The Final Results are out a week before and so after an emotional week, u must have started thinking about "What Next".? So many of you would have started applying for jobs per say. The Campus Placement will be conducted by our Institute next month. For those who are going to attend it and to for those who are applying or have applied outside campus, below are some useful tips which one should know and try to avoid it to create the Best Impression. As we have to consider the positive things while interview, also we have to consider the worst interview blunders.
My second part of this article will mention the "DO's" at Interview. Happy Reading.
Following are the points which we have to avoid during the interview:
1. Not preparing for the interview:
Keep in mind that preparation always increases confidence. So do not face the interview without preparation. You cannot communicate without pre-interview research.
2. Showing up late or too early:
One of the first lessons in job-search is to show up on time for interviews. Many job seekers do not realize that showing up too early often creates a poor first impression. Arriving more than 10 minutes early for an interview shows that the job seeker has too much time on his or her hands. Always remember that your time is as valuable as the interviewer's. Always arrive on time, but never more than 10 minutes early.
3. Poor handshake:
In every place handshaking matters a lot. With the help of handshaking anyone can judge your personality. The shake hand starts the interview and that is your first opportunity to create a great impression. If you have delivered a poor handshake, it is impossible for you to recover it. Here are some examples:
a. The limp hand gives the impression of disinterest or weakness.
b. Only tips of the fingers shows lack of ability to engage.
c. The arm pump shows overly aggressive salesman.
Your handshake may be telling more about you than you know. Ask about your handshaking to your friends who are not afraid to tell you the truth.
4. Treating the receptionist rudely:
The first person you meet on an interview is a receptionist. The receptionist has the power to say about your positive or negative points before you even set eyes on the interviewer. The interviewer may also solicit the receptionist's opinion of you after you leave.
5. Talking too much:
Talking too much always creates a problem. To avoid over-talking, practice answering questions in a direct manner. Avoid nervous talking by preparing for your interview with role-play.
6. Talking negatively about current or past employers/managers:
The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things. Even if your last boss was not good, never state your ill feelings about him/her. No matter how reasonable your complaints, you will come out the loser if you show that you disrespect your boss because the interviewer will assume that you would similarly trash him or her. When faced with the challenge of talking about former employers, make sure you are prepared with a positive spin on your experiences.
7. Asking about benefits, vacation time or salary:
Do not ask about the benefits, vacation time or salary during the first interview. Wait until you have won the employer over before beginning that discussion.
8. Verbal ticks:
The first signs of nervousness are verbal ticks. We all have them from time to time "umm," "like," "you know." You can also sometimes avoid verbal ticks by pausing for a few seconds to gather your thoughts before each response.
To reduce the verbal ticks practice for sharing your best success stories ahead of time, and you will feel more relaxed during the real interview.
9. Not enough/too much eye contact:
Eye contact shows your confidence but it may happen that it creates a negative effect also. Avoid eye contact and you will seem shifty, untruthful, or disinterested. If you sometimes have trouble with eye-contact balance, work this issue out ahead of time in an interview practice session with a friend.
10. Failure to match communication styles:
It is almost impossible to make a good first impression if you can not communicate effectively with an interviewer. But you can easily change that situation. Following points will help to you.
a. If the interviewer seems all business, then you must be behave like business.
b. If the interviewer is personable, try discussing his/her interests.
c. If the interviewer asked a direct question, answer directly.
Allowing the interviewer to set the tone of conversation can vastly improve your chances of making a favorable impression.
11. Final Thoughts
Just as a strong resume wins you an opportunity to interview, strong interview skillswill win you consideration for the job. You already know that you won't earn an interview unless your resume sets you apart as a candidate of choice. Start your job search with a resume that creates a stellar first impression.
Lalit Kumar,A Business consultant working at MCA Consultant Pvt ltd, Chennai. Email:lalit_fca@yahoo.com
Thank you.
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