The big screen imagery of interviews apart, it is true that interviews are among the key inflection points in anyone’s professional life having some bearing on their personal life too. Not without reasons. An interview is the only tool in the recruitment process that affords an opportunity for the recruiter and the candidate to meet each other and assess. Set and planned properly, it is also a good tool to obtain a possible perspective or insight into the candidates psyche and knowledge. Normally in an interview, the interviewer, by probing the psychology, intellect and body language of the candidate, tries his or her best to narrow down the list to the available number of opportunities.

Having said that, allow us to outline below some guidelines that will help you to perform better in your interview and also make a mark on him with your poise and self-confidence.

Before we do that, do remember that the interviewers are not your enemies; they are only discharging their responsibility of finding the best possible candidate. And you might have to face one or more interviews, depending on the company and the job.

• While waiting for your turn to be called in, do not keep worrying about what will happen. Try and find if possible where you stand and assess by working out how long each candidate takes, when you are likely to be called in.
• Do some research about the company, their profile, and their clients.
• Keep yourself updated of the latest trends in the industry you plan to pursue your career.
• List out all the requirements like salary, job profile, work hours, travel etc. before the interview.
• Dress appropriately for the interview as it indicates to the kind of personality you are.
• Ensure you carry all required material like resume, references, certificates etc.
• Greet the interviewer/interviewers with a firm handshake. It conveys confidence and respect and do not sit unless you are asked to do so.
• While responding, be upfront and honest and think for a moment before you say anything.
• Always be positive and project your willingness to work and learn new things.
  If you do not know the answer to a question, admit it; do not try to fudge an answer.
  Do not interrupt the interviewer before he finishes his question, wait for him to complete his sentence and then give your reply.
• If you have not heard the question clearly ask the interviewer to repeat the question.
• If you have any questions or clarifications, you can ask the interviewer after the interview is over.
• Thank the interviewer(s) for his/her/their time and for seeing you. While leaving the room, express your enthusiasm for the job.

Handling that all important call - a few tips

As the globe becomes a village and the economies get globalized, it was only a matter of time before careers also become global. Since there is considerable physical distance and logistics involved in global recruiting, it has become almost a standard practice to have a telephonic interview to ascertain the suitability of the candidate for the job considered. Before proceeding further with the candidate. In most cases, the purpose of a telephonic interview is to get qualified for a personal interview. It is like a screen test used to eliminate candidates who are either not matching or are not upto the mark.

Primarily confined to the IT industry, it might spread to other sectors as well once the career opportunities there get globalized.

Now, let us provide you with some handy tips to help make the most of that all-important call.

• Do a little bit of research, about the company for whom you are being interviewed for.
• Give proper contact details and preferably your residence number for the call.
• Before you get the call, make sure you have a pen and note pad around to note important details about the company and any queries that you might have.
• Keep notes handy before the interview, prepare a note on your responsibilities and also keep a copy of your resume.
• Make sure your surroundings are appropriate for the interview. Choose a place that is devoid of factors like noise from sources such as the television, traffic and external conversations.
• When the phone calls comes, make sure you answer it yourself, introduce yourself properly and greet the interviewer with enthusiasm and confidence. And if for some reasons the call is delayed, don’t panic, be patient.
• Always be positive. Do not use any negative words as far as possible.
• If you have not understood the question-ask the interviewer politely to repeat / elaborate.
• Do not repeat things again and again. Do not interrupt the interviewer while he is talking.
• Since, what goes across to the person at the other end is only your voice, ensure that your voice is well modulated and do not have long pauses, with err, um, hmm, etc.
• No question is trivial or irrelevant, so don’t ignore them. In fact take them seriously. May be they are checking your communication skills.
  It is OK to clear doubts regarding the job/company. But don’t ask personal questions.
• At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for his or her time.

So all you out there reading this, be confident and hold fort with élan on the phone. And, surely the appointment letter will soon be in your hands. All the very best.

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