7 Ways to Get Confident Before Any Interview

After the long, exhausting journey of searching for and applying to new jobs, you’ve just been rewarded with a golden ticket—an interview.

But after a brief moment of celebration, the panic sets in: Your heart is already pounding, your palms are beginning to sweat, and you’re wondering: Are hiring managers like sharks—can they smell fear?

A great way to overcome the anxiety interviews produce is to begin feeling good about the process.

Need help getting there? Here are five ways to build confidence for an interview.

1. Use breathing techniques to boost confidence

At the heart of confidence is feeling relaxed, so breathing and mindfulness exercises are helpful, adds Wood. “Staying present by focusing on your breathing just before an interview should help calm nerves,” says mindfulness teacher Gelong Thubten.

Business psychologist Dr Sarah Connell, agrees: “When we are anxious our blood flows away from our brains as we are in fight or flight mode, and our cognitive functions can suffer.” So slow, deep breathing will bring the oxygen back to your brains and help you to think clearly.

2. Conduct Research

One great way to build your interviewing confidence is by conducting plenty of research on the company you’re applying with and the position it’s offering. A common question interviewers ask is, “Do you know anything about our company?” Most times, candidates are forced to answer “No.”

If you’re able to share the company’s background information and showcase knowledge of its future goals for the position in question, you’ll undoubtedly catch the interviewer off-guard, in a great way!

3.Make Eye Contact

One of the best ways to fool a hiring manager into thinking you’re more confident than you feel is to keep steady, natural eye contact throughout the interview. Mary Griffin, a Human Resources Director for a national healthcare company says, “A key giveaway of a nervous Nellie is a lack of direct eye contact—looking down, looking away, and not looking the interviewer directly in the eyes. A more confident interviewee appears to be engaged with the interviewer.”

One way to remind yourself to make regular eye contact is to focus on a spot between the interviewer’s eyes. You can even imagine a colorful bulls-eye there—whatever it takes to keep your eyes from wandering too much.

On the flip side, you don’t want to stay so intensely focused on making eye contact that youend up sending out a creepy vibe! So remember to take natural breaks, like looking down at your resume every once in a while. It’s a balancing act, so just keep practicing until it feels comfortable.

4. Locate Sample Interview Questions

There are many sample interview questions floating around the Internet that can help you gauge the types of questions you could be asked. Take time to review those questions—and come up with great answers—to ensure the actual interview flows fluidly.

5. Practice Often

A great way to build your confidence for the interview is to practice before the big day. You can do this by answering questions in front of the mirror to read your own facial expressions and body language, or have a friend act as the interviewer to help you simulate the actual environment.

6. Make Sure You Have No “Skeletons”

An important step in preparing for your interview is being able to recall your own career history and discuss prospective goals with the company and in your professional life as a whole.

But as you look back over your career, be sure to research yourself online to ensure there are no skeletons on the Internet that could be brought up in your interview.

Remember, companies conduct background checks often via search engines, so it’s up to you to ensure your social networking profiles are professional, or private.

7. Decide What The Job Is Worth

You may assume that this tip refers to the amount you expect to be paid for the position. In fact, you may be asked about salary expectations, so it’s good to prepare an answer.

But aside from salary, it’s important to decide whether the job is worth handing over your password to a social networking site or other personal site, something that has become a trend for some employers.

Do you feel that sharing private information is worth it? Give this some thought before arriving at the interview.

In addition to taking the above steps, it’s great to find a professional outfit you feel comfortable wearing. Feeling good in your clothes and knowing you’ve fully prepared can work wonders in boosting your confidence before the big day.

How To Portray Positive Attitude In Your Interview?

1. Be Positive. 

Talk about what you CAN do, not what you can't. Never say anything negative about yourself at any time.

2. Show the Real You. 

You do want to look professional, but you're not a robot. Relax, show emotion.

3. Lighten the Mood 

Yes, it's an interview and you do need to take it seriously but a bit of gentle upbeat levity now and again gives everyone a lift from what is a pressured situation for both sides.

4. Engage Firmly. 

Make eye contact with the interviewer, listen attentively, smile, 'like' them. 

5. Never Criticize, Never Complain. 

EVER! Even if your last boss was a humourless, power-crazed, misogynistic, baby-eating monster who ended up doing time for sacking absolutely everyone and bankrupting the organisation, let it go. Running people down, banging on about how hard done-to you were and criticizing colleagues for causing your unfortunate failures is the surest way to show that dreaded negative attitude.

