How to Handle an Interview - A Brief Look

An Interview is different from a written examination. A written test examines the knowledge of a candidate whereas the objective of an interview is to gauge the personaltraits of a job aspirant. Through an interview, employers search for a candidate who is not merely knowledgeable but suitable for the job on offer according to his/her personal traits. Hence, facing an interview board is inevitable, if one is planning to get a good job in the industry. The most common format of the interviews conducted, of late, is the panel group format, where a candidate faces two or more numbers of interviewers. Before delving into how to succeed in an interview, let us have a glimpseof what interviewers try to read about a candidate. *.Personality *.Presentation skill *.Communication skill *.People skill *.Body language *.Presence of mind *.Capacity to handle an adverse situation and so on. Now, let us discuss some tips for successfully handling an interview- 1.Have a professional look: Put on a formal attire, use light deodorant and perfume, wear a tie, have a clean shave or properly trimmed beard/mustache; carry a folder, preferably of black color, containing original and photocopies of relevant documents. One should not forget to greet the panel members once he/she has entered the interview room. 2.Presentation skill: Do not fidget fingers or play with a pen, sit straightly (a bit leaning forward - this shows one's interest of participation in the interview process, avoid cross leg sitting posture, must have the hands in thelap, and while answering questions, allow a little bit of natural movement in hands, make eye contact with all the interviewers (this implies one is giving equal importance to all of them) and do not stare at one of them. 3.Communication skill:It is not abouthow difficult words one is using. Rather, express thoughts clearly, donot fumble, listen to the question carefully, take your time to answer a question, do not rush, control yourpace of talking, modulate voice with change in the content of discussion, do not start answering aquestion until an interviewer has finished asking the question, use simple words and short sentences to explain things. These are three important aspects of an interview, which make everlasting impression on the minds of the interviewers. Besides, here are some more tips for interviewees- 1.If they ask, "Tell us something about you" - Do not reiterate thingsthat are already there in the CV. 2.Try to relate your skills to the job requirements whenever there is a chance. 3.Consciously avoid discussing moneymatters. If they ask, "What is your expectation?" One may reply -"I have read books, but now I have to learn things. Hence, in that way, I am still a learner. I am here to explore myself, apply my knowledge & skills to do justice to the job and test my abilities. At this stage, money is not my priority, andas such I leave it for you to decide." 4.Ask about the organization, the expertise required for the job, critical aspects of the job, your career path in the company, training facilities, etc. There is no thumb rule to succeed in an interview. One has to read the minds of the interviewers to decide how to take the interview session forward. If the situation permits, a little bit of banter and fun may do a lot instead of five minutes long explaining. Above all, practice asking questions and answering them, standing in front of a mirror, looking at your eyes. This seems difficult, initially, but is a good way to gain confidence,and do well in the real interview. Susovan Saha holds Master's degree in Commerce and Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Specialization: Finance). Susovan Saha works with ICRA Online Limited in the capacity of a Module Expert.