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Everyone approaches a Job interview with some degree of apprehension. Being Nervous is perfectly natural ,the trick is not to let it weigh you down. The main thing to remember is that the employer has asked to see you because they think you are capable of doing the job. Their time is precious and they will be hoping, just as fervently as you, that you are the perfect solution to the vacancy.
At the interview, your main aim is to reinforce the excellent impression made by your CV. You do not want to be stuck for words, so it is important to think about what you are going to say, how you are going to say it and how you are going to act, beforehand.
Here are a few proven strategies that will help you take control of the interview and ensure that the whole process goes on smoothly. |
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Do your homework
Of course, your Manpower consultant will brief you fully about the company and the position being offered. But it's always worth 'going that extra mile' - you can never have too much information. Try logging on to the company's website, get hold of company literature and find out about competitors. If the opportunity to use this knowledge arises, you'll be able to demonstrate an impressive level of interest in the organisation.
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Making a Good First Impression
Look smart and professional. Take a copy of your CV with you as even the most efficient companies can mislay or forget to bring a document. Plan your route and allow plenty of extra time to get to the interview. Be courteous, make good eye contact and smile.
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Will dressing Well get you the job?
Of course not, but it will give you a competitive edge and a positive first impression, few interview dress code basics mentioned below :
Men and Women
* Men- Conservative two-piece business suit / Formal Shirts
* Women -Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)
* Clean, polished conservative shoes
* Well-groomed hairstyle
* Clean, trimmed fingernails
* Minimal cologne or perfume
* Empty pockets--no bulges or tinkling coins
* No gum, candy or cigarettes
* Light briefcase or portfolio case
* No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.)
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The accessories
When coordinating colours, remember, leather to leather and metal to metal. Always match the colour of your belt with your shoes and the colour of your belt buckle with your watch.
Wear jewellery sparingly for your interviews. In some settings, it may detract from your professional appearance. Limit yourself to one ring per hand, and leave visible piercings at home.
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Body Language
You may be superbly qualified for a job, but you must also look motivated and interested. The way you act, your posture, gestures and facial expressions, will reveal a lot about you , Look at the interviewer in the eye and don't be afraid to smile when it is appropriate.
If you are being interviewed by more than one person, always look at and address the person who posed the question, then glance at the others when you have finished your answer.
Adopt a good posture. Don't cross your arms, fidget, tap your feet, sprawl or lean forward anxiously.
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Sounding Positive
You must be ready to expand on, not simply regurgitate, the information presented on your CV and anticipate the route the interviewer might take. No one fits a job perfectly so emphasise your most relevant skills and slant answers to reassure the interviewer that any shortfall is not a problem
Don't use tentative language. Phrases such as 'I feel I could', 'I think I can'. 'Perhaps I would' - dilute the strength of your case. Don't confine your answers to monosyllabic yes and no's which make the interview more like an interrogation.Be enthusiastic but don't constantly interrupt.
Don't be evasive. Make a virtue of any career gaps on your CV
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Handling tough Questions
Don't use tentative language. Phrases such as 'I feel I could', 'I think I can'. 'Perhaps I would' - dilute the strength of your case. Don't confine your answers to monosyllabic yes and no's which make the interview more like an interrogation. Be enthusiastic but don't constantly interrupt.
Employers will ask questions deliberately to see how you behave and react in certain situations. Giving a positive, fluent answer isn't as difficult as it might seem. With a little advance planning, it's perfectly possible to anticipate common general enquiries and prepare a coherent, effective response.
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Sell yourself
Remember, the job interview is a platform to market yourself. It is a strategic conversation with a purpose. Your goal is to persuade the employer that you have the skills, background and ability to do the job and that you can comfortably fit into the organisation and its culture.
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The Interview is a Two-Way Process...
At the end of the interview, the employer will usually ask if you have any questions about the job or company, so always prepare a few in advance.
This is a good chance to clarify any points of doubt - after all, you need to make sure that the job is exactly what you expected and what you want.
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Suggested Questions to Ask
* What are the opportunities for career progression?
* What are the training opportunities?
* What are my precise responsibilities?
* How much travel is involved?
* What are the targets for the first 6 months?
* How long will it take you to make a final recruitment decision?
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Closing on a Confident Note...
Leave the Employer with a good final impression. Smile, thank them for their time, say you enjoyed discussing the job and that you look forward to hearing from them soon. Don't add any afterthoughts as you leave the room.
Good Luck !
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Resigning from Your Job the Right Way
Though resignation officially means the end of your service with your employer, you never know when your paths might cross again in the future and hence it is always important to make sure that you carry out your resignation in a professional and dignified manner. Here are some points to keep in mind when resigning from your job:
1. Never inform your colleagues of your departure before you tell your boss. If your boss finds out about your resignation through the office grapevine then it might spoil his impression of you.
2. You must hand over your resignation letter to your boss in person. Schedule a meeting with him or her and discuss the necessary.
3. When submitting your resignation make sure you give your employer enough notice, usually 2 to 4 weeks but consult your company policy in case you are expected to give a longer notice period.
4. Be sure to get a fair settlement for any outstanding salary, vacation and sick days, commission payments or other compensation due to you.
5. You can offer to help your employer find and train your replacement during your remaining days at the organization.
6. While serving your notice period don't shirk off work just because you'll be gone in a couple of days. Stay up to date on work and finish all pending assignments.
7. When leaving make sure to collect your personal items like files and emails from your computer. Clean your desk. Shred all unnecessary documents and hand over the remaining to your replacement or boss.
8. Don't forget to get recommendation/reference letters and contact information of important people you might need to get in touch with in the future.
9. Most companies conduct exit interviews to gain an insight into employee satisfaction and how they can improve retention. It is also possible that at this time your company might make you a counter offer to try and hold you back. If you are enticed by the offer accept it at your own discretion, but bear in mind then that your resignation might come across as only a gimmick to get a higher pay packet. It is safest to just give your feedback and suggestions on the areas in which the company can improve without getting emotional or venting your frustration.
10. Never bad mouth your company on your last day no matter how much you disliked it there or gloat about how great your new job is and don't forget to thank everyone before you leave.
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