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Learning
from mistakes
Shalini
was appearing for an interview for the post of account executive
at a conservative Indian business house. She took time to dress.
Her salwar kameez was of the latest design and highly expensive.
The cologne was overpowering. She looked overdressed in comparison
to the other candidates whose clothes were more elegant. The interviewers
found Shalini’s clothes highly distracting and overbearing. They
felt that Shalini appeared less professional compared with other
candidates.
- Clothes
are an integral part of who you are and it is very important
that clothes for the interview complement your working image.
- In
other words, if you are appearing for the post of receptionist,
dress becomes an integral part of work. In such a context, you
would be expected to dress differently.
- Thus,
clothes for the interview must be chosen in relation to the
post you have applied for and the organisation. Remember, the
clothes should also add to your comfort.
- Your
talent and personality should create interest in you and not
your dress.
During
the interview, Gopal was asked what kind of person his boss was.
Gopal, who had never liked his old boss (Mr. X), who was known
for his volatile temper, criticised him. Gopal spoke about the
autocratic style and highly overbearing nature of Mr. X. He quoted
examples where Mr. X had made the wrong decisions and got away
with them only because of sheer luck. One member of the interview
panel was a close friend of Mr X. Though Mr. X was autocratic
in functioning, he was well known in the industry for being a
pioneer in his field. He was known to be highly committed and
considered a role model for his accomplishments in the IT industry.
- Handling
a difficult boss is part of work life. A person who bad-mouths
his own boss is likely to build a negative impression in the
mind of the interviewer.
- The
interviewer, who maybe the candidate's prospective boss, is
likely to assume that any candidate who speaks negatively about
his previous boss, would not hesitate to do the same for his
future bosses too.
- The
golden rule at interviews is to avoid airing negative opinions
about your superiors and colleagues, however badly they have
treated you. Do not air your grievances during the interview.
- Badmouthing
or crying over how others have treated you reflects poorly on
you.
During
the interview, Preeti was very nervous and refused to establish
eye contact with the interviewer. She was sitting on the edge
of the chair and kept fidgeting with her saree pallu. The interviewer
tried to make her feel at ease, but Preeti refused to relax during
the interview.
- Body
language is a powerful communicator. Your gestures, posture,
mannerisms while talking, and the tone of voice all say a lot
more about yourself without your knowledge.
- It
is very important that non-verbal communication complements
a positive image of yourself.
- By
not establishing eye contact, the interviewer picks up cues
of your low confidence level.
- It
is important that you verbally communicate your abilities and
skills, and at the same time, your non-verbal communication
should indicate your capability to handle the job.
- You
should be able to convince the employer that you will be able
to handle stress, and other similar factors that come along
with job responsibilities.
- Body
language is a mirror image of your state of mind. For your body
to relax, you need to emotionally relax.
Xavier
was asked to talk about past experiences where he underwent some
kind of difficulty while working with others. Xavier was not expecting
such a question and he did not want create a negative picture
of himself, so he kept insisting that he never faced any difficulty
while working with others .He also stated that he never had any
problems with anyone at his work place. He refused to let the
interviewer draw him into any kind of discussion on the topic,
and became very defensive
- Facing
interpersonal challenges while working with people is part of
any job.
- Denial
and refusal to be drawn into any kind of discussion on any subject
makes the interviewer feel suspicious. It will appear as if
you are hiding relevant information.
- Instead
of worrying, take such questions as an opportunity to be able
to convince the employer of your positive people handling skills.
- You
should be prepared to answer to questions that will portray
you as a candidate with the required people and technical skills
to do the job well.
- A
genuine introspection followed by ability to own your mistakes
indicates your maturity level.
Preetam
was running late for the interview. Fortunately, he was listed
as the seventh candidate and nobody noticed that he was late.
During the interview, he was asked to show his sports certificates.
He began a long search in the thick pile of certificates. It took
him long minutes before he managed to find the required one. When
he was asked for another certificate, he groaned inwardly and
began his next search. In his haste, he dropped the file and papers
were all over the floor. Things seemed to be moving from bad to
worse.
- Being
organised is a trait that adds value to your profile.
- Your
certificates are evidence of your special talents and abilities.
Arrange them in a logical manner for easy retrieval.
- Sometimes
the interviewer will ask for the file of certificates. So ensure
that your file looks professional.
- You
can even have an index, which will make for easy retrieval.
- The
seriousness with which you plan and organise yourself is an
indicator of your success or failure at the interview.
To recap, what decides your success
in the interview is
- The
way you dress
- The
way you think ( positively rather than cry over the past )
- The
way you own responsibility rather than blame others.
- The
way you emotionally balance your thought and body language.
- The
way you plan and organise yourself in all dimensions.
Career
Enrich Team wishes you all the best!!!
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