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26 Commandments for Personal Interviews
You
have fared well in the written test and the group discussion.You are
just a step away from admission to your dream programme -- the personal
interview.
A panel of management experts, a battery of questions. Are you perspiring already?
Well,
a personal interview could actually be challenging and fun if you just
relax and remain focused. Think of it as a conversation between the
interview panel and yourself, so enjoy it thoroughly.
To begin with, there are four main focus areas in any personal interview:
- Personal details
- Academic details
- Your background
- Current affairs
Commandments for every personal interview
Even
after months of preparation, some candidates do not perform well inside
the interview room.The trick is to follow the below commandments
practice them during mock interview sessions diligently. You are sure
to crack the personal interview.
1.
Whenever the interviewer asks any questions, listen carefully. Do not
interrupt him midway. Ask for a clarification if the question is not
clear. Wait a second or two before you answer. And don't dive into the
answer!
2. Speak clearly. Don't speak very slowly. Be loud enough so that the interviewers don't have to strain their ears. www.chetanasinterview.com
3.
Brevity is the hallmark of a good communicator. An over-talkative or
verbose person is disliked and misjudged instantly, so keep it short.
4. If you don't know an answer, be honest. The interviewer will respect your integrity and honesty. Never exaggerate.
5. Never boast about your achievements. Don't be overconfident -- it is often misinterpreted by interviewers for arrogance. www.chetanasinterview.com
6. Don't get into an argument with the interviewer on any topic. Restrain yourself, please!
7. Remember your manners. Project an air of humility and be polite.
8. Project enthusiasm. The interviewer usually pays more attention if you display enthusiasm in whatever you say.
9. Maintain a cheerful disposition throughout the interview, because a pleasant countenance holds the interviewers' interest.
10.
Maintain perfect eye contact with all panel members; make sure you
address them all. This shows your self-confidence and honesty.
11. Avoid using slang. It may not be understood and will certainly not be appreciated. www.chetanasinterview.com
12. Avoid frequent use of words and phrases like, 'I mean'; 'You know'; 'I know'; 'Well'; 'As such'; 'Fine'; 'Basically', etc.
13.
When questions are asked in English, reply in English only. Do not use
Hindi or any other languages. Avoid using Hindi words like matlab, ki,
maine, etc.
14. Feel free to ask questions if necessary. It is quite in order and much appreciated by interviewers. www.chetanasinterview.com
15.
Last but not the least, be natural. Many interviewees adopt a stance
that is not their natural self. Interviewers find it amusing when a
candidate launches into a new accent that s/he cannot sustain
consistently through the interview or adopts a mannerism that is
inconsistent with their own personality.It is best to talk naturally.
You come across as genuine.
Mind your body language!
1. Do not keep shifting your position.
2.
Your posture during the interview adds to or diminishes your
personality. Be a little conscious of your posture and gestures. They
convey a lot about your personality.
3. Sit straight. Keep your body still. You may, of course, use your hand gestures freely.
4. Avoid these mannerisms at all costs:
- Playing with your tie
- Theatrical gestures
- Shaking legs
- Sitting with your arms slung over the back of the adjoining chair
Post interview etiquette
1. Make sure you thank the interviewers as a mark of respect for the time they have spared for you.
2. As you rise and are about to leave, make sure you collect up your pen/ pencil/ all other stationery.
3. After getting up, place your chair in its original position.
The last word
1.
Some institutes (like the Faculty of Management Studies) ask you to
deliver an extempore speech suddenly while the interview is going on.
Be mentally prepared for the same.
2.
Competition will be very tough. Every mistake you commit will turn into
an advantage for the other candidates. Hence, be very particular about
your preparation. Do not leave anything to chance or the last minute.
3. Remember you have to sell yourself in an interview.
4.
Be very particular about what you write in your resume. Check and
re-check your resume for facts, spelling errors, etc. Ensure that there
are no grammatical errors in the descriptive type questions in the
sheet.
Use these hints, and say goodbye to your interview phobia!
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