RESTRAINT -THE WATCH WORD

 11   BE A PICTURE OF CONFIDENCE

In any first interaction, a lot of silent inspection goes on to assess the composure of the aspirant to a position. If the person seems to be nervous, mature panelists allow for ‘cooling down’ time and avoid tormenting him /her for a few minutes. It is done by switching over to the ‘comfort zone’ of the individual for nativity, mother tongue, institutions of study and so on merely to ease off mental pressure. Certainly it helps the candidate in recouping his or her wits to face technical questions. It is important that boys and girls augment interactive skills essential for ‘formal situations’ of selection to higher studies or job. There has to be a systematic effort to keep skills pruned and ready to respond. Many candidates display physical agony [twitching of facial muscles], mental trauma [rapid eye movements/ vague looks], moment a question is flung at. Such signals convince the interviewer that the candidate is not fit to face ground situation. It is rather unfortunate that knowledge stays latent failing to bring out the talent. Selectors are pragmatic and cannot be sympathetic. Why should a qualified individual long for sympathy, when [s]he can seize the opportunity to reveal merit or calibre? There is no point in glorifying our merits in private conversation, while revealing precious little in a session of discussion.

Confidence is a virtue associated with ‘well organized’ minds.  None can put on looks of confidence.  Critical questioning can prick the bubble of looks. The suggestion is, confidence has to enshrine itself in the knowledge base of the person. Any inadequacy on this facet [which includes skills of communication], impedes the manifestation of authentic confidence. It will not be long before the individual stands exposed. Needless to reiterate that, as a part of learning, one has to augment good skills of presentation- physical and verbal. Together these bestow on the individual ‘authentic confidence’ In a nutshell the organized totality is what goes by the attribute ‘COMPOSURE’ essential for dignified living.                                                   

12    SOME DOs AND DON’Ts TO THE JOB-SEEKER           [7]        

Interviews are formal situations. So, the prospective employee should observe protocol in every act. Verbal communication requires being polite, parliamentary and ‘free’ of slang. Talking is an exercise conditioned by training; therefore, in all interaction, one has to cultivate right habits avoiding casual remarks. Persons lavishing in slangs would find the going tough on all formal contexts; often they fail to impress selectors. Let us train ourselves to speak in a tone that reflects decency and seriousness.

Another aspect revealing one’s personality is the dress. In dress, convenience matters but not convenience alone; yes, the dress we put on must evoke respect from its tidy and clean looks. The use of ‘casuals’ on formal occasions is not viewed with delight.

Polite and serious dispositions alone cannot win jobs. How does a candidate acquit self on the day of reckoning to draw the attention of the selectors? Apart from the physical presentation, the attitude to respond carries weight. Any candidate has to begin responding in quick time; [s]he cannot keep on seeking clarifications on the question. A common error is- the candidates show emotional gestures for questions they are comfortable with or otherwise. Outward enthusiasm in facing the questions must be uniform without suggesting personal preferences for questions.

Never cast vague looks of detachment to inconvenient questions; instead politely agree that you are not informed of all the important details.  State it a manner that your response appears genuine. It is here that ‘body language’ renders help. Body language is a convenient additive that enhances empathy in the listener. By trying to be extra careful on such occasions, the body language can betray by its obtrusive looks.

Answer only if ‘you’ are invited to respond. Never hurry through statements. Let the panelists grasp what you suggest.  Pacing the delivery takes the recipient to a comfort zone; it is vital to win their confidence.

Please avoid vulgar display of your credentials saying, ‘Sir, Sir have a look at these marks / certificates /medals’. For them medals are just metals. Permit them to have time for comparing different candidates. Always have a set of photocopies and updated Resume suggesting all your attainments; hand it over for their scrutiny. Do not wait at the corridor to collect your photocopy. Leave it with them and impress them of your state of preparedness.  The little money spent on this is a good investment and will pay back. Another unhealthy practice is trying to put pressure on selectors. Sometimes, it may work; nonetheless, it leaves the impression that the candidate is likely to bring pressure in future too if [s]he is selected. The employer should get convinced of the merits of the candidates. Certainly, ‘recommendation’ is no merit. If and when the ‘recommending agency’ has no stakes with the organization, candidates entertained to satisfy such agency would find the going tough and suffocating unless, they have proven efficiency in their work. Display of merit is more welcome than efforts to muster extraneous help. It stands to reason to accept that, on most occasions, employers feel secure to select candidates who do not muster the services of spokespersons. If we are in the position of a selector, would we not prefer personal choice over those of cases ‘recommended’ on considerations extraneous to the job?  Also, the genuine pride of selection by right efforts is far superior to ‘winning’ by influence. Always, efforts reward anyone who has the ingredients of intellect and timely wit to impress the authorities.