The very first thing you do before even applying for any job is create your resume. You put all your effort into this one document by which you will be called for in interview. However, if you are called for the interview after analyzing your resume, it does not mean that you have a major advantage over many others.
As an RPO company, trust us when we say this, no matter how impressive your resume is, it all still comes down to presenting yourself in the interview.
Your field of work might not have anything to do with good presentation and communication skills, but you still need to have those to get the job. After all, a person’s impression is never made from paper, it is always from the person itself.
If you are thinking that it isn’t fair for you to not get a job despite having better qualifications than someone else who got the job just because they presented themselves better, do not worry. Interview skill can be learned, and these skills can set you apart from the rest of the candidates with a similar resume.
We will go through some of these skills you can master so as to give off an impression no paper can present or one that an interviewer can resist.
Dress appropriately for the company
An interview is a company’s way of finding a person who they hope will be fit for their company until it is time for retirement. That means it is a lot of understanding to do in a very short time. Hence every tiny thing that you do counts.
The very first thing the panel notices, before you even say hello to the interviewer, is the way you have physically decided to present yourself. No matter how lenient the company culture is, it is human nature to assume a person’s character according to the way they look. The saying ‘never judge a book by its cover’ is only so much resistible when it comes to interviews.
Over 50% of a person’s impression is created according to the way they present themselves. Just putting on a suit won’t cut the work. The clothes should be neat, ironed and you should be well groomed. It doesn’t even matter if you do not have an expensive suit, as long as you have clean presentable formals which are subtle on its colors and very simple.
Be aware of your nonverbal communication
Even if you say all the right words on your interview, there are still some things that can put you off to the interviewer. Body language, gestures and more are things which usually show up involuntarily. The way you sit, stand, walk and talk all matters and this can be perfected only with a conscious effort and self-confidence.
Be aware of every tiny thing you do, be confident of what you must present and be modest, although not so modest that you put yourself down.
Listen Closely
It is not just important to say fancy words in an attempt to impress the interviewer, it is also equally important to listen to them. Be in information that is being passed or questions that are being asked, pay attention to the person providing you with these so that you can respond accurately and appropriately.
There are studies that prove that if you mimic the way the person talking to you is, they will tend to like you better. Although be very careful when you do this because if you cross a line, it will become very inappropriate. Try matching the speed and tone of the way they speak.
Be Honest
Although interviews and resumes are places people boast the most, everyone knows that it is not humanly possible for a person to be perfect. Therefore it is not a good idea to deny having weaknesses. Instead, be honest and try to focus on the positives but don’t completely neglect the negatives. Put it across as a problem that you are willing and trying to overcome.
A good employer will look past the weakness if you come across as a person who is willing to grow out from it. A work space is not just a place for productivity, it is also a place for growth of both the company and the work force.
Be Specific
At an interview, you might not always be able to predict what questions will be asked. However, there are a couple of questions which will be asked no matter what. These are enquiries about examples where you have practiced a skill you claim to have.
This makes them understand how you would perform and also assess your past behavior. It is important to have an example in mind when you say that you have a certain skill. If you are not able to provide the example, you not only fail to answer the question but the credibility of you having that particular skill is also doubtful.
When asked such a question, it is best to answer them in a format. First talk about the features. Talk about something that makes you stand out from the rest of the candidates, or something that offered an advantage to a previous employer. The advantage should also be in relevance to the job you are applying for. Also add in the advantages and benefits of that feature. Make it crystal clear of how it can be good for your new employer too.
Try not to come up with things impromptu when you already know a certain question will be asked. Be prepared for the ones you know will be asked.
Ask Questions
One of the last questions you will be asked is if you have any questions for them. While your instinct is to get the interview over with, remember that if they hire you, it is potentially a place where you will work for a really long time. Hence, do not jump at the question with a big no. You definitely will have questions about the place you would like to work in.
By asking them questions, you are not only clearing your doubts but also coming across as a person who is not very desperate for a job. You will come across as someone who has priorities and has standards set for the kind of work you want to do. This puts you on a pedestal. Although this does not mean you bombard them with questions and turn the tables either. Ask very relevant and specific questions which you would not get by just going through their website.
Most importantly, just be yourself and be honest. You do not have to be that extremely confident perfect candidate for them to see potential in you. Sometimes being honest and modest will get you the job too.