An interview, in simple language, is the interaction the employer would like to have with you so as to find out if you are the person whom they (the employer) are looking for.

It is believed that the impression one creates in the first 10 or 20 seconds is the impression that stays. So, an interview begins right from the moment one enters the room and not when verbal interaction begins. Thus committee charged with the duty of reporting about your suitability begins to frame opinion from the moment you are physically present i.e. getting into the room.

At this point one principal needs to be applied in action. And that is to assume yourself as the interviewer and then think of how you would like your interviewee to behave and do that. In all likelihood, one would like to appear cheerful, confident, respectful and humble. If this is put into practice, the subsequent oral interaction will be smooth and satisfactory for the simple reason that the interviewer will talk in manner that will display a liking for the candidate. If this is achieved the principal of “WELL BEGUN IS HALF DONE” will prevail.

Never forget that looking cheerful and smiling, genuinely & honestly and not putting on a rubber smile will be reciprocated smile is infectious.

After greeting the committee chairperson and members with deep courtesy wait till you are asked to sit. And if for a few seconds, you are not told to sit, you may respectfully seek permission to sit. This should be done with words like – “with your kind permission may I site down”.

VERBAL INTERACTION IN NEXT: