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Personal
Interview
In this article we focus on the 'in-room process' and understand the
secret of walking out as a winner.
Pleasant Disposition
There is no better way of beginning the interview process than with a warm
greeting to the panelists. A cheery greeting coupled with a sunny
disposition is a very effective ice-breaker.
Leading the Interview
Typically, any interview starts with an open-ended question about you such
as, "Tell me/us about yourself." The interviewer is keen to know
a little about you. Also, this is the time he is going to pick up basic
data about you and give a direction to the process. This is a golden
opportunity that has to be grabbed by you. You need to identify which
areas would you want to be questioned on and need to include these areas
in your introduction. To do that, you must be clear about your strengths,
weaknesses, career goals, the reasons for your interest in the
organization or career and how you can make a difference.
Communication Skills
Most 'remarkably good' interviewees have always been keen listeners. A
keen listener has a still mind with no 'turbulence' and is not unduly
concerned about his/her performance. As a result of being an 'exceptional'
listener, one is able to not just respond appropriately to the interviewer
but also to pick up subtle signals that the panel sends through its own
body language.
Articulation Skills
As a young manager you must appreciate the difference between what may be
termed as 'up market and jargon-ful English' and sound articulation
skills. Do not be unduly worried about not having a fancy vocabulary. You
must be able to articulate the most complex concepts in the most lucid
fashion.
Body Language
If there is dissonance between what you say and what your body says, a
seasoned interviewer will be able to make you out. You will be thought of
as a person that lacks conviction and confidence. One need not be
concerned about one's body language as long as one is honest in whatever
he says.
Eye Contact
Another important sub-component of the body language is the eye contact
between two individuals. Do you look straight into the eyes of the
interviewers? Or do you give furtive looks? What is your response if a
panel member acts 'unfriendly'? Do you escape eye contact with him or
confront him and convey confidence? As you know, a candidate who
constantly avoids eye contact with the panel does so either he is being
dishonest or lacks confidence.
Honesty, At Any Cost
One basic and unquestionable fallout of understanding the body language is
the issue of honesty. You cannot orchestrate you body language as per what
you are saying. But you can make a strong body language impact by being
honest.
Reasoning Skills
Reasoning skills are always seen as very critical to the success of
managerial jobs. And as a potential manager, your ability to make
decisions based on strong reasoning skills are seen through a microscope
in the interview. These could be tested through a variety of questions
based on the data provided by you or your bio-data. Any stance taken on an
issue without sound reasoning would make you appear opinionated or as one
who does not think deep about issues.
Confidence Personified
An interviewer is perpetually looking for a silently confident person who
has no airs about him. Assertiveness combined with politeness makes you a
sure winner. But this is easier said than done. There aren't many
challenges in our professional lives for which the above saying is not
true.
All the best.