Interviewing is a stressful process. Everyone has to face it if they want to work or have a job. You cannot just go in an interview and vomit it all out. There are specific psychological tricks using which you can leave an excellent impression and ensure your job. Here are some of them.
Try to Schedule your interview on Tuesday Morning
Don’t be surprised. This trick is backed by data. According to employment research firm Glassdoor, the best time for an interview is when the employer is relaxed. Monday isn’t a great time due to Monday blues and stress. Most people are relaxed on Tuesday. As the week progresses, the stress tends to increase. So if the HR gives you any flexibility, try to pounce on the Tuesday slot, that too in the morning around 10 AM- 10.30 AM. Thank me later.
Don’t appear in Interview at the end of the day
This is pretty understandable. If the manager stumbles upon some excellent candidates before you, his bar is set too high. This could create problems for you. If you have an insight to some data, try to schedule your interview on a day when the candidates appearing for the interview are minimum, or their caliber is down. This would help you stand out. A great study done by the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University concludes that candidates who are interviewed at the end of the day are rated poorly.
Dress Color is Important
Every one of us is aware that dressing is of cardinal importance in an interview. But you might not know that the color of your outfit is the most important factor in dressing. A survey done by CareerBuilder states that different colors can leave different impressions. For example, a blue colored outfit shows that you are a team player. Never wear orange for the love of all that is Holy. Why? Orange shows that you aren’t professional. Red shows power. White color shows that you are organized.
Adjust Your Answers based on the age of the Interviewer
You should adjust your answers according to the age of your interviewer. Don’t believe on “just be yourself”. In his famous book named “Crazy Good Interviewing,” John B. Molidor says that if the interviewer is a millennial, try to focus more on your ability to multi-task and highlight your work with visual examples. They will be impressed. If they are above 30 and below 50 years of age, emphasize your creativity and tell how you give important to work-life balance. If they are above 50, focus on how hard working you are.
Keep Your Palms Open and Visible
During your interview, try to keep your palms open and slightly face them towards the interviewer. Open palms show sincerity and openness. Don’t hold your palms downwards, as it is a sign of dominance. Don’t keep your hands under the table. This conveys that you are hiding something.
Be Smart and Open about Your Weakness
No matter where are you giving your interview, it is almost certain that you will get a question about your weakness. Now don’t shy away from this question or humble-brag. Never say that your weakness is that you work too hard. Try to be honest. It will help you connect with the interviewer. You can say that “I slack sometimes”. Or “I wish I’d go out more”. We all are weak as humans.
Eye Contact
A study from Northeastern University concluded that when you meet a stranger, the biggest factor which shows your confidence is your eye contact. The more it is, the more confident you look.
