INTERVIEW ETIQEUETTES
Exams, interviews, tests – never the situations too welcome in our scheme of things. Not as students. Not even as professionals. The very mention of these words makes us nervous. But MoneyQuin says it won’t be so if you are dressed to kill:
The Advertisement: To begin with make sure you read the advertisement for the vacancy very carefully. It’s important that you check the “job description/profile” section very carefully. At times companies may mention work which doesn’t fall in the purview of the job which needs to be filled in. You may not want to do that work. In that case you shouldn’t apply for the position.
Company Profile: Knowing well about the company you wish to work with reflects your passion. Imagine a situation where you apply for Infosys and the interviewer asks you a very basic fact like how many people started the company and you don’t know the answer! It may appear you don’t really care what the company and the others around you are up to.
Your Resume: Your CV is your first connect with your prospective employers. Let it be such that they are half convinced to hire you the moment they look at your resume. Don’t make it too loud by adding unnecessary colour or fonts. Don’t make it too long. Some companies make it clear in their advertisement that CVs more than two pages will not be considered. Concise is the word.
Attire: The first thing you need to make sure is that your clothes should be comfortable. You shouldn’t be choking. They should fit you well. Then of course you should look good and professional in the clothes you choose to wear for the interview. Be particular about colours. Wear appropriate colours. Very bright colours are ruled out.
The Questions: List the probable questions you think can be asked. A CAT applicant was asked, “Why is the Indian festival Shivratri celebrated?” He said it was Lord Shiva’s birthday. The legend is he got married to Parvati. This interviewee lost the top position just because of this one question. So when competition is tough, each and every question makes a difference.
Act it out: Imagining the situation in your head is very different from being there. So construct a setup of an interview cabin and let a friend, parent or sibling act as the interviewer. If you have a friend who has experience in the same field, it’s advisable to have her act as the interviewer. She’ll be able to create her own questions and add to the list you prepared.
Up, Straight & Cool: Stay focused. Sit straight. Let nothing worry you. Switch off your cell phone or leave it outside the cabin. Keep eye contact with your interviewer. It makes you look more confident. Don’t argue with the interviewers. If you disagree, put your point across very politely. Yet, be forthright and direct. Don’t be evasive or beat round the bush. Don’t be in a hurry to answer questions. And remember the company, if it decided to recruit you, will run a background check on you. So don’t lie.
Interview Toolkit: Keep extra copies of your resume. Take along all your certificates, transcripts and other supporting documents. Carry one identity proof too.
Say Thanks: Don’t forget to say thanks to the interviewers for calling you for considering you for calling you for the interview. It’s a part of office protocol and sends a positive signal about your personality.
