GOING ABOUT AN INTERVIEW

 9      GOING ABOUT AN INTERVIEW

While the broad philosophies of interview have been said, it really matters as to how one can make his chances of selection brighter. Everything begins from ‘how does one look’?  Present yourself in a dress that is not repulsive. Social acceptability is different from ‘official dress code’. In modern days, the candidates are observed for their disposition long before they come to the chamber for interaction. So, chattering in the lobby with fellow candidates is a thing to avoid scrupulously. Chances are fellow competitors may be our classmates; that does not confer the freedom on us to lustily chirping through the corridors of the organization. Also, better we avoid the attitude of speaking to peons and menials of the constituents of the selection panel and trying to find out their residence and contacts in a bid to influence them. These attempts throw the signal that we need someone’s mercy as we are not confident of ourselves. Till such time that your turn comes, stay in a place; never peep into the chamber through the window or the half closed door. Such a disposition suggests a sneaky behaviour, no matter how talented you are. Once into the chamber, wait for the panel’s request to get seated. Before taking seat say ‘Thank you’ to all members by individually looking at each. Speak in a clear voice and a decibel quite audible. Do not murmur. Respond to the panelist and to the question in the same language. If you do not grasp the question, never say ‘please repeat the question’. Instead, appeal ‘may I have the advantage of a second listening?’ For items that you do not know, simply suggest ‘I am not too sure’. Always look and answer face to face. Do not keep looking at a distant planet. Speak to the member who has posed the question. Please avoid displaying your Mark sheets, Sports / Conduct certificates as you feel high of them. Please do not try to draw attention to your ‘District First’ claims. Leave a photo copy to the panel. It is a polite indicator of your confidence.  While leaving the place, thank them for the opportunity. Fine nuances help.      

                                 10       INTERACTION IN INTERVIEW                              

 Basically, interview is a session of interacting with prospective employers / employees. Much is expected on either side by way of ascertaining mutual potentials. Therefore, candidates need to make the best expositions of selves. At no point, protocols of formal addressing can be ignored. Despite being formal, information relevant to the employer must be clearly presented; in doing so ambiguity has no place. Assumptions that the tall scores in examinations and the sheaf of credentials carried would win accolades and jobs are  follies in themselves. Employers seek potential rather than academic claims. For them the ability to grasp and interpret an idea is more relevant.  Obviously, the ones who acquit themselves of brain storming capabilities stand appreciation and acceptance; quick witted disposition carries the person through as against those who struggle to impress the employer of their abilities to comprehend. Outspoken but polite in conveying ideas is the best bet to transform opportunities into offer. In corporate houses, Group discussion among peers in an interview is a strategy to study the competitors’ personality. So, every care must be in place to convince the panelists of ‘seriousness, commitment and willingness to go with the team and learn’ on the part of job seeker. Showing off would not pay; instead it may irritate the observers on the panel. Absolute conformity to decency in body language, verbal language and a firm but polite assertions do a world of good. All job seekers are obliged to know of the goals, protocols and priorities of the firm they wish to make to. Getting armed with the factual details about the firm is a signal of the commitment to the candidate’s approach. All these can be vividly brought out by meticulous interaction. Slipshod appearances, utterances and undue inquisitiveness destroy image and opportunity.