Monday, June 26, 2006

The Right Interview Skills

Walk-in interviews are quite interesting. It is difficult, often, to have some preparation about the company. Under some situations, there is little time left when a friend informs of such an interview at the last moment or the HR consultant calls you an hour before. There is a process through which one can deftly handle such testing situations.

•Frame the Mindset. Your approach is largely determined by your mindset. If there is a fear lingering somewhere in your mind about the lack of preparation, it automatically shows off your behavior. The most effective way to avoid such deliberations is to prepare your mindset in such a way that you are comfortable and ready to face any interview at the last moment. Indeed, the focus is on your previous job or knowledge which hardly requires any preparation. Employers also test the qualities that take long time to master. Little facts about the company can be easily acquired through the company's website. Some intelligent candidates seek the company's brochure before they enter the interview chambers to get a hang of the company and gain some knowledge.
•Understand the interviewer. Even though most of the problems get solved once your mind is confidently set to face the interview, it is also essential to try to identify the psyche of the interviewer. There are some interviewers who tend to leave everything to the candidate while others focus on a structured interview to gage the skills of the candidate. Candidates either speak too much or too less due to factors such as curiosity. Remember the first interview you attended. Even though you wish to relaxed, you can hardly reflect such an attitude.
•Redirect the interview. Interviewers are often happy when the candidate is ready to express his knowledge with confidence and express deep interest in beginning a relationship with the company. Take time to understand the point of focus in the interview and re-direct the interview towards areas that you are strong at. In this way, you can put in your best efforts and get the best results. Relax as soon as you enter the interview chamber. This helps you recollect all the information that you feel is necessary.
•Frankness pays. There are many questions for which you might not know the answer. Learn to say that you do not know the answer. This creates an honest impression in the minds of the interview. There exist some interviewers who accept even wrong answers during the interview and reject the candidates later. Therefore, speak only when you are fully confident of the answers to the particular question. You can display your high levels of confidence assuring accuracy at the same time.
•Establish a cordial atmosphere. On the whole, establish an amicable atmosphere with your words and body language. Stay comfortable and display confidence as you proceed with the interview. Leave no chance to praise the company for it's worth. Do not involve in over-praise or adulation. List out the characteristics of the company that best suit your interests with adequate care.

Remember that with each interview you can add a lot of experience that helps you later in your job. Never get disgusted with the failure of an interview. There is a burgeoning growth in the opportunities and grab the opportunity that best suits your interests and talents.

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