Success Blog

Interviewers listen to more than what you say. They also listen to how you say, how much you say and most of all, what you do not say.

Getting a desirable job today is no longer as facile and effortless as it was. Organization are now hiring candidates who, in addition to having excellent credentials and profound experience are also well spoken and articulate. They believe that it is not enough for a candidate to look good on paper but it is important to sound as well.

Mind you, articulate does not necessarily mean chatter-box. It, therefore, becomes essential for you to be aware of what to talk and how to talk during your job interview. Here are few pointers that will help you manage your conversation effectively:

TALKING JUST RIGHT

Initiate your interview with some small talk on general subjects such as weather, sports or company location as this helps to build report with the interviewer lead the conversation.

While responding to questions, keep your answer short, simple and to the point. But the same time ensure that you don’t restrict them to a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Narrate instances which are relevant to the position and do not go overboard in detailing everything.

This may at times result into your most important skills and achievements going unnoticed. But that’s fine as talking about irrelevant experiences and accomplishments does not helps the interviewer identify you as a strong applicant. Such an interaction could easily be interpreted as bragging.

Remember this golden rule: Never ever criticize your former employer.

How you speak communicates both negative emotions like anxiety, uncertainty, boredom and positives emotions like interest, enthusiasm and confidence.

• speed talking is often associated with anxiety and nervousness.
• speak slowly and take time to pronounce all syllables for greater clarity in your speech.
• This will also help you avoid slurring words together.

WORD POWER

Be careful about the kind of words you use for they reveal a lot.

• For instance, avoid using words such as ‘perhaps’, ‘kind of ‘ , ‘may be’ as it shows you lacking confidence.
• Use more of power words like ‘I’m confident that’, ‘I recommend’, ‘my goal is’ which conveys confidence and conviction in oneself.
• Avoid filler words like ‘umm’, ‘ah’, ‘like’, ‘you know’. This normally happens when your chain of thought is broken or when you lack clarity. In such situation,it is better to pause, think and then speak.
• Do not make grammatical errors while conversing as it creates a negative impression.
• Make complete statements and avoid using slangs and short forms.
• Choose your words carefully. Make sure they are appropriate, have the right connotations and use the proper pronunciation.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Finally, at the end of the day employers are looking at you as a complete package. They will not know what makes you special unless you tell them, so it is important to you market yourself well.

Interviews are certainly not the right time to be meek and humble. Speak up about your achievements and accomplishments. Unless you display a sense of confidence and competence and come across as a person apt for the profile you will not be able to impress the interviewer. Only when believe in yourself will the interviewers. Learning how to handle questions and what not to say can go a long way in getting you job. All the best!!!