Effective interview skills - the key to success in life.

Effective interview skills can mean the diference between a success and failure in both one's career and social life.

Skills/Tips for one to effectively handle job interviews:

1. Dressing sharp

Our appearence tells people how we feel about ourselves as applicants, as well as how we feel about the interviewer, the company and interview process itself. By dressing professionally, we are telling people that we understand the niceties of corporate life and particularly projecting our image. Your appearence and presentation may even leave a more tangible impression than the words you say, remember memory is more strongly rooted in pictures and impressions. The act of taking time to present an attractive professional image before your interview will add to your own sense of self esteem and confidence. The safest look is traditional and conservative. It is important to find out the dress code of the company that is interviewing.

2. Body Language

Always remember that the interviewer is watching you for clues. Ensure that during the interview you project a body language that will project the following to the interviewer:

• ability - whether or not you can do the job
• willingness - if you are motivated to do the job
• manageability - if you will be a pleasure or pain to have around

Appropriate control and use of gestures will help emphasise the positive features of your personality in those areas and also project integrity, honesty, attention to detail, etc.
The main areas to watch regarding body language include the following:

• The greeting -is it executed politely and firmly; not too tight a grip, with a warm smile
• How you take your seat - do you take it before it is offered? Wait for the interviewer to motion you to the spot; or you can tactfully ask "Where would you like me to sit?"
• Facial/head signals - remember that tight smiles and tension in the facial muscles tell of an inability to handle stress; little eye contact may mean a desire to hide something; frowning, looking sideways can send signals of haughtiness and arrogance, etc which are hardly what you want to project.
• The eyes - looking at someone may imply showing interest in that person and this is a step in making the right impression. You should stay with a calm, steady and non-threatening gaze. Looking away from the interviewer for long periods while he is talking, closing your eyes while being addressed and repeatedly shifting focus from subject to some other point may leave a wrong impression.
• The head - rappidly nodding the head can give the impression that you are impatient and eager to add something to the converstaion. Slower nodding emphasises interest and encourages the interviewer to continue. Tilting the head slightly, when combined with eye contact and a natural smile, demonstrate friendliness and approachability. The tilt should not be exaggerated.
• The hands - proper use of the hands will convey a 'nothing to hide' message. Fidgeting with themselves or other objects, hands can take on a life of their own. Pen tapping can mean impatience. Adjusting the neck tie may project insecurity. Hands in the pockets can brand you as insolent and aggressive. Picking at invisible bits of fluff on your suit may project nervousness...
• Walking - keep your posture. Keep your shoulders back, maintain erect posture , smile and make eye contact when appropriate. Avoid fidgeting with your feet as you move, rubbing one shoe against the other, or even kicking absent-mindedly at the ground as you stand.

The six signals for success are:

• Walk slowly, deliberately and tall on entering the interview room
• Give a friendly greeting, encouraging eye contact, accompanied by a natural smile. This sends a positive signal that the interview has got off to a good start
• Maintain a natural alert head position, keeping your head up and your eyes facing front at all times
• Do not hurry any movements
• Always avert your gaze from time to time to avoid the impression that you are staring. Look confidently to the right or to the left; never look down
• Relax with every breath

Hope this sets you for the next interview. To read more articles about how to improve your interview skills you need to first register/signup (if not already registered) and then follow the Interview Tips menu.