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Job Interview Tips for Graduates
No one ever gets a second chance to create a first impression. It’s either you get it right or you flop. From the moment you open the office door to the time you take a seat, the interviewer studies your demeanor. Several questions begin to run through the mind of the interviewer: “Could this be the right person, or the wrong one?” “Is he a friend or an enemy?”
Even though we understand that a book should not be judged by its cover, we have to do all it takes to appeal to the interviewers’ senses.
If you want an interviewer to like you in a few seconds, just follow these simple guidelines.
SMILE.
It doesn’t matter whether you had a flat tire on your way to the venue and no one stopped by to assist or whether you had a misunderstanding with your spouse that morning, a smile sends a message of cordiality, friendliness, confidence, proficiency, fervor. The interviewer will receive this message and react accordingly.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY.
Dressing well shows you honor the interviewer well enough to put in much thoughtfulness into your appearance. Take extra care to be formal and conventional. Do not go overboard with your sprays, perfumes, and deodorant, it may either be loved or hated. It is necessary to carry a briefcase, containing a book and a pen to take down notes. Finally, avoid the use of too much make-up.
SHAKE HANDS PROPERLY
An ideal handshake requires a firm use of the whole hand. A loose handshake conveys a wrong message to the interviewer, so also a bone-cracking handshake. A firm handshake lets the interviewer know that you are ready to take on the job.
ADDRESS THE INTERVIEWER FORMALLY
Never refer to an interviewer by his/her first name. Use Mr. or Ms. _____ until you’re instructed otherwise. It shows that you respect the interviewers’ authority regardless of their age, gender, race or stature.
Read also How to write a winning Cover Letter
INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Tell him/her your first and last names and don’t forget to mention that you are glad to be there. An interviewer is just as edgy as the person been interviewed, so emphasizing that you are glad to be there, puts the both of you in an unperturbed and relaxed mode.
DO NOT TAKE A SEAT UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO
Never sit down until the interviewer invites you to do so. If you are not asked to sit, you can courteously ask if you may sit down. As soon as you enter into the interviewer’s office, you are in his/her zone, you should therefore seek permission first.
DON’T PUT ANYTHING ON THE DESK OF THE INTERVIEWER
Never place anything on the interviewer’s desk. All suitcase, bags, and books should be kept beside you or your thigh. Do not put your hands on the top of the desk. The only exception to this is when you are on a conference table. A conference table is for general use but an employers’ desk is for him alone.
BE POLITE AND PROFESSIONAL
When you are at the reception take extra care to be flawlessly professional and gracious. The opinion of the receptionist is usually considered when a final decision is being made. Interviewers often ask their receptionists what they thought about you, so you may want to give them a good perception of you.
The above steps will surely give any interviewer (no matter how tough) a very good first impression of you, and you will be on your way to landing your DREAM JOB.
Cheers!!!
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