HOW TO MAKE AN INTERVIEW
A "PIECE OF CAKE"
Now, you are ready for the interview. If you
keep in mind the elements discussed in the preceding
and foregoing pages and commit yourself to putting
actions to the rules that apply to you, you
can turn a nervewracking interview into a "piece
of cake"! The kind and amount of preparation
you exert for each interview and your ability
to prove that you possess the desirable traits
necessary for the efficient operation of the
job you are applying for would yield a successful
interview. Generally, the following are the
important factors that you need to exhibit during
the interview.
CREATING A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION IS IMPORTANT.
How well and how properly you present yourself
can make a big difference in attracting a prospective
employer.
Like icing on a cake, overdecorating and lousy
presentation are not advisable. Such can ruin
ones appetite. Dress neatly and appropriately.
Being aware of the kind of environment you are
going in to and what type of job you are applying
for is very helpful. If you are uncertain, the
best bet is to dress conservatively. While you
are not going to a party, remember that an interview
is a social interaction. You'll be more confident
and you'll find yourself more at ease if you
know you are dressed for the event. The look
of confidence and good physical impact is created
if you choose the right attire.
The kind of personality you exude during this
face-to face event is magnified during the initial
stage of the interview. The interviewer's task
is to pick up as many clues as he or she can
get about you. Regardless of whether you are
being interviewed by the staff in the personnel
department for screening purposes or by the
supervisor who makes the hiring decisions, you
should be able to convince the person that you
have the traits and qualifications that the
employer is looking for. Blending personality
is a n important factor in the work environment
and you should be able to prove that you have
the chemistry to harmonize.
Presenting yourself favorably does not end
with a neat appearance. This aspect extends
to some things which many applicants fail to
recognize as important. These include knowing
where to go and who to see, arriving early,
but not too early (provide allowance for any
unforeseen events to make sure you don't get
there late), and the item which a lot of applicants
tend to forget - a pen and a note pad! Also,
to a make a favorable impression, you should
be aware of some common courtesies such as knowing
when to shake hands, when to sit down and when
to call the interviewer by his/her first name.
Equally important is you must avoid distracting
mannerisms. If you chew gum or smoke during
the interview , the other party may find a way
to say an early goodbye. Likewise, smoking can
irritate an interviewer.
While it is commonly advised that you should
be yourself during the interview, it is always
best to leave a part of you in the privacy of
the men's or ladies' room. Remember that an
interview for a specific job can open other
avenues for your job search. You may not be
able to get the job you interviewed for but
establishing a good image is important and may
pay off not necessarily today but tomorrow.
Every interview creates an opportunity for more
contacts, so my advice is: maintaining your
"charm"! It is an investment.
ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE.
This element is a vital ingredient of a successful
interview. A lot of interviews fail not because
the applicant lacks the work experience but
mainly because of the inability to effectively
convey their thoughts and ideas to the interviewer.
Your ability to express yourself in a clear,
direct and concise manner is a skill which is
almost as important as your actual knowledge
of the job. In some jobs, it is even the most
important element. Depending on the perception
of the interviewer and the requirements of the
position, this job factor usually ranks high
on the "must have" list.
Your ability to communicate is measured not
only by the tone of your voice, but in clarity
and cohesiveness. Your ability to communicate
in a language simple enough to understand by
a layman is important. Don't try to use highly
technical terms to impress the interviewer.
Interviewers are not necessarily a master of
your field.
