Interviews

Interviews are often conducted as part of your applications not just for college but also for scholarships, programmes, jobs, internships and so on. There are many websites out there that deal with interview techniques and skills which you can google for, but I will run through some pointers that might be useful for you.

1. Know what your interview is for and what you wrote in your application: How stupid would it look if you went into an interview not knowing what it was for? It would reflect a lack of interest in the company (such that you dont even bother to find out what the interview is for) and a lack of preparation. If you don't know what your wrote in your application, that is also not any better; you clearly have not given much thought to it. In any case, why would anyone hire someone who isnt interested in them or doesnt even know what they are about?

2. Put your hands on the table or at least, in full view of the interviewer: Subtle issue, but it's something I always make a point to do. Putting your hands underneath the table limits your movements and hand-gestures, and makes it look like you have something to hide. In any case I think you might even feel more comfortable having them out in the open.

3. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s): When you talk to people, doesnt it feel weird when they do not look at you in the eye? It also feels like they are more interested in something else other than at you or at the conversation at hand! It's the same issue here with interviews, you would want to look at them because you want to at least look interested in what they have to say. Looking at someone in the eye also makes them want to reciprocate that; wouldn't you want your interviewer to be interested in what you have to say too?

4. Be honest: If you are dishonest, it will show...unless you are an accomplished liar.

5. Know yourself well: This is helpful not just in interviews but in everyday life. Knowing yourself well means knowing your strengths, weaknesses, and how you will fit into the company. It is also helpful because you can work on your interview weaknesses beforehand - for instance if you know that you are a very emotional person, you might want to pre-empt potentially emotional questions so that you dont break down or something in front of the interviewers.

6. SMILE: VERY VERY IMPORTANT. NO ONE CAN RESIST THE CHARM OF A SMILE =D plus you look better with a smile than without! I'd love to know more about the smiling person than the frowning one any day.