It does not take long for an interviewer to form an opinion of a candidate. Often the interview is over even before it started. Especially in jobs where appearance is important it is imperative to make an impression even before you sit and start speaking. It starts from the time you enter the interview room. People will make assumptions about you in the first few seconds of entering a room and that will cloud the entire discussion thereon. Here are a few short tips, inspired by a TIME magazine article, you can cop to make a positive impression.
- Before the meeting, go into the wash room, look into the mirror and say- "I am the best" as many times as you want to build confidence... believe me, that works better than anything else. Even if there is no mirror available, say it loud over and over.
- Take care of your posture when you walk in the door. Pull yourself up to full height, shoulders back and relax. If you cant relax, force yourself. It works.
- Try not to look unsure or anxious when entering the room. Take a deep breath outside the door and open with a smile on your face. Try to look relaxed and happy to be there.
- Whatever you are carrying in your hands, shift it to the left hand before entering. The right hand should be kept free for shaking.
- Keep sunglasses inside a bag, not on your head, not hanging out of your shirt.
- Body language matters. So avoid hugging your portfolio with both hands, or crossing your arms, or anything that suggests that you are not comfortable.
- Once you enter the room, greet the people there, shake hands and before sitting, zero in on a place to keep your things. It is better not to keep bags on the table. The table can be used to keep your portfolio or diary or any papers. Bags should be kept by the feet. Phone must be in the bag and on silent mode.
- There is a 3-minute rule which says that you should speak within the first three minutes of entering the room. Even if it means asking for a glass of water, let the interviewer hear your voice. It works by making the interviewer tune in to your voice and it also makes you feel confident.
Image: Recruitingdaily.com
Apart from dressing the part, which is an altogether different subject of discussion, body language and how one carries oneself matters a lot in the interviewing process. A confident and relaxed approach, more often than not, will will the battle for the job seeker.
Apart from dressing the part, which is an altogether different subject of discussion, body language and how one carries oneself matters a lot in the interviewing process. A confident and relaxed approach, more often than not, will will the battle for the job seeker.
