Tactics in the Job interview room

“Develop the ability to constantly acquire new battle strategies that you can use at the war front”

To be successful at job interviews, it is important for applicants to apply predetermined strategies to create a strong impression on the interviewer. 

At this point, your CV has succeeded in properly marketing you to the recruiter. Now, you must prove yourself beyond measure before the panel of interviewers.

 Arrival

To begin with, try to arrive at the interview venue about 30 minutes earlier. Even if the interviewers are behind schedule, remain calm. An easy way out is to always hold a reading material along when going for interviews. It diverts your attention in times like this and can help you reduce anxiety or nervousness. 

Interview Room

First, determine to make the interviewer like you- he should be comfortable with you and you must demonstrate that you meet the requirement for the job”

Walk steadily and tall as you enter the room: This is called your ‘carriage’ – the way you carry yourself. You must demonstrate personal confidence as you make your way in.

If you normally get clumsy during interviews or you suspect you might get clumsy, you can quickly take breath exercise just before your time to enter. Breathe deeply in and out for at least 5 times. Let each breath last about 8 seconds.

You can also say to yourself “I am calm and composed”. This looks like ritual but it does help a lot of people.

Wait until the interviewer offers you a seat before you grab a chair. The polite way to ask if necessary is “where would you want me to sit?”

Avoid crossing your legs or exposing the under of your shoe.

Knock the door and get a reply before entering into the room: This is just for the sake of courtesy. Your interviewers would only be willing to pass candidates with courtesy.

Moreover, you must treat your interviewers with respect and this is your first impression.

In addition, interviewers might still be putting the scores of the last interviewee together or just preparing to receive you, so you should not just bump in on them.

Make sure you greet with eye contact plus a warm smile: Look him or her in the eyes but not rudely.

Just make sure you keep catching his or her eyes. It’s a good way to create a connection (a bond) between you. If you are before a panel, make sure you look each of the interviewers in the eyes when he or she is talking.

Keep your head up and maintain good eye contact throughout the conversation. Another strategy is to keep catching their eyes when you are responding. They would more likely believe you instantly than if you look away or at the floor.

More importantly, if you are smart, the eyes of your interviewers plus their non-verbal body language are a great tool to help you know how you are performing.

Get ready to shake hands (but ensure the interviewer takes the lead): Handshakes signal cooperation and friendliness. Match the pressure extended by the interviewer but don’t overdo it. Use one hand and shake vertically, smile and lean forward.

In conclusion, concentrate on demonstrating confidence and competence for the job. Display a high level of confidence in yourself (not arrogance) and determine your worth (the least salary you can take) before the interview. This would help you avoid being clumsy.