Career Advice
Don'ts - Interview Tips
   
 

Keep in mind that preparation always increases confidence. So do not face the interview without preparation. You cannot communicate without pre-interview research.

   
 

One of the first lessons in job-search is to show up on time for interviews. Many job seekers do not realize that showing up too early often creates a poor first impression. Arriving more than 10 minutes early for an interview shows that the job seeker has too much time on his or her hands. Always remember that your time is as valuable as the interviewer's. Always arrive on time, but never more than 10 minutes early.

   
 

In every place handshaking matters a lot. With the help of handshaking anyone can judge your personality. The shake hand starts the interview and that is your first opportunity to create a great impression. If you have delivered a poor handshake, it is impossible for you to recover it. Here are some examples:

  • The limp hand gives the impression of disinterest or weakness.
  • Only tips of the fingers shows lack of ability to engage.
  • The arm pump shows overly aggressive salesman.
Your handshake may be telling more about you than you know. Ask about your handshaking to your friends who are not afraid to tell you the truth.
   
  The first person you meet on an interview is a receptionist. The receptionist has the power to say about your positive or negative points before you even set eyes on the interviewer. The interviewer may also solicit the receptionist's opinion of you after you leave.
   
 

Talking too much always creates a problem. To avoid over-talking, practice answering questions in a direct manner. Avoid nervous talking by preparing for your interview with role-play.

   
 

The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things. Even if your last boss was not good, never state your ill feelings about him/her. No matter how reasonable your complaints, you will come out the loser if you show that you disrespect your boss because the interviewer will assume that you would similarly trash him or her. When faced with the challenge of talking about former employers, make sure you are prepared with a positive spin on your experiences.

   
  Do not ask about the benefits, vacation time or salary during the first interview. Wait until you have won the employer over before beginning that discussion.
   
 

The first signs of nervousness are verbal ticks. We all have them from time to time "umm," "like," "you know." You can also sometimes avoid verbal ticks by pausing for a few seconds to gather your thoughts before each response.

To reduce the verbal ticks practice for sharing your best success stories ahead of time, and you will feel more relaxed during the real interview.

   
  Eye contact shows your confidence but it may happen that it creates a negative effect also. Avoid eye contact and you will seem shifty, untruthful, or disinterested. If you sometimes have trouble with eye-contact balance, work this issue out ahead of time in an interview practice session with a friend.
   
 

It is almost impossible to make a good first impression if you can not communicate effectively with an interviewer. But you can easily change that situation. Following points will help to you.

  • If the interviewer seems all business, then you must be behave like business.
  • If the interviewer is personable, try discussing his/her interests.
  • If the interviewer asked a direct question, answer directly.
Allowing the interviewer to set the tone of conversation can vastly improve your chances of making a favorable impression.
   
  Just as a strong resume wins you an opportunity to interview, strong interview skills will win you consideration for the job. You already know that you won't earn an interview unless your resume sets you apart as a candidate of choice. Start your job search with a resume that creates a stellar first impression.
   
  MORE TO COME..
 

 

 

 

 
 

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