While there are no tailor-made interview taking techniques, a few tips would certainly help you perform better. Interview is the final stage inn securing a job. An effective resume takes you to an interview table, but how you perform in an interview determines your career. We believe, the following tips will enhance your performance.

q       Dressing: More and more organizations are looking for “cool” and relaxed dressing in interviews. The days of strict formal wear are over. Relaxed dressing is in. wear the dress you are most comfortable in. (even if they are formal). A good sense of dressing is wearing what you are relaxed and comfortable in. discomfort in dressing should be the last thing on your mind while taking the interview. Also, it does not make sense to wear a tie in stifling hot conditions and shiver wearing cotton clothes in winter. Wear a smart pullover/jacket if you are feeling cold.

q       Be careful while choosing colors. Wear clothes that reflect your personality. Dark colors are in. never wear dull colors that give a negative impression. Interviewers first notice your dress. Make then feel fresh and wanting to spend more time with you.

q       Remember that, a good dress sense is all about absolutely comfortable and relaxed.

q       Observe: Good observation skills are always a bonus in life, more so in jobs. Have an eye for details when you enter an interview roo, just glance at your surroundings and keep them in mind. They might help you answering a few questions, particularly in stress interviews when you are tested on your observation skills.

q       Mind frame: Have an extremely positive frame of mind. This helps you sit composed and relaxed. A positive mind frame increases your confidence. Slow and regular breathing calms your mind and soothes your nerves, thereby keeping you are relaxed and alert.

q       Taking the Interview: While taking the interview, keep your facial expressions pleasant. Smile naturally. This is very important as not smiling is than a forced smile. In short, be your original self.

q       Listen carefully to what the interviewer is asking you. Never cut in the conversation. Project yourself as an excellent listener.

q       Answer to the point. If you have any doubts regarding the questions, do not hesitate to clarify. Never answer a question without fully understanding/listening to it. Clarification is always better than answering wrong.

q       Avoid involuntary habits like shaking your legs, swinging in the chair, rubbing your palms etc. these habits give an extremely negative impression about you. Sits relaxed and not stiff. Just feel comfortable.

q       Do not hesitate to ask for a glass of water (however, it is better to drink a glass or two before entering the room), if you are tensed.

q       If there are more than one interviewers, shift your focus from one interviewer to another when they are talking. Never stare at one interviewer.

q       Give confident and crisp answers. Just answer to the point. If you feel a point needs to be elaborated upon, take prior permission from the interviewers. Be soft. Confident answering of questions does not mean shouting or using harsh tones.

q       Perhaps the most important thing in an interview is accepting your lack of knowledge about something. Be sincerely straightforward in admitting that you do not know an answer. Never guess and give wrong answers. In most of the cases you will know something about a question. In such cases, give intelligent and relevant answers. But if you do not know anything, admit it outright. Never take time in admitting that you do not know an answer. It is simple. You can either answer a question or you cannot. While admitting keep a pleasant and normal face. Knitting the brow is never liked by anyone.

q       Avoid looking at the walls,celing,floor when answering. Look directly at the interviewer/s while answering.

Interview Preparation

Before anything, go through your resume thoroughly and frame all possible questions and answer them. Points like your strengths, goals/objectives etc. need a n in-depth analysis. Frame specific answers to such points. Be ready to substantiate your claims about your personality with real experiences.

Gather information about the organization a day before the interview. Make notes if necessary. Visit the company’s web site and make a small profile. Know the main activities of the company, the key people, competitors, strategies, geographic reach and a fair idea about the industry the company operates in. keep yourself updated on the recent developments in the industry and make your own observations. Deduct your own inferences. Remember give your analysis only if asked, not because you did all the work and are desperate to show it off.

Also a general knowledge update is always useful.