7 Extremely Effective Interview Techniques

By Siddharth Singh

You wrote a killer resume, you landed yourself that coveted interview call and you prepared well for the D-Day. Now what? Well, the next step is the interview itself. This is what you had prepared so well for. It is the most important stage of the interview process, and requires a definite strategy for achieving success. If you follow these tips carefully, success will be yours.

• Dress to Impress

The golden rule is-Dress Conservatively. Sometimes, the employers specify the dress code to follow. But if it is not specified, wear a conservative dress. If you have bought a new set especially for the interview, make a trial run in them while rehearsing the interview. Get your suit pressed, your hair cut and your shoes shined.

• Arrive a Few Minutes Early

Arriving late for the interview means only one thing-you are not serious about the position. Interviewers won't like that. Allow yourself plenty of time to reach the venue well in time. Reach at least 15 minutes early; it will help you to get a feel of the atmosphere of the place. Do not reach too soon either.

• Mind Your Body Language

Your body language is the unspoken communication, and it matters just as much as the spoken communication. Be firm in your handshake. Do not gesture excessively while speaking. Maintain eye contact, but do not stare. Avoid slouching, fidgeting, playing with your pen or tie.

• Be Honest and Truthful in your Answers

Do not get creative and inventive while counting your skills or recalling your achievements. Your answers should match what you had stated in your resume. If you don't understand a question, say so. If you don't know something, admit it.

• Avoid Verbosity

Answer in crisp, precise and brief sentences. Yet, don't answer in a simple Yes or No; complete your sentences. Don't ever boast; the interviewers are experienced people, don't try to mislead them.

• Be Calm

Being relaxed and confident is the key ingredient of success in the interview. If you feel that the interview is not going well, don't get frustrated or disappointed. Try to make the best of the situation. The interviewer may consciously put you under stress to judge you reaction to pressure situations.

• Ask Questions in the End

In the end, the interviewer will typically ask you whether you will like to put up any questions. Use this opportunity to ask questions that you had prepared beforehand. This shows your interest in the job. It is okay to ask the panel as to when they will reach a final decision regarding the hiring. In the end, thank the interviewers for their time.

In conclusion, just be yourself. Be relaxed and confident during the interview, answer the questions honestly, be crisp and concise in your answers, and mind your body language. And smile! Nothing can stop you from achieving success in your interview.