Personal interviews are the foremost tool to judge the abilities of people. The face-to-face contact between the interviewer and interviewee makes it possible to record more than only verbal responses, which are often superficial. long before we are close enough to speak, we announce ourselves. We project important information about ourselves. By the time we meet and vocally converse, we have already communicated volumes in an older and much more universal language (language of Clothes, Alison lurie), the language of dress, grooming and body that is far more persuasive than any spoken language.
Personal interviews are an excellent research method when there are highly knowledgeable individuals whose expertise is needed for the understanding of an issue. Personal interviews allow analysis of thoughts, attitudes, behaviours, and opinions that have a high level of content validity to an organisation.
Succeeding in job interviews takes research, practice, and persistence. The more effort you put into your interview preparation, the more success you’ll see in obtaining job offers. A good interview session always increases the goodwill of the employer. So, here are some tips to keep in mind to outshine in a personal interview.
· Do the research: Not just about the profile you are going to be interviewed for, but the company profile, their achievements, their story of success, their products and services, their target market etc. All this will make you confident enough to go in and answer every question diligently. It will also be easier for you to take a decision rather than being impulsive and clueless.
· look sharp: What you wear to an interview creates an image or perception of the type of person you are, so choosing your attire is critical to presenting yourself as the right candidate to hire. Being sharply dressed not only makes you feel good but also has a strong impact on the interviewer. like our mantra: “The way you dress, defines the way you think, act and how others react.”
The appropriate interview attire depends on the industry in which you’ll be interviewing as well as the geographic location and time of year. As the old saying goes: “Perception is reality.” Think about the image you want to project during your interview and then choose an outfit that will create a positive perception and is appropriate given the time, location, and the job or the industry.
· listen carefully: listening is one of the most underused skills in a job interview. Most candidates go into an interview thinking about how they will answer the questions and forget that they are also there to learn about the job and company. They fail to listen, observe and read between the lines. Sometimes important things are left unsaid. Giving full attention to not only what is said but also to what is not said will help you understand what is in store for you in the job offered. Be attentive and make sure you catch up to every bit whether said or unsaid.
· Show enthusiasm with body language: A firm handshake, smile, eye contact and positive responses ensure that the interviewer feels confident in you and your abilities to be hired. What you feel reflects in your body language. Even if you are nervous, don’t let it show. Sit in a firm and comfortable posture, and avoid fidgeting. This distracts the interviewer and gives an impression of feeble personality. Sit all the way back in your seat, use hand gestures while speaking, and nod while listening. This makes you look interested.
· Answer to only what is asked: listen carefully to what you are being asked and answer specifically. If you don’t understand the question, confirm it again rather than giving an inappropriate answer. While answering do not deviate from one thing to another. Straightforward and to-the-point answers are only what interviewers like to hear.
· Ask questions: Don’t be blank at the end of the interview or when asked if you have any questions. Ask relevant questions even if you have the complete insight and are clear about everything. Be it your job profile, about the company’s profile, your pay, working hours etc. No questions give an impression of disinterest in the company and the job and also creates a dull image. But yes, make sure your questions are genuine and appropriate for the situation.
The writer is founder and CEO of Styl.Inc