6. Be Confident. 

You might be nervous but you can still show confidence in your own abilities. Value your past experiences and future capabilities. Believe in yourself. If you don't, why would anyone else? 

7. Agree with the Interviewer. 

The words, "No, that's actually wrong," should never come from your mouth. Even if it is wrong, work around it gently. If you can show that you agree often with what the interviewer is saying, you will be seen as positive.

"How to answer correctly?"

"How to answer correctly?"

1. What color is your brain? 

Colors are commonly linked to describing a person’s mood. 'The interviewee is trying to Gage how you work and whether your personality would fit in well with their working environment.

2. In a news story about your life, what would the headline be? 

'The interviewer wants to gain insight into your general attitude and outlook on life. 'Be clear and to the point, summarizing key highlights in one short sentence. The most important thing to focus on is ensuring your answer portrays a positive side of you. Future employers aren’t keen on negative staff.'

3. What can you make from this piece of paper? 

'This is an opportunity for the interviewer to see how creative you are, whilst working under pressure. 'If you manage to make an origami swan, fantastic! If, like most, you don’t have such skills – it’s the chance to see what you can create on the spot. 

'If you’re applying for a role where one of your main responsibilities is writing, for example a journalist, then you could say that you could make a multitude of stories from that one piece of paper without the help of origami.

'It’s better to do this than spend half an hour folding it into intricate shapes and feeling totally out of your comfort zone.'

4. Tell me a story 

This ambiguous question is to test whether you are able to maintain your professionalism or whether you are the type of person that will digress into an inappropriate story, according to career experts. 

'As hundreds of stories begin flooding into your brain, take a moment to think about which would be the most appropriate. This could be the perfect opportunity to tell your interviewer about a successful experience in the workplace. Keep the story concise and avoid rambling.'

5 Weird Things Nerves Make You Do in Job Interviews

5 Weird Things Nerves Make You Do in Job Interviews

1. Talking too much

Some people don’t seem to take a breath in interview. This is fine if you have an engaging story and you can remember the question you are answering a few minutes into your answer. However many people keep talking and forget to keep checking to see if their interviewer is listening.

The tricky thing here is to know whether your interviewer is a person who likes detail or who likes bullet points. It’s also difficult to know if interviewers are actually listening. Some interviewers, particularly experienced interviewers, are professional at looking like they’re listening.

2. Injecting odd phrases

“Like,” “like you know,” “do you get what I mean?” This verbal stuffing can completely detract from your appearance as a competent professional. The public speaking group, Toastmasters, is good for eliminating this kind of thing, as is recording yourself in an interview practice session.

  

3. Not answering the question

Sometimes interview questions are too long. Sometimes an interview question has too much preamble. Sometimes interview questions are too confusing. So as an interviewer I don’t mind repeating a question, but when I need to rephrase and simplify a question three or so times, I give up and move on to the next question.

4. Answering the question before an interviewer finishes asking it

I list this first as I honestly loathe this behaviour. I’m not sure why people do this, but my take on this is that the person has poor listening skills. Interrupting someone before they finish asking you a question is like a verbal kneecapping – unexpected and painful.

5. Shutting down

Often people switch into “interview mode.” They’re engaging in reception. They’re lovely over the phone. But when they get into interview they talk in a completely different way. As an interviewer I think “whatever happened to?”

What are some great psychology tips, tricks, and techniques that I can use during a job interview

Likability and the Similarity Principle

Many hiring managers and interviewers hire those that they like. Here are some ways to increase your likability:

• Use the same language. If you sound like them, you must be like them. Copy similar vocabulary and patterns of speech. Also copy their speech pace.
• Use the same gestures. (Same as above.)
• Dress the same way. If you look like them, you must be like them.
• Have the same hobbies. If they like foosball and yoga, build attraction by claiming similar interests.
• Have the same affiliation. There's a reason why millions pay to go to Harvard or join the local country club.
• Emphasize similar experiences. Instead of saying, "You went to Princeton, and I went to Yale." Say "We're similar: we both graduated from Ivy League schools."

Passion Principle

Human beings get energized by those who are upbeat and optimistic. Be careful! Over do it, and you'll rub others the wrong way.

Recommendation: gauge the interviewer's energy level, and exceed it by 10%.

Needs Principle

Every individual has a core set of psychological needs: validation and inclusion are the two big ones.

For the first one, validate the other person. Acknowledge their accomplishments or feelings. Give them the appreciation that they only seem to get from their mother.

For the second one, include the other person. It's a little tougher to pull off at the interview. However, let's say the interviewer is new to the city, you might be able to make them feel "included" by inviting them to a insider-only party.

Detail Principle

Interviewers find candidates that use detailed stories more credible and competent than those that do not.

Warning: detail does not mean filling up airtime with jargon. Interviewers are smart enough to see past that.

Excitement Principle

Research from Harvard professor Alison Wood Brooks indicates that presenters who say "I am excited" are 17% more persuasive and 15% more confident than those that say "I am calm."

Based on my experience with my job search clients, the same principle applies to interviewees. 

Mirror your interviewer's body language.

This technique, known as "mirroring", is widely used among the psychological world as a mean to gain an interlocutor's trust and make them feel at ease. Good salesmen often use it to increase their chances of closing.

By mirroring their movements, tone, gestures, breathing pace and so on, you're basically communicating: "Hey, we're playing the same tune here. We're akin. You can trust me."

Remember: verbal language represents only about 7% of what we're actually communicating. The remaining 93% is up to your body and your tone, so focusing on howto speak rather than what to tell is a priority.

Bear in mind: mirroring isn't parrotting. It's not quite easy (at least for most parts) and it's a skill that requires training. The good side is that it can be practiced anywhere, anytime, with anyone.

Try it with strangers at the bar, with your friends, your mother, your teachers, on a date (especially on a date: it works wonders).

Mirroring.


Q: "But what if someone notices it? They might get upset!"

A: "Unless you act like a dumb parrott, nobody will ever notice anything. Be somewhat subtle. The only case in which someone might notice that you're mirroring them, is if they're aware of the technique themselves. And this can only be a positive fact as it is another point in common you're sharing with your interlocutor".

Start with body language, as it's the easiest thing to mirror: they scratch their nose with left hand, you touch your face with right hand (remember: you have to be specular). They cross their legs, you cross legs the opposite way. And so forth.

After you feel confident with body language you might want to move on with tone: as you may be well aware, some people speak at a very fast and intermittent pace, others are very slow, others have instead a rythm.

Interview tips who don't speak English and have a problem in Interview

English as a Second Language Job Interview Tips

Anticipating an upcoming interview can be a very stressful time. Whether you have numerous interviews lined up, or you have waited weeks for just one, it is important to remember that you have more to offer the world than the job you hold. Prepare, do your best, and reward yourself for the effort. If the job is truly meant for you, the next call will come.

Tip 1: Tailor your Tactics

Just as a resume and cover letter should be targeted to a specific school, your interview persona should also be tailormade. Yes, being yourself is the most important thing. However, it pays to know exactly what the school is looking for. Does this school only hire young energetic foreigners? Are they looking for someone to fill in on-call? Find out exactly what this school is looking for, and do your best to prove that you are that person. (If you realize before the interview that you are not that person, politely call and cancel instead of wasting anyone's time.) The more you know about the school, its students, and its curriculum, the better prepared you will be to prove that your skills and personality match their needs. Before the interview, visit the website, talk to a teacher, or share a coffee with a group of students sitting on the stairs.

Tip 2: Express your Enthusiasm

Many administrators of ESL schools admit that an enthusiastic and approachable personality is more important in a teacher than a strong understanding of grammar or a structured lesson plan. Some schools even prefer inexperienced teachers who are excited to begin a new career. Whether you are a seasoned teacher or a recent grad, one of the most important things you can demonstrate in an interview is that teaching is your passion. Provide examples of how you knew you wanted to teach from a young age, or how your students have enriched your life. Smile, speak positively, and use your body language to express your enthusiasm for the position. Keep in mind that if you're too over the top, no one will be fooled. Don't give them reason to question your sincerity.

Tip 3: Anticipate an Audience

If possible, find out ahead of time who will be conducting the interview. You can always call the receptionist and ask how many copies of your resume to bring. Don't be surprised if a panel of three or more are waiting for you in an office or boardroom. Panel interviews are common in the ESL field. Teachers spend most of their working hours in a group environment. Panel style interviews help administrators envision how you will handle stress and random questions in the classroom. While you should maintain some eye contact with the person who asks the question, make an effort to show that you are addressing the group as a whole.
Knowing the name of those who interview you is crucial. As best-selling author, Dale Carnegie wrote, "Remember that a man's name is to him the sweetest and most important sound in any language." Address people by their names both when you enter ("Thank you for inviting me in, Maria") and when you leave ("I enjoyed speaking with you today Mr. Shu"). It won't hurt to introduce yourself to the receptionist, and learn his or her name as well.

