When we go for an interview, we try to be fully prepared to face any question, and want to impress upon the interviewer that we are the best candidate. These are the tricks and tips that have been taught to all of us at some of time in school, college, or an institution. But if we all prepare accordingly and slog for days before a major interview, then what is that one quality that qualifies one amongst us as the best suited for the position or vacancy.
There are a few qualities that an employer or an institution seeks for in a candidate. Work ethics is the foremost requirement. Next in the list of skills is honesty, and dedication towards life and activity being performed. Also a candidate should be highly confident, which should not amount to over confidence or pride. Yes, we should thus take pride in ourselves, but not be slaves to vanity. An applicant who commands problem solving skills and takes up challenges with a head-on attitude, is preferred above the rest.
Experts have put forth the requirements in a prospective candidate very simply, in the form of the 4 Es – that is Experience, Exposure, Excellence and Expertise. If we have these, it is guarantee that the position belongs to us, and the better we are , the more the chances. An experienced expert individual is automatically believed to possess conceptual understanding, and requires less guidance and supervision, which is of benefit to the authorities. Such a person can also guide, motivate and enhance the performance of others in the team and juniors. So is naturally the first choice.
When going for an interview, we should also pay heed to certain key points. That can be summarized as the Principle of P. It includes Preparation, Presentation, and Positioning. Preparation means preparing ourselves (knowledge, FAQs, revisions, pointers, etc) and also the Curriculum Vitae. Presentation involves how we present ourselves at the interview. Thus we should take care to dress accordingly, maintain etiquette, be well mannered, polite, and conduct ourself well. It is a great impression creator. Also being punctual counts. Then comes positioning, that is how we sell ourselves (we are the Brand ‘I’) to the interviewer, present our USP (unique selling proposition), and prove that we are better that the rest, and should be the chosen one. Professionalism and seriousness is essential. An interviewer gets impressed by those who have an air of serenity and gravity about them. Our resume, attire, tone, body language, and conservation skills, showcase this.
Thus for an interview, we should practice, rehearse facts and figures, find out as much as we can, study relevant material. At the interview, we should ask genuine questions and avoid non relevant ones. And at any point of time, for any question, or response should be on the basis of the situation, need, and expectation of the interviewer, and not an not thought of, immature or ignorant reply.
