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The first and most important advice I can share for sharpening your interview skills is practice, practice, practice. Interviewing is a learned skill. The first impression is often the most lasting impression and it is formed in a few seconds. "The initial 1 to 4 minutes may be the most important of the entire interview" (7)
Non Verbal Communication
Handshake
Your handshake should be firm and your hand should be dry and warm.
Posture
Stand and sit erect. A slouching posture looks tired and uncaring.
Eye contact
Look the interviewer in the eye but don't stare, as this could be construed as aggressive. Occasionally look at the speaker's hand, but don't look around too quickly or often. This could convey a lack of confidence or dishonesty (shifty eyed).
Gesturing or Fidgeting
When you're nervous you may fidget and not even realize how distracting it can be. To curb hand gestures that could be distracting or fidgeting, watch yourself in a mirror while practicing for your interview. If you catch yourself fidgeting during the interview, just stop. Don't apologize and bring attention to what you were doing. The interviewer may not have noticed.
Dress
The most appropriate attire depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. It is better to overdress.
Listen
Listening is more than hearing. It is active not passive, because while you are listening, you are also giving feedback.
A good listener:
1. Uses eye contact appropriately.
2. Is attentive and alert to a speaker's verbal and nonverbal behavior.
3. Doesn't interrupt (waits for the speaker to finish).
4. Provides feedback, using verbal and nonverbal expressions.
5. Asks questions
6. Paraphrases, restates or summarizes what the speaker says.
A poor listener:
1. Interrupts the speaker
2. Doesn't give eye contact (eyes wander).
3. Is distracted (fidgeting) and does not pay attention to the speaker.
4. Gives the speaker little or no (verbal or nonverbal) feedback.
5. Is preoccupied. (1)
Types of Interviews
According to No Brainer Interview Skills, there are several types of interviews:
1) Telephone Interview
2) Preliminary Interview
3) Panel Interview
4) Sequential Interview
5) Meal Time Interview
6) Skill Based Interview (6)
Each interview is unique, however, you can prepare by considering your answers to common questions and those that may throw you off, such as: behavioral questions.
Behavioral questions are "show me" questions. Be prepared to elaborate on your answers by completing a STAR analysis:
S = name a SITUATION facing you or
T = a TASK you had to complete
A = describe what ACTION you took
R = tell the RESULTS of your actions (1)
Remember, there are no right or wrong answers, but there are good answers. A good answer will be complete, to the point and will promote your qualifications to the interviewer. Be clear, direct and be sure your speech flows. Avoid disfluencies such as "AH", "UM", "Like", or "You Know" and slang. (6) It is also important that you ask questions. Not only does it show interest on your part, it also helps you determine if the organization is a place you would like to work, and if the opportunity is what you would like to do.
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