Tip 4: Love to Listen

While the main point of the interview is for the interviewer or interview panel to get to know you, make sure to listen carefully when it's their turn. Good listening skills are very important for ESL teachers, as is maintaining comfortable eye contact with a speaker. Many people talk over others when they are nervous or if they think they have something impressive to say. Teachers in general have a bad reputation for "one-upping" other people's experiences. Prove that you are a born listener, by talking concisely and politely in turn.

Tip 5: Consider Culture and Etiquette

While being on time for an interview goes without saying, in some countries, being on time means being more than five minutes early. Take time to look into the appropriate business greetings, attire, and body language that are expected in the country you are hoping to work in. As well as being respectful of the culture, prepare an answer as to why you chose this country to teach in. If your reason is because there are lots of ESL jobs and you are sure you'll find one, pick a different reason!

Tip 6: Question the Questions

You have probably prepared for the typical questions, such as what strengths and weaknesses you have as a teacher, and why you chose teaching as a profession. But, you should also plan for those that are less general. An experienced interviewer will likely ask a few questions that are directed more individually. Anything that stands out on your resume is a potential subject for a question. For example, if you were unemployed for a lengthy time, they may ask you why. They may also ask you about a unique interest or volunteer experience and ask you to speak on how it makes you a good candidate. For example, "I see here that you taught in Korea for two months. In what ways did you have to adapt your teaching style?" Interviewers routinely ask for teaching or real life examples, so have a few in mind from your previous working experience. The types of questions you are asked will also differ from country to country. If you don't have friends in this country, use forums and message boards to find out some typical questions. Do as the experts suggest, by practising with a friend or mirror!

Tip 7: Reward and Replenish

Thinking about the unknown before and after an interview can be exhausting and mood altering for yourself and your loved ones. You can relieve the stress by rewarding yourself on both sides of the experience. Before the interview, treat yourself to a fresh haircut and a new blouse or tie. Remember that the better you feel about yourself when you enter that room, the more confident you will appear. It is also a good idea to have something to look forward to after the interview. Plan to meet a good friend for coffee, or reward yourself with a book or CD you've been wanting. Whether the interview goes how you want or not, you'll feel yourself again in no time

Play It Cool: 4 Post-Interview Tips While You’re Waiting For THAT Decision

Play It Cool: 4 Post-Interview Tips While You’re Waiting For THAT Decision

Go AWOL: 

If you’re going on vacation, changing your cellphone number, moving home or altering your e-mail address, tell the employer or your recruiter! If they can’t contact you for more than a couple of days they’ll assume you no longer wish to be considered for their vacancy and will offer it to an alternative candidate.

Pretend you have another job offer:

 As noted above, if you are genuinely the recipient of another job offer, it’s vital to contact all employers you have recently interviewed with in order to gain some closure. Informing the employer you have another offer as a ruse to force a decision isn’t a wise move. You run the risk of the hiring manager congratulating you on your new role and eliminating you from their decision making process. Be patient. 

Stalk the hiring manager: 

At SkyWater, we always advise sending a post-interview letter of thanks to the employer, reiterating your interest in the job. You may also have been given a deadline for a decision on awarding the job. If that date has passed it’s perfectly acceptable to follow up via e-mail or telephone. You must, however, resist the temptation to stalk the hiring manager by calling constantly throughout the day, every day, after the deadline has passed. Making a final decision on candidate selection can often take longer than anticipated. If you are the favored candidate, you can be certain that an offer will be made at the earliest opportunity. If you are fortunate enough to receive an offer from another employer while you are waiting, then it’s essential you contact the hiring manager and explain your situation (especially if you prefer their job to your alternative offer). Beyond that, it’s a case of ‘wait and see'

Be miserable: 

