1. During the Interview

2. Points to remember Drink water, take a deep breath and say to yourself “I will do well in this interview” Switch off your mobile phone before you enter the room As soon as you enter the room, smile, shake hands with the interview (if possible) and say your name Make eye contact with the interview/s and show confidence Smile and give regular feedback Try to be less formal but avoid being too familiar.

3. Body Language Do not show disinterest or disregard, at any time. Distribute your attention to all interviewers, if there are more than one. Be attentive at all times and show genuine interest in the interview. Sit up straight in your chair – don’t slouch and don’t sit at the edge of the chair, either. Keep your feet flat on the ground, slightly apart - maintain a 90 degree position – ankles, knees, waist, elbows, shoulders and even chin. Always watch for signals and give positive signals, yourself.

4. Answering questions Always wait for the interview to complete the question and listen carefully. Let the interviewer talk as much as he/she wants to because that would give you time to think and shift the pressure off you. Always address the prompt – start by repeating the main part of the question and even end your answer by reinforcing it. Don’t talk too much or too less. Try to answer most questions in about 1 – 1 ½ minute. Don’t hesitate to clarify a question or repeat/ rephrase it.

5. Language hints Use sentence markers and make lists. Explain with examples and analogies. Use simple and effective words and phrases. Be precise and to the point – don’t ramble and dodge the question. Speak slowly and clearly – don’t talk too fast. Don’t say anything negative or controversial. Show confidence, not arrogance. Be assertive, not rude. Show humility, not passivity.

6. Final Pointers Take time to answer the question asked – it’s better to give an appropriate answer after thinking than to rush with an inappropriate one. Be calm and confident at all times – it helps the interviews make a better judgment of you. Give examples of your skills and explain how you demonstrated them – don’t just list them. You can use a bit of humour to lighten the situation, but don’t try to be funny. Be ready with appropriate questions to ask the interviewer/s, at the end of the interview. Thank the interviewer/s at the end of the interview.