Panels form an impression in the first minutes and then look for reasons to confirm it. You cannot control your accent or your nerves completely, but you can control the things below, and they are what the panel notices.
- 1Greet everyone as you enter: “Assalamu alaykum, good morning” works in every office in the country. Follow the panel's lead on handshakes; some people do not shake hands with the opposite sex, and a smile and a nod are equally respectful.
- 2Wait to be shown a seat. Sit upright, both feet on the floor, hands on the table or your lap. Put your folder on the table, your phone away.
- 3Look at the person who asks each question, then share your eye contact with the others while you answer. The quiet person in the corner is often the one who decides.
- 4Answer in the language of the question. English question, English answer; Somali question, Somali answer. If a word escapes you, say it in the other language and continue; do not stop.
- 5If you did not understand, say “Could you repeat the question, please?” once. It costs nothing. Answering the wrong question costs the whole score.