0Do you remember your last interview which did not go according to plan? What happened? People say, interview seats are always uncomfortable. Some are right in the middle of the room with no place to hide your legs (and sometimes even your hands, just kidding!) Given an opportunity, most first timers would prefer to be invisible at the moment of truth. Well it does not have to be this bad always. We have all attended interviews and there were always the first times and the difficult times. Times when we wished why we came in the first place. But then we overlook the reason within - what makes us unique. It's all about perception!
Over the last 12 years of trial, errors, successes and blunders that I have done, I have come to know some unique ways of getting the job that you really want and deserve. Before we go for "what"s and "why"s, let's understand what is an interview.
According to Wikipedia, "An interview is a conversation where questions are asked and answers are given. In common parlance, the word "interview" refers to a one-on-one conversation with one person acting in the role of the interviewer and the other in the role of the interviewee. The interviewer asks questions, the interviewee responds, with participants taking turns talking. Interviews usually involve a transfer of information from interviewee to interviewer, which is usually the primary purpose of the interview, although information transfers can happen in both directions simultaneously.".
Believe it or not, "knowledge" is the last thing that interviewers look for in you. Knowledge is important (no doubt) but it is like a product. Most of us buy the packaging than the product itself and so does the interviewer. In most of the interviews, its what the interviewer feels or perceives "what you are" are is more important than "what you actually are". Sometimes its your CV/resume/biodata (Yes, CVs, Resumes, and bio datas are all different and not the same). Your cover letter or sometimes your CV or your Resume is the first point of contact with the prospective interviewer. Contrast to common belief your CV or Resume does not get you a job, it merely gets you a call for an interview. At most it creates the first perception of the brand "YOU" that he may hire.
Your grooming matters! Yes it's how you look and carry yourself is of utmost importance and it differs from industry to industry and role to role. It does not always mean a business suit. You may not need to be clean shaven and wear a suit if you are getting interviewed as a photographer or probably a Digital marketer but it's a must if the position is for a Management Trainee in a Hospitality or an Audit firm. Your grooming should be part of the overall strategy to focus your interviewer or distract him. Both works by the way, just that you should know how and when to use it.
Your handshake and posture! A firm handshake conveys more than a 2 page Resume. Handshakes is always recommended but only when the interviewer initiates. Initiating a handshake can sometimes be a bad idea. How you sit shows your confidence. Sitting on edge or taking the full chair, think about it. Using an armrest is best avoided and upright posture is the best for any general interview.
Your voice! A voice can command or beg - what does your voice showcase an interviewer? A deep voice does not essentially mean a rich baritone. It can be commanded by a female also who believes in herself and knows her SWOT (Stength, weakness, opportunities and threat analysis). It can showcase assurance or desperation. The tone, the nuances of the pitch, the speed, the pauses, when used by a trained professional can create a personality, somebody can only dream of. And trust me it's not that difficult.
Your Smile! Now that's the most important part of your grooming even if you forgot your perfume! If you believe you look great, it creates an aura people easily recognise. An air of positivity prevails and good things happen to you. "How" is best left to God! We all have heard "a smile can do wonders", well it's time to see it happen. There is nothing better than your smile and all your mistakes if you happen to make can be easily covered by the look in your eyes and the smile you carry.
The cumulative perception these create is what your next interviewer is looking for. There are still a lot of things yet to be covered but these are the interview basics. Wish you all the best in your job search. Want to have a great interview? Want a personal handcrafted profile? Get in touch with me for your next fabulous interview.
Stay curious, stay creative, stay inspired!
