By Dr AK Srivastava
“Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it.” – Katharine Whitehorn
Most of us have to face several interviews for a suitable job in life. Here are some practical and important tips that can help one succeed comfortably in such an interview. First of all, it is very important to reach the venue of the interview on time so that there is no hassle at the eleventh hour. One should be dressed elegantly according to the job profile. There is no need to put on very gaudy and fashionable clothes to impress employers. Always remember to carry all documents and testimonials along with the interview letter.
While entering the room, the candidate should greet the interviewers and should occupy the chair only when told.
At the time of sending applications, we send our CV but, in most of the interviews, the employer wants the candidate to introduce themselves. It is to judge many traits of their personality like power of expression, confidence level and mannerisms. Hence, the candidate should prepare the introduction nicely. This should include family background, educational qualifications and hobbies. They should also tell the interviewers how they are a suitable candidate for the present job.
Always remember that an interview is a dialogue session. It is not an interrogation session to find fault with candidates. Hence, be open minded and forthcoming. Don’t be nervous or exhibit anxiety unnecessarily.
Before the interview starts, the candidate should know the job profile very well and should also note down the reasons why they are suitable for that job. If the candidate is well versed in the job profile, the interviewers will be encouraged to ask more questions and this will provide a good opportunity for the candidate to succeed.
During an interview, one should be honest and straight forward. The language has to be polite and decent. It is really important to be a good listener and judge the intention of the questions. Never start answering a question without listening to it properly. Take time and give answers slowly and confidently.
The candidate needs to exhibit self-confidence and be in a cheerful mood but by no stretch of imagination should there be over confidence or the attempt to be smarter than the interviewers. The candidate should maintain eye contact all the time and avoid looking elsewhere.
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” —Arthur Ashe
The candidate should practice and face mock interviews. There are many websites that can help and they are not very expensive. Similarly, some experienced people like neighbours, relatives and friends can help in this direction.
It is not a good idea for a candidate to tell an employer that s/he is the best candidate for this job. But it is wise to tell that they are suitable for the job and will try their level best to discharge the duties and responsibilities to the very best of their abilities. Think positive and always hope for the best. Don’t talk too much but always support your answers with illustrations and quotations. Be to the point and avoid being too friendly.
It is alright if a candidate cannot answer a particular question. But one should accept it honestly. The candidate should not indicate that they are desperate for the job and it will be a disaster if they don’t get it. Such an expression reduces bargaining power and the employer takes them for granted.
Finally, don’t start a discussion about salary. Let the employer initiate this issue. One may quote one’s present salary and state one’s expectations. But always try to negotiate a deal politely and in a cheerful mood.
In conclusion, we can say that the above-mentioned suggestions and ideas will certainly help a candidate to do well in an interview. Always remember that an interview is more a test of personality than a test of bookish knowledge. Success and failure are two important ingredients of life.
“Life can only be understood backward, but it must be lived forwards.” ― Søren Kierkegaard
