting colours. They can distract the interviewers from the main agenda. Don’t sew up your buttons with different thread. Always remember, it is the dress which will speak for your personality.
Get Along With Body Language
Be aware of your body language while interviewing for a job. Confirm if your body is sending positive signs to the interviewer. The form of boredom, slouching and yawning in front of the interview committee is worst habit. Always sit up straight and alert. Show politeness with ever smiling face. Don’t cross your arms. Don’t fiddle with your jewelry- rings, bracelets, chains, watches or ear rings or play with hair. Don’t nibble your teeth or put your fingers inside the nostrils etc.
Lean forward while answering questions. Make your eyes bright and smiling while speaking to the interviewers. None want to have tired, swollen & red eyes. Don’t move hands up and down awkwardly & stay your feet on floor confidently. These are winning tactics.
So, take full rest before appearing for interview so as your body help you to cope with your mind. Don’t forget it is the body language which gives the presentation of one’s abilities, qualification and skills etc and send out signals to the interviewers. So, show off a good spirits with your body language and make sure that you are quite optimistic, positive and highly buoyant candidate.
Groomed Yourself
Just wearing neatly clean & ironed clothes is not enough. Before going for an interview, one must take a shower with fresh water; shave carefully with no cut, put on deodorant to stop bad odour. But, it doesn’t mean that one should spray highly smelt perfumes.
Apart from it, one must be careful about hair, nails & teeth also. Make sure to keep the hair neatly clean & in harmony with your dress. Always keep a business minded approach when opting styles for hair at the time of interview. Don’t divert the attention of the interviewer with your peculiar hairstyles. Make your personality winning and pleasing to the eye, not diverting from main subject.
Nicely manicured nails will show that how much caring you are towards neatness. So, before going for an interview you must ensure your nails clear of dirt, stains & ragged edges.
Also, don’t forget, teeth give beauteous & winning smile which works everytime. Make the opportunity great with having clean & shining teeth. Don’t hesitate in using teeth whitener if it is necessary to remove yellow strains. Don’t smoke or drink just before the interview. If you are used to smoking, chew mint strips to make your breath fresh.
Always Be Punctual
Those who reach late in the interview, at first stance, go down 80 percent of their respect & chances of being appointed in the company despite having huge potentials in them. So, always reach early, at least 20-30 minutes before the interview time so that you could compose yourself & make a last minute check up on your personality. If you are calm, cool & balanced, you will represent a positive picture of yourself.
This way, your confidence will also boost up. If you are regular night party goer, forget to attend the party a day before and sleep soundly to make your big day great ahead. To avoid the delay, leave your home early, keeping in the mind the margin of traffic jams. Always try not to use your vehicle. This way, you will have no risk of breaking down your vehicle or parking problem whatsoever. Hire a taxi or ask your friend to drive you at interview venue to avoid the unforeseen nuisances.
Don’t Be Over-smart & Clever
Sometimes, several candidates attempt to show off themselves how smart, intelligent & technically sound they are? It is not an appropriate behaviour. In this process, they can spoil their prospects instead of deriving benefits from their so-called unique traits. If you have some special traits, speak about them politely to the interviewers, not boasting of your anything. Be clear on your strength. Never use ambiguous language. “I think’, ‘I’m not sure’, ‘May be’- these phrases show that you lack confidence.
Always Be Articulate
The skill of articulation plays a crucial role in the interview. If you have well-planned strategy, self-confidence, good grooming, sound preparation, suitable dress, poise plus the skill of articulation, you must be able to pave your way to success. A good job needs not a long list of qualifications or the knowledge of every subject. It needs complete knowledge of one area the company requires. If you are able to answer some important questions cogently & without any sort of fumble-mumble, you are undoubtedly a successful candidate. You need not give a lecture on your personality. Just act wisely. Actions always speak louder than words. If you need any rehearsal regarding the upcoming interview, don’t hesitate in trying some practice sessions with your friends and seniors before you finally appear for the interview.
This article was published in a Mumbai based "The Observer of Management Education"
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