Importance of an Interview

                                                                                                                      Dr. R. S. Sengar

The nine letter word “interview” can perspire the most knowledgeable and strong people in the world. That may be one reason’ political leaders and corporate giants make an impact, willingly give interview. But the popular ones, or those who want to make an impact, willingly give interviews. In modern times, whether or not you like interview, your prospects depend on its success. So you must know what an interviewer expects from you.

     First an academic question. What is an interview? It is a discussion in which an interviewer faces a candidate for a short while and asks questions to probe his knowledge and awareness on the subject. These are done to assess the personality of the interviewee. It is a very formal means of the instruction with one person facing a group of persons, each of whom is a specialist in his or her field.

     Knowledge is an important component of success in an interview. It has two aspects: range and depth. The former implies that you should know a lot beyond your own specialization and the latter means an awareness of the various aspects of the topics under discussion. An in–depth knowledge is gained through reading and listening.  Listening is more important than reading. Be a keen listener, store major facts in your mind and use them at the appropriate time.

     Next comes appearance, which means your dress for the interview. You must be elegantly attired for the occasion. Wear a simple outfit, that suits your physique and features. Women should wear sarees or any other sober dress, casuals like Kurta–pyjama should not feature in your selection of dresses.

     Conducting yourself is an apt way is equally significant. The ways you move yourself, sit on the chair, place your hands and your briefcase and talk to the members reflect your behaviour. Walking sloppily, talking loudly or inaudibly, getting irritated easily, and showing documents insistently are the symptoms of bad behaviour. A better way is to enter the room smartly, move forward with dignity, greet the board, sit when asked to and thank at the end before you leave.

     Expression is most important aspect of the interview. It conveys your views and opinions. For good expression, what you need is clarity of mind and speech. Show your balanced thinking to convey your views clearly.

     Convey your views effectively. In an interview, you may be asked questions where you have to either agree or disagree. Whatever your approach convinces the board that it is unbiased. The board may not agree with your view. Even if you disagree, let not your face show it. Create an impact through your expressions. Give an impression of being a leader. Show that you are cooperate and get cooperation that you can share views and get people to accept your authority to reach decisions and implement them. 

     Finally, never consider yourself to be a perfect man. Being a human being makes you susceptible to flaws. However, try to confirm to the highest standards and reach as close to perfection as possible.

Writer: Professor R. S. Sengar, Dean College of Biotechnology and Director Training and Placement, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut.