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SMART SKILLS
Sound preparation is, therefore, the key to getting over some of those pre-interview jitters. Here are some steps that can help you prepare and handle an interview: Keep up to date
Stress your strengths Questions about yourself and your accomplishments will also surely be asked. Even though the interviewer/s may have the details regarding your academic background and extra-curricular activities, questions are asked to verify statements made in your resume, and to establish your suitability for the job or the course you wish to join. Make sure you are able to translate your accomplishments into assets for the job. Try to highlight your strengths and cover your weaknesses. You should also be prepared to describe your most significant accomplishment so far, and to relate any incident that illustrates your abilities or strengths that would be of use to the organisation. You may also be asked to identify your role model and your reasons for the selection. Be articulate The ability to articulate is vital for an interview. It is useless to be knowledgeable about your subject, and have a long list of qualifications, if you are unable to answer a few simple questions about yourself and your work without fumbling and mumbling. It is also not enough to be able to converse in English. What you say and how you say it, offering cogent arguments and logical thinking are significant pointers to an assessment of your personality. Try having some practice sessions with a friend or your parents, rehearsing the answers before you appear for the interview. Find out about employer If you are being interviewed for a job, find out more about the company interviewing you. It is useful to get some data on the products it deals in, the turnover, position in the industry, its growth and organisation structure. Examine why you want to work there. This is a question that may be asked during the interview, so be prepared with a suitable response. You should also be prepared to speak about how you see yourself in such an organization, and your aspirations in the job five or ten years down the line. If it is a college interview, find out as much as you can about the course and be prepared to answer questions on your reasons for wanting to join the course, and your subsequent career plans. Dress formally When going for the interview, ensure that you are formally dressed, and also comfortable. Besides displaying your attitude, your attire also reveals your personality. It is a good idea to try out your clothes beforehand, so that you know that the suit fits properly, and that your new shoes don't pinch. Sober, formal wear and good grooming never fail to create a positive impression. Be punctual Arrive on time for the interview. Don't schedule other appointments too close to your interview time. You shouldn't be late, and you don't even want to rush out of the interview to your next appointment. Behave with poise Body language also plays an important role in conveying your personality and your approach towards the job or course of study. This is conveyed through the knock on the door, the way you walk in, greet the interviewer/s and the manner in which you are seated. Make sure that you have a firm knock (a weak one displays nervousness), ask for permission to enter, and walk in confidently, with your head up and a brisk stride. Greet the interviewer, or shake hands if offered, and sit down when instructed to do so. Also let the interviewers start the discussion. During the interview try not to fidget, or cross your legs too often. Do not touch your face or your hair and try to remain calm and composed. When the interview is over, remember to thank the panelists, and walk out briskly. Show respect Be courteous and respectful towards those interviewing you. Don't try to get familiar, but answer each question to the best of your ability. Even if the questions annoy you, keep calm, and without raising your voice convey your views through your speech and use of language. Ideally, avoid getting into a discussion on politics and religion unless you are asked a pointed question. In that case, be frank without being offensive. Presence of mind can help tide you over tricky questions. Don't drop names It is also wise to be honest. You are not expected to know everything. So if you do not know something, plead ignorance. Misleading the panel may cause more damage than good. But, given a chance, ask relevant questions that will help reveal your knowledge of the subject. Never drop names of people in high places, or talk about your contacts, however influential they may be. Give accurate info Your resume is a record of information that enables the interviewer to evaluate your potential. Make sure it is accurate. And if there are achievements you are proud of, even in other fields, it is important to convey these in your resume. It is also advisable to carry extra copies. Convey your thanks Following the interview, send a thank you letter to the interviewer/s. This is an opportunity to thank them for their time and to remind them of your qualifications. Don't raise money matters And finally, don't discuss money in the interview. Wait until you are offered the position. It is important to keep in mind that most often an interview is for the purpose of rejection, and not a test of selection. You, therefore, have a short period of time to interact with the panel, and create an impression that makes it difficult for them to reject you. A well-planned strategy, sound preparation, suitable clothing, good grooming and some confidence will go a long way to ensure that you succeed in this effort.
The writer has authored the Penguin India Career
Guide and The Essential Guide to Careers
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THE mere
thought of an interview is enough to make even the most self-confident
person nervous. An interview, which is normally conducted after your
resume and possibly a written test have provided the initial means of
assessment, is often the culmination of the selection process which
enables the interviewer/s to test verbal communication skills, and the
candidate's suitability for the job or course of study.
Make sure you are thorough with information about
your field and keep abreast of the latest happenings around you. The
panel will invariably grill you in your area of specialisation, so you
must have the answers ready. Think of some questions you could be asked
in the interview and draft some well thought-out answers. Also, be ready
for some totally unexpected questions that may be asked to test your
ability to remain poised under stress.
