Article:FACE INTERVIEWS WITH CONFIDENCE | Duglas Joseph

The greatest fear during my childhood days was not of snakes or wandering street dogs but of stages ie standing before people to speak. I tried to avoid any such situations where I need to face people. If there is a microphone, people could hear my heartbeat. Finally the stage fear was broken when I was in High School. My Social Studies teacher used to call me to explain the lesson taught by her at the end of the class. Even though I was reluctant and fearful, I couldn’t reject her invitation because she was my favourite teacher. During initial attempts to speak, I was fumbling for words and a shiver passed from head to toe. Like the proverb says ‘Slow and steady win the race’’, I could gradually overcome stage fear and years later addressed big meetings where thousands gathered.
The relevance of above incident is that, when we speak to people in a casual meeting or a public function or in an interview, the first thing to overcome is the fear. Fear is the greatest enemy of us which is a stumbling block in our path to success. Many students who successfully passed out from prestigious universities failed to get through an interview in order to enter their dream job. Dreams of many students to join professional courses shattered due to their poor performance in interviews. The students who have brilliant academic track records may not have skills and confidence to face an interview. Therefore it is highly important that, right from the school level students should prepare for interviews. The happy news is that, we could learn the necessary skills and techniques to face any interviews whether an ordinary job interview or toughest IAS interview. I trained many aspiring students and professionals who appeared for IELTS (International English Language Testing System) speaking test. Even though known as a speaking test, it is in fact a face to face interaction where you need to face an interviewer. Let us see whether we could tame bison and to land in our long cherished career.
Types of Interviews
Before we could learn the tactics of interviews, it is better to have an awareness of various types of interviews. Due to the revolutionary development in technology, interviews can happen even without meeting face to face. The traditional concept of face to face meeting gave way to telephonic and Skype interviews.
• Telephone – Initially employers calls the shortlisted candidates and fixes a convenient time for interview. Successful applicants are usually invited to the one-to-one stage.
• Video – Whether through Skype, Face Time or YouTube, this type of interview is increasingly popular for graduate roles in sales, media and marketing. .
• One-to-one –Direct interview where face-to-face encounter with one interviewer. They’re usually formal. You could also be interviewed by different people at different times.
• Panel – Similar to one-to-one interviews, except two or more people – often from different parts of the organisation – will be assessing you at the same time.
• Group – Multiple candidates are interviewed together. They’re asked questions in turn, or discuss certain topics.
• Assessment centres – These involve tasks including presentations, written tests, and trade tests. They’re used to assess a candidate’s performance in a range of situations, and last between one and three days. You’ll appear alongside several other candidates. Eg. Interview for candidates applying for technical jobs such as Engineering, electronics and ship repairing.
Tips for successful interview performance

1. Conduct Research on the Employer and job profile.
When you receive an interview call, the first step from your part as a job seeker is to understand the employer, the job profile and requirements of the job. If possible try to know the background of the person (or people) interviewing you. Solid information of your prospective company and job responsibilities will be helpful to answer many questions with confidence.
2. Review Common Interview Questions and Prepare Responses.
The next step is to review prospective questions and evolve feasible answers. No need to memorize responses. You can practice such possible questions and its answers. Here facing a mirror, you can casually tell the answers. This mirror practice will boost your confidence
3. Mock Interview
With the help of your siblings or friends, conduct a mock interview where your friend can pose as an interviewer and you can answer the questions as a candidate. Try to follow the formal interview style.
4. Dress for success
It is important to know what to wear to an interview and to be well-groomed. If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview. Keep accessories and jewelry to a minimum. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking
5. Get ready for interview
The day before the interview, pack up extra copies of your resume or CV, passport copies, degree and experience certificates and references. Keep all documents in a neat and professional looking file folder. Arrange in order so that you need not waste time searching a particular certificate. Finally, remember to pack two three pens and a pad of paper to jot notes. Finally, as you get to the offices, shut off your cell phone. (And if you were chewing gum, get rid of it.)
6. Arrive on Time for the Interview and settle down
There is no excuse for ever arriving late for an interview — other than some sort of disaster. Strive to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled interview and allow yourself time to get settled. Arriving a bit early is also a chance to observe the atmosphere of the workplace. It also gives an input of job requirements.
7. Make Good First Impressions
Remember the proverb: ‘First impression is the best impression’’. Be polite and offer warm greetings to everyone you meet at the premises. A pleasant and smiling face adds value to your outward appearance ie dressing. When you enter the interview room, greet your interviewer warmly, keep an upright posture, smile and make eye contact.
8. Remember Body Language, Avoiding Bad Habits.
Poor body language can be a disastrous. Try to keep effective body language ie. smiling, eye contact, solid posture, active listening, nodding and avoid bad forms of body language such as , looking off in the distance, playing with pen, fidgeting in chair, brushing back hair, touching face etc.
9. Listen
From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace
10. Take care to answer the questions
Once the interview starts, the key to success depends upon your responses. Answer with confidence and responding truthfully to interview questions. Try to showcase your skills and experience that fit with the job and the employer. Provide solid examples of solutions and accomplishments — but keep your responses short and to the point.
11. Use appropriate language
Remember to use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics or sex bias.
12. Thank your interviewer(s)
Finally before you leave the interview room, don’t forget to thank your interviewer(s).

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