INTERVIEW ZING WITH BANKERSADDA : Last Minute Tips |

Dear BA’ians,

As we all know, the interviews are starting from tomorrow for many of you. We are sure you all are ready to put your best foot forward and move ahead towards your goals. Just to give final touches to your preparation, we would like to add that zing factor to help you get the Midas touch.

Here is a list of few things that you need to stay away from during your interview, to keep you going on the right track!

Arriving late- make sure you be on time, as the saying goes, the first impression is always the last impression

Being rude to the receptionist.

Smelling like a cigarette.

Being dressed inappropriately- please refer to the interview capsule for proper dress code for the interviews.

Wearing sunglasses.

Wearing too much perfume or aftershave.

Wearing the cell phone Bluetooth earpiece.

Leaving the cell phone on- make sure you have your phone on flight mode or the silent mode before entering the room.

Shaking hands too weakly or too strong-This is the most common mistake candidates make if they extend their hand for a hand shake. Remember the hand should fit in the opposite persons hand and should be a firm grip which is neither too tight nor too loose.

Complaining that you were kept waiting for the interview.

Sitting before invited by the interviewer (not waiting to be invited before taking a seat).

Sitting in a sloppy manner.

Chewing gum, a pen or playing with your hair.

Not matching yourself to the style of the interviewer’s communication- i.e if the interviewer is cracking a joke, do laugh a bit along with him, or if the interviewer changes the language, make sure you do it as well, if his tone is a bit casual, you too,answer in a way that is short and casual.

Failing to listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions- At times we get lost in our own thoughts, or previous answer that we have given. Remember to be in the present moment during the interview, even if your past answer was a bit messy or not to your expectation. Do not assume things till you get over with your interview.

Being unprepared to the standard job interview questions

Failing to do your homework about the potential employer.

Lying about your qualifications, experience and your knowledge- make sure you put forward correct facts about yourself, this does not mean that you elaborate the negatives as well in your attempt to be honest. Just say what will help you get brownie points, leave the rest.

Not showing enthusiasm/interest on the job- No matter how you feel, or what your life situation might have been, but once in the interview room, all you should think about is the job and the panelist who are no less that the golden ticket to your job.

Bad mouthing you previous boss-A definite no no, always have good things to say about your boss, remember the phrase-‘The boss is always right”, have things to say about how much you learnt from him/her, what was the best thing about your previous job, and how much it helped in your development, etc.

Explaining in detail about the cause of the job layoff- Remember DO NOT GO INTO DEPTH OF ANYTHING, say only that which is required and will help you in convincing them about your capabilities.

Sharing too much- same as above, do not get too involved in your answer that you forget when to stop. The panelist are trained to make you feel at home, and are usually a chirpy lot, so seeing them do not forget your purpose . Stay committed to your goals at all times and on guard too.

Failing to explain how your skills match the job in question- See you are going there either for the post of an Assistant officer or a Probationary officer, so at all times your skill description should convince them of your commitment and eligibility for that post

Speaking for most of time of the interview or Interrupting the interviewer speech-remember you need to be a good listener if that’s what the situation demands.

Asking too many questions or irrelevant questions. Failing to ask good questions.

Yawning.

Waving names to boast or sounding like you think you know everything.

Asking to use bathroom during the interview.

Being too humble: Being humble is a good trait, but it does not mean that you stay mum and do not say anything about your self. Remember you are there to sell your self there, think of ways by which you can stand apart from the crowd. Find ways to make the best of the situation you are in. Do not for once doubt your capabilities. Remember it is not what you say that is going to land you a job, but rather how you say that will set you apart.

Not making eye contact (or maintaining prolonged eye contact)- Make sure you make eye contact with the panelist, but does not mean that you keep looking into their eyes, while talking look around as well for a few seconds.

Getting angry or defensive- no matter where the conversation leads to, even in the worst case scenario, stay away from anger or irritation. Do not let your ego come in the way of your prudence.

Saying phrases like “you know”, “like a”, “I guess” and “Hmm”- i.e being too casual and laid back in your answers, rather be a good mix of formal and casual as per the demand of the situation.

Showing nervousness-We are well aware of the fact that not everyone is super confident, and it is only natural to be a little jittery and nervous before the panelist. but make sure you do not let this nervousness get the better of you, be in control of your mind at all times and stay away from over anxiety about the result.Like said before, be in the present and try enjoying the conversation.

Laughing and Giggling unnecessarily: Smiling and being enthusiastic does not mean that you become like a child in a play ground. Dont forget that you all are going there to sell yourself as the future bankers of our country, so might as well behave like one.

Sounds desperate.

Checking the time – looking at the watch.

Being too prepared. Blurting your answers out- See preparing your answers in advance is important, but you have to say them in a way that they look natural and fit the situation. They should not look mugged up, rather natural an effortless.

Having said all this, go into the interview with self belief. You will meet a lot of candidates outside the room, who might seem much more capable to you that your own self, but do not let anything take your self belief and confidence from you. You have reached the interview round based on your capability.

So as always, no matter what, do not forget to have fun, and giving it your best shot, so that when you come out of the room, you have no regrets!