It’s impossible to try and second guess the decision making process within a company. Small businesses may move quickly. Larger employers tend to take longer due to internal due diligence in their hiring processes and the level of administration which is often required to process the onboarding of a new hire. A lack of response from the employer doesn’t mean they no longer consider you to be a strong candidate for the job. Don’t make yourself miserable wondering why you’re still waiting for a decision. Be proactive, continue with your job search and the right job (if it isn’t this one) will come along. Chances are, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 

7 interview tips for freshers that will help you get the job

If you are a fresher going to face an interview and want to prepare for the same here are some tips to be taken into consideration before heading for the interview. It is very normal to have shaky body, nervous breakdown etc but if you rather focus on being yourself you can maintain your calm while cracking for the interview at the same time.`

Here are these tips for fresher

1.       Try to appear your best at the Interview.  Your appearance should convey that you have taken the interview seriously.   Do not try to turn up in the interview in a manner that does not suit you.   Some basics in grooming will help.

a.       Well Groomed Hair

b.      Well Pressed Shirt

c.       Polished Shoes

2.       Know about the company.   You should learn as much as you can about the company.  A good place to start is the company's website.  If you have been referred through a friend also have a frank discussion with him or her.  Also, do a google search  on the company to understand what others are saying about the company.

3.       Answer clearly and directly.  Spell out your ideas as clearly as you can.  Also try to substantiate your ideas with examples.  Don't be overly wordy and try to keep your answers to the point.  Do not try to deviate too much from the question.

4.       Do not be argumentative.  Present your viewpoint and be professional.  If you do not agree with something the Interviewer has said do not spurn it as invalid.  Learn to understand their point of view even if it clashed with your own.  This does not mean that you need to accept their point of view.

5.       Be prepared with questions for the Interviewer.  Most interviewers will give you a chance to ask questions.  Use this opportunity to show your knowledge and interest in the company.  Also this is a good opportunity to clear any doubts that you have.

6.       Address the Interviewer politely.  It is always polite to refer to the Interviewer as SIR or Maam.  You can also address them their Surname (Mr. XXX or Mrs. XXX).  Do not use terms such as Honey, Girl, Dude, Yaar etc.

7.       Be Confident.  Be confident, you have prepared well and this should show in your confidence level in the interview.

General tips for fresher for interview  

• Fresher Interview Tips The first and foremost that candidate should know is, what are the different types of questions they are going to face in the interview. 
• Some of such general questions would be like, tell me about yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, your accomplishments, subject details etc. Once you know these questions move on to next step. 
• After you are aware of those general interview questions, prepare a proper plan on how and what to prepare for the interview. 
• Then, start searching as well as reading about the company that you are going to attend interview, the job profile related roles and responsibilities and also the working conditions. 
• After you do above, start preparation from reading your CV, your subject, the basic and general questions and many more related to interview. 
• While attending the interview, politely address your interviews, answer clear and straight forward, be confident, don’t hesitate and don’t ever argue. 
• To create the first impression, attend the interview at least 15 minutes before the time of interview, maintain good body language.
  
  

GO and Get that JOB!  Good Luck!

How to Crack HR Interview:Pathetic(Twisted),Funny(brain teaser) Question Answer.

I hope that you never come across that type of (pathetic)twisted HR question Answer which will give you both Anger and Confusion.

By chance If you come across with this type question than this are some Question Answer will help you.

Question 1: If you throw a red stone in a blue sea what will it become?
Answer: It will become wet. And it will sink.

Question 2: Do you know how to drop an egg onto a concrete floor without cracking it?
Answer: Easy. Just drop the egg. Concrete floors are very hard so the floor will not crack!

Question 3: What looks like half an apple?
Answer: The other half

Question 4: How can a man go eight days without sleep?
Answer: No problem. He sleeps at night.

Question 5: What will you do if I run away with your sister?
Answer: The candidate who was selected answered ” I will not get a better match for my sister than you, sir.”

Question 6: Interviewer (to a student girl candidate) – What if one morning you woke up & found that you were pregnant ?
Answer: I will be very excited and take a day off, to celebrate with my husband. (Normally an unmarried girl will be shocked to hear this, but she managed it well. Why should I think it in the wrong way, she said later when asked.)

Question 7: Interviewer: He ordered a cup of coffee for the candidate. Coffee arrived and was kept before the candidate, then he asked “What is before you?”
Answer: Candidate: Instantly replied “Tea” and got selected.

(You know how and why did he say “TEA” when he knows very well that coffee was kept before him?.
Answer: The question was “What is before you U? (-alphabet). Reply was “TEA” T (- alphabet).

