FACE INTERVIEW WITH CONFIDENCE
You have received an interview letter. You are glad and enthusiastic. You start
preparing earnestly for the D-day.
Remember, an interview is a test of your self-confidence and nerves. It is a direct judge
ment of your abilities and capabilities. Here are some useful tips to make your interview
a great success :
Dress Code :
You have been called for an interview, make sure you are dressed properly and reach
the venue well before time. An interview is a formal occasion and you are expected to
be dressed accordingly. Men should wear a freshly ironed formal full-sleeved shirt (no
party or designer wear please), trousers, polished formal shoes (black or brown), belt
and a tie (knotted properly.
Your Face and Outlook :
Do not forget to shave on the day of interview. Before you enter the interview room,
comb your hair. Women can wear a churidar, jeans (normal fit), skirt and shirt. If you
have long hair, neatly plait it or tend to it in a manner that it does not look unkempt. The
bit about formal shoes applies to women too, although sandals meant for formal
occasions are fine.
Making an Entry :
You may be asked by an assistant to enter the room. Control your gait, be confident and
don’t rush to the table and chair. Greet the panel (using the appropriate time of the day)
with a smile. On being asked to sit down, and thank them and sit down comfortably but
elegantly. Be your natural self. While you might feel that you need to ‘project’ yourself to
the panel, the ‘real you’ will end up showing itself by way of your body language.
Body Language :
Members of the interview panels are experts who can easily spot the inconsistencies
between what you are saying and what your body language conveys. The first few
minutes are very crucial. Begin well and try to better your performance during the
interview-that’s the key. Be clear, precise and positive. Make short statements, but don’t
answer in monosyllables.
Information you Gathered before Interview :
Sound, warm and eager. Keep comparing your experience wuth happenings in the
company from the information you have gathered. Try to avoid dropping big names-that
may end up making and feeling the interview small. But if you have received recognition
or praise from big names, mention it discreetly, as though it were an honour.
During the Session :
During the session, look directly into the eyes of the person asking the question, and do
not stare at anyone and anything except his face and eyes. And if faced with a
confusing question, don’t panic. If you do not know the answer, admit it and go on
forward from there. Trying to fudge will reflect negatively on you. Say ‘please’ and ‘thank
you’ wherever necessary. Do not lean back on your chair and cross your legs while
answering. You will be marked as over confident and arrogant. Don’t sound casual and
don’t initiate any joke though you may join the one initiated by the panel. When
discussion comes to the salary, be sure to produce a sheet which has your previous
and present salary details in full, including hidden perks and future hike possibilities.
Don’t be Interviewer, be Interviewed :
Don’t discuss your personal philosophies, politics or religion. Don’t try to control the
interview, let it remain in control of the flow of questioning. Don’t criticize or bad mouth
your present or previous employer. It’s in bad taste. Don’t cite money as the reason for
leaving your job (though it may be the reason). Unless it is much below the industry
average or if there has been a freeze on increments.
Habits :
Keep control over your negative gestures and habits and addictions. Don’t chew gum or
start smoking a cigarette though you may be a chain smoker. Develop clarity on your
objectives. Be clear on your strengths. Do not use ambiguous terminology like ‘may be’,
‘could be’, ‘I think’, ‘I am not sure’, etc. It betrays hesitation and a lack of confidence.
Practice :
The ability to articulate is vital for an interview. Try having some practice sessions with
your friend and family, rehearsing the answers fluently before you appear for the
interview. This will help you a lot.
What Interviewers Look For :
Candidates who have clear ideas, breadth and depth of knowledge, and the ability to
look at things in a balanced manner are desired. Interviewers also look at the moral and
the ethical value system of the individual concerned. The job of interview panel is to
determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the post.
Frequently Asked Questions :
Your personal background.
Your personality.
Commerce and industry.
Your past work experience.
General awareness.
Current affairs.
Hobbies / Extra-curricular activities
Job profile and other organization related matters.
How do you justify that you are fit for the post ?
Tell us something about yourself.
The End :
Do thank your interviewers politely before you leave, and leave the interview room with
dignity and grace. Don’t look back.
-DR NAVRAJ SINGH SANDHU, www.navraj@gmail.com