We all understand that whenever we attend a job interview, that opportunity can be a life-changing experience in many situations. It is no wonder that more than half the people are scared to death about facing interviews. I have seen personally how many times I got myself nervous when I attended interviews for job and how I handled the situations. While sitting on the interview boards, I also observed many candidates not able to reply appropriately although they were otherwise well qualified. The reason was that they were not able to talk well on such occasions.
Approaching Your Interview
So you got that all-important call for the job interview that you were rooting for. Now, everything depends on how the interview goes. There is enough to put pressure upon your shoulders. But do you think you are going to nail that interview if you go with all that pressure?
You must approach your job interviews with care. You have to show them that you know your stuff, but at the same time you must not come across as impatient. You have to walk a fine line here – not seem insolent but at the same time you must not seem submissive either. The impression you generate during your job interview stays with you throughout your career life.
It can sometimes be difficult to know what type of conversation is appropriate during an interview, especially when you are applying for your job. You must prepare some thoughts ahead of time in order to use the correct conversation etiquette during a job interview and remember to answer all questions honestly. You need to have summary of your accomplishments and information about the company before hand. Prepare yourself for various conversation points before you arrive at your job interview. Jot down some notes about your recent accomplishments, past work experience and career objectives. Research the company so you can feel comfortable discussing aspects of the company history, for example.
Thereafter, you must dress up yourself appropriately and may consider the following points:
- Tell yourself that you have got this interview. Let it seem real to you. Now, you have to become practical about it. You should not let this chance pass you by.
- Repeat this several times – “They called me because they found something good in my résumé”. This will help boost your confidence like nothing else can. You will realize that there’s some quality about you that they liked. You must go through your resume and note down what are the positive qualities you have.
- The day you go for the interview, don’t work yourself too much. Dress subtly, and do some breathing exercises like Yoga before entering the interviewing hall. It will help you.
- Be attentive and await for the call carefully. As soon as you are called in to attend the interview, you must proceed on, enter in and note that there is no unusual noise in your stepping in and closing the door if required.
- Await for the offer of the chair. As you get nod to take the chair, be seated and thank. Introduce yourself to the board with a firm handshake if within reach. If not, make good eye contact which shows them you aren’t nervous.
- Leave chewing gum, hard candy and all other foods at home when you arrive at your interview. Your interviewer will not be able to understand you if your mouth is full and it may come across as a measure of disrespect. If your interviewer offers you a beverage, you may accept and take small sips when you are not speaking.
- You must have already researched on what they ask during interviews. Prepare your pitch well. The advantage here is that you don’t have to break the ice, because they will speak with you first. They may ask you to walk them through your résumé. You should have this ready. Focus on the positive points and make sure that they hear them, but don’t dwell on a particular area too much.
- You must use proper conversation etiquette during your interview by answering questions fully and honestly, without sounding self serving or like you are boasting about your accomplishments. Try to find a balance that shows your self confidence but in a humble way.
- Smile as you speak and use a positive tone of voice during your interview. Refrain from using sarcasm or critical language about anyone with whom you have previously worked. Conversation etiquette during an interview calls for being polite at all times.
- Avoid using slang terms in your conversations during your job interview. It is not unusual for young people who are applying for their first jobs to make the mistake of appearing too casual in their language. If you feel this may be difficult for you, practice using more formal terms at home before the interview. Speak at a volume that is comfortable for you and allows your interviewer to hear you without straining. Avoid talking very loudly, but if you are asked to speak a little louder, grant the request with a smile.
- You should ask questions about the position for which you are applying and the work environment. This type of conversation is useful because it shows the employer you are truly interested in the job and what it entails.
- Do not discuss your personal life or ask about the personal lives of your interviewers. It is illegal for a prospective employer to ask you personal questions in a job interview. If you are asked such a question in an interview, politely respond that you are not comfortable discussing the subject in an interview.
- If there is something quirky about your résumé, they will definitely ask you about that. Keep a reply ready. You must know that it is the most fruitful if you could be honest in your replies.
- They may ask you your opinion on something. This is the clinching point actually. Make sure you say something creative. Don’t hold back, and don’t cross any lines. Remember that this question might come out of the blue, when you think everything has relaxed. Be prepared for such assaults.
- They may also ask you your strengths and weaknesses. Again, be upfront and honest. Don’t overemphasize your plus points. Don’t dwell too much on your weaknesses. Act as though they are quite commonplace, everyone has them.
You have done your best. Now, wait for them to decide whether they can take you. If the call doesn’t come, you can at least seek solace in the fact that you did not make a mistake.
Be Happy – Talk Well With Anyone (Part 3)