Question 8: You are driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night, it’s raining heavily, when suddenly you pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for a bus:

An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
An old friend who once saved your life.
The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.

Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing very well that there could only be one passenger in your car?

This is a moral/ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application.

* You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you should save her first; * or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to ! pay him back. *
However, you may never be able to find your perfect mate again…

Answer: The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer. Guess what was his answer?

He simply answered:

“I would give the car keys to my Old friend and let him take the lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the partner of my dreams.”

Question 9: What can you never eat for breakfast?
Answer: Dinner.

Question 10: The interviewer asked the candidate “This is your last question of the interview. Please tell me the exact position of the center of this table.”
Answer: Candidate confidently put one of his finger at some point at the table and said that this was the central point at the table. Interviewer asked “how did you decide that this is the central point of this table?”, then he answers quickly that “Sir you are not supposed to ask any more question, as it was the last question as you promised …..
And hence, he was selected as because of his quick-wittedness.

. Please note that I have not made these questions/answers myself, I collected them from several sources – so you can perform better in such interview.

Job Interview check-list:3 Sweet,simple and Important step do do before appearing in any job Interview

1. Before the Day of the Interview

a. Do Company Research:



You can do a research about following matters:

1. Industry standards: current trends, required skills, and career prospective 
2. Organization: main business lines, vision, mission, background, future plans and past achievements, competitors 
3. Job opportunity: job requirements, possible problems asked during an interview Interviewer: name, position, designation and department; research on the website or make a call and ask for such details 
4. Salary: travel expenses, living costs, acceptable range, acceptable salary offer for the positions

b. Interview Questions:

You can follow the tips as suggested to answer interview questions. Try to be natural and remember not to memorize answers;
You can write down your points before answering a questions so that you can refer to them at a later time;

c. Mock-up Interview

You can ask a friend to have a mock-up interview with you to practice; Try to remain calm, confident and positive;

d. Details of an Interview

Contact: you should find out about the names and contact numbers of the interviewers so that you can contact them in case of an emergency that makes you unable to attend the interview

Confirmation: It is always a good idea to confirm the meeting schedule with the interviewers before the day of the interview

e. Get to know the interview location

Location: You can go to the interview location before the interview day to make sure you know how to get there and be comfortable with the direction

Parking area: Parking area should be known, too.

Means of transport: You should schedule your means of transport, via public bus, train or taxi, etc.

f. Get dressed

Choose your attire outfit in compliance with the standards of the organization, if you may know; you can ask the receptionist or someone in the organization about dressing standards.

Keep your appearance tidy and clean; no mark, stain or tear

Wearing stocks paired with shoes

Take it easy and walk gently to the interview location

Wear clean and non-flashy ties

Always take a handkerchie f / tissue with you and do not wear extravagant accessories

Always prepare a back-up suit and attire for any sudden problem

Taking umbrella is also a good point



g. Emergency Fix-it Kit

Sewing kit and pin Comb, hair gel Breath mint Deodorant

Extra cloth and panty

Make-up

h. Documents
Always take a copy of your resume with you

Bring your academic transcript, mark-sheet (both originals and copies are acceptable) Certificates and academic diplomas should be taken, too.

A few pens and small notebook


2. On the Day of the Interview a. Before the interview

Clean and make up yourself, clear your dress

Have a good sleep

Have a good bath, brush your teeth and have a shave

You can use deodorant, cologne or perfume, but remember not to overuse it

Try not to smoke or drink any alcohol since it is very easy to cause a bad impression

Be on time: punctuality is essential

Arrive 10-15 mins earlier; contact if you may be late

Go to the receptionist and ask for the meeting schedule; fill in forms, if any

b. During the interview

 Never chew gum or anything, do not play with your hands or dresses or hair

Turn off or silent down your phone (vibrating mode should be justified if there is anything more important than the interview)

Greet the interviewers with a smile and firm handshake

Maintain your positiveness

Address the interviewers by proper titles (e.g. Ms. Potter, Dr. Smith); it is ok that you can ask how to address them

Keep a good eye contact

Be attentive, nod showing ―yes‖ and your understanding Impress the interviewers by selling your strong points Maintain your confidence

Keep using affirmative words such as ‗I Have‘, or ‗I can‘ Avoid using ‗Maybe‘ or ‗I don‘t‘ or ‗I cannot‘

Avoid slang words or expression such as ‗uhh‘ ‗you know…‘

Only sit down when you are invited

3. Follow-up:

When the interview is over, send a written letter or email to thank the interviewer and take this opportunity to restate your strong points and interests and express your appreciation as well.

