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Friday, March 29 2024
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Face an interview with confidence

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“An Interview is a systematic method by which a person enters more or less imaginatively into the inner life of a comparatively stranger” – Pauline V Young

The word Interview is derived from French Word ‘ENTREVOIR’ which means glimpse. Obviously then the objective of conducting an interview, is to get a glimpse of a candidate for a job, assignment or educational course.

Before an oral face to face interview with one or many panelists on board, applicants, if more than the required ratio, are often screened through a combination of written and practical tests of subject and general knowledge, intelligence, reasoning, verbal, numerical and spatial abilities and the like.
Once through these screening tests, the candidate is tested through a face to face interview on the parameters of maturity, emotional stability, tact, and self-confidence, and initiative, and integrity, consistency of thought, tough mindedness, adaptability and team work.

Here’s how to ace the interview…

Preparation before the interview:

•Keep CV/Resume, Testimonials, cover letter and references ready
•Learn about the organization / Institution / Assignment
•Refresh your knowledge base especially subject knowledge
•Go through current events including the day’s newspapers and TV channels
•Refresh on claims made in C.V.

Dress code

*Hair- short, well combed, less oily, styled (ladies)
*Face- Close shaven, light make up, conservative jewellery.
*Dress- Clean well ironed shirt / trouser/ suit/ tie/saree/ blouse. Business suit for executive jobs (ladies also)

Reaching in time

Reach at least 30 mins in advance.

Facial expression

“Your face in the index of your mind”
• Present a natural smile on the face.
• Display a relaxed attitude
• Project Self Confidence

Entering the interview hall

• Knock on the door if shut
• Before entering ask-“May I come in please?”
• Shut the door behind softly
• With a smile greet-“Good…Sirs/ Madam”
• If handshake is offered then reciprocate with a firm grip, maintain eye contact & smile.

Sitting Posture

• When you are asked to sit, pull the chair towards you without making noise & sit.
• Sit erect, occupy complete seat
• Do not fiddle with things on the table of interviewer.
• Look at chairman & other members –Eye contact
• Opinions are formed within 30 secs to 120 secs after entry.

Common interview questions

• Introduce yourself
• What do you know about us?
• Why do you want to join our organization?
• What are your hobbies?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What are your salary expectations?
• How interested are you in sports / films?
• Are you willing to go anywhere we send you?
• Are you computer literate?
• What are headlines in today’s newspapers?
• Why do you consider yourself suitable for the job?
• Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years time?

While leaving the interview hall….

• Say-“Thank you Sirs /Madam for providing me this opportunity to spend some time with you. When can I expect to hear from you?
• Offer handshake if panel members do so first
• Walk back graciously, without looking back.
• Open and close the exit door softly.

TYPES OF INTERVIWS:

• Directed / structured interviews
• Undirected / Unstructured interviews
• Board / Panel Interviews
• Stress interviews
• Group interviews
• Appraisal interviews
• Counseling interviews (high performers / low performers)
• Professional Interviews
• Technical Interviews

Stress questions in an interview

• How many steps you have taken to reach this table from the entrance door?
• In case you are rejected in this interview what will be your next step?
• From your CV we learn that you have changed your job frequently. Can we rely on you?
• Why do you want to leave your present job?
• Sell “ This pen” to me;
• You have got a doctor’s appointment after waiting for one month. Suddenly your boss arranges an emergency meeting during the same time. How will you proceed?

• Your subordinate is irregular and unreliable. But he works hard, is dynamic and is close to your boss. How will you deal with him?

The five secrets of securing a job offer.

• Prove your ability and suitability by demonstrating professional and industry skills.
• Show willingness to take up responsibility suggested by the board.
• Provide glimpses of your Team spirit and managerial skills as these will influence the panelists.
• Display confidence coupled with dedication and integrity.

Some do’s for facing interview

• Choose appropriate clothes & take care of personal hygiene
• Collect and carry all original documents in a portfolio.
• Read headlines in newspapers / TV channels.
• Confidence should reject on your face while entering, sitting & course of interview
• Speak in a clear and loud enough voice.
• Use appropriate body language & make eye contact throughout the interview
• Listen to all questions carefully before answering
• If you don’t know any answer, say “sorry sir, I don’t know”.
• For stress questions remain claim & composed.

Some dont’sin the interview

• Don’t prepare till late night (previous day)
• Don’t eat too much
• Don’t wear dark colored gaudy clothes.
• Don’t close the door with too much noise
• Don’t sit unless asked to
• Don’t extend your hand for handshake unless the board does it first
• Don’t speak too fast
• Don’t be nervous & play with the things kept on interview table.
• Don’t try to avoid questions
• Don’t get annoyed if stress questions are asked
• Don’t enter into arguments
• Don’t change into your mind
• Don’t bring politics, religion into the discourse unless specifically asked for
• Don’t use words like “ya”, “I see”, “you know”, “I mean” etc
• Don’t readily agree with every board member.
• Don’t forget to thank the board with a smile
• Don’t forget to close the door.

Further reading:

1) Interview strategies that will get you the job you want by Andrea G KAY
2) Interviewing skills (Paper back) by Tim Handle
3) The Interview Rehearsal Book by Deb Gottesman and Buzz Mauro
4) Fearless Interviewing: How to win the job by Marky
5) Knock ‘ Em Dead by Martin Yate.

Prof Ronald Pinto is Director, Institute For Individual Development, Mangaluru

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