WAYS TO 'ACE' AN INTERVIEW (PART 2 OF 3)
B. During the interview
1. Entry
· Put your mobile
phone on the silent mode (or switch it off).
· Walk into the
interview room confidently, greet everyone (by name, if you know) and offer a
firm handshake.
· Sit when asked to
and keep your posture straight, leaning slightly forward (which displays
interest).
· Rest your hands
lightly on the armrest or on your knees.
· Use minimal
movements to illustrate a point (never extend your arms more than one foot from
your body).
2. Do’s
· Pay attention to
what the interviewer is asking and answer only what you have been asked.
· When asked about
yourself, stick to your professional life and time it to a minute or two.
· Make sure that
you highlight your strengths and key skills.
· Highlight your
special skills and what you can contribute.
· Back your
statements with examples and anecdotes from your previous jobs.
· Be prepared for a
certain set of questions like
o
Why do you want
to join this company?
o
What are the
problems you are facing in your current job?
o
Why do you want
to leave it?
· If invited to ask
any questions, ask about your responsibilities, major projects your prospective
job would comprise of, and your growth prospects and career path within the
company.
· These questions
prove your interest in the job, and that you plan to remain for the long term.
· End any negative
sentence on a positive note by informing that you are trying to improve, as it
reflects the clarity of your thought and work ethics, and your potential as a
future leader in the company.
· Throughout the
interview, be polite, honest and confident.
3. Don’ts
· Don’t talk about
well-known pre-requisites like hard work and sincerity.
· Never
misrepresent facts, as any background check will catch your lie eventually.
· Employers prefer
a background screening to recheck observations formed during the interview.
· If a question is
on a topic you are unsure of, admit it and avoid rambling.
· Don’t shy away
from admitting your weakness as it shows that you are aware of it, and it will
not be treated as a fault.
· Avoid personal or
controversial topics even when instigated by the interviewing panel.
· Never badmouth
anyone, including from your current workplace, to avoid being labeled a
disloyal whiner unfit to be hired.
· Never bring up
the topic of salary yourself, and avoid negotiations with the interviewing
panel.
· If asked to quote
a figure, mention a range within the industry’s compensation standards.
· If uncomfortable,
ask if you could discuss this later after going through the company’s proposal.