What Mistakes Do Candidates Generally Make During Interviews?
For an interview, one has to make sure his or her best foot is on the line. Regularly, up-and-comers neglect to clear the meetings because of wrong or mistaken data given in their resumes. The interview panel will focus on the key characteristics and behaviors that the candidate must demonstrate to be successful in the position for which they are being interviewed. In some cases, candidates are discussing areas where they don’t have a lot of experience or knowledge. A lot of self-talk can likewise be viewed as a negative property on the off chance that the job needs a decent cooperative person. This shows them in a bad light.
It’s better to start with your strengths, show the best way, and admit where you don’t know the right answer. Questioners don’t anticipate that competitors should address each inquiry; they likewise evaluate the straightforwardness, proficient way of behaving, group endlessly hard-working attitudes of the applicant. You should avoid speaking negatively about previous employees or speaking negatively about previous work experiences.
In many cases, candidates begin discussing costs and benefits before making a final offer. These questions should only be answered when they are asked in the interview or when the last round of interviews is over. Be sure to focus on the topic of the discussion and keep your answers short to avoid lengthy discussions.
Soft skills are essential to a person’s success in any job. Interviewers focus on assessing team performance, team behavior and individual leadership skills through a variety of case studies and experience questions, looking for examples of candidates who demonstrate these key characteristics for success.
To do the job well you need to have a good understanding of behavioral characteristics and good communication skills. As you move up in your career, soft skills become the real differentiator for leadership and management roles.
Body Language Tips for a Job Interview-
- Adjust Your Attitude
Goman talks about the importance of adjusting your attitude in a short video available on her website. She talks about the importance of warming up for an interview even before you meet and talk to the interviewer. She stresses the value of making a conscious effort to project positive personas such as friendliness, happiness, approachability, and curiosity. She adds that making a conscious choice of a good attitude while waiting for the interview to start ensures you embody that attitude even after walking inside the interview room. - Stand Tall
Posture is another strong non-verbal cue. Stand tall with your back straight, your shoulders pulled back and your head held high. Standing tall fuels your confidence and empowers you further by making you feel good about yourself. - Be Generous With Your Smile
According to Goman, a Beautiful Smile is a Sign of Welcome, It is a Good Way to Convey Friendliness and Approachability. the Moment You Meet Your Interviewer, Get Ready to Share and Spared Your Smile With Them and Be Generous With It. A Genuine Smile Helps Activate the Reward Centre in the Brain Making It Easy for the Other Person to Talk to You and Listen to What You Have to Say. - Make Eye Contact
The eyes are the windows to the soul. Making and maintaining eye contact with the hiring officer or the employer indicates interest and transmits positive energy. In the video, Gorman says the mask helps open up and enhances the image. She suggests looking at the person’s eyes long enough to notice what color they are. - Simulate an Eyebrow Flash
An eyebrow flash is a universal signal of recognition and acknowledgment according to Goman. After making eye contact raise your eyebrow slightly to simulate an eyebrow flash. This will further increase the level of familiarity and comfort between you and the interviewer setting the stage for a continuous and stress-free conversation. - Lean Forward Slightly
Goman recommends leaning forward slightly when answering interview questions or when listening to what the interviewer is saying. This non-verbal cue communicates engagement and genuine interest. Be careful not to lean too much as the interviewer might feel you are starting to invade his/her privacy. - Shake Hands
Handshakes vary from culture to culture but in the business world, the standard for a good handshake is pretty much the same. The hand should clasp the other hand with equal pressure and with fingers down or at a slight angle. Curl your fingers around the other person’s hand so both the index finger and the thumb point toward each other. Hold the interviewer’s hands for a comfortable duration, not too short and not too long. If in doubt, remember to mirror the handshake of your interviewer – give them a strong handshake or a gentle handshake when they do.
Prof. Sajitha V. Nair
Assistant Professor
Department of Management