How to crack an interview: Do's and Don'ts

Interviews are a way to analyse/ judge the skills that are claimed by a candidate in his/her resume or CV. If you are having a hard time facing your interview round, here's a list of tips that can help in leaving a good impression on the evaluators:

Before the Interview

• The candidates need to be very clear about the job that they have applied for-- what is the job description, what are the duties and responsibilities that go with it

• They need to do a proper research on the company they have applied to. It is important to check the company's history, background, vision, mission statements, details of its directors, past and current performance, financial status, growth chart, future plans. Most of these details are available on the company's websites and the internet

• The candidates can practice some sample questions and answers in front of the mirror or with a partner before the real interview. For example: how to introduce ourselves when we meet the interviewer/s for the first time

• The candidates can learn some deep breathing exercises to calm themselves and be confident at the interview

• The candidates should prepare well for the interview. A good preparation will help them feel more relaxed

At the Interview

• Men must be dressed in smart formal clothes meant for the workplace such as well-ironed trousers and shirt with a tie or formal suit. A black pant and white shirt combination works well. Do not wear casual clothes such as jeans and T-shirts. Make sure your shoes are polished and in good condition. Do not wear loud colours or prints. You can wear a formal belt and formal watch. Women, on the other hand, should wear non-fussy and sober but smart clothes such as salwar kameez, sari or trousers/skirt suit. Wear only basic jewellery such as stud earrings or simple finger rings

• The candidates should remember that their appearance should not distract their interviewer. You need to be well groomed with a neat hairstyle, cut nails and a fresh and clean look

• The candidates must carry all relevant original documents such as certificates, referrals and licences and their photocopies, pen and pad in a neatly kept folder so that they can show them to the interviewer/s if required

• The candidates should arrive at the interview venue before time. Punctuality is a very important factor in setting the right impression

• The candidates should switch off your cell phone

• The candidates should bear in mind that your attitude and soft skills will be very important in their assessment of their suitability. So work on projecting a positive outlook. Introduce yourself smartly

The Interview Room

• Take permission to enter the room. You may ask: Excuse me, Sir/Ma'am. May I come in, Sir/Ma'am?

• Greet the interviewer/s with a smile. You can say: Good morning/afternoon/evening Sir/Ma'am

• Pause for a response and if no one asks you to sit down, you can say: May I sit down please?

• Pause for a response and then sit down and say: Thank you!

During the Interview

• Make eye contact (while smiling) with all the members of the interview board

• Wait for them to ask you questions. Maintain eye contact. Do not look down or twiddle with your thumbs. Keep calm and sit still. But be relaxed - no one will bite you!

After the Interview

• Collect your certificates and documents, in case you had taken them out

• Say 'Thank you' with a smile and leave the room. 

Knowledge Partners: Oxford University Press (OUP) .

SOURCE : INDIA TODAY