Interviews: how to impress in 30 seconds IT takes IT takes less than 30 seconds (sometimes even five), for an interviewer to form an impression about you. Moral: Moral: first impressions count! Fifty-five per cent of the our communication consists of body language. Thirty-eight per cent is expressed through tone of voice. Only seven per cent is communicated through words. So if you have the job, it is not because of what you said during the interview, but how you said it. Let us share some subtle signals which interviewers pick up during the course of the interview. Non-verbal messages say a lot When we send mixed messages or say things that do not vibe with our body language, our credibility could crumble. This is because most smart interviewers believe the non-verbal more than the verbal. The reason: reason: Non-verbal communication is well-expressed, honest and accurate. They reveal your inner confidence. While words can deceive -- many people don't mean what they say or say what they don't mean -- body language is subconscious. Since it is more spontaneous and less controlled, it shows our true feelings and attitudes. Time is money It might sound clichéd to talk about arriving on time for a job interview, but I think it is important to bring it to your notice. An interview is considered a very very important appointment. appointment. After all, all, you are the one looking for a job and and wanting to make a career in that organisation. Being on time shows your interest in the job. The wait While you are waiting at the reception, remember you are sending out non-verbal messages -- on whether you are confident, comfortable, shifty, irritated, relaxed -- without you even realising it. Opinions are made about you even before the interview has begun. So relax, take deep breaths! Illustration: Illustration: Abhijit Kini The start of the interview When you are led to the interview area, walk in tall, with a smile on your face. It shows your confidence. Shaking hands firmly with the interviewers establishes contact. It should neither be crushing nor too limp. Crushing shows an overbearing attitude while limp could indicate otherwise. A lot of candidates betray their nervousness by extending limp, clammy palms, and shaking hands weakly. Some candidates tend to carry more things than they can handle, leading to things falling down, and showing their clumsiness (which interviewers are quick to pick up). Being well-groomed Well-dressed and groomed candidates who look and smell fresh are always a pleasant experience for the interviewers. This generates a positive image of you. A dishevelled look will put off interviewers. Gaudy makeup, heavy jewellery and tight clothes can make your i nterviewers uncomfortable uncomfortable and distracted and builds a negative image about you.
Sitting close to the interviewer Like anyone else, interviewers need their personal space and they can feel extremely uncomfortable if you sit too close to them and may want you out of the room sooner than you thought, instantly minimising chances of your success. Your posture Relax! Ironically, the more relaxed you are, the more chance you will have in showcasing your competencies and help you to think on your feet. No one expects you to sit absolutely straight, but you need to sit up and not slouch, to project an image of alertness and interest in the interview. Folding arms across your body in an interview can be interpreted as a defensive move. It is better to let your hands lie loosely on your lap or place them on the armrests of your chair. Lean forward and maintaining eye contact simultaneously while talking shows your interest and your confidence. Leaning back and looking down may b e interpreted as a lack of confidence. Nervous? Jiggling your legs, playing with keys, twirling hair, glancing at your watch, rocking your chair, drumming with your fingers, clicking the pen continuously, playing with your rings are some examples of bad body language and will distract and irritate your interviewers. The bottom line: Fidgeting makes you look nervous and distracted. Stop it! How you speak How you say something is often more revealing that what you say. Confident candidates have relaxed, warm and well-modulated voices that match their feelings, which allows them to express excitement, enthusiasm and interest during conversations in the right manner. Low pitch and volume, mumbling away, clearing your throats often, using 'uhs' and 'umms' denotes nervousness. A low voice may also show low energy levels. And no company wants employees with low energy! Maintaining eye contact During the interview, maintaining eye contact with the interviewers and looking directly at them is a sign of trust. So look directly, but do not stare as if you are trying to read his/her soul. A gaze that lasts longer than seven to 10 seconds can cause discomfort or anxiety. Smiling when you are saying something friendly while maintaining good eye contact shows openness and honesty. I have observed that less-assured candidates don't maintain eye contact, act shy or ashamed or smile at inappropriate times. They keep looking away from the interviewers giving them an untrustworthy appearance. Answering in the interview When the interviewer asks you to speak about yourself -- it basically means taking them through your professional profile -- your education, your career path until now, your current role and, most important, your achievements because that will generate their interest and curiosity. Irrelevant talk not relating to your job will just bore and switch off the interviewer. Give examples to support your competencies and your current position. It helps the interviewer to visualise your role and creates a better impact. Knowing about the role and doing your homework will show in the way
you answer the interviewer's questions. That will speak volumes about you. Reading interviewers Just as you (the candidate) send out non-verbal signals, your interviewers do so too. It is good to be aware of them so that you can steer yourself accordingly in the interview. ~ Nodding signifies approval and encourages the candidates to continue talking, while leaning forward shows they are interested. ~ Folded arms, crossed legs, picking imaginary lint from clothing, getting restless are signs that an interviewer disagrees with you. ~ Thumb-twiddling, finger-drumming, staring at their nails and other fidgeting mannerisms means the interviewer isn't paying attention. ~ If they don't maintain eye contact, it may mean they're anxious, irritated, disinterested or that they want the conversation to end. * An interviewer who looks up may be uncomfortable, trying to remember something or doesn't believe your answer. Learning to read i nterviewers' cues can improve your prospects as well. End strong No matter how good or bad you felt about the interview, finishing the interview with energy and confidence always leaves a good impression. Ending well may just help in getting you the job or open your options to networking in the future. By being aware of the way you conduct yourself and observing your interviewers body language can help you to get the job you want. Best of luck! Aruna is the founder of Career Catalysts, an HR and recruitment consultancy.
http://wealth.moneycontrol.com/columns/starting-out/interviews-how-to-impress-in-30seconds-/2241/0 Disclaimer: While
efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in the content, the site or the author shall not be held responsible for any loss caused to any person whatsoever who accesses or uses or is supplied with the content (consisting of articles and information).
