Facing an Interview: Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor Interview skills are crucial in the modern professional landscape. They offer candidates an opportunity to present their qualifications and personality effectively, leading to better job prospects. For employers, effective interviews aid in identifying the best-suited candidates for their organizations, contributing to long-term success and growth. Continuously honing these skills can pave the way for a rewarding and successful career journey. Contents aggregated from internet source.

1. I N T E R V I E W
Dr. Allan Thomas
Professor
Kerala Agricultural University
Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor, Kerala
Agricultural University, Facing an Interview
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Facing an
“It is all about selling your strengths and expertise”
Reading material-
# For KAU- CoA Vellayani Students -Dr.AT, KAU

2. Do’s
Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor, Kerala
Agricultural University, Facing an Interview
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Reading material-
# For KAU- CoA Vellayani Students -Dr.AT, KAU

3. Pre-interview
1. Dress appropriately for the industry; err on the side of being
conservative to show you take the interview seriously. Your
personal grooming and cleanliness should be impeccable.
2. Know the exact time and location of your interview; know
how long it takes to get there, park, find a rest room to
freshen up, etc.
3. Arrive early; 20 minutes prior to the interview start time [or
earlier if the event or employer instructs you to do so].
4. Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect.
Their opinions of you might be solicited during hiring
decisions. Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor, Kerala
Agricultural University, Facing an Interview
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# For KAU- CoA Vellayani Students -Dr.AT, KAU

4. Leading to interview hall
5. Walk into the hall with confidence and a pleasant
smile.
6. Offer a firm handshake and immediately make eye
contact,
7. Have a friendly expression when you are greeted by
your interviewer.
8. Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and slouching.
Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor, Kerala
Agricultural University, Facing an Interview
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# For KAU- CoA Vellayani Students -Dr.AT, KAU

5. During Interview
9. Listen to be sure you understand your
interviewer's name and the correct
pronunciation.
10.Even when your interviewer gives you a first and
last name, address your interviewer by title
(Ms., Mr., Dr., Sir.,) and last name, until invited
to do otherwise.
11.Maintain good eye contact during the interview.
Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor, Kerala
Agricultural University, Facing an Interview
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# For KAU- CoA Vellayani Students -Dr.AT, KAU

6. 12. Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself with
specific examples whenever possible.
13. Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question.
14. Be thorough in your responses, while being concise in your wording.
15. Be honest and be yourself — your best professional self. Dishonesty
gets discovered and is grounds for withdrawing job offers and for firing.
16. Treat the interview seriously and as though you are truly interested in
the employer and the opportunity presented.
17. Exhibit a positive attitude. The interviewer is evaluating you as a
potential co-worker. Behave like someone you would want to work with.
Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor, Kerala
Agricultural University, Facing an Interview
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# For KAU- CoA Vellayani Students -Dr.AT, KAU

7. 18. Have intelligent questions prepared to ask the interviewer.
Having done your research about the employer in
advance, ask questions which you did not find answered in
your research.
19. Evaluate the organisation/interviewer and the
organization s/he represents. An interview is a two-way
street. Think critically about the way you are treated and
the values and priorities of the organization.
20. Do expect to be treated appropriately. If you believe you
were treated inappropriately or asked questions that were
inappropriate or made you uncomfortable, discuss this
with a Career and Professional Development advisor or the
director.
Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor, Kerala
Agricultural University, Facing an Interview
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# For KAU- CoA Vellayani Students -Dr.AT, KAU

8. 21. Make sure you understand the employer's next step in
the hiring process; know when and from whom you
should expect to hear next. Know what action you are
expected to take next, if any.
22. When the interviewer concludes the interview, offer a
firm handshake and make eye contact. Depart
gracefully.
23. Communicating your experience and successes clearly
will highlight any of your strengths that are relevant to
the role. [Sell your strengths and expertise]
Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor, Kerala
Agricultural University, Facing an Interview
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# For KAU- CoA Vellayani Students -Dr.AT, KAU

9. Post-Interview
21.After the interview, make notes right away
so you don't forget critical details.
22.Write a thank-you letter to your interviewer
promptly.
Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor, Kerala
Agricultural University, Facing an Interview
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# For KAU- CoA Vellayani Students -Dr.AT, KAU

10. Dont’s
Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor, Kerala
Agricultural University, Facing an Interview
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Reading material-
# For KAU- CoA Vellayani Students only-Dr.AT, KAU

11. 1. Don’t speak poorly about your present or former employers
2. Don’t falsify information
3. Don’t speak over the interviewer
4. Don’t assume it isn’t an interview
5. Don’t let any past rejections infringe on future ones
6. Don't make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and
your actions.
Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor, Kerala
Agricultural University, Facing an Interview
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# For KAU- CoA Vellayani Students -Dr.AT, KAU

12. 7. Don't ask about salary and benefits issues until
the subject is brought up by the employer
8. Don't assume that a female interviewer is "Mrs."
or "Miss."
9. Don't allow your cell phone to sound during the
interview.
Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor, Kerala
Agricultural University, Facing an Interview
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Reading material-
# For KAU- CoA Vellayani Students -Dr.AT, KAU

13. 10.Don't take your parents, your pet (an
assistance animal is not a pet in this
circumstance), spouse, fiancé, friends, or
anyone to an interview. If you are not grown
up and independent enough to attend an
interview alone, you're insufficiently grown
up and independent for a job.
Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor, Kerala
Agricultural University, Facing an Interview
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# For KAU- CoA Vellayani Students -Dr.AT, KAU

14. Thank you
Dr. Allan Thomas
Professor, Kerala Agricultural University
t.allan@kau.in / tallan1972@gmail.com
9447051292
Dr. Allan Thomas, Professor, Kerala
Agricultural University, Facing an Interview
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Reading material-
# For KAU- CoA Vellayani Students -Dr.AT, KAU
Reading material-