Modern Interview Skills

By
Dr. Bharat S Acharya
Softskills Trainer

Before applying/choosing any job, job analysis is a basic exercise which can help us to find a suitable job. Following are some of the aspects that are to be looked into:

• The job interview is a common and effective system practiced by organizations to identify qualified and efficient candidates.
• The job interview is the only time in the entire process where candidate has the opportunity to prove personal and professional capabilities.
• By preparing in advance for interview you will be in command of situation. If your answers are well planned, you will be much more at ease.
• Be relaxed and comfortable, the interview is bound to be better.
• Prepare for an interview by going over the details of the job requirements from the sources, developing a clear idea of your professional goals, and know your own strengths and gaps.
• Be calm, alert and polite, groom appropriately for the interview, express enthusiasm for the job responsibilities and your role in them.
• Always be a positive speaker - about previous experiences(if any), about yo-ur own competency, maintain good po-sture and hygiene (avoid nervousness and avoid smoking or chewing gum).
• Interviewer either asks a series of questions and answers to get certain information or ask you to talk about yourself and your skills in a less structured manner. If you have prepared well yourself as suggested, you may not face difficulty with any of the approaches.
• When looking for a job, gather some basic knowledge on interviewing. The following points will give you some idea when taking interview for the new position.

The first impression you make in the interview is the key to whether you will get job offer.
Some of these points will help you.

Interview etiquette:
Arriving too early for your interview will make the interviewer will be under pressure to see you at that moment, when they are not ready. Arriving so early also projects you as too eager, even desperate.

Pushing the Interviewer:
If the interviewer says they will be making a decision and let you know in the next few weeks, you should say "I'll check back." If you have another offer, tell them but don't try to push them into making a decision.

Follow-up without fail:
The interview is concluded by interviewer saying that they'll get back to you in a few weeks, but you haven't heard from them. Call them. Let them know that you are still interested in the job and that this is something that you want to take up.

Communication etiquette:
Talking too much or too little does not impress the interviewers; the interviewer will not like this at all. Let them put all their questions. Follow, rather than lead the interviewer. This will help the interview to go on smoothly.

Answering:
Answer appropriately for questions asked, listen well before answering. You should not do more than half the talking; you may come across with person with no listening skills. If asked a question for which you may not be able to answer, politely and frankly say "I don't know, but it will not be a problem, I will pick it up", rather than beating round the bush and answering incorrectly. Talk slowly, distinctly and to the point (especially if it is a telephonic interview). Give information only when asked and it should be precise and convincing.

Grooming & Hygiene:
Always be formal in grooming and maintain hygiene. Organization atmosphere may be informal, but job aspirants are still expected to dress and behave formally. That will show respect to the interviewer(s).

Researching the organization:
It is very difficult to know every aspect of a company that you are attending for interview, but if you are attending interview with a mobile company, you should at least know that their primary business is telecommunications. Try to do some basic research on the company. It will show your interest in the firm and your keenness in joining it.

Asking package and benefits:
Interviewer will provide you with an opportunity to ask questions. When you are asked if you have any questions at an interview, do not ask about salary and benefits until you smell that there has been a tentative decision that you are selected for the job.

Sending a covering letter with work samples:
If you are asked to send some samples of your work, make sure that you include a covering letter. This will remind the interviewer who you are and for what position you have applied. This is a key to building a relationship with a prospective employer.

Hope this will help to prepare for interview and present you with confidence.

Published date : 11 Jan 2011 07:08PM