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Interview Advice

Interviews are an important aspect in landing up to a dream job. However the hard fact is that higher job demands is not matching job supplies and this makes the job market is extremely competitive. Many of the interviewees may be highly qualified but it is usually the best interviewee rather than the best candidate who gets the job. Preparing well for an interview is the key to success.

The Right Way to Go About:

• Firstly, identify your talents, potentials, strengths and weaknesses and apply for jobs that you think you are best suited for. It may be quite possible that you will be applying to several places simultaneously.
• A CV should be neatly typed on a computer in grammatically correct English giving the true facts such as date of birth, educational qualifications, extra-curricular activities, hobbies, prizes and awards won, details of employment history including salary, nature of work and the reason for leaving.
• The covering letter should be short, well written, should convey the sincerity and keenness of the person and a promise to perform well if he or she is selected.
• Make sure that the references section of your CV has contacts of your professors or previous employers. Strictly avoid using contacts of friends and relatives in your references section.
• On getting the interview call, make sure to adequately research about the office. You are usually asked a few questions on your knowledge of the organization where you are being interviewed.
• Take a copy of your CV and testimonials along with you.

How To Handle Pre-interview Jitters:

Anxiety and nervousness are normal emotional responses to new challenging situations, however, anxiety becomes a problem only when it's excessive and hence interferes with performance in this case facing the interview.

• People have various ways of coping - deep abdominal breathing is a simple effective form of relaxation. Meditation, going for a walk, listening to a soothing piece of music the day before the interview; are all helpful strategies.
• Right before the interview it's important to think positive thoughts and reassure oneself that one will be able to cope.
• Please do not think that you are facing the firing squad during an interview. If you don't get through an interview please don't take it too hard upon yourself. If you have made mistakes, take it as a learning experience to better your next interview performance.

Be Honest, Be Yourself:

The old adage 'honesty is the best policy' holds true for interviews. The interviewer is interested in qualities such as a candidate's work style, and how he or she relates to people, his or her motivation and ability to deal with emotions. The best way to answer personality questions is to be yourself because it is in our interest to be able to behave normally and still fit into the work environment. If you don't know the answer to a question, don't be evasive or on the defensive. Be honest with your interviewer. If you don't know the answer, admit gracefully instead of parrying the question.

At the end of an interview you may be asked if you have any questions. This is a chance to prove your intelligence and enthusiasm to work with the company. You may ask what career opportunities exist within the company, how work assignments are handled or how often an employee's performance is evaluated and the criteria used.

Your Personality Does Matter:

• An interview is a lot more than answering questions. During an interview, your prospective employer will try to gauge your personality.
• Casual clothes like jeans and t-shirts are out. Dress formal but Do not over-dress.
• You should be well-groomed from head to toe.
• Body language is important for any interview. Make direct eye contact with the interviewer.
• Carry yourself erect, no slouching. Be confident and relaxed.