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Powerful Beginnings
Be alert when you walk into the interviewer's office.
Walk smartly. Do not touch anything on the interviewer's desk. Smile
warmly at the interviewer and tell him or her that you are happy
to meet him/her. Sit comfortably but do not slouch or rest your
head on your hands. Some interviewers start by asking you questions
not related to the interview, this process is called an 'ice-breaker'.
It is intended to make you feel comfortable. Answer the questions
with ease. A common mistake that the job applicants make has to
do with the question, "How are you?" This is just intended as an
opener. Sometimes interviewees answer too honestly. Some job applicants
tell their interviewer that they are not well. This only prompts
the interviewer to ask why they are not feeling well. It starts
the interview on a negative note. There is nothing more "off putting"
than beginning an interview with questions relating to the applicant's
ailment. Also most interviewers are more alert at the beginning
of the interview. Just say "Fine, thank you" or "Very well, thank
you". Some interviewees are so nervous that they are not even aware
when the interviewer cracks a joke. Be aware of your handshake -
dead fish handshakes make you look weak.
Empty Spaces
Some interviewees get very nervous when there is a pause. Enjoy
it, you do not have to fill every gap. Let the interviewer lead
you. It's okay to be silent during pauses.
Be Honest
It's okay to admit that you do not have all the answers. Admit it
if you do not know how to answer a question. Answer each question
concisely.
Any Questions?
Sometimes interviewers want to know if you have any questions. Do
not ask questions that are obvious, for example, about working hours
unless you are applying for a shift job or a position that requires
you to work specific hours. The first question some applicants ask
relate to benefits and perks. This tends to give the impression
to the interviewer that the applicant is materialistic and motivated
by monetary rewards alone. Instead ask questions about the position
and the organization, for example, "What are the important qualities
that you require your employees to have?" "What do I need to do
in order to hit my targets?" What are your expectations of me?"
Stay Alert to your Facial Expressions
Although you cannot see your face, the interviewer will be looking
at your face for clues. For example, if you like what he or she
is saying to you. Often interviewees give themselves away by their
facial reactions. Practice in front of a mirror and watch your responses
and the faces you make. Poker players know this trick, they learn
not to show their reactions to the cards they deal sp that the other
players do not know where they are at. Project a pleasant disposition
and be alert.
Speak with Conviction
You cannot fake this part of the interview, as most interviewers
are able to sense if an applicant is insincere. Say the things you
mean, be congruent. Some interviewees contradict themselves. They
say they want to build a career with the employer's company and
then in the same breath say that the job they are applying for is
a stepping-stone. Prospective employers want to know what is unique
about you and why they should hire you over someone else but they
may not ask you this question in a direct manner. Therefore it is
important for you to think about what the interviewer wants to know
before you answer the question. For example, what are your strengths
and weaknesses?
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