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INTERVIEW TIPS |
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The initial busy job search days
have now ceased. There's an interview call letter in your hand - the employer
thinks you are suitable for the job. However, this does not give you immunity
from the "exam type" feeling you get. The process tests you to
the core, and hence, the fear may bring negative feelings to the fore. Look
at the bright side - An interview is the best chance to convince the prospective
employer that you are suitable for the job! You can do this with preparation.
So what should preparing for an interview involve? |
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Research |
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Do not go for an interview without proper
company and industry research. Knowledge is power, wield it! |
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Gather information regarding the company,
and industry(ies), it operates in. The data should cover industry trends
and statistics, company's products, financials, and other areas related
to the company's operations. |
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Prepare a Checklist |
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Generally, during interviews,
people tend to lose control over what they are talking. They offer unsolicited
information and talk too much. To ensure that you do not fall into this
trap, make a list of things you do not want to talk about, and stick to
it. There is nothing you can do if some pointed questions are asked about
something you are not comfortable about, just be honest. Otherwise, just
be silent about potentially harmful topics such as your petty habits. Do
not also bore the interviewers, talking about the medical history of your
entire family.
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Keep Your Cool |
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The idea behind an interview
is to check how you act under pressure. Interviewers could deliberately
ask you difficult questions with an aim to throw you off your balance. Therefore,
just maintain your cool! |
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What Should Your Answers
Reflect? |
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Your answers to the questions
posed by the employer should contain some important attributes. These include
honesty, maturity, clarity of thought and purpose, a structured and balanced
way of thought, presence of mind, an open mind, good conceptualization skills,
and good knowledge of the fundamentals. |
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Dress Code |
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The way you dress reflects what
kind of a person you are, therefore, the dress code and grooming are very
important while attending an interview. Look into the mirror and ensure
that you are formally dressed and properly groomed. HR people are very particular
about how you present yourself, and expect that you have trimmed hair, and
wear polished shoes. This does not mean you should be over-dressed; just
strike a balance! |
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Other Key issues |
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Before going for the interview read the
newspaper for the day! The interviewer may want to check your knowledge
of current affairs. |
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What and how you eat is also important!
Have a light meal. Do not skip a meal, it could lead to loss of concentration. |
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Ensure that you have all the required papers
such as CV, call letter etc., with you. Arrange and carry them in a folder. |
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Reach the interview destination 10-15 minutes
before the interview. Do not, however, be there long before time; it could
make you nervous. |
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Do not experiment with your mode of transport,
travel in a manner that is comfortable and reliable. |
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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT
AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK |
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1. |
Tell me about yourself |
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The most often asked question in interviews.
You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that
it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed
otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate
to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back
and work up to the present. |
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2. |
Why did you leave your last job? |
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Stay positive regardless of the circumstances.
Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors,
co-workers, or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking
bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an
opportunity, a chance to do something special, or other forward-looking
reasons. |
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3. |
Why Should We Employ You? |
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For this question, your answer should list
out strengths that you feel are relevant to the job. Given below are some
answers which could help you with your answers. However, structure them
to suit your requirements. |
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I have good co-ordination skills |
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Good analytical skills |
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I can persuade people to see my point of
view, and get the work done |
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My greatest asset is my ability to motivate
people |
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Even during emergencies, I do not loose
my cool |
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I have good entrepreneurial skills |
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I have consistently met my deadlines and
targets |
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Can say “no” to people when
required to do so! |
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I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates,
and would like to see them grow |
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I am a good team player |
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I am very flexible, and have the ability
to work hard under difficult work conditions |
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I have the experience and knowledge relevant
to this job (Here, give appropriate details and examples) |
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4. |
Have You Applied to Any Other Company? |
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This is of course a difficult question
to answer. Obviously, you must have applied to other companies if you are
looking for a job. Therefore, do not lie that you have not. However, you
are on thin ice here! The interviewer could be checking your honesty. On
the other hand, he/she may also be trying to find out how focused you are
- are you applying randomly, or is there a well-planned strategy?
Whatever your answer, it should match your career goals.
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5. |
What Is Your Job Profile In the
Current Job? |
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The interviewer is trying to find out if
your experience can help the company – if you have the relevant skills
or not! While answering this type of a question, give all details about
your job profile, and also mention any special skills that you imparted
to the job. |
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6. |
What Salary Are You Drawing? |
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The question is not difficult to answer
– just be honest and give the figure. In all probability, your next
employer may base your salary on this amount. However, the problem arises
when you feel you are being underpaid in your current organisation. You
may feel tempted to lie, but do not give in, as checks can be easily made
and you may be disqualified. In case you are getting additional perks, incentives
or commissions, do not forget to mention them, as they are important while
negotiating salary. |
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7. |
What Salary Are You Expecting? |
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Try not to get into salary details early
in the interview. If pressed, you could say that it all depends on the job,
and would like to talk about it after a job offer. Say this in a convincing
tone. In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews, give
a direct answer. Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have
in mind. |
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SALARY
EXPECTATIONS |
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1. |
How much do you expect? |
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If you have done your homework, you would
know how much other people in similar jobs are paid. Quote the range upfront. |
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2. |
How much do you think you are worth? |
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Work out how much you should be paid, given
the market value of the job and your skills. If you can bring some extra
skills to the table, do not hesitate to ask for more than the market value. |
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3. |
What kind of a culture are you comfortable
with? |
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It is better to be frank about your preferences.
Your interviewer will get a clear idea about your expectations. |
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4. |
Which is more important to you-salary,
perks or growth opportunities? |
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This one will reveal the real you. So be
sure what you are going to say. Above all, be true to yourself. If you think
this is a negotiation move, then say clearly that you will never sell yourself
short. |
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5. |
What do you know about our company? |
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Do not give your opinions about the company.
Stick to reported facts that you have gathered from newspapers and so on.
Talk about the product portfolio, size, income, and market perceptions of
the company. |
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6. |
Why should we choose you over someone
else? |
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Talk clearly about problems that you have
solved in your current workplace and highlight the quality required. For
instance, say how by putting systems or buffers in place, you were able
to deal with infrastructural problems and reduce inventory pile-up by 40
per cent. |
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7. |
Your qualifications are excellent,
but you may be overqualified for the position we have to offer? |
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Point out that more experience can never
be a drawback. If you are multi-skilled, then highlight the fact that a
company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people. It needs people within
different departments to work together. Also emphasise that the company's
future growth will be an exponential function of your experience. |
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QUESTIONS
YOU SHOULD ASK |
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Interviewers usually round
off by giving you an opportunity to ask questions. Treat it like a welcome
opportunity.
You could ask questions like. |
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a) |
Tell me about your company. |
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b) |
Now that I have outlined my career
goals, do you think you can offer me the opportunities I need? |
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c) |
What kind of training and learning
can I expect in your company? |
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d) |
Describe the work culture and the
management style of your company? |
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e) |
What is the long-term vision of
your company? |
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TIPS
FOR DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF INTERVIEWEES |
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For Freshers, Unemployed
And Those Shifting Career |
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Your current position and
status can impact the way you are interviewed. Here are some tips based
on the segment you belong to: |
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Fresh Out of College |
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The basis on which you will be judged is
your academic background, family background, and interests. |
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If looking for your first job, ensure that
your previous experience, even if it is part-time, is noticed. |
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Mention projects or responsibilities you
may have undertaken. This will indicate your area of aptitude. |
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You should be willing to put in regular
hours, in line with the company's policies. The interviewer needs to know
whether you can be punctual and put in full-time work. |
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In case you have applied for the post of
management trainee, you should display an ability to adapt, and indicate
all-round interests. Moreover, you should have good interpersonal skills. |
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You should be enthusiastic to learn, and
show commitment towards the organization, as the company will be spending
a lot on your training. |
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Unemployed |
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People who have been unemployed
or terminated generally suffer from feelings of anger, depression and
resentment. All these have to be sidelined before entering the interview
room. In case you belong to such a category, you could undertake some
confidence building programs. You should go into the room with a positive
attitude, after all, you have been given an opportunity to prove your
abilities. |
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Try to convince the employer that even
though you have changed your career, there is still a link between them. |
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You also need to tell the employer why
you are looking for a change in your career. |
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In case you are bringing up a family, indicate
that the obligation will not hamper you, and you are thoroughly committed.
You need to convince that you can be depended on, and can work longer hours
if required. |
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The interviewer will be concerned about
how stable you will be in the job, and its up to you to clear such apprehensions.
You could indicate that you have settled down, and will put in a reasonable
amount of time in the company. |
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Make sure you write down
the time, date and location of the interview, as well as the name of the
person you will meet. Ask for concise directions and building numbers
if applicable. |
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Bring with you |
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Copies of your resumes |
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References and letters of recommendations. |
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Portfolio or sample of your work, if appropriate. |
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First Impressions |
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There is a common saying
that minds are made up within the first 5 minutes of an interview. So
keep in mind these important first impression indicators. Walk in the
door as if you already work there, carry yourself as though you feel perfectly
comfortable with the situation. Arrive on time or a little early. In the
waiting area, politely tell the receptionist who you are meeting and in
a friendly way, ask where you should sit. Take slow, deep breaths to help
you remain calm and focused. When introduced to the interviewer, have
a firm, but not painful, handshake. Smile. Have good posture when sitting
or standing. Introduce yourself in a relaxed, confident manner. Have a
well-groomed, professional appearance. Project a feeling of confidence.
Bring extra copies of your resume, some thing to write on and something
to write with. |
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