The most exciting but heart-pounding part of applying for a job or getting into a college course is the interview process. Most people dread the moment they would wait for their names to be called outside an HR or Dean’s office for either a one-on-one or panel interview. Here are some tips to get rid of that nervous feeling and hit the nail on the head in a job or college interview.
Dress for success
First impressions last, they say, so you’ve got to look your best when you’re in for some grilling. It is best to check with the organization you are applying with for the specific dress code. Most companies would require a business suit to be worn by applicants, but you have to dress in a manner that is professionally appropriate to the position for which you are applying.
- Men may wear matching jacket and pants, dress shirt, tie, socks and formal shoes
- Women may wear a suit with either skirt or pants; heeled shoes would best complete the look
Find time to review
Cuddle in the comfort of your room. Make sure you have the right room temperature to relax and review the information about the company and the job you’re applying for. If your cooling or heating appliance requires some repairs, just log on to www.actionac.net to keep things working fine.
Know the latest and pertinent information to get you equipped with quality talking points on:
- Company mission statement and basic facts
- What sets the company apart from its competitors
Be on time
Coming to the interview on time will show how eager you are to work with the company, or to be accepted by the college you’re applying with.
- Get to the venue at least 30 minutes before schedule
- Freshen up in the restroom before you line up to wait for your turn
Show confidence but be courteous
Answer questions with a modest smile and average voice volume to exhibit confidence, but never miss a chance to use courtesy words or statements like “Thank you” or “My pleasure”. Some questions may require just a “yes” or a “no” for an answer, so refrain from beating around the bush as this might bore the interviewer — unless a follow-up question is asked.
Observe appropriate gestures
In addition to courtesy and confidence, some gestures and mannerisms may be no-nos, so don’t let your chance slip away by being restless or sloppy:
- Stop your rolling eyes; instead look the interviewer straight in the eye
- Minimize hand gestures, otherwise you’ll get the interviewer distracted and annoyed
- Do not sit down unless you are told to do so, and sit with your back straight to show eagerness
- As much as possible, avoid flipping your hair, wiping your face, and picking your nose
- Never ever play with the swivel chair you are sitting on, or flip through pages of books or papers on the interviewer’s table
Should one be honest during an interview?
Yes. Start things right and you’ll end up right. If you conceal or frame information about your strengths and weaknesses, you might just end up leaving the company too soon due to underperformance, or not being able to meet the company or the boss’s expectations which you yourself have set.
Last Updated on by Icy Tales Editorial Board