The mention of an interview is sure to send a chill down the spines of people. Irrespective of the session’s outcome, one always wants to ensure that the interview is smooth and does not end up making a fool of self. While there are umpteen suggestions that need to be followed about how to conduct oneself in an interview, what one should refrain from, is also equally important. Here are some of the ‘don’ts’to be practiced in an interview.
Firstly, it is alright to be understandably nervous, but what you must be careful is to not show the nervousness in front of your prospective employer.
According to a personality development module, if you put up an tensed face, where confidence is absolutely lacking,the one question that is sure to pop in the minds of the interview is that , how can you adjust to the job, if a smallinterview freaks you out so much. This will immediately lead to a negative impression on his or her mind. Therefore, the key is to put up a straight face, maintain eye contact and speak confidently. If done, the world is your oyster!
Next, a successful interview all boils down to whether you are a good speaker or a good listener. Trust us, when we say both are equally important. If on a personal level, you are a chatter-box, you must doubly ensure that you tone down your primal characteristics and give enough room for the employer to speak.
One point that must be kept in the mind is that any interview is a double-way session, if it was scheduled to be one way, it would turn out to be a monologue. Hence, speak not what you want to share with the employer, instead frame your answers based on the questions thrown to you. In simple terms, make it an interaction, not a seminar.
One of the most under-rated aspects of an interview is your appearance. When we say appearance, it does not necessarily translate into looks. Appearance is how you conduct yourself, and the outfit you choose to complement your self. Avoid gaudy clothes, shiny labels or wrinkled dresses.
The way you dress, makes a first and positive impression on the employer. Before the interview session, do a small homework on the company, its policies, its dress code and choose your outfit accordingly. While some companies allow informal clothing to its employees, please understand that it does not apply to you.
Formal wear is the one-shot dressing for any interview. Also take care of little things like combing your hair and tying your shoe laces.
Next, a common mistake that many of us do is to pitch ourselves to the employer. While it is allowed to a certain
extent, what is a strict no-no, is boasting about oneself to an extent that irritates the interviewer. Your achievements can be easily seen by the interview through your resume, so do not hard-sell yourself too much.
While it may also come across as being desperate for the job, it also shows that you are on the higher side of arrogance. So it is okay to love yourself, but do not prove that to the employer.
Moving on, there is no substitute for honesty. Do not lie about your skills, your work, or experience. While it may help you scrape the interview on a temporary basis, your lies will put you in a lot of trouble later. Do not underestimate the intelligence of your employer, he or she might always be too smart for you and see through your bluff, even before you realize it. And this, is an instant put-off.
