This blog post shall talk about a few magic mantras which 1) normally people do not know about Interviews and 2) which if prepared well about; can help you crack every interview that you sit for. 90% of the times the first question will be “Introduce Yourself” or “Tell me something about you”? There is a reason for this.

Whatever might happen; the candidate will end up saying something in the answer to this question. When he says that ‘whatever something’ he will feel 1) comfortably arrived & 2) belonging to that situation and 3) a sense of adequacy shall have happened. This means that you will become comfortable after speaking those first few lines. This is what the interviewer wants. He wants to meet the comfortable you. Your best would not show up; unless you are comfortable. He wishes to meet the best in you. The reason, why 90% of the times this becomes the first question.

This question is your best (could be the last) chance to sell yourself. It is like your free hit in a cricket match- you will not get out; however — you get a chance to score any many runs of your volition.

How do you best prepare for INTERVIEW?

Three Things:-

· Understand that an ‘Interview’ is a sales process. You are your salesman. Ask yourself — ‘How do you sell anything?’ You sell something — by talking about its positives.

· You should remain committed to the things that you choose to happily do / pursue? Because, if you have not remained committed here — how will you remain committed to something that may not be of your liking e.g. the work areas in your job that you are applying to or the subjects in the B-School ; which you may not like.

· You need to look sharp; not cute.

Creative ideas

Enablers are activities and actions that assist with, rather than directly provoke, idea generation. They create a positive atmosphere. Some of the enablers that can help you get your creative juices flowing are:

Belief in yourself:

Believe that you are creative, believe that ideas will come to you; positive reinforcement helps you perform better.

Creative loafing time:

Nap, go for a walk, listen to music, play with your child, and take a break from formal idea-generating. Your mind needs the rest, and will often come up with connections precisely when it isn't trying to make them.

Change of environment:

Sometimes changing the setting changes your thought process. Go to a nearby coffee shop instead of the conference room in your office, or hold your discussion while walking together round a local park.

Shutting out distractions:

Keep your thinking space both literally and mentally clutter-free. Shut off the Blackberry, close the door, divert your phone calls and then think.

Fun and humor:

These are essential ingredients, especially in team settings.