Post your intent to enter the ‘Job Market’, every meeting in your professional world will be an interview. Interview does not mean a Job Interview alone. It means meeting anyone with a long term, mutually beneficial association in mind. Meeting a client is an interview and so is meeting your boss. Giving presentation to your super boss and representing your college / bank for the outside world are examples of interviews. We suggest same care should be applied as you would do in case of your Job Interview. An interview throws an opportunity to you to display your skills, capabilities; past and present, integrity and manners so that the other person ‘accepts’ you.
Hence, purpose of the interview is ‘Your Acceptability’, clearly beyond the ‘borderline’. Your ‘Acceptability’ should be beyond the ‘Benefit of Doubt’.
While going for any such interview, please keep in mind that everyone loves to meet a person who is motivated. We give below TEN GOLDEN POINTS which you would do well to remember while appearing for an interview, any interview.
1. Smile at Yourself, Smell Good and Stay Positive. Leave for the interview with a thought that you will be coming out with flying colours.
2. If you are going to meet a bank official, Google search about that bank. If you know the names of the individuals, go and search on the FB / LinkedIn about them. Compliment them for their accomplishments. People like to meet well prepared persons.
3. Stay Focussed on the purpose of the Interview. If it is for the job, learn the nuances of the Job Description (JD) and the Employer’s Requirements. Match your skills and experience with the requirements. If it is for the business development, keep focussing upon the Client Requirements and match your product offerings with the client requirements.
4. Rehearse. Prepare responses in advance. This might be your only opportunity to impress the other person. In case you have to ask a question, rehearse that as well. The question should be relevant and it should not be for the sake of asking only.
5. All communications start with small talk to lighten the atmosphere. Practise ice breakers. Set the ball rolling. Be in a leader’s shoes. However, never be aggressive and give due respect to the other persons. Plan what to wear.
6. Wear wrinkle free clothes and tie. A white / light blue shirt creates good impression. A jacket only in winters. A suit is a no-no till your client is a foreigner or your regulator. Similarly for women: a dark pant and a white / sky blue top. A jacket is fine for them. No saree, no salwar kameez, no jeans. Plan what to bring.
7. You may neatly carry in your shoulder bag or in a handheld folder: hard copies of product paper, a product application form, an unfolded resume or that day’s financial newspaper.
8. Pay attention to sub conscious communication.
Be mindful. Your non verbal communication is noticed.
Your actions while waiting in the lobby. Remember that waiting room behaviours may be taken into account.
Show confidence. Smile, establish eye contact and use a firm handshake.
Posture counts. Sit up straight yet comfortably. Be aware of nervous gestures such as foot-tapping, finger cracking, yawning.
Be attentive. Don’t stare, but maintain good eye contact, while addressing all aspects of an interviewer’s questions.
Respect their space. Do not place anything on their desk.
Manage reactions. Facial expressions provide clues to your feelings. End with a handshake and a thank you. No attempt to hug or tapping on the shoulders.
9. Follow Up.
10. Express gratitude if you get the notice for selection.