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Tune your body posture
Try to adopt a posture that shows interest but still comes across as being relaxed. You can do this by sitting up straight in your chair at
beginning of interview, with your back against back of chair. If you slouch or hang sideways in your chair, it might give impression that you are not that interested in job. However, sitting on edge of your chair can come across as being a little tense and might give impression that you feel uncomfortable. You can change your body posture a little during interview. For example, when someone says something it is good to turn a little with your shoulders towards this person and to lean forward a little. This shows an interest in what other person is saying. You can emphasize this by tilting your head a little. It is also important to pay attention to posture of your interview partners. In some cases you can achieve mutual tuning by adopting same posture as other person.
What to do with your hands? Just same as when you are giving a presentation, many people often regard their hands as obstacles during a job interview rather than a useful means of communication. That is why people often ask what to do with their hands. In a difficult situation we are often inclined to fold our arms across our body. This helps to give us a more secure feeling. During a job interview it is better not to do this, because folding your arms can be interpreted as a defensive move. It is better to let your hands lie loosely on your lap or place them on armrests of your chair. From these positions it's also easy to support your words with hand gestures.
Movements: a dynamic interview? Facial expressions play a great role; do not have a blank face. Hand movements can also help to liven up interview. The fact that you dare to make movements with your hands during an interview might indicate that you feel at ease quickly. In most cases it is better not to make too many hand movements at start of interview but add them slowly throughout interview. As regards this, pay attention to your interview partners as well: if they use their hands a lot to make things clear, you can definitely do this as well. When they don't make many movements, it is better if you don't either. Just same as with body posture, it is important to tune your movements to those of other person. Also pay attention to inadvertent movements that you may make sometimes due to nervousness. For example, shuffling with your feet or kicking against leg of a table can be very irritating for other people. Drumming with your fingers or clicking with a pen also won't be good for interview. So pay attention!
When should you look at whom?
During job interview it is important to look at all interview partners to an equal extent. By looking directly at other person we are giving them a sign of trust. By looking directly at people we are also in control of conversation. Looking directly at somebody or looking away actually serves as dots and commas in our spoken sentences. When one of committee members explains something or poses a question, keep looking at this person for as long as he or she is speaking. This shows that you're listening. While he is speaking he may also look at other people, but every time he wants to emphasize something he will look at you again. You can then nod to encourage him to continue talking. At end of his question, he will keep looking at you and then tilt his head up a little to invite you to give an answer. When you answer a question, you will look first at person who posed question, but while you answer you should take turns looking at other interview partners as well. You should direct yourself again to person who posed question when you want to emphasize something and at end of your answer.
Mirror Interviewer’s Body Language. The concept of mirroring is based on well-known human trait of like attracting like. People generally like people that appear to be similar to them. Therefore, by observing interviewers body language and reflecting this back at them they are likely to feel more at ease and friendly towards you.
Some practical hints
·Develop your Listening skills and do not ask could you please repeat question. ·Maintain comfortable eye contact. ·Do not interrupt interviewer. ·From time to time, ask for clarification of what has been said if you are not clear about it. ·Don't show emotions or prejudices on any contentious topic. ·Occasionally, re-phrase what has been said to show you have clearly understood question before attempting to answer. ·Keep an open mind on what is being said until interviewer has finished.
Most Likely Questions likely to be asked by interviewers
.Where did you come in your class in College? ·Why didn't you do better in your exams? ·Tell me about yourself? ·How would you describe yourself? ·Why do you want to leave your present job? ·What would your boss/colleagues say about you if asked? ·What motivates you most? ·What is your long term plans? ·Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? ·What is your greatest strength? ·Do you prefer working alone or with others? ·What is your greatest weakness? ·How do you cope with pressure? ·Give me an instance where you were under pressure? ·Why do you believe you are a suitable candidate for this job? ·What can you do for us that somebody else can't do?
The Secrets of Interview Success
·Express yourself with clarity and precision. ·Speak confidently, making sure to support your answers with relevant examples from your work ·Always relate your answers to job for which you are applying. ·Always present a positive face ·You should state and supply evidence that you enjoy your job; that you are enthusiastic and ambitious; and that you welcome challenge. ·It is important to tell truth in interviews. ·Convince them that your experience qualifies you for job on offer.
Do you have any questions? What to do when they put such a question to you?
Do ask only after they confirm your suitability and give you a chance. Here are some examples of questions to ask at your job interview. ·How would you describe a typical workday? ·What is best part of working at this company for you? ·What are typical responsibilities and duties of this job? ·What skills are considered most useful for success in this job? ·How many people work in this particular department? ·What areas of department do you think need improving? ·What is your company’s corporate culture? ·What are company’s values? ·What is company’s policy on transfers to other divisions or other offices? Don't ask about Don't ask about company benefits, such as health-care plans. Be sure to save your questions about salary, benefits, and
