The Varangian Guard was an elite band of bodyguards who protected the Byzantine Emperors. Composed mainly of Vikings, who served as mercenaries in the Byzantine military, the guard was noted for its loyalty to the Emperor and its perceived aloofness from the political intrigues of the palace. Lacking confidence in his native Byzantine guards whose loyalty he did not fully trust, the Emperor Basil II raised the Varangian Guard to serve as his bodyguards.

The word Varangian is said to have originated from the word ‘var’ which could mean an oath or a pledge, a reference to the guards as warriors who promise to protect. Besides their function as bodyguards of the emperor, the Varangians were also charged with other duties such as the investigation of treason and conspiracies. As bodyguards, they accompanied the emperor during his public appearances and also performed a ceremonial role. The Guard was initially, composed mostly of Scandinavians. However, after the Norman invasion of Britain, Anglo-Saxons were inducted too.

Apart from their primary role as protectors of the Emperor, the Varangian Guard was also deployed in critical battles where the Varangians were known for their ferocity and ruthlessness. The weapon of choice for the Varangians was a long axe. They also appear to have been skilled as swordsmen and archers. Their loyalty coupled with their martial prowess made them an elite body of troops who were both feared and respected.

Since their chief role was in defending the person of the Emperor, the Varangians were stationed around Constantinople. During the Sacking of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade, they were the only unit in the Byzantine to offer any significant resistance to the pillaging crusaders. The Guard was disbanded shortly the city was captured in 1204. Read More

All of us face interviews at some stage in life. Be it an interview for a college admission or an interview for a job, interviews understandably tend to make us nervous. The tension and pressure to get the job or an admission cause your hormones to go into overdrive. The result – sweaty palms and stuttering responses. Nervousness and anxiety, though normal physiological responses of the body, prevent us from showcasing the best we have in front of the interviewer.

However, adequate preparation for the interview and keeping a few simple instructions in mind can greatly reduce your apprehension and anxiety and make you present your winsome best to the other side.

Prepare in advance
How you prepare for an interview is as important as how you attend it. It is good to prepare for the interview at least a week in advance. Learn about the company and the job profile. Talk to people dealing with the company such as customers and suppliers.

Gather the documents necessary for the interview
Collect the certificates, testimonials and experience certificates that you may feel necessary for the interview. It is advisable to take a set of photocopies with you when you go there.

Plan on how you would respond to common questions
Think about probable questions and how you would answer them. For instance, most interviewers for a job would ask the candidate the reasons for leaving the present job. If your resume has anything that may not be in your favour such as a disability, a wrong brush with the law, etc., decide on how you would convey it to the interviewers. Gaps in your career history, if any, need to be explained.

Find out how to reach the venue in time.
Few things can be more stressful for the interviewee than getting stuck up in traffic or being unable to locate the venue on the day of the interview. Learn about the venue and ask friends on the best way to reach it. Discuss alternate ways as well, in case of a traffic jam or a transport strike.

Decide on what you are going to wear.
It is good to select your dress in advance. You choice of dressing tells a lot about your personality. Dress for the position you have applied for, not for the position you are currently in. Always have another set of clothes ready should you spill your coffee during breakfast at home.

Reach the site in advance
Plan to arrive at the site at least 30 minutes in advance. This will give you time to settle down into your new environment. Use the washroom if you want.

Attending the interview
When you are ushered into the interview room, remember to greet the interviewers before you sit down. Maintain an erect posture, leaning slightly towards the interview panel so as show interest. Answer the questions calmly. Your answers should reflect a depth of knowledge in the job profile, the company and its products. If you do not know an answer, politely say that you do not know. Do not try to guess; this may indicate an unreliable personality.

Make sure your words are clear and audible. If you feel nervous, ask for a glass of water. Interviewers generally anticipate their candidates to be nervous. They can understand.

After the interview is over, thank the interviewers individually. Remember to take back all your documents when you leave.

Follow – Up
Contact the company a week later to find out the outcome of the interview. If you have been selected, discuss the modalities of joining. If the outcome had been unfavourable, thank them for the opportunity. It is good to ask them for feedback so that you can improve your performance next time. Read More