In our previous article of this series, the type of possible questions asked and strategy to tackle such questions in different categories. In this article we will discuss general tips that will help you during the very hour of the interview.
Appearance & Attire:
Your appearance and dressing sense are crucial to create a good first impression. So, do not make the mistake of dressing casually. Appropriate attire also conveys your sincerity towards the job. As we have already discussed in Capsule 1, Probationary Officers may have to don the hat of a public relations officer and interact with customers and other important persons. Thus, a good appearance is a must for this position. Here are a few general tips that will help you be at your best for the interview:
- Wear formal and well-fitting attire. You should be comfortable in your clothes. Steer clear of itchy or irritating fabrics as that will divert your attention.
- Do not choose garish colours for any part of your attire. Conservative colours like black, white, navy blue and grey, etc are some good choices.
- Do not adhere to fashion tenets, be it with respect to your hairstyle or colour of the shirt. Remember, formal professional attire does not change with the whims of fashion.
- Your clothes should be clean and well-pressed. Men should remember to shave facial hairs.
Entering the interview room:
- Just before going for the interview, go to the washroom to adjust your attire properly.
- If the door is closed, knock twice and wait for a panel member to call you inside. Several knocks will be too noisy and rude.
- Taking proper permission before entering in the room shows respect. Do not forget to ask, ‘May I come in Sir/Madam?’
- If the door was closed, shut it behind you gently.
- Have a smiling and confident face while greeting the interviewers. You should seem calm and composed while greeting them, not nervous and shaky.
- Handshake: i) Do not initiate a handshake. Go for it only if interviewer extends his/her hand and make sure to have a firm grip and gentle smile, while maintaining direct eye contact. Your grip should be firm and not bone-crushing. ii) Over-shaking should be avoided as it seems odd. Due to nervousness, it is natural to have sweaty palms. However, keep your hands clean and dry before going for the handshake.
iii) Wet hand may unsettle the mood of the interviewer even before your interview begins!!
- Face the whole panel and greet them before seeking permission to sit. You should wait for the interviewers to sit down before you do.
Leading the Interview:
- Leading the interview is the quality of a good interviewee. Your introduction plays a very important role in this.
- Prepare your introduction in such a way that it covers all the important features of your personality and make the interviewer curious about your profile.
- Interviewer may pick a fact presented in your introduction and ask questions related to the same.
- Also, if you are unable to answer any such questions, you can lead the interviewer to your areas of interest. For example, if interviewers ask you about a particular author and you do not have enough knowledge about this person, then you can direct the panel to your favourite author. So, they will ask you questions about your choice of author and his books. This is a smart way to direct the panel to your area of preparation.
Intelligent enthusiasm:
- Interviews are stressful affairs as we do not go for interviews every day. Due to stress, a candidate is likely to get nervous, which will negatively impact his profile.
- Enthusiasm draws people to you and makes you more approachable. It is also a testimony to your genuine interest in the interview.
- Your enthusiasm should reflect that you are ready and excited about taking up the job and discharging your duties. Do not be over-enthusiastic as you may come off as being immature.
Positive Body Language:
- Not just your word, your body language also holds great value during an interview. Thus, it is best to have a positive body language.
- While standing and sitting, keep your posture straight and hold your head high.
- Make good use of your hands while speaking in coordination with proper facial expressions.
- Do not cross your arms, look at the floor or tap your foot. Positive body language reflects your focus and attention.
Brevity:
- Your answers should be brief and to the point, else you may end up confusing the interview/s.
- Giving to the point answers also reflects good understanding of the question well. An talkative candidate is usually considered boring and misjudged.
Honesty:
- Being honest during the interview is always the best policy. Do not exaggerate your accomplishments or claim to have done tasks when in reality you have not.
- Any employer would want to recruit an employee with integrity, who is truthful about what he/she can or cannot do. You honesty will always be respected.
- So, if you do not know the answer to a question, just admit it, instead of lying.
- If the interviewers suspect any lies from the candidate, they start to cross-examine in order to know the truth. And they succeed. So, that will only leave you embarrassed.
Link to IBPS PO 2015 – How to prepare for IBPS PO Personal Interview – Part 1
Link to IBPS PO 2015 – How to prepare for IBPS PO Personal Interview – Part 2
Link to IBPS PO 2015 – How to prepare for IBPS PO Personal Interview – Part 3
Link to IBPS PO 2015 – How to prepare for IBPS PO Personal Interview – Part 5
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