Five ways to perform better at interviews

KATHMANDU, Dec 8: It's understandable to be nervous when you're faced with the prospect of an interview. Whether it's a one-on-one interview or a group interview, our nerves can get the better of us.

It's not easy to have a barrage of questions thrown at you continually. Possibly, we can get better at sitting down and answering questions only when we do it quite often. Here we have five important points that we can all use to make the next job interview much easier.

Practice

The best way to beat your nervousness is to practice enough times so you become adept. If you're someone who dreads interview sessions, it's best if you practice answering questions that you're expecting at the interview. Prepare smart answers for the questions you're expecting. Rehearse how you'd want to articulate your thoughts. Ask a friend to help you. The friend could even slip in questions you're not expecting. Take time to learn about the company and the job you are applying for. If you don't have enough time, just research five most important things about the company. Work on your body language.

Don't talk too much or too less

Speaking too less or too much during an interview is equally problematic. When an interviewee only answers in monosyllables or a few sentences, the interviewer might end up assuming that s/he has nothing substantial to say or that the person is bored. At the same time, speaking so much that the interviewer is put off is also a no-no. Listen to the questions carefully. Many interviewers ask questions for which they want an answer with a case in point. For example, you might be asked about leadership. Don't simply agree that it is important. Refer to a point in your career when you stepped up and what your bosses had to say about it. But don't paint such a glorious picture that the interviewer ends up disbelieving you.

Dress appropriately and comfortably

If you are comfortable in the way you are dressed for the interview, then an important part of your confidence is already boosted. While preparing for an interview, it is important to pay attention to what you will be wearing for the meeting. Dress appropriately and comfortably because your discomfort with your appearance will definitely affect your performance in the interview. Looking good and feeling good will work wonders for your confidence. Knowing you are smartly turned out will leave you with one less thing to fret about.

Do not be intimidated

Many times our nervousness stems from the fact that we become intimidated by the people sitting across the table. Before you start to fumble and be awkward, tell yourself that the interviewers are just like you. They're simply doing their job. Be your best self—smile, be polite, speak clearly and slowly. Ask for a glass of water if you need time to recuperate. Sometimes, thinking that they are nervous too might help you. Don't build up your fears but imagine yourself in a friendly setting where you're very comfortable. This will help you relax.

Reward yourself

Rewards and treats work as great motivators and enhance everyone's spirits. So if you have an important interview coming up that you're nervous about, give it your best shot. Also have a treat in mind for when you ace the interview. Knowing that a reward is waiting for you at the end will push you to work harder to excel. The feeling of success after you come out of a great interview is only heightened when you're able to justly pamper yourself.