In live interviews, both parties see each other. This is the key difference from the telephone interview. Visual senses account for 55% of our communication, hearing 20% and all others put together 25%. Therefore what the interviewer sees is most important. Here are some tips to handle such interviews successfully.
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Dress Code: The way you dress makes a difference. It is safe to wear smart casuals.
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In-sight: Your interview starts the moment you are seen by the interviewer. Handle yourself confidently from the start.
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Handshakes: Let the interviewer extend his/her hand first. Offer a brief firm handshake. Ensure your palms are not wet or sweaty.
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Interviewer's Style: Observe the interviewer's style (business like, open, friendly, bureaucratic, aggressive, etc.) and adjust accordingly.
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Interviewer's Mood: Observe the interviewer's mood (enthusiastic, happy, tired, rushed for time, serious, etc.) and adjust accordingly.
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Body Language: Your body language and gestures will send messages (slouching, folding and waving arms, shrugging, crossing and uncrossing legs frequently, etc.) to the interviewer. Avoid negative posture and gestures.
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Problem Hands: Do not make too many gestures (fidgeting, scratching, pointing or cover your face with your hands, etc.) while speaking. This could distract, confuse or irritate the interviewer. Clasp your hands together, this will help constrain any nervous reactions that may surface during the interview.
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Eye Contact: Ensure you make eye contact while answering questions. This will indicate your confidence, help you convince and give you feedback how the answer is being received. Do not ignore a panel member even if he/she does not ask a question.
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Be Yourself: Be natural, do not put on an act as this may create a negative impact or confuse the interviewer.
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Getting Through: While answering questions observe and gauge the interviewer's acceptance level of your answer. Elaborate, cut-short or change your answer accordingly.
