One To One interviews – how to emerge as ‘The One’

The idea of a one to one interview is always to verify credentials of a person and described in the resume and gauge on the fit of the person in any given organization Every personal interview has 4 main areas that the interviewer focuses on

	Personal details
	Academic details
	Your background
	Current affairs

With a few ground rules and a good practice one should be able to master the art of Interview giving

Rule 1 – Listen and not hear

Every time an interviewer asks a question, listen carefully; understand what he seeks rather than rattling of the obvious. Do ask for a clarification if you have not understood or have a doubt as to what he is seeking. Take a second or two, compose your answer in your mind and then speak

Answer confidently

Speak clearly and audibly. Don't speak very slowly. Be loud enough so that the interviewers don't have to strain their ears.

Be Brief

A good communicator is always short and to the point. This increases precisness and gives the interviewer a feeling that you know it right. Speaking a lot, repetition or use of unnecessary words and adjectives could be confusing and is often disliked by all

Be Honest

If you don't know an answer, Say So. The interviewer will respect your integrity and honesty. Never exaggerate.

Overconfidence kills

Be confident not over confident. Remember its not good to blow your own trumpet Describing achievements, boasting about them is often misinterpreted by interviewers for arrogance.

Be Assertive

If at any point of time there is a difference in opinion on any issue make your stand clear and stay away from getting into an argument. Restrain yourself.

Behave properly

Keep a check on your own behavior all through your time at the interviewers office. Remember your manners, including good mornings, thank you and please. Project an air of humility and be polite. Bear in mind these are the people you will interact if selected.

Be Enthusiastic

It projects your desire to undertake the job. Usually the interviewers will pays more attention if you display enthusiasm in whatever you say.

Hold Interest

A cheerful outlook throughout the interview adds an element of interest; a pleasant expression holds the interviewers' interest. Remember to beam that smile and not display your frustrations of wait just before the interview.

Self Confidence

Look up and maintain perfect eye contact with all panel members; make sure you address them all. This will reflect your self-confidence and honesty.

Check vocabulary

Use simple words and do not use jargons or technical terms unnecessarily. Avoid using slang. It may not be understood and will certainly not be appreciated.

Restrain word habits

Avoid frequent use of words and phrases like, 'I mean', 'You know', 'I know', 'Well', 'As such', 'Fine', 'Basically', etc. They are not proper for an office atmosphere and distract one from the core conversation

Respond accordingly

Respond as asked. When questions are asked in English, reply in English only. Do not use Hindi or any other languages. Avoid using Hindi words like matlab, ki, maine, etc.

Seek Clarification/information

Interviewers actually appreciate questions being asked to them. Feel free to ask questions if necessary. This builds interaction levels and shows your interest in exploring more.

Be natural

This is most important as you don’t want to appear as rehearsed and worst still uncomfortably and not like your actual self. Many adopt a stance that is not their natural self. Interviewers find it amusing when a candidate launches into a new accent that s/he cannot sustain consistently through the interview or adopts a mannerism that is inconsistent with their own personality. It is best to talk naturally. You come across as genuine.

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Body Language

Its an art by itself and conveys a lot about your personality. Be aware and alert to it
Here are a few hints

	Your posture during the interview adds to or diminishes your personality.
	Your posture during the interview adds to or diminishes your personality.
	Sit straight. Keep your body still. You may, of course, use your hand gestures freely.
	Lean a little ahead, it reflects attention and alertness
	Do not keep shifting your position.

Avoid these mannerisms at all costs:

	Playing with your tie
	Playing with your tie
	Theatrical gestures
	Shaking legs
	Sitting with your arms slung over the back of the adjoining chair

Post Interview Etiquette

	Thank the interviewers as a mark of respect for the time they have spared for you.
	Do enquire about when you could get back/hear from them, offer to keep in touch
	As you rise and are about to leave, make sure you collect up your pen/ pencil/ all other stationery.
	Replace chair to its position, Close the door as you leave, make sure not to bang them

Wish you every success in your interviews!