INTERVIEW SKILLS

INTERVIEW SKILLS
Pitfalls To Be Avoided

In the previous articles, we have already discussed that the interview is the most common method for assessing a candidate's suitability for a job. We have also discussed that over the years, the nature and technique of the interview have undergone a sea change, as the requirements of different jobs and responsibilities have kept changing with the passage of time. Across the globe, employers are depending on the interview as a method of selecting the suitable candidates. Western as well as eastern world generally operates according to the principle of supply and demand. There are a number of factors which determine how much a candidate is deserving. The first is the demand for the type of job we do and the next how efficiently we do our job and how difficult it would be to make do with people like us. The only security you can count on has to come from within yourself It is based on your knowledge, skills and know-how.
It is in this perspective that your performance in the interview becomes very important, be it at the entry-level or the management level. In the previous two articles we have already discussed the ten common mistakes that people often commit during an interview. In this article, we will discuss five more mistakes that people often commit in course of an interview. They are:
• Inability to handle supplemental tests
• The belief that concluding part of the interview is the most important
• The idea that all the references have equal importance
• Inability to learn new things
• Lying with regard to resume
Inability to handle supplemental tests: Not necessarily all, but some employers may ask you to fill out additional questionnaires or take a test during the hiring process. You have to be aware of this fact and it must be taken seriously by you. What you are supposed to do in this regard is to do your best to gather as much information as possible in advance so that you can prepare thoroughly for it. You should ask the organization for specific details on exactly what the tests or written supplemental questions will be about.
Never try to guess. Always try to know. Be sure to think exactly the way you are required to. Always try to follow directions for all written answers. Read again and again to correct, if there is any mistake. Sometimes, employers give equipment-simulation tests, typing tests, computer tests, written tests, personality tests, problems to solve, materials to proofread, work to analyze and priorities, etc. You should learn as much as you can and practice in advance. On the day of interview, however, you should revise again. Practice will prevent you from getting nervous. Some employees may want you to undergo a drug test. You must comply with their demand.
The belief that concluding part of the interview is the most important: You must remember the fact that the most important part of an interview is the first impression, not the concluding part. It is the beginning of an interview which matters most, because the interviewer makes the decision regarding your selection at the very outset. The interviewer decides in the very beginning to listen to you. If you have made a very strong first impression, the interviewer will allow you to demonstrate your skills. You will be given an opportunity to show your abilities with proven examples of work you have done in the past. In fact, all the time an interview takes is important, not only the last part of the interview.
The idea that all the references have equal importance: All the references are never equal and thinking that they have got equal importance is a great mistake. The fact is that some individuals, with whom you have worked in the past, can help you in being offered a good position. But there may be some individuals who can deter an employer from hiring you. You should, therefore, be careful while choosing references. You should consider testing them out to find out exactly what they may say about you. You should ask a friend to call and get a reference on you. Have that person report back. Help all the references by writing a letter or sending them an e-mail and request them to remember the experiences and abilities you would like them to discuss. They will be reminded of everything and they will refresh their memories of 'the time you spent working with them. You are advised never to refer to a boss who may say negative things about you. Instead, you should find someone else who, in no circumstance, will tell about your minus points and will talk only about your strengths and contributions to the organization you have worked for, even if you were fired. Mind you, you have to be very careful while choosing your references. Before giving any name as a reference, check that all the information regarding the reference is correct-title, address, phone number, e-mail, etc. None of your references should be unavailable, if he/she is contacted.
Inability to learn new things: In an interview, never answer any questions in such a way that you may give an impression that you are not willing to be adaptable. Never show the interviewer that you are not ready to learn new things, and to take up new tasks that are needed. Actually, you have to be aware of the fact that all jobs undergo change in some form or another. Your answer should show that you are always ready to learn new things regarding a job; you are willing to do whatever is needed to help the department you are going to work for. You should convince that your adaptability will help the company achieve its goals right from the moment you join and take up an assignment.
Lying with regard to resume: Candidates are very often caught lying about their education and educational qualifications, Never presume that the employer is not going to check for, if your details are scrutinized, you are sure to be rejected or fired, even if you get selected. Never state that the last salary drawn by you was very handsome, because it can be ascertained very easily. The best approach is to leave the salary request blank. Always try to state things in a positive manner and do so very honestly. Integrity should be a priority for you.
The interview can be brief or long. You should not get nervous with the thought of not performing well. All you have to do is to try to deliver your best. Always bear in mind that employers must be seeking to validate your strengths and uncover your weaknesses. You ought to be thorough and careful in your preparation for the interview. Always remember that employers want to hire people who have undergone different types of experiences. It is the amount of experiences undergone by an employee who determines his/ her ability to capitalize on his/her losses, if any and ability to do the job assigned in a better way.