The association of people who take interviews forms the interview panel. The interview panel consists of 3 interviewers, one can ask questions related to your background, the second can ask questions about your academic experience, and the third one can analyze the overall situation of how you are giving answers and your reactions.
The duration of the interview may vary between five to forty-five minutes. The course of an interview has no bearing on the outcome; it will be got after some time or day. Also, a five-minute discussion does not mean that you have yet to do well. Similarly, a forty-minute interview does not indicate that you have done very well, and the probability of getting a job is very high. It will only depend upon your way of giving the interview and the panel’s satisfaction, irrespective of the duration of the interview.
Most interview panels comprise the H.R. and other managers of the company. Sometimes the board could also include a psychologist.
There are some Interview Tips that you, as a job aspirant, need to consider and prepare before taking the interview.
- DRES’s CODE: As the interview is a formal occasion, you are expected to be dressed for the event. Men should wear a freshly ironed formal full-sleeve shirt and trousers, polished, proper shoes (black or brown), a belt, and a tie (appropriately knotted). Do not forget to sport a ‘clean look’ on the day of the interview. Don’t go with fierce deodorant use mild only. Women can wear a salwar kameez /saree/and Formal Shirt and Pants, and hair should be neatly plaited or tied so that it should not look harmful or unethical. The bit about formal shoes applies to you too. Of course, sandals meant for formal occasions are fine.
- ENTRY INTO THE INTERVIEW ROOM: You may be asked by one of the panel members or one of their assistants to enter the room. At the door, ask for permission to enter “may I come in, sir/madam?” Relax control. Don’t be in a hurry to rush to the table. Greet the panel (using the appropriate salutations) with a smile. On being asked d to sit down, thank them.
- SITTING POSTURE: Sit comfortably in the chair with the correct posture. Do not bend too much, so it looks terrible; be straight and look confidently into the eyes of the interviewer. Your arms should lie on the armrest of the chair or your lap. The folder containing your certificates and other documents should be on your lap, not the table. Remember, the table belongs to the panel. Avoid posture that reflects a casual attitude. For instance, avoid walking the chair or placing one leg horizontally over the other. Members of the interview panels are experts who can easily spot the inconsistency between what you are saying and what your body language conveys. Use gesticulation. Lean a little forward to show the panel that you are interested in what they are saying/ asking. In doing so, do not lean or rest your arms or elbows on the table.
- LANGUAGE TO BE USED: Use formal language. You can speak both English as well as in Hindi. If you are well versed in English, then speak in English only. Some of us have the habit of missing English with the vernacular. Avoid doing this in the interview. Do not use slang. Use short sentences that convey the meaning of what you wish to say. Avoid using complicated corrections and long, drawn-out explanations.
- CONDUCT INSIDE THE INTERVIEW ROOM: Listen carefully and attentively to the questions asked. If you are unable to express the meaning, you can say “SORRY” to the panel or unable to hear the question, request the panel member to clarify/ repeat the question. Always speak in a slow, measured tone so that everyone in the panel can clearly hear and understand what you are trying to say. Don’t speed up to give back the answers so that it looks like you pass the response to the interviewer like a train speed. Be quiet for a few moments to collect your thoughts and answer politely. Maintain eye contact with the panel, convey a pleasant disposition to the interviewers and keep your face smiling. Remember, there will be a certain amount of nervousness when you go for an interview. But it would help if you took care that such fear does not get the better of you.
Follow the above steps, and you will surely get the job, name, and fame.
