3Most of us (especially Indians) spend a lot of time and energy to finish school and graduation some of us go on to do post graduation too and then at some point in time we find ourselves appearing for an interview to get a job. Trouble starts, as no school in India teach/coach us the soft-skills needed to clear an interview.
A lot of myths surrounding an interview stops us from preparing the right way here are a few -
- Myth #1 The best candidate always gets the job
While waiting to be called you come across another candidate and start assuming that she is better than you - because she went to a better school or college OR impressive OR overall has more relevant experience. The reason could be any combination of the above but that would be in an Ideal World.
Welcome to real world - interviews are mostly conducted by people who are otherwise supposed to be doing some other work and more often than not they have no training in conducting interviews and selecting people. Take your time to prepare well for the interview - you will need to be at your best to ace the interview. What is more important here is to create a rapport and trust.
- Myth #2 : It's not ok to say "I don't know"
Your main objective is to make a positive impression by answering questions intelligently and building rapport with the interviewer. Do not be under the impression that you have to provide the perfect answer to every question put to you. Yes, I agree that a great interview is one in which you can answer all the questions (and you should be able to do so if you prepare well). Just in case you don’t know the answer to a question, it is better to admit it rather than pretend to know and start blurting out some non-sense - firstly, it would make you sound dishonest; and second, it will make you sound considerably less intelligent. It is better not to attend the interview rather than give the impression
that you’re neither honest nor bright.
In case you would like to attempt a question you are not very sure of -
Try this :
"I have to be honest and say that this is not an area I’m familiar with. If you like, I will be glad to have a go at trying to answer the question, as long as you’re not expecting the perfect answer..."
- Myth #3 : Good-looking people get the job
Well yes, the if the job-opening is for a modelling assignment or something like that. Most businesses find themselves in highly competitive environments and employers are aware that a poor hiring decision can prove very costly. So all efforts are put in place to get the best person who fit the Job-description.
Having said that -I would like to add that it is very important that you dress appropriately for the interview and try your best to demonstrate all your friendly qualities.
Remember you have to build rapport and trust with the interviewer.
All the best
