Personality development is a crucial aspect for anyone who wants to succeed. Now that college is over, so are the days of spontaneous interactions and friendly debates with your classmates and professors. Interactions within the professional domain are vastly different in terms of how you speak, behave and even dress. But fret not, for we have gathered some helpful interview tips for those seeking fresher jobs. It’s time to drop the casual shorts and put on formal trousers – but not always, as you’ll find out below.
Personality Development Tips for Freshers
Here are 6 areas for personality development tips that freshers must work on before interviews:
1. Eye contact
2. Verbal communication
3. Face-to-face round
4. Crossed arms and legs
5. Posture
6. Dress code
1. Making the most of eye contact
Something as simple as eye contact can make or break your interview round. A healthy eye contact when addressing your audience is the key to capturing their interest. When you meet your interviewer, make sure you have a pleasant eye contact to go along with your greeting and maintain it throughout your meeting. Avoiding eye contact or breaking it too often reflects a personality with low self-confidence and may not retain their interest in what you’re saying to them. For all you know, it may end in a lost opportunity. However, don’t be too overbearing with your eye contact or it may make you seem aggressive. Divide your eye contact across everyone you’re addressing and look away occasionally as an attempt to bring your thoughts together while speaking, in order to balance it out. Once you master eye contact, it is easier to work on other aspects of personality development.
2. Communication – How to talk your way in
While it may not seem that important but how you communicate with your prospective employer right from the first touch point makes a huge difference in your ultimate selection. Your written and spoken skills together make up your overall communication capabilities. Right from your job application stage to your final round of interview, your selection is almost entirely driven by these skills of your personality.
What about listening though? When you are listening to someone, don’t stare at them continuously to show your interest. It may become uncomfortable for the speaker, especially if it is a one-on-one interaction. Instead, you can alternate between looking at them, nodding occasionally and agreeing with words such as “yes”, “right”, “true”,” hmmm” and so on.
Related Read: How to win over your interviewer and get the job
3. Facing the face-to-face round
You speak more with your body than you do with your mouth. It reflects your confidence and personality more than when you express through speech. You may not have realised it but when you respond to someone you also respond to their body language.
While eye contact is part of body language, there are more ways your body makes for effective communication. Having a simple smile on your face can go a long way in creating a positive aura around your personality as opposed to keeping a straight face.
4. Crossed arms and legs won’t get you across
Now, let’s talk about one of the most commonly seen but easiest areas to work on your personality development. It’s almost a natural inclination to cross your arms or legs during interactions. You might be even doing it to avoid shaking your leg or fidgeting with your hands (both being outright signs of nervousness and ill mannerism). But crossing arms and legs is actually considered a sure sign of displaying resistance towards the other person. So, the best way to reflect a respectful and confident personality is to keep your hands folded lightly on your lap, occasionally using gestures to make your point, and keep your legs open and straight.
5. Posture – Sit up when you suit up
How would you feel if someone you’re talking to is slumping or slouching on their back? It might seem like a lack of interest in you or what you have to say. It’s a sure way to turn the interviewer off as well. Practicing good posture is not only beneficial for professional discussions such as interviews but also helps improve your back. This is a great way to boost your attention and confidence levels while working on your personality development.
6. Dress to impress, keeping the audience in mind
Even though personality development is about working on your inner self, the wardrobe does come into play. While it is almost expected to adopt a formal look when going for interviews, it also depends on who you‘re interviewing with. Some industries actually promote a more casual way of working and that reflects in their way of dressing too. For example, advertising agencies and some early-stage startups have people walking around in t-shirts and jeans all the time. So, you must keep in mind the type of employer or industry you are facing before you decide what to wear for the interview.
FAQs on Personality Development for Freshers:
1. How can I boost my confidence before a job interview?
To boost confidence, practice common interview questions, stand in front of a mirror, and visualize yourself succeeding. Remember, you’ve got this!
2. Is it crucial to align my attire with the company’s culture?
Yes, dressing professionally and aligning with the company’s culture signals that you respect the workplace norms. It leaves a positive and lasting impression.
3. How do I showcase enthusiasm without sounding scripted?
Genuine enthusiasm comes from understanding the company and aligning its values with your own. Share specific reasons why you’re excited about the opportunity.
4. What’s the significance of active listening in an interview?
Active listening demonstrates your ability to understand and respond thoughtfully. It shows respect and enhances the quality of your responses during the interview.
5. Can I be too confident during an interview?
While confidence is crucial, avoid coming across as arrogant. Be confident yet humble, acknowledging that you’re eager to learn and contribute to the team.