After a week, contact the interviewers to ask for interview results

How to manage Stress for interviews and presentations???

How to manage Stress for interviews and

presentations??? 

 

1. Think positively: don't jump to conclusions about people's reactions

             Do not forget to use the positive thinking skills that you have been practising up to the event on the day itself. Tell yourself you can do it and try not to jump to conclusions about how people appear to be reacting to you. Some people may look stern or uninterested, when they are actually just concentrating very hard on what you are saying.

2. Prepare strategies in case you feel overwhelmed

            Do something that will distract you from the frozen state. You could change your posture or focus your gaze just above peoples' eyes for a few seconds which may help you to collect your thoughts. If you are really stuck you may need to ask for a short amount of time to concentrate because you have lost your train of thought through nerves. People are generally supportive and will think more positively if they see you trying to gain composure.

3.Visualise success

            Imagine the whole interview process before the actual thing.Visualise yourself being confident and doing a great job.Think of the interviewer as a friend, not a foe.Remind yourself of your strengths.Remind yourself of your purpose in getting the job: it can be anything from developing your skill sets to even providing for your family.

 

4. Fully understand the nature and requirements of the job.

               Make sure that you are fully informed of the requirements of the job. Review the job advertisement again and ask yourself is this a job that you would really enjoy doing. If you are going for the job just because you need a job then your motivation may not convey any real enthusiasm for the position. If you really want the job and you are enthusiastic and excited about it and see yourself doing it very well then this creates a powerful mindset.
 

5. Smile

                  Laughter is the closest distance between any two people and a good smile can melt many a concrete professional heart. Aim to smile as sincerely and as often as is possible during the interview and watch how your mood and temperament lighten up and the interview takes on a more positive light. Aside from endearing you to the interviewer, showing you are pleasant and breaking the ice, a polite smile will actually make you feel happier and will lift your spirits.
 

Top 12 Secrets to cracking any Job Interview

1.   Interview preparation:

Preparation is a must-to-do thing  if you want to succeed in doing anything.  To prepare for a successful interview,  you should  refer to the Job Interview  Checklist as stated in Section II below.

2.   Interview practice:

Think  about being a boss, CEO or manager someday or you have to apply for a new job again. In that case, interview  skills  shall become very important  in your life.

So, how do you practice your interview?

Way No.1: You can ask a friend  of yours to interview  you. To take advantage of this way, you can tell your friend  to imagine  that they were recruiting  candidates for similar  positions  like yours. Then, there should  be many unexpected  situations  for you to experience  and practice rather than relying  only on available  questions.

Way No.2: Expand your job standards (to seek for a simpler  job or one that pays less, and so on). Then, you will see that there should  be many more offers for an interview  available  to you. Through  these interviews,  you can gain more interview  experience,  and more importantly,

   You will know about business models of other companies;

   You will have opportunities  to practice how to introduce  and renew yourself with all of your skills  and abilities.

For example,  you are seeking for a HR manager assistant or HR deputy manager  job, you can extend your application  to such positions  as HR coordinator,  HR associate, HR clerk, HR staffs and so on, and the chance that the employer may find  you to be suitable  to the position  of CEO assistant or HR deputy manager  (though they do not intend  to do so in the first place until they meet you) will be greater.

3.   Understanding  interview process

Each company adopts a different  interview  process and each interview  round is intended  for a certain purpose. You need to understand  the goals of the employer for each round. It doesn‘t mean that you will succeed if you answer the questions professionally  and fluently,  but you need to put a focus on what the employer  expects from you during  an interview.

For more information  about interview  rounds, please click here.

4.   Come early instead of on time

Many experts will advise you to go to the interview  early or at least 10 minutes  earlier.  I myself recommend  that 30 minutes  earlier should  be reasonable. Why should you take up to 30 minutes?

To find  the address of the company; To complete check-in procedures;

To find  the location  and office where the interview  shall take place;

To check your appearance before getting  into the interview  room

To find  out more about the company; many interviewers  may ask you how the organization  of their companies is, about the reception area, welcoming  atmosphere,  etc.

