Your Image And Body Language

The Image You project to the interviewer during the interview is critical to your sucess. This image is conveyed unconsciously ,by means of non-verbal body language. Even if you do not utter a single word ,the way you look,sit,hold yourself and many other non-verbal clues will tell people a lot about you.

Interviewers make many subconscious decisions based on your image.These include your econamic, social and educational level,your trustworthiness ,level of sophistication, probability of success in the job and even moral charecter.

As a reuslt, 90% of interviewers will form an opinion of you within the first minute of a preliminary meeting. In an interview ,you will most probably be judged within the first four to o

Researchers have found that the impression you create is based 55% on the way you look (dressing and grooming),38% in the way you physically bahave (your body language) and only 7% on what you say . You can see ,therefor ,how vital it is to create a positive first impression! Your dress should reflect the culture of the company you are trying to enter .If in doubt adopt a conservative , corporate dress style sucha a business suit for men and a sari ensemble for women.

Be sure that your grooming and hygiene are immaculate . Your posture movements and mannerisms should be natural .Your manner o speaking should be clear and well enuciated so that you are clearly understood .Think of a newreader on a professional television channel such as BBC or CNN. Convey the right amount of enthusiasm, sincerity, respect and warmth. Listen attentively and maintain good eye contact. Above all ,organise your thoughts before you speak.

Understanding Yourself

To Prepare well for the interview ,begin by getting a full understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses, ambitions and employment requirements . This is self-knowledge will make you a confident candidate ,able to respond to questions without hesitation. Make sure that you have a well-prepared resume covering personal details,education and qualifications,career history overview including employment dates, brief employer description, reporting structure , responsibilities, achievements and reason for leaving or wishing to leave your current job.

Some Tips To Good Start

Here are some tips to help you to prepare with facts and to ready your mind for the interview. the objective of the interview is to convince the interviewer that you are the most qualified and appropriate potential team member for them .

• Present a profile of yourself in less thatn two minutes .It is like a two-minute commercial

• Show interest in the company, the job and especially the interviewer.

• Prove you are capable of performing rather than merely describing. Provide concrete examples that illustrate the success you have achieved so far

• Be positive,polite, and personable.
• Do not fabricate,guess or generalise, and do not ger involved in a debate with the interviewer.
  

Interview Preparation- Begin Well

As in the case of a business meeting ,sales call or any other important intereaction with other people,the best way to succeed in an interview is to prepare well in advance and use the right strategy during the interview.

You must gather basic information such as the interviewer's name. Its correct pronunciation .his or her position ,company name and address . In addition ,you should secure as much information as possible regarding the company's products or services, the market's perception of the company and the history of the company's growth and past performance. With this information ,you will be well equipped to answer questions from a position of strength. This information will also assist you to evaluate the company as a potential employer.

As a part of your preparation ,it is also important that you prepare a list of questions to ask during the interview. As we have said earlier , do remember that the inteview is a two-way process.While the employer assesses your suitability for the job,you too must make sure that the company can provide you the environment and career opportunity you seek. A good interviewer will rate you highly if you ask pertinent and intellegent questions.

You should request information about the company and the job in advance.If possible,pick up the information yourself. Ask for annual reports,brochures,magazine or newspaper articles and the job description of the position advertised. These will not only help you prepare ,but seperate you from the others who do not ask for such information .Prepare your own questions and response to anticipated questions . Practise until you are confident that you are as prepared as you can be. Ask for directions to where you are going and how long it will take to get there. Allow ample time for travel. Arrive five minutes early.