Facing the interview board

What matters most is how you conduct yourself during the interview. It is not that important whether you are able to answer all questions or not. The interviewer will be able to assess your personality on the basis of your total behaviour, responses and reaction. The secret of success in interviews lies in projecting your real self before the interviewer – one with confidence and self assurance.

Winning strategies

Express your ideas clearly. Substantiate your view points with logical arguments and facts. If the interviewer gives a fresh dimension to your thought process, do not spurn it if there is substance in the new point of view. In other words, learn to be flexible.

Be aware of the kind of questions that will be asked during the interview. Think out in advance the answers to each question and practice them aloud. Don’t give monosyllabic answers.

Do you tend to be nervous beforehand? Try role-play. Mock interviews will also help. During the interview listen intently, and make sure that you understand what has been asked. If you don’t understand the question ask for clarification. Your answers should be brief and concise. But don’t forget that they still need to convey all the relevant information.

Winning the first impression

The candidate should appear in his or her best before the interviewer. Well-groomed hair, well-ironed dress and well-polished shoes, with a natural smile flickering on your lips is preferable to turning up at an interview in a fashion and manner that ill-suits the solemnity of the occasion. Your appearance should convey that you have taken the interview seriously, and that you are both inwardly and outwardly prepared to face the interview board.

Before you enter the interview room, gently knock at the door. When you are asked to come in, walk gracefully towards the seat meant for the candidate. Sit down with minimum of movements and without any noise. Adopt a posture which is relaxed and attentive. Sit erect, head up and back resting on the back-rest of the chair. Stay observant.