Photographed by Louis Christopher for Vogue Arabia
Job interviews – both in-person and online can be nerve-wracking. They’re notorious for being tightrope walks. You want to be confident, but not obnoxious; intelligent but not a Ms. know-it-all. Trying to find the right balance while convincing the interviewer that you are the candidate they are looking for can be challenging. But these tips can not only help cross this hurdle with poise but can also turn the whole thing into a rewarding, educational process. Here are a few easy ways to prep, plan, and groom yourself for an important job interview:
First Impressions
The age-old cliché that you’ll never get a second chance to make a good first impression is a cliché because it’s true. Most people remember the first time they saw you or the first-ever conversation they had with you. It’s always critical to have that perfect opening line or a reassuring positive smile that radiates confidence and positivity.
Your appearance counts
Confidence
Put on your confidence even before the interview commences. In the waiting area, try and keep calm and maintain good posture. While you may not have met your interviewer at this point, it’s possible that you’re being observed by future co-workers. Fake it till you make it is the go-to mantra for many when it comes to confidence in high-pressure situations like these. Just by telling yourself that you’re confident, you will begin to feel it. As ludicrous as it sounds – this technique is known to work for many people.
Non-verbal communication aka body language
Body language is the secret weapon that has the power to decipher the most complex of human codes. Used everywhere from police interrogations to job interviews, this is an inevitable way to tell what a person is really thinking or feeling at a given time. It is the gateway to a person’s psyche and it’s critical to not send the wrong signals, especially in a job interview. You might be smiling, but if you are fidgety with your fingers, it is a giveaway that you are nervous or unsure of what you are saying. If you do not maintain eye-contact then it tells your interviewer that you are not confident of what you know or who you are. Whether in person or in an online interview, it’s essential to use your body language to your utmost advantage and if you have any “nervous ticks” like touching your hair a lot, or scratching your face, it’s probably a good idea to work on them in front of a mirror beforehand to avoid them at the actual interview.
