Confidence is your key to a successful interview, and this confidence will stem from your knowledge about yourself as well as your work. Please note that the topic of discussion in an interview seldom deviates from professional aspects. So, stick to the basics – this will ensure that your train of thoughts doesn’t derail in midst of the interview.

Keep yourself abreast with the latest in your field of work, and also, gather relevant information about the company where you have applied. This will not only reflect positively on your dedication towards your work, but will also enable you to answer, discuss or even ask questions with conviction to your prospective employers.

Whether you agree or disagree, people will judge you by the way you present yourself. Hence, appear professional by sticking to appropriate formal attire when you have to go for a job interview. Groom yourself well before going for an interview.

Positive body language is half the battle won, and by adopting a positive attitude, you will be ready to nail the interview. Pre-interview jitters are natural; but don’t make it obvious. Do not start biting your nails while waiting your turn, nor end up with sweaty palms. Remember – a handshake is just around the corner.

As you enter the interview chamber, greet the interviewer with a smile, and a firm handshake. Be polite and discreet in your approach, and maintain eye contact with the interviewer at all times.

When asked to introduce yourself, begin with your personal details and stick to who you are and what you have done in your professional life. Wise Polonius’ advice to his young son, holds true even today – ‘To Thine Own self Be True’. Don’t try to exaggerate your achievements nor undermine your former employers’ reputation by portraying them in bad light. Be diplomatic, tactful and alert at all times. Remember, a spent word never comes back. Be specific in your replies, and avoid delving into unnecessary details.

If showered by an array of questions, reply to the best of your abilities. And if you don’t know the answer, accept your ignorance. Just ensure that you are able to answer most of the questions, if not all.

If you have opinions, stand by them firmly; but do not ridicule those who disagree. Put forth your point tactfully, and do not change your stand at the drop of the hat. You do not want to appear indecisive or confused. Please remember that your attitude will set the tone for the interview, and help determine the final outcome.

To sum it all up, the reins of the interview rests in your attitude, and not in the hands of your interviewer. Hence, have the right attitude; prepare yourself well before an interview, perform confidently, and let all your inhibitions and self-doubt perish. Adopt this mantra, and success will greet you every step of the way.

Picture this - during the course of an interview, you are asked about your achievements, and you provide detailed narration about your responsibilities while consciously refraining from talking about your accomplishments. Although it appears harmless, yet your inability to communicate your strengths actually dampens your chances of securing the job.

Hence, read this article attentively as it is meant exclusively for you. 

Self-promotion is nothing except communicating your abilities through your achievements in simple and clear terms to your prospective employer.

The reason why most people are wary of talking about their achievements is that they fear they might be looked upon as a bragger. What they do not understand is that the employer needs ‘reasons’ to hire you, and by communicating your strengths, convincingly and confidently, you will become the obvious choice.

In order to promote yourself, you need to have complete faith in yourself and your accomplishments without an element of doubt.

All our achievements, big and small, are a result of our persistence and performance. However, on achieving something big, we often indulge in questioning ourselves – Did we really deserve it or was it a matter of luck?

Self-doubt will only take you one place – Nowhere. Acknowledging your abilities will take you places and open newer avenues to explore. So, don’t deny yourself a much deserved pat on your back for your accomplishments.

After this accolade, set your eyes on your next goal and motivate the fighter within you to work harder.

Self-motivation is the most effective form of motivating one’s spirit. If at any point of time, you start second guessing your abilities, infuse your mind with positive thoughts by reminding yourself of what you have achieved, and what you are capable of.

 

Every individual has his or her own USP in terms of capabilities. And it is this differentiating factor that sets you apart from the rest, and makes you unique. Branding can be defined as the perception people have about you.  How you present yourself and convey your competence convincingly depends on your assessment of your skills and your self-confidence.

 

Each one of us is aware of our strengths and weaknesses. If you are unaware, take a hard look at yourself, your skills, your jobs, and your achievements and failures – you will get your answer.

After such introspection, start drafting your resume. Every sentence must highlight and speak positively about an achievement that can be substantiated. Similarly during interview, take pride in talking about your achievements without any hesitation. However, communicate smartly and succinctly.

 

Although the introspection has made you aware of your weaknesses as well, please do not communicate them to your prospective employer. In your own personal capacity, look upon your weakness as a challenge, and convert this hurdle into a stepping stone. 

Ensure that you do not communicate anything negative in either your resume or during your interview. This includes bad-mouthing your previous employer. Any negative from your end will eventually reflect badly on you.  Remember – employers are looking for ‘Doers’ and not ‘Cribbers’.

You have to set the tone of your interview. So, be passionate, positive, and professional in your approach, and you are bound to make a lasting impression on your prospective employer.

Finally, just remember that if you don’t communicate your strengths effectively, no one else will do it for you. Get past your fear of being labelled as egotistical. Your accomplishments will vouch for your strengths, and there can be no greater self-promotion than that. So, take pride and talk with pride about your achievements in your resume as well as during your interview.