Title - Time to shine - Impress interviewers with your confidence and positive attitude
Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Prepare yourself well
2. Answering tough questions
On Prepare yourself well
- It is relatively easy for an expert to spot people who are less than confident. You may not be aware of it, but you betray yourself by the way you speak, the way you phrase your replies, and your body language. Watch your body language too: fiddling with a pen, looking at your shoes instead at the interviewer, slouching in your seat or crossing your arms tightly can all send negative signals to the interviewer.
- Remember, you want to project an aura of self confidence. To mentally boost your confidence level, focus on your strengths and achievements instead of your failings and weaknesses. If the interviewer asks about your weaknesses, try to couch them in positive language: for example you might say that you find it difficult to turn down co-workers who turn to you for help even when you are busy, as you have a reputation for being approachable.
On Answering tough questions
- Very few candidates practice handling tough questions, especially since it tends to be asked at the tail end, when interviewers are making their final evaluation before deciding the candidate to select.
- Truly confident candidates would have prepared for tough questions, boosting their ability to give the right response. For example, if a question such as "what are your plans for the immediate future? We may not select you as there are a few candidates who are as strong or better than you."
- The candidate might calmly say: "As only the best of the best will be selected for this job, I understand that I may not be successful this time. While I will be disappointed, as I would really like to contribute to this company, I do have other options to consider. Nevertheless, I would ask to be placed on a shortlist should another opportunity arises."
- This answer tells the interviewer you are aware of your worth, you are not desperate for the job although you are interested in doing it, and that you are mature enough not to take the rejection personally.
Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big
