KILUVU

By chance, I came across this article which, as its title suggests, tells you how to make a great first impression during a job interview. As someone who feels they have attended, or even given, more interviews than most students, I thought I knew most tips for interviews. However, this article really surprised me in giving some unconventional tips for a job interview. Firstly, like all human beings, interviewers are naturally attracted to courteous, respectful and sincere individuals. Hence, it is important that one interacts with the receptionist in a friendly manner as it is possible that the interviewers may ask them for opinions on their job candidates. In addition, it is also important to build good rapport with the interviewers and engage them in conversation. I believe that when you interact with the interviewers in a sincere and friendly manner, it will spark their interests in you and allow you to leave a good impression on them. Also, it is critical that you are able to share a summary of your journey, experiences at the top of your head. While many may feel that this is a less than easy task to carry out, I feel it is not unusual for people to forget about simple, everyday facts when they are nervous during a job interview. I feel if we are able to give a coherent summary of our experiences, then it is more than likely that we can be an effective ambassador of our department, and achieve success. Furthermore, giving statistics to show that you are prepared and ready, is also a desired trait that one should have. Finally, I believe we should always be willing to showcase our true self - without any add on, to our interviewers. It is hence important to sometimes be vulnerable and share about your obstacles in life, as well as how you dealt with them. Finally, asking great questions that provide insight to the interviewers on your thought process and goals, is also a great way to sell yourself. While all these are good tips to prepare you for an interview, as cliché as it may seem, I truly believe that what is most important is to be yourself and trust that the interviewers will be able to see your value in the company. There is little meaning in showcasing yourself as a successful, capable individual whose only value is to put on a good show during that 15 minutes or so in the interview, but who fails to bring real significance to the company.