However, arriving  early may also cause some pressure on you for having  to wait. Please note that

you shouldn‘t  spend such waiting  time revising  your ―lessons‖  or doing any work since there

will be insufficient  time and the pressure will become greater if you do so. You can take the time

prepare some stories or jokes that can help you keep cool and comfortable  for the upcoming interview.

5.   Potential and Loyal Customer in the Future:

Can you believe that after all the hearing  of problems and your knowledge  of the company,  its products and business  fields,  you can be employed  immediately  even if no interview  question has been asked regarding  professional  aspects?

I have got 11 years of experience in conducting  interviews  for various  positions,  including  less important  and even CEO ones. I have observed that many bosses will readily make their employment  decisions  immediately  after meeting  the candidates as they believe that the ones that favor their products and services the most shall perform well,  not to mention  excellently.  I

myself tota ly believe  in that notion.  Certainly,  this doesn‘t mean that the employers  do not know

anything  about your professional qualification.  They have tools and evaluation  results to know

for sure that at least you are able to perform the jobs. By this I mean the abilities  but not the

excellence  or fluency.  I shall recommend  you to become a loyal customer of a company first, know clearly about the strengths  and weaknesses of its competitors,  its current and future challenges,  and so on, before applying  for a job.

6.   First impression:

Remember the time when you met a new partner, a new friend  or your new love… how did your

first impression  on them affect on your feeling?

It is clear that first impression  play a crucial role in determining  the success of an interview.

7.   Control nervousness

Careful preparation is the best way to control your nervousness.  Taking a slow, deep breath will also help you relax and feel more composed. Fill your lungs slowly  from the bottom. Let your abdomen relax and puff out as you fill it with air. Breathing  only with your chest will make

you become tense. Nervousness is created from the feeling  of being too focused on yourself.  You

may be worried about how you look, whether you sound intelligent  or not, and how you a re going to persuade the interviewer.  And if you are sti l a bit nervous,  that‘s okay. That bit should be enough for you to take on the upcoming  challenge.

8.   Showcase your knowledge and integrity/tell interviewers about your stories

As long as the employers  are desperate to find  good candidates,  most eligible  employees who at least meet their minimum  job requirements  shall have good opportunities.  HR personnel and some interviewers  may not have an in-depth knowledge of every job in the company,  however, they understand  enough to know that a certain level of technical expertise is required.  Don‘t try

to fake it and convince  the employers  that you are someone that you are not. This tactic rarely

works, and even if it did work, the fact that you don‘t know what you claimed  you knew would soon be revealed  once you were on the job.

9.   Learn traits/skills that all employers look for In every applicants

Each job requires differently  in aspects of knowledge and skills,  however, according to  Robert Lawrence, there are 7 traits as mentioned  below that play the most important  role and that are sought after by any employer:

•    Skillset

•    Team player

•    Attitude

•    Professionalism

•    Leadership

•    Ethic

•    Security

10. Problem Solving is the Most Important  in an Interview.

Problem solving  is one common skill involved  in any job. Whether you plan to work as a construction  laborer or as a manager of a major corporation,  all jobs will involve  problems and only solving  such problems may lead to your success. It is imperative  that before entering  the interview  room, you should  know how to approach and solve problems.  All questions  should be answered with this process in mind.

11. Close your sale

Before leaving,  you need to close the sale of your talents before the interviewers.  It‘s no different than se ling  a product; you need to get a ―yes‖  from the buyer. You should  understand  that a refusal is cha lenging,  however, that doesn‘t necessarily  mean a ―no,‖ but that the buyer is not ready to buy. Don‘t apologize  for what you don‘t have. If you cannot persuade the interviewers, try to get from them a reason. Objections do not always means rejections,  but you have to cause them to be open in order to respond effectively.  It‘s always worth trying.

12. Follow up and thank-you note.

Follow-up  after an interview  can help you create a lasting  impression  and differentiate  you from the crowd.

Send both an email and a hard-copy thank-you note expressing  your excitement,  qualifications and further  interest in the position.  Invite  the hiring  manager to contact you for additional information.  This is also an excellent  time to send a strategic follow-up  letter of interest.

When making  a thank-you letter, you should  pay attention  to the following:

   Never try to correct your mistakes during  the interview;  the more you do so, they more negative  they will feel about you.

   Don‘t send a normal thank-you letter like other candidates do. Instead, state your opinions  and solutions  that how you can contribute  to the company.