How to Prepare and Face an Interview

An interview can be defined as a face to face oral communication between the

interviewer and the interviewee in order to assess the views, attitudes and ideas of the
interviewee. However the interview process also enables the interviewee and observers to
assess the skill and ability of the interviewer.

Thus, an interview is a test of both the communicants and parties engaged in the
interaction. Intelligence, knowledge, personal qualities and character are revealed and both
parties are required to be well prepared. The process allows everyone involved to make
some important decisions. The candidate decides whether he should accept the position and
the interviewer decides whether the candidate should be appointed; this decision may affect
the organizational interests.

The following suggestions are advisable when faced with an interview:

1) Dress appropriately – A well dressed and groomed appearance can do wonders

for that first impression. Now is not exactly the time to make a fashion statement so a
tastefully chosen professional outfit, with suitable accessories like a hand-bag or brief case
should be fine.

2) Posture and Carriage - The way in which the candidate carries himself while
walking and sitting tells the interviewer about your confidence. Good "carriage" and posture
have to be developed over a period of time and are essential in distinguishing a shoddy and
careless attitude from a sharp and alert one.

3) Be confident - Self confidence, or the lack of it, is observed through your
behavior, right from the way you sit to how you speak. Good manners and proper behavior
are obviously necessary. Suitable greetings for the time of the day and other formalities
must be known to the interviewee; for example, sit down only after being told to; elbows
must not be put on the table; the brief case or bag should be kept on the floor beside the
chair and do not play with any of your accessories or clothes. Nervous movements betray
show a lack of confidence and concentration.

4) Mental Preparation - The candidate should be well informed about current

events, domestic and international, and topics of general interest. Regular reading of
newspapers, listening to radio and TV discussions, participating in group discussions and
general reading habits are helpful activities in developing the required mental status for an
interview.

Information about the organization, its directors, turnover, share capital and other
relevant information which are available in its annual report, is expected of candidates by
public limited companies. A candidate must know as much as possible about the prospective
employer company.

5) Go back to the books - The candidate should also possess adequate knowledge
in the subjects studied during graduation and professional examinations. A reasonable
revision of the subjects can solve the purpose. Several general questions and biographical
questions are usually asked by the interviewers and candidates should be well prepared to
answer them.
 6) No guessing games - In situations where the candidate does not know the
answer to a question it is always better to state ones inability to answer than to make a
guess. No one is expected to know everything; admitting that one does not know the
answer reflects honesty.

7) Be clear - A candidate must have clarity of purpose and determination enough to
want to know his prospects in the organization. He/she must be able to ask questions about
the nature of duties, employee benefits, future prospects and other things which he may
want to know about the organization before taking any decision.

8) Know your own worth - It is advisable to talk about salary without appearing to
be bargaining and without being driven or defeated. This requires careful prior thinking; if
possible this topic should be discussed with the family and with experienced elders or
friends. It is useful to assess ones training, experience, proved ability, as well as needs, in
order to quantify ones worth. It is, of course, necessary to know the payments made for
similar positions or work in other companies.

9) At the end, candidate's are usually not sure when to leave. If the interviewers
indicate that the interview is over, collect your bag, wish them and thank them for their
friendly attitude and leave. Some candidates, due to nervousness, seem to be in a hurry to
leave and forget to wish or thank the interviewers. Always remember that your parting
movements are also closely observed so hurried and frantic movements may betray an
earlier composed attitude.

In order to succeed in an interview each individual must make an honest self-

assessment and find out one's areas of strength and weakness. Knowledge of one's
deficiencies is useful in overcoming weaknesses and unconscious bad habits of posture or
speech can be improved by effort. Shortcomings which cannot be overcome can be accepted
and acknowledged so that they do not lead to depression and embarrassment when others
notice them. Therefore, coming to terms with oneself and knowing how to deal with one's
faults, and how to make the best use of one's knowledge and skills, is another vital element
in preparing for an interview.

****ALL THE BEST****