Good read for everyone

Aradhana Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:36 am

Hi,
I found this topic on internet. Let's publish all useful articles in this thread -

IT takes less than 30 seconds (sometimes even five), for an interviewer to form an impression about you.

Moral: first impressions count!

Fifty-five per cent of the our communication consists of body language. Thirty-eight per cent is expressed through tone of voice. Only seven per cent is communicated through words.

So if you have the job, it is not because of what you said during the interview, but how you said it. Let us share some subtle signals which interviewers pick up during the course of the interview.

Non-verbal messages say a lot
When we send mixed messages or say things that do not vibe with our body language, our credibility could crumble. This is because most smart interviewers believe the non-verbal more than the verbal.

The reason: Non-verbal communication is well-expressed, honest and accurate. They reveal your inner confidence.
While words can deceive -- many people don't mean what they say or say what they don't mean -- body language is subconscious. Since it is more spontaneous and less controlled, it shows our true feelings and attitudes.

Time is money
It might sound clichéd to talk about arriving on time for a job interview, but I think it is important to bring it to your notice.
An interview is considered a very important appointment. After all, you are the one looking for a job and wanting to make a career in that organisation. Being on time shows your interest in the job.

The wait
While you are waiting at the reception, remember you are sending out non-verbal messages -- on whether you are confident, comfortable, shifty, irritated, relaxed -- without you even realising it. Opinions are made about you even before the interview has begun. So relax, take deep breaths!
Illustration: Abhijit Kini

The start of the interview
When you are led to the interview area, walk in tall, with a smile on your face. It shows your confidence. Shaking hands firmly with the interviewers establishes contact.

It should neither be crushing nor too limp. Crushing shows an overbearing attitude while limp could indicate otherwise. A lot of candidates betray their nervousness by extending limp, clammy palms, and shaking hands weakly.

Some candidates tend to carry more things than they can handle, leading to things falling down, and showing their clumsiness (which interviewers are quick to pick up).

Being well-groomed
Well-dressed and groomed candidates who look and smell fresh are always a pleasant experience for the interviewers. This generates a positive image of you. A dishevelled look will put off interviewers.

Gaudy makeup, heavy jewellery and tight clothes can make your interviewers uncomfortable and distracted and builds a negative image about you.

Sitting close to the interviewer
Like anyone else, interviewers need their personal space and they can feel extremely uncomfortable if you sit too close to them and may want you out of the room sooner than you thought, instantly minimising chances of your success

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