Facing Interviews    

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The interview gives the employer the opportunity to meet you in person and to evaluate the "complete" you. This includes your attitude, appearance, personality, confidence, knowledge about yourself, and knowledge about the company, as well as suitability and basic ability to do the job.

• size of organization
• location of facilities and offices
• structure of organization - by product line, function,
• past, current & potential growth
• types of clients
• product line or service
• potential markets, products, services
• price of products or services
• present value and structure of assets
• recent items in the news
• who the competition is
• training provisions
• vision of the CEO
• others you know in the organisation
• stock price

• Analyse your strengths and weaknesses and accordingly decide what you want to say and do not want to say during the interview.
• Think and write out answers to possible questions from the interviewer.
• Evaluate problem areas in your track record and be prepared to offer a strong and convincing reasons for these during the interview, if necessary. Do not provide negative information about yourself unless asked for.
• Request a friend or relative to conduct a mock interview.

• Ensure that you know the name and designation of each individual with whom you are to meet.
• Know exactly how to get to the organisation and arrive at least ten minutes before the interview
• Dress to project an image of confidence and success; your total appearance should be appropriate to the job. Carry with you additional materials to the interview such as copies of your resume, a list of references, samples of your work, or your degree and certificates.

• Before you are actually asked to enter the room where the interviews are being conducted do not get impatient or restless, wait for them to call you.
• When you are asked to proceed, knock on the door and wait to be called in the room.
• Greet all the people inside the room
• Do not sit down unless asked to.
• Thank the interviewer/s after sitting down.
• Before the interview you should have decided what you are going to communicate and how you are going to get your communication across. What you will want to communicate are: personal qualities, functional skills, your achievements and special areas of knowledge that relate to the particular interviewer or organisation. How you are going to get your communication across will depend on your choice of words, non verbal gestures and your attitude.
• Have an open attitude that is sensitive to the interviewers style.
• You should be thinking positively. (If you don't think you are the best candidate for the job, how can you hope to convince the employer you are?)
• The non-verbal behaviours which contribute to rapport are: dress and posture, eye-contact, handshake, voice level, and gestures.
• The verbal behaviours contributing to build rapport with the interviewer include: courteous observations and proper choice of words.
• Be positive in your choice of words and choose words that are affirmative and indicate your level of determination and dedication.
• Back up your statements with concrete examples and achievements.
• Summarise your strengths before finishing what you have to say.
• If you are not able to answer some question, admit it, do not try to fudge an answer.
• Listen to the question carefully, let the interviewer complete his question before you reply.
• If you have not heard the question clearly ask the interviewer to repeat the question.
• When the interview is completed, thank the interviewer before leaving the room.
• Set up the next contact by asking "When should I expect to hear from you" or "When should I get back to you?"
• If you have any questions or clarifications, you can ask the interviewer after the interview is complete.

• Pay attention to your body language and non-verbal communication. Your body language should exude confidence, sincerity and high energy level.
• Your words and gestures must be in agreement.
• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer while answering or listening to the interviewer. Do not look at your shoes or the floor.
• Do not fidget in your seat or fiddle with your tie etc.
• Keep your hands relaxed and use them to animate or express interest
• Maintain an erect posture, do not slouch in the chair.
• Keep your facial expression pleasant, it can add or deduct sincerity from your words.
• Keep your voice tone firm, well modulated and relaxed.
• Be aware of the things you do when nervous and try to keep them under check.
• Actively listen to the interviewer.

• Use the interview as a learning experience. Take notes on what you would like to improve after you leave the room.
• Send a follow-up letter to thank the interviewer, and stress points in your background that qualify you for the position.
• If you are not contacted within the specified time, call to restate your interest.
• It is usually best not to accept a job offer on the spot; state your interest and appreciation for the offer and request a reasonable amount of time to consider the offer.
• Be sure to evaluate all aspects of the job before accepting it rather than afterward. Once you have accepted a position, your commitment is considered binding by the employer.
• If you do not get the job, you may want to ask the interviewer for some constructive criticism or recommendations for future interviews. If you are consistently passed over for positions, try to identify potential problems; then seek guidance for improvement.

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