Expectations from You at the Interview
Think for a few minutes that you are not the candidate: you are the interviewer. What would you want in an employee? What would probably be the problems with present employees? What would perhaps be the skill gaps in your present set of employees? What about their attitudinal problems? If these were some of the issues boggling you as an employer, think how you would address them as a prospective candidate. If you are the right person with the right attitude, and you are convinced that you are so, you will certainly be the winner!
Following things would be expected from you and help you present a good demeanor:
•Please say thanks for calling you over; there’s no harm to be courteous; right there starts your ‘impression management’. While you are courteous, don’t present yourself as a submissive person;
• Please reach on time (or a little early) and remember neither should you forget there may be traffic, nor should you misjudge traffic and arrive like superman an hour early. If you are too early, spend some time in Cafe Coffee Day, but do not sit at the reception or lobby for an hour: It’s not at all welcome. And if you are late, you must inform by calling them, and mentioning the cause genuine
• Come completely prepared & do enough homework by looking & reading through the organization website. That’s the homework you are supposed to do. While you show that you know about their organization, do not show as if you know more than them: you will show off being bossy which isn’t a good idea at all. A good idea may be to carry something (may be a chit of paper) to write on. In case you need to take notes for any reason whatsoever, it will present yourself as super-prepared.
• Answer the question asked and be relevant in your reply to what is asked. Please understand the question & then respond. Reply what is asked, not what you have prepared yourself with. If you speak before understanding a question and its connotation or repercussion, you just prove to be a careless thinker, so avoid doing so
• Groom enoughto impress but don’t overdo it . Your grooming is vital just as your body language, posture, and demeanor. Be formally dressed unless informed otherwise. You may choose not to wear a tie if its summer, if you have already been informed that the dress code is semi formal.
• Have the right & correct table manners: the table is not your space: it’s theirs. DO NOR put your hands on the table when you sit for the interview. Keep your hands on your lap. Of course, you could use hand movements: that is presenting a good body language. Even so, not extensively, and it should be restricted to the space your elbows may take, not beyond.
• Please remember to TURN OFF your cell-phone! And not on vibrate but off, unless you are about to receive your spouse’s safety after an earthquake! And for heaven-sake don’t even think about using your smart Bluetooth earpiece. It isn’t as smart as you think: that would be the stupidest thing to do!
What is expected from you through your answers:
You should be composed yet enthusiastic. Take charge of your talk. Your speech should never be in the passive voice: it shows you would not be willing to take charge. Never cut others off before they have finished a thought: it shows you are an impatient person and doesn’t have the time or perseverance.
What is expected from you as a personality:
You should present yourself as a hardworking person: honest and dedicated to whatever work given to you; show flexibility, positive thinking & confidence and how do you do that? Describe your achievements as a step to reach your goal, while acknowledging people who helped you do it. If you describe them as a personal feat, it shows you are a non-team player. Similarly, do not speak ill of your present employer: it just proves you are disloyal. It is always a good idea to give others credit that is due instead of blaming others. It shows your confidence in the work you do as well as a flexible & noble mind. You would prove absolutely unique if you offer ideas for improvising organizational development -- without being disparaging or critical. Feel free to offer productive & positive idas, with the needed humor and comfort with which you converse. That will convey a certain degree of honesty, intelligibility and optimism in your responses.
The final Word
Think if all incumbents have the same academic credentials, how are you different? Sieve out which skills/priorities are most important for being successful. Remember, they want to spot the winner & champ in you: just help your interviewer through. You should have thought through all issues carefully. You need to. Persuade them that it would be a great loss for them to let you slip away, by presenting your skills and experience in ways relevant to what is asked. I hope this helps! Good luck