Twitter
Advertisement

Right attitude

What will help you more than polished shoes and firm handshake in impressing the recruiter, is the right attitude, says Uday Vaidya.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

An ‘interview’ is a selling process. So, now when you appear for an interview, bear in mind that you should be selling yourself to the interviewer. Here are some tips: Dress formally. Dark trousers and light coloured shirt for men, and saree, churidar or a formal western outfit for women are generally recommended. You should carry a file/folder with you containing at least five copies of your resume (ensure that the copy you carry with you is the same which you had sent earlier with the job application.) Carry passport size photographs, copy of your passport etc.

If you are new to the place where the interview is scheduled, kindly draw a rough estimate of the time required to reach the place from your residence. If you are a fresher, spare a day prior to the interview to visit the place personally so as to budget your time to reach the location before the scheduled time. Visit the company’s website and also collect maximum information about the company through business newspapers, friends/acquaintances.

The receptionist may have been asked to observe you and send the feedback to the interviewer. So display a descent behaviour.

Always knock the door and ask for permission before entering the cabin. Do not occupy the chair until told to do so. When you are asked to take your seat, occupy the chair fully. Greet your interviewer with a big smile and a firm handshake. If you happen to face a panel, pull your chair a little backwards so that you can see the entire panel comfortably without straining your neck. Understand that by the time you occupy the chair, half of the interview is already done. So ensure that your body language reflects your confidence and enthusiasm. Maintain good posture and eye contact, keep your gestures limited and controlled.

Do not keep your folder or diary or in fact anything on the table and if at all you want to do so, take prior permission of the interviewer/s. Generally the very first question asked is ‘Tell me something about yourself. Talk professionally and with confidence. Speak about your qualification, family background, hobbies in brief. Listen carefully before answering the questions.

Generally, the questions you are asked will depend on the answers you give as your answers contain the strings to the next question. So answer the questions thoughtfully. Do not rush. You will be asked about strengths and weaknesses. It is always advisable to practice this question beforehand. You can obviously talk about your strengths but talking about your weakness can be a tricky one. See to it that what you describe as your weakness is not something which conflicts with the prospective job profile. For example, if you are applying for a marketing job, please do not mention ‘mixing with people’ as your weakness. Pick up a weakness of yours which can be easily converted into strength. This indirectly gives a message that your weakness is actually your strength.

Finally when you are given the opportunity to ask question to the interviewer, ask intelligent questions or just say ‘I don’t have any questions at this moment but if you call me for the next round, probably I may have some questions.’ Asking questions about your annual leaves or your working hours will nullify all your efforts you have put in so far. End on a high note. Go out the same way you came in - with a big smile and a firm handshake. Add sincere thanks for your hiring manager’s time and consideration, and don’t forget to ask about the next step in the hiring process. Finally, when you are leaving the company premises, refrain from discussing anything with your fellow colleagues in the reception lobby.

In the end, believe in yourself and carry the right attitude because you are hired more for your attitude and less for your qualification. While qualification is important at the end of the day, it is attitude that makes a difference.

The author is a human resource consultant and a corporate trainer.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement