The first question that any employer will ask you, on entering the interview room is about a general introduction about you. Your answer about this question will set the base for you remaining interview. In other words, this interview will be your first impression on the employer. So you must have to be careful while replying to it. As your first impression is how the employer will perceive about you as a candidate and it makes a big difference and bring different outcomes.
Paying attention to the interview manner is of great importance thus pay attention to how you must present yourself during the interview.
What to Say When Arrive at Interview:
While reaching the interview venue, introduce yourself to the receptionist by stating your complete name on the resume and the purpose of your visit. You can use a statement as; “Hi, my name is Jane and I have an interview scheduled with Mr. Smith for the post of content writer.”
What to Say When Meeting the Hiring Manager:
You may be escorted to the room where the interview will be conducted or the hiring manager will come to see you in the reception hall. Here once again you must introduce yourself and the purpose of being at that place. If the interviewer is not taking the lead, offer them a shake hand. For females in Pakistan this might seems unethical as per social limitations, it is all fine to not to shake hand if the interviewer is from opposite gender.
Greet the interviewer that it was pleasure meeting them. Make sure you have a smile on your face and are making an eye contact with the person in front of you. You can use the statement as “Hi, I am Jane. Its nice meeting you.”
In case where you are sure to have a shake hand with the other person, make sure that your hands are dry and does not smell bad.
Short and Concise Introduction:
Once you have settled in the room where the interview will be conducted, you will have the opportunity to introduce yourself in detail. Many hiring managers start the interview with the question; “Tell me about yourself.” While replaying to the question you must pay attention on the basic elements that helps you to excel the job for which you are being interviewed. To answer this questions efficiently you must analyze the job description carefully before heading for the job interview. It will help you analyze the interest of the employer and the skills, experiences and personal qualities that are required by the employers.
Focus on the Qualifications:
You must offer a concise introduction of yourself to the interviewer. Make sure it is able to engage the interviewer’s interest. A quick recap of your past experiences would be sufficient. You can mention a few other tidbits that are not linked with the offered job position. They will help you to present your persona for instance, that you are an avid skier or collect rare found antiques etc. This will help you build a personal tie-up with the interviews.
The Follow-up Questions:
The interviews may follow your introduction with a couple of more questions. Important to keep in mind is that you are supporting whatever assertion you have made during the introduction question. You can take help from dictating specific examples from your past experience. also be ready to ask question during the interview. Make a short list of questions that are related to the position offered. Most of the interviewers ask the candidate if they have any question to ask, before closing the interview session. You can ask the questions you have prepared before the interview.
The Manner Really Matter:
No matter for what job position you have applied for, manner is important. You must act professionally right from the moment you enter the interview venue and till the moment you take your last step out of it. At the same time, you must be polite and humble from the greeting till the thank you note at the end of interview.
Minding your manners, before during and after the interview are of great importance as they will leave a lasting impression on the employers or the hiring manager you have had a meeting with.