| Interviews How To Make A Favourable First Impression It is human nature to evaluate a person by what meets the eye, especially when meeting someone for the first time. When we meet a person for the first time we know very little about him or her. So we naturally proceed to arm ourselves with information by evaluating what our eyes see and also by hearing them speak. You end up drawing conclusions from the other�s appearance, mannerisms, voice and body language. Research in the field of social psychology tells us that within the first minute of meeting a new person, the average human being draws at least ten conclusions regarding that person. Some of the conclusions drawn may be regarding the person�s economic status, educational level, social position, sophistication or the lack of it and maybe even his or her ethics and moral character. It is very essential to create a favourable first impression in certain instances, and a job interview certainly tops the list. The interviewer may be making a real and honest effort to make unbiased judgements; however, it is human nature to be put off by certain markedly negative signals. It is thus essential that one should know what is likely to give a negative signal and guard against it. Prepare to be examined by the eyes and the nose too The most obvious and probably the first issue to be considered is the way one is attired. The ground rule for the right attire should be semi-formal, sedate colours and, most of all, neat. Needless to say, it is also essential to guard against unpleasant odours. Ensure that you use a deodorant and avoid eating food whose odour is bound to accompany your breath every time you open your mouth. It would be advisable to stay away from garlic and other strong odour giving food items prior to an interview. The right kind of greeting Let's assume that you are a candidate walking into a room where five or six imposing interviewers are seated. Let's suppose that one of them greets you with a handshake. Pay attention to how you shake his/her hand. A handshake can convey a lot about a person. The best bet is a firm handshake that grips the other�s hand briefly. And it is also essential to make eye contact and give a friendly smile while doing so. A limp handshake could convey a message of lack of confidence or nerves. On the other hand, a crushing handshake would convey an overbearing personality. And most of all, it is important that your hands be dry and not sweaty, sticky or wet. If no one offers to shake hands, fine, give a smile making eye contact with a couple of people who seem to you to be most pleasant. And wait to be asked to be seated. The other option is our good old Indian greeting of a gentle �Namaste� that can never be wrong in any situation. On the hot seat It is important to assume the right kind of posture to sit. Your posture should indicate calmness and readiness rather than nervousness. Avoid sitting on the edge of your seat. If you encounter a chair that is not convenient do not be flustered, take a few seconds to seat yourself as comfortably as possible and then look up make eye contact and smile indicating your readiness for the interview. Do not indulge in small talk about how your feet do not reach the floor, etc. It may be considered frivolous. And do remember - no slouching. Your posture should indicate your alertness and eagerness for the questions that you will be facing. Keeping all these directives in mind may sound like a tall order. So start practicing. It would not hurt you to learn how to walk, greet and sit in a charming manner. Last of all be yourself and do not attempt to project a false image. The very lack of effort that you have to put into being yourself will project itself as confidence that will be reflected in your eyes. And eyes, they say, are a window to a person�s soul. Carry Yourself Confidently During An Interview One very essential aspect that prospective employers are always on the lookout for is self-confidence. So it is very essential that you appear extremely confident and poised when appearing for an interview. Self-confidence should become part of your attitude so that you do not need to do anything extra about it on the day of the interview. Work on your language skills If your command over the language that you will be handling the interview in is good, then you will be able to express yourself well. Do practise presentation of all your details, especially regarding education and work experience, in such a manner that is complimentary to yourself. It would be a good idea to practice in front a friend and ask for some constructive criticism in this regard. You should then incorporate changes based on the criticism and then perfect your technique. However do keep an open mind to the aspect of flexibility. You should be able to change your presentation as per the demand of the existing situation in the interview. For example, out of the blue you may be asked to participate in a group discussion. You can walk away with flying colours if you have an excellent command over the language being used and a good knowledge of both your subject and general issues. Body language - it says a lot about you Nervous gestures will be interpreted in a negative manner. So it is very essential that you are extremely careful not to betray your nervousness. Feeling a little nervous is okay and acceptable. But do not compound it by nursing negative thoughts like �I am sure to fail� or �I do not stand a chance in front of all these people� or �They will take one look at me and decide against me.� Negative thoughts in the mind translate into gestures like biting lips, hands that do not remain still, cracking knuckles and other such give-aways. Those who conduct interviews are trained to lookout for such gestures and interpret them. So be on your guard and carry yourself accordingly. |