How to make a good impression in an Interview

Acing the interview

A job interview gives you the opportunity to not only showcase your capabilities and credentials for the position applied for but also makes a compelling impression to stand out from the competing candidates.

But you need to take care of a lot of factors such as preparation, physical appearance and body language to create a favourable impression.

Get the basics right

Keep the fundamentals in mind while going for a job interview. Dressing sharply and being punctual is of prime importance. Ideally, reach the interview venue at least 15 minutes before time. Don't show yourself as being nervous; be calm when you head in for the meeting

Focus on the handshake

The handshake is absolutely essential in cementing a positive first impression. Shake hands firmly with your interviewer(s). Your grip should not be limp, neither should it be bone-crushing. The ideal handshake should last at least two or three seconds and be accompanied by eye contact with the interviewer.

Pay attention to body language

Hiring managers form impressions about candidates by observing their body languages, such as facial expressions and their style of sitting.

Maintain a positive, open position. Posture is important; candidates can sit at an angle from the interviewer rather than straight across, which will feel friendlier rather than confrontational.

Don't jump into negotiations

Do be sure to inquire about the job -its challenges, projects you will work on and the expectations from you in the role. Don't jump to ask salary or designation. This will create a negative impression. Demonstrate your fitment and interest in the role confidently, respectfully and enthusiastically.

Don't be disrespectful

An interview should not be the place to say anything that could be remotely construed as disrespectful. Cracking informal jokes, badmouthing previous organisations or bosses, or even trying to appear 'too cool' for the interview can leave a very negative impression, so behave and speak carefully.

LinkedIn HR exec shares the No. 1 Mistake people make Interview

Job seekers know that making a good first impression in an interview is important. But leaving a positive, lasting impression is just as significant, if not more so.

The best way to make sure an interviewer remembers you well past the conversation is to always ask questions at the end — something many job applicants don't do, says Brendan Browne, the global head of talent for LinkedIn.

"If people don't have questions, that's a concern," Browne tells. In fact, he says that it's the No.1 mistake he sees people making during the hiring process.

"It's sort of impossible to not have questions," says the HR exec. "You won't get everything in a 45-minute interview that you need."

Asking questions shows that you have been paying attention during the interview and that you are eager to learn more about the company, says the head of global talent.

Browne explains that when a prospective candidate doesn't ask questions, it raises red flags.

"Is this emblematic of not being inquisitive or collaborative?" he says. "Questions are one of the most important things."

Browne gives pointers on questions you can ask: "Ask about [the interviewer's] experiences. What challenges do they face? What's next for the company and what's up ahead?"

This final segment of your interview can either make you a front-runner for the job or significantly hurt your chances. In a nutshell, it's your last chance to truly show that you were engaged and demonstrate that you are already thinking about the company's future and how you fit into the business.

However, one question you shouldn't bring up right away is salary, says Browne, who warns that you should not discuss money early on in the conversation.

"There are a time and a place to bring it up," says Browne.

As the head of global talent at LinkedIn, Browne says that alignment with the company is the most important thing that he looks for. Constantly asking about pay, he says, slows down the interview process and is a turnoff for the hiring manager.

The HR exec notes that salary is an important discussion to have, although it's really all about when you choose to bring it up. The first interview is probably not your best bet, he says.

In fact, Browne says that when compensation is brought up too early and too frequently during the hiring process, he usually responds by saying, "If that's the most important thing, this may not be the right place for you."

"We pay well," he adds."But what keeps people here is helping us execute on very important decisions. Don't bring [money] up early."

How to get Job Interview Calls in U.A.E

Here few simple steps to get calls from companies in U.A.E If you’re a fresh graduate on UAE visit, searching job in U.A.E, living in Dubai or an experienced professional wanting to find employment and relocate to another company for better position or salary, keep in mind certain points to get response for your CV from companies in UAE. Dubai is a vibrant city with many employment opportunities, however the recruitment process is different to that of western countries and understanding it will make your job search a lot simpler. The most important thing to remember when looking for job opportunities in Dubai is that you are presenting yourself to the employer; therefore you have to make yourself a valuable asset that will be an important addition to their company.

There few main approaches to finding a job in Dubai and all depend on the kind of job that you are qualified and experienced to do. Sometimes you may have sent out dozens of CVs to various companies in the country but still haven't got even a single interview call and this will decrease your self-confidence

First and foremost point is demand and supply in the market. In certain cases there are more candidates looking for that particular work, than the number of jobs, the most relevant candidates will be selected for interviews and so it is very survival of the fittest. Companies can afford to be choosy and wait to find better candidate meeting all of their required competencies, rather than settling with someone with a combination of fewer required skills.

In this competitive market of demand and supply, leading headhunters in the country believe, there are other problems that could keep you away from the interview call, which can be addressed even in a tough market.

Applying for jobs that you are not fit for

If you are applying for jobs that do not match your qualifications or experience, you need to explicitly demonstrate to employers that you a great match despite the odds. Do not leave them to figure it out on their own. It is always better to apply to jobs that suits your profile. Submitting the application for multiple roles in which you are not qualified will result up questioning your abilities and your interview land up in trouble. If employer looking for Arabic speaking candidate, they are likely to interview applicants that meet the criteria.

Prepare CV application with a strong covering letter

Your CV should not stand alone, almost every application gives you the option to send a covering letter but most candidates not bothered. It’s a mistake because it allows you to show your interest and the effort you are willing to make – many employers ditch the CVs without a covering letter, sending out vague or one generic application for different jobs not good. Take some time and focus on the requirements of the job and the company you wish to apply to and then explain how and why you are suited for it. A strong covering letter is very important to explain your accomplishments and your suitability for the job. Ensure don’t make mistake of making your cover letter bland and uninspiring.

Prepare a strong CV

Some candidates fail to prepare a strong CV. A poor CV will fail to present you as a professional that the employer may be looking for. Most candidate’s resumes simply list their job duties at each job they've held without a mention of their accomplishments. One common mistake committed by candidates, without checking grammar and spelling mistakes.

Poor networking can push your down

To maximize chances, candidates should tap into their networks, speaking to friends and family about potential opportunities and referrals, and staying active on social networking sites such as LinkedIn. Most jobs are filled by word-of-mouth, so speaking with a specialist recruiter about upcoming opportunities may also help candidates successfully land a new opportunity. Many candidates make the mistake of networking just to market themselves for an immediate opportunity or to be referred to a company hiring at the present time. Effective networking is a long term give-and-take process that puts you on the inside track in the area that interests you and establishes you in the running for any attractive position that comes up in the future.

Careless follow-up

Sending out applications is just the first step. This should be coupled with regular follow-up to ensure that you have not missed at any stage of the selection/screening process. This ensures you make it to the interview stage. Sending a mass mailing of CVs and waiting for the companies to contact you is not an optimal job search strategy. The key is in the follow-up. Plan your follow-up strategy and execute it well. Follow up by phone to make sure the relevant manager has received your CV, follow up again to ask for a meeting and follow up with notes regularly until you have received some form of a response and  treat a job search seriously to ensure optimal results.