Dominating the opening
You may or may not find it natural to go up to somebody and just start striking up a conversation, but if you are called for an interview – that’s what you have to do. Research suggests that the interview has largely made up their mind in the first 15 seconds as to whether or not they will consider hiring you. You need to do whatever is possible to control those first exchanges. Here are some hints:
1. Be aware that your interview may start the moment you get out of your car of step off the bus to enter the interview building. Be polite to everybody you meet from the janitor and reception desk staff to the CEO. You don’t know who has the ear of the interview panel
2. While waiting to be interviewed, sit properly and behave as if everyone passing you by is your potential interviewer. (They just might be) Smile at people as much as possible. Do not act impatient or bored, it sends the wrong message. Some interviewers will keep you waiting just to see how you handle yourself.
3. Offer a firm handshake when you look at your interviewer in the eye. Make sure that you are smiling.
4. Wait to be asked to be seated. It’s interview etiquette.
5. Dress to fit into the company. Dress slightly too well for the department.
6. Ensure that you have all that you need to hand and in good order. You have to show them that you are a well organised candidate.
7. Don’t be stuffing your face with food or drinks whilst waiting your turn for the interview.
8. It is amazingly irritiating to have juniors on their cell phones whilst waiting for their interviews to begin – just switch it off.
Hope these tips help you in your interview