7 things a fresher must do to bag that dream job

Dressing appropriately and saying the right things to the right people in your interview can advance your chances to bag that dream job you are looking for.

Being out of college feels like a permanent holiday, but this holiday cannot last!

Soon, you will be competing for jobs, promotions, name, fame and wealth.

When applying for jobs, you will realise that college style of life is over!

At work, no one dresses, acts, or talks like a teenager. Suddenly you are in the professional world of business but yet feel like a college kid.

So, what skills do you need to attract people to like you, hire you, retain you and promote you?

Sure, you go for a job with your academic knowledge and technical 'hard skills', as proven on your CV. But at interviews, at work and in real life, you need something else.

Nervousness sets in, and there are issues of introductions, dress codes, make up, handshaking, exchanging business cards, attending dining meetings and more.

Suddenly only your personality and communications skills are on display! This has not been taught in college.

Now, you feel a need for 'soft skills'. Self confidence, telephone skills, impressive body language, communication and interpersonal skills all come into play.

People are judging you by the cover, just like you judge them!

Here are some valuable tips to be confident and attract attention for easier and quicker success.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier

Courtesy:YouthIncMag.com

Also Read: Top 10 mistakes you must AVOID in a job interview

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Invest in a full length mirror and privately scrutinise yourself.

Are you standing on your own two feet, straight and tall, without bending a knee?

Practice your best sizes of smiles. Avoid plastic smiles. Only confident people can hold a true smile naturally.

Talk to your mirror. Introduce yourself, what you do, and introduce others without 'eh' or 'er's to think.

Use your right hand to gesture more and don't point with fingers. Look around the room, without moving your feet.

Speak clearly, confidently, stress important words, and use a smile. Is your voice clear and gentle?

Practice listening skills by nodding and small remarks. Allow others to speak. Never interrupt in the middle of a sentence and start with 'excuse me for interrupting, I'm...' Always end with graceful goodbyes for a good day.

At the end of the day, do you look and speak as energetically. Acting and practicing, will lead to a confident and impressive YOU.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Dress fashionably smart but don't bring attention to your body, only to your work.

The higher your rank or occasion, the higher your dressing style should be.

Favourable professional colours are white and all the pastel to medium tones.

Dark tops are suitable only in the evenings.

Most businessjackets are in dark colours teamed with light coloured shirts.

Summer and outdoor events are times for light coloured jackets.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Attractive ties can contrast or match one colour in the shirt or pant.

Belts must match shoe colour.

Many people notice you from down to up!

Socks must match shoes or pants with leather shoes, clean and polished.

White socks only with athletic shoes.

Closed shoes go with western wear and strappy styles require clean, pedicured toes.

A fashionable hair style to frame your face is recommended and no fly away hair with the help of hair spray!

For ladies, a hint of make up, clean lightly polished nails, comfortable heels should do the trick.

Never choose plastic bags or bulging bags while going for an interview. Do not use a plastic pen too.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Introduce yourself with all that confidence!

Give your full name C-L-E-A-R-L-Y.

And no more college responses of Yah! Nah!

Professionally, it's a proper Yes, and Thanks or a smiling No, thank you.

Respect others and gain respect too.

Always, knock before entering, even if the door is open.

Sit upright with your chest slightly forward to show attention.

Avoid crossing your legs and showing the back soles of your shoes.

All smart people shower sincere complimentsand thank people for their ideas or help, loudly and in public.

Only criticise in private, explain gently and have constructive solutions handy. Apologising for errors makes you more respectable, not weaker.

Continue practicing and indulge in self development articles and books.

Like kids, the best way to learn is by copying. Observe successful people and imitate their best points.

By now you've gained insight into professional stature, confidence, image and style.

Surely you'll be climbing the ladders to success soon, both in your personal and professional life. Good luck!