Enhancing Interview Skills

You may be smart and a most qualified job seeker but without adequate preparation for the interview you will find it very difficult to face most of the questions. Remember that you do not have a second chance to prove yourself. Therefore it is important that you develop your interview skills.  

Nonverbal Communication

This signals your confidence level: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a firm handshake are to be noted.

Dress Code

It is very important to know in advance what to wear for an interview and to be well-groomed. Whether you wear a formal or casual wear depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. It is always advisable to contact the company in advance and find out the dress code before the interview.

Listen

From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you very crucial information directly or indirectly. If you are not listening to it, you are missing a major opportunity.

Don't Talk Too Much

Telling the interviewer more than what he needs to know about you is a mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time gather information by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with the position's requirements.

Don't act as too Familiar

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.

Proper use of Language

You are expected to use professional language during the interview. Avoid inappropriate slang words or references to the age, race, religion, politics as these topics may act against your interest.

Overconfidence

Attitude plays a major role in the success of your interview. You have to maintain a balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. Although you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is not advisable.

Listen and Answer

In case if the interviewer ask you about your past performance this question is raised to find your past behavior. If you don't answer the question, missing a chance to prove your ability and project your skills.

Questions

If the interviewer ask you whether you are having any questions do not hesitate or feel shy to ask questions. Asking questions show your interest in the company. It gives you a chance to find out whether this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what you're asked during the interview and asking for additional information.

Feel Confident

Do not feel desperate remain cool, calm and confident. You know well that you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes that you can do it.

Effective Communication for Job Interviews

Effective communication is the key factor to live a positive life and it's essential that we all work on communicating as effectively as we can.

Ways to Communicate Effectively

1.   Wait before responding.  Sometimes that small pause/ break, which gives you time to think, is just what you need to really understand what someone else has said.

2.   Honesty. When you are open, honest, and worth of trust, you'll have a much easier time communicating with others and others will be a lot more willing to communicate with you as you have nothing to hide.

3.   Slow down. When you're rushing and trying to get through your communication quickly things can go wrong. We may forget things or misplace things.

4.   Adapt your ideas to others. If you really want your ideas to be heard, you have to work with the person you're speaking to and find a way to communicate that idea in a way She/he will understand. This means you have to take the time to get to know your audience if you really, truly want to be able to communicate with them effectively.

5.   Live in the moment. If you want to communicate your thoughts effectively, you have to stay in the present moment and really be there when you're speaking and listening.

6.   Pay attention to non-verbal cues. Sometimes you have to do more than just listen. You have to look and experience too. It's very easy to say something and not really feel it so it's very important that, when communicating, you look both at your own non-verbal cues and those others are sending you. There's a lot to be said for what's not really being said.

7.   Intention to understand. Listening to what is being said, than listening just to respond with what we want to say is a tricky thing to do. Sometimes we're not really trying to understand others but instead we are trying to find a way to jump from their points to our own.

8.   Patience. The mindset and level of understanding may vary from person to person. It is important to be both patient and open-minded in your interactions with others. Be prepared always for new ways of sharing and understanding.

9.   Follow up .Whatever we've tried to communicate should reach the way we sent it and, unfortunately, more often it is not so.You have to make sure that you follow up after you've communicated. Do not assume that your message was heard and understood.

10. Request feedback. One of the best ways you can learn to communicate more effectively is to ask for feedback. Take some time to speak to those who you communicate with frequently to find out how you can improve on your communication.

Pay attention to how you communicate with others and also pay attention to how others communicate with you.

Tips for pushing up your Job Application

Job applications are an integral part of the employment process for any position. Normally Job applications provide personal information, work experience, education and any references you may have. Those well planned job applications also include sections for military service, awards and achievements. The achievement section of the job application is used to highlight any experiences or recognition that might set you apart from other applicants for the same position.

Educational Achievements

In most job applications there is an education section before any work experience, so it’s important to list your achievements in this area first. This makes it easier for the person looking at your application to make connections within the different areas. Your educational achievements should include any academic awards received at graduation, awards from or participation in any clubs or organizations, leadership positions or scholarly works related to your major or the job for which you are applying.

Work-Related Achievements

After your educational achievements, list any work-related achievements you may have. These should include leadership roles such as project management positions, awards for leadership or product development and grants for research from professional or nonprofit organizations. Also include the length of time you have held any work-related responsibilities that go above and beyond your regular duties. This can include training new employees, exceeding project goals and meeting budgets and deadlines regularly.

Organizational Achievements

Prospective employers look for leadership qualities in employees at all levels. If you are a member of an association, professional organization, take time to list leadership positions, projects or event coordination within the achievement section. These areas show your dedication to your field or outside of the regular working environment. Speaking at an organizational event, teaching continuing education classes for an association are all important achievements for a job application.

Community and Personal Achievements

Your leadership and other qualities are reflected in your community involvement and personal achievements. Community organization achievements through clubs, parent/teacher associations can set you apart from someone who is not as active in these areas. Organizing charity fundraisers, serving on nonprofit boards and setting and achieving personal goals -- such as running a marathon or becoming fluent in a new language -- will establish you in the minds of potential employers as a goal-oriented person with useful leadership skills.

If you are interested in highlighting your application with a suitable achievement award

Mail to

director@iirm.edu.in