Interview giving is much more difficult than interview taking. When appearing before an interview board or in an interview setting, nervousness can often take over. How can you, as an interviewee, ensure a successful interview? Murphy and Peak (1987) and Lesikar and Pettit (2002: 637) provide a standard set of guidelines. Here is a summary of those guidelines:
Guidelines for the Interviewee For a Successful Interview
Prepare for the Interview
Prepare for the interview based on the nature of the interview. Your preparation should include the following:
Know Yourself
Understand your goals and what you aim to achieve through your work, such as fame, societal position, wealth, security, comfort, power, travel, or personal fulfillment. If it’s for a job, evaluate if it aligns with your aspirations.
Know the Company
Gather as much information as possible about the company, including its activities, history, and future prospects. If you can demonstrate that you’ve independently acquired this knowledge, it will leave a favorable impression on the interviewer.
Anticipate Questions
Prepare for expected questions with well-thought-out answers. You may be asked about your interests, hobbies, achievements, career prospects, salary expectations, benefits, and knowledge of national and international events. Ensure clarity in your responses, and always be truthful.
Prepare Questions
Consider the questions you’d like to ask the interviewer.
Make an Appropriate Appearance
Your appearance is a message to the interviewer. Thus, make an appropriate appearance. How will you do that? Observe the following:
Dress appropriately
Your clothes and your general appearance should be neat. Fingernails should be clean, shoes polished, and hairstyle appropriate. Lotions, perfumes, and cream should be used sparingly. The accessories should complement the dress. You should not appear unkempt.
Have your certificates with you
You should carry with you, in a file or bag, all documents required for the interview.
Arrive on time: This is very important. Arrive ahead of time. It will give you time to relax and prepare yourself for the interview.
Face the Interview Gently and Boldly
Now is the time to show your excellence in the interview. All your plans and preparations will be tested in the crucible of reality.
Don’t be nervous or agitated while entering the interview room. Pay close attention to where you are going. Do not trip over the carpet or doormat. Do not give a foolish smile upon entering.
Greet the interviewer(s) with a polite salutation. It should follow the customs of society.
Do not sit down until you are asked to. Don’t sit stiffly. Don’t be overly relaxed. Just sit in a naturally composed manner.
Show interest
Look at the interviewer and pay undivided attention. When the interviewer starts the conversation, do not interrupt. Respond only at the appropriate time.
Answer correctly and completely
Try to answer as accurately as possible. If you don’t know the answer to a question, admit it straightforwardly. Say, “Sorry, I can’t remember,” or “Sorry, I don’t know.” But do not provide incorrect answers. Do not ramble. Do not be too abrupt and rude. Be gentle and polite.
Do not try to display your knowledge excessively. Don’t boast about your capabilities. The interviewer is assessing your capabilities.
Remain calm and friendly throughout the interview. You are expected to have your individual views, and you need not agree with everything the interviewer says. But you also need not unnecessarily annoy or offend them. You must not lose your temper.
Positive attitude
Maintain a positive attitude. Express your enthusiasm for the job and the company.
Do not keep shifting in your seat. Do not bite or chew your fingernails. Do not continuously adjust your hair. Do not fidget with the paperweight or the pincushion on the table. Do not start adjusting the knot of your necktie. All these are signs of nervousness.
Don’t criticize former employer.
Be frank about your past job, but don’t criticize your former employer or colleagues. Mention only your earlier employment’s positive, pleasant, and constructive aspects.
Ask for job-related information without hesitation. A complete understanding of the job is essential to decide whether you should accept it or not.
Practice courtesy. It will be appreciated.
Do not forget to thank the interviewer.
Accept the job offer immediately if it is offered to you. Hesitation will show your disinterest and unwillingness.