interview

Your resume has done what it is intended to do. You have received a call for an interview and are desperate to cast an impression. Follow these tips to prepare, and confidently face the challenge.

1. Research the organization: Know the company, the management, its products and services, its clientele etc. To prepare, read the company’s website, annual report, brochures etc. This will give you an insight into what the organization is into? Where do you fit in the larger picture? What will be your growth chances? Also, you will be able to use the knowledge to impress the employer.

2. Review your resume: A few questions will be framed from your resume. Know it thoroughly.

3. Rehearse a mock interview: If you aren’t prepared, you won’t know what to say or how long to talk. Tell a friend, to ask you questions and judge you by your answers.

4. Prepare questions for the employer: incase you have any doubts.

5. Know the venue in advance: Incase you are not sure of the place, call up the office and get directions.

6. Reach before time: Start early, so that you are able to reach 15 minutes before the scheduled time.

7. Dress appropriately: Don’t be too casually dressed. Your dressing sense speaks a lot about your attitude. Formality is desired. Dress formally.

During the interview:

1. Body language: Your body language conveys a lot about your confidence level, your attitude and the way you will perform at the job. Realize you are under scrutiny from the time you enter. So compose yourself. If you have been asked to wait, show that you are relaxed by glancing through the available magazines or literature. Keep the right posture. Don’t be too controlled and rehearsed.

2. Enter with confidence: When you are informed that the interviewer is ready to see you, enter his cabin as though you belonged to it. Greet him with a firm handshake.

3. Style: Modulate your voice according to your feelings. Alter facial expressions to match your message. Keep your pitch normal. Don’t use ‘uhs’, ‘umphs’ or other nervous mannerisms. You don’t need to fill conversational gaps. Silence is preferable at times. Smile when saying something friendly.

4. Maintain eye contact: But don’t overdo it. Don’t stare at the employer during long silences making him uncomfortable. If your interviewer receives a phone call during the interview, read your notes to give him a sense of privacy.

5. Cast an impression: Show that you have the skills to solve problems effectively and that you can work in a team. Use anecdotes and examples to highlight your assets.

6. Match the company: Show that your and the company’s goals are in sync with each other. Sound enthusiastic about the job but not desperate.

7. Additional tips: Bring additional copies of your resume.

Don’t lie about your previous jobs. It can be counterchecked.

Before leaving, ask the employer if you will be informed of the results.

8. Write down your impressions of the company and of the interviewer: After the interview is finished, write down your impressions of the company. It will help you decide whether to accept or decline the offer. Make sure you are confident and comfortable about the decision because our professional life is closely knit with our overall happiness.