How To Behave In An Interview

Instructions

• 1

  Research the company
  
  This is important because it will serve as a backing for what your resume offers and what your skills are and how to identify a place where you can showcase your skills in the company, especially if it is a job that is not liaised with your career choice, but you know will prove helpful in your curriculum vitae.
  
  Another reason is the mere fact that you actually took time to follow this company on their plans and you are like a super fan, who wouldn’t want to hire someone that knows so much about them than the average Joe that just has his resume to offer.
• 2

  Plan ahead
  
  Do not wait until it is a day to the interview that you start preparing the outfit you are going to do, or the hair. It is important to have the date registered in your head and plan days before. This means checking out the outfits you are going to wear, whether they are neat, comfortable or suitable for the type of industry you are going in for, your kind of hairstyle, every detail should be paid attention to, prepared and kept safe. Closer to the interview day, do not go to a party and drink or come home late as you need to eat healthily, sleep on time and wake up on time.
• 3

  Arrive early
  
  It is important to arrive early, 30 minutes before to be on the safe side, and if you were instructed to arrive early, then it’s best to observe the rules. Arriving early will help calm you down and focus, helping you being more aware of your surroundings and notice how the people over there act. It could give you a mental guide on how you should be when you eventually step into the room like you are already one of them.
• 4

  Know the relevant details
  
  Another factor to help you with this is to know the location of the interview, time and how long it will take to round up and then prepare yourself accordingly. One should know where the bathroom is beforehand in case you would want to freshen up and give yourself some pep talk before time. Be aware of everything happening under your nose. You don’t want to look tousled up or unkempt on your interview after taking the bus or train to your venue.
• 5

  Treat the people with respect
  
  This is important because you are not the only one waiting to be interviewed and a factor that can guaranty you the job depends on the people you meet at the waiting room. Being respectful and courteous could grant you immunity, as any member of those waiting to be interviewed could be asked about you and if your first impression on them was terrible be rest assured you position might be at risk. So everything should be taken into consideration
• 6

  Walking in
  
  Gently walk in to the room with a smile, and greet. Good morning or good afternoon, depending on the time and wait till you are offered a sit, gently push or draw the sit back to sit down without causing any noise. Let everything be about poise and confidence, you can even practice before your family or friends whilst you do try out.
• 7

  Body language
  
  Sit calmly and straight, your arms on the arm rest of the chair and if there is none put them on your laps or clasp them together. Your hands should not being seen fumbling, or twitching or shaking as this shows signs of nervousness, anxiety and lack of confidence and that is not the image you want to project.
  
  When asked a question, remember to use your hands to a bare minimum. Do not let them lie limp by your side neither should they be in the face of those interviewing you. Keep it at your distance and use limited hand movement to point . You don’t want to want come off as intimidating or pushy, after which you place them at your side. Appear confident and assured and humble.
• 8

  Eye contact
  
  Keep a meaningful gaze, a gaze that says “I’m listening to you”. Don’t stare or roll eyes or any form of look that implies irritation, foolishness or being lost. Simply look at each individual as they ask you their question and then look at the one that asked (if it is a panel) and reply, give him or her your attention and do the same with the others, if it is with one individual, then look them in the eye and speak. Looking anywhere else other than their face would show signs of one being untrustworthy, nervous, unsure or one that lack confidence in what they are saying.
• 9

  Do not rush
  
  When answering questions take your time. Pause. Think about the answers and then respond, that doesn’t show that it is awkward or that you are unsure but rather thoughtful and relaxed and comfortable, don’t dwell too long either. This will help give you a thoughtful and tactful answer to how and what you’re supposed to answer.
  
  Also don’t repeat answers as it will show you are unprepared. This is why it is important to research about the company, learn about other things and how answer basic questions generally and about yourself as those tend to come up more often.
• 10

  Be yourself
  
  Nothing beats the man that is himself in an interview, that doesn’t mean you should be loud and laugh excessively if you are the extremely outgoing type or be extremely boring or withdrawn if you’re the shy type. Simply speak up, smile, laugh when there is need, add your sense of humor or wits. Interviews are more about how the company can see you working with the team and how your abilities can merge well with theirs. Be comfortable and be you.
• 11

  Finish Well
  
  It is important that after the interview, you say a “thank you” and then gently rise from your sit with a smile. If you had items with you of any sort, gently take them out, let your body composure exude confidence and one that is not in a hurry to leave and be sure to smile before you close the door finally.
  
  Also another point to note, is when they begin the talk on salary, then you can lay down your salary goals with wits. (a segment on these is coming), but other than that take your time, prepare well and excel.