Personal round is less about your knowledge and skills and more about your fitness and willingness to work in the company. Therefore the result of the interview depends heavily on how you conduct yourself in the interview. Here are some interview tips to present yourself best in the personal round.
- Appearance
It involves the clothes you are wearing, your personal grooming etc. It says much about who you are as well as how seriously you take this interview. An unshaven and / or casual appearance give the interviewer the impression that either you are casual about the interview and do not take the interview and the job seriously. Always dress formal for the interview unless otherwise specified. Make sure that you are well groomed and your clothes are clean and ironed.
- Arrival
Arriving late for an interview, no matter the reason gives a bad impression and sets the interview to a bad start. Make sure to arrive about 5 minutes before the interview but not much earlier as this may put undue pressure on the interviewers if they are not ready for you yet.
- Introduction
First impressions are very important and it's something that is you can easily control. Small etiquettes like knocking and asking permission before entering, closing the door behind you, waiting for invitation before sitting, etc makes a good impression and marks you as polite and considerate person. Always introduce yourself with your first and last names. Initiating handshake may show your confidence and friendliness but can be seen as arrogant and presumptuous as well. Therefore it's best to avoid it. Wait for the interviewer to initiate the handshake. Make your handshake firm but not crushing.
- Sell Yourself
Don't rely on your resume to do the convincing for you. Although unlikely, it's possible that the interviewer has not seen your resume at all. You should have all the relevant information in your resume memorized. Appear confidant and focus on the strong points that make you a good prospect for the job, while avoiding your weaker areas. Use the leading answers that prompt the interviewer to ask the right questions.
- Eye Contact
Look at the person you are talking to. If you look at table or furniture, it would look like either you are not paying attention or trying to hide something. This gives a negative impression. You may break eye contact when trying to remember something but at the very least maintain it when the interviewer is asking you a question or you are answering it.
- Body Language
Body language is a very important in a personal interview. Every interviewer knows that the candidate is trying hard to impress him or her and takes every thing the candidate says with a grain of salt. Most interviewers will rely on your body language to determine the sincerity of your statement. You should appear confident eager and alert at all times during your interview. Following tips will help you maintain a proper body language during the interview.
Don't slouch or sit leaning back in the chair. Sit back and lean slightly forward without intruding in the personal space of the interviewer. Do not make wild gestures as they'll distract others from what you are saying. Crossing your hands on chest or legs at knee level may appear as arrogant or defensive, avoid it. Don't put your elbows on the table as some people consider it rude. Keep your feet flat on the floor or one foot slightly forward and other slightly lifted. These are small things by themselves but together they'll help you project a proper image. There are also several books available on the subject of body language itself. If possible reading one would be a good investment of your time.
- Interest In Job
You should show more interest in the job itself and its details then in the salary and other benefits. Avoid the subject of salary in the initial stages of selection process.
- Don't Interrupt
Never interrupt the interviewer. Carefully listen to their questions and if you have any doubts wait until they have finished before asking for clarification. Make sure you understand the question. Your answers should be to the point and contain all the information. Do not answer in yes or no, but don't deviate from the subject either.
- Give Interviewer a Chance to Speak
When answering a question take brief pauses so that the interviewer can express any doubts or questions if he has them. Don't just go on and on, pay attention to how the interviewer is reacting to your words. Usually it's better to give a precis and ask if they want a detail answers. Remember that your objective is not to convince or educate the interviewer but to clear the interview.
- General Tone
An interview can be formal or casual, slow paced or rushed. Let the interviewer decide the tone of the interviewer. Be careful though of never to be too casual. Do not slouch or use slang even if the interviewer is. Never use swearwords in an interview.
- Closing
Closing is an important and often neglected part of a personal interview. Ask the interviewer about the next step in the process. If the interviewer asks you if you have some questions about the organization or the job, never say no, as it shows alack of interest. It's better to have some question already prepared but even if not you can ask some intelligent questions if you have paid attention during the interview.
The result of a personal interview depends less on some previous preparation and more on how confident you are. Follow the interview tips mentioned above and always remember that they need your skills just like you need a job and also, there are other jobs out there if you are not selected for this one.
