INTERVIEW TIPS

GROOM YOURSELF

· Remember, the first impression is the best impression. So turn up neatly for the interview. By that I mean wearing clean and ironed clothes, polished shoes and neatly combed hair. More importantly, wear a pleasant smile on your face as you enter the room where the interview is to take place.

HOW TO WISH?

· Most of the times the interview is lost by not knowing how to wish the people on the panel. So here are some tips to help you. First wish the ladies on the panel as ‘madam’ or ‘ladies’ whichever is appropriate. Then wish the men as ‘sir’ or ‘gentlemen’. Look at each of them as you wish them so that they do not feel ignored.

IN THE HOT SEAT

· As you seat yourself, make sure you occupy the entire chair as sitting on the edge of your seat would indicate nervousness. Sit straight but do not make yourself too stiff. Do not cross your legs.

EYE CONTACT AND BODY LANGUAGE

· Whatever you do, make sure you look into the eyes of the panelists while answering the questions. If you do not know the answer to any question admits it confidently. There is no need to feel guilty about it. Nobody expects you to answer all the questions. Even if you are overwhelmed by the questions don’t be flustered. Keep your cool. Your confidence could just do the trick.

BE INFORMED

• Research the company. It says that you're not hanging out for just any company that comes your way. You've taken the trouble to learn more about the company you want to work with. That makes your coming for an interview an informed decision.

STRESS THE LEARNING FACTOR

• Stress that you're just raring to learn as much as you can. Companies like enthusiastic youngsters who're ready to fit in with their way of working, who don't come in with rigid mind-sets.

KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING

· When an interviewer asks you where you see yourself in 5 or 10 years don't say you don't know, even if it's true! Make a course for yourself, realistically ambitious. You don't have to say exactly what you'll be doing and in which company, but you can outline the kind of work of work you'd like to be doing or the challenges you see yourself as facing.

HONESTY PAYS

• Be honest about what you can do and tell them your talents. Nobody is going to do that for you. At the same time don't say yes.
• At the same time don’t be brutally honest about your weaknesses. Prepare one or two weaknesses which in fact look like strengths.

FINALLY

· At the end of it all, it must be said that your communication skills, positive attitude, confidence, ability to handle pressure and willingness to learn together carry more importance than your technical profile.

• Don't take a rejection to heart. Just take it to head and perk up your determination. It's very difficult to keep the chin up but remember there’s a job out there for you. Try hard enough and you’ll find it. Sooner rather than later.