Facing Interviews
Interviews are a source of dread for many people! With careful preparation and planning, you can turn the situation to your advantage and actually start to enjoy and exploit interview situations. Let us look at a number of different areas that will help you when you attend your interview.
An interview is a formal meeting wherein a group of persons meet a person for evaluating him or her. The appraisal could be for appointment to a new job or for an assignment or for promotion. Though the purposes vary, the procedure is more or less similar -- The group asks questions and the person answers them. The purpose of an interview is to find out the candidate’s views, subject knowledge, ideas and attitudes and above all communicative skills.
Why Interviews?
For the purpose of jobs, candidates are called for interview in a ratio to the vacancies available, which is usually 1:3 or 4. Therefore, the interviewee should be well prepared for the interview lest he should be one of the those found unsuitable. It is an extension of written test (if there is one) and the main purpose to assess the applicant’s suitability - general behaviour, personality, and ability to communicate effectively, his/her sensitivity to the society and contemporary social issues and genial attitude. Some candidates stammer, some have bad or wrong manners, some have very unintelligible pronunciation, some take undue pauses while speaking and above all, some are not able to express themselves and fail to convey what they mean or want to say. All such shortcomings can be detected during the interviews. The way a candidate moves, walks, dresses, goes a long way to help to have an idea about the "the woman/ man in him/her". In other words, the viva voce examination helps the screening authorities to select a proper candidate for a particular job. A candidate may be a first class holder all through his academic career, but may not be able to do well at the interview. Hence is not selected. On the other hand, an average candidate can do very well at the interview and get selected. Therefore, interviews play a pivotal role in the selection process. Therefore, anyone seeking a job should realise that interview is very crucial and a useful medium for the total selection process. It is therefore, essential for the candidates to prepare well for the interviews.
Firstly, we'll take a reflective look of what the interviewer is looking for. We will also look into more details at things you should and should not be doing during the course of your interview. Things you should and should not say.
We will also look in more detail at body language and its effect at an interview and how you can use it to your advantage.
The key characteristics that the interview board members look for are -- Problem Solving Ability, Communications Skills, Motivation and Self Analysis.
Personal Interviews
Good Preparation is half done
Unless you are confident you will not be able to take the interview confidently. For the confidence to grow, you need preparation.
Find out about the company
Normally the company’s website gives most of the information. If you are being interviewed for a senior position, you should try to get more information even about the company’s performance and market analysis. Keep these facts ready with you while you take the interview. If you are going to attend interviews in marketing or financial companies you may focus on the following areas:
- Products and services
- Customers
- Competitors
- Past performance record
- Recent news about expansion, mergers, performance and share price movements
- Outline of the company, current projects.
- Annual reports
Magazines such as The Economic Times, The Business Week, Business Today, The Financial Times, Dalal Street Journal could be consulted. These will help you to answer questions like:
What do you know about our company?
Why do you want to work for us?
Keep a copy of your portfolio ready
Keeping a portfolio of yours is a good technique. It contains evidence to back up your claim. A well-maintained portfolio gives a good impression of yourself for the systematic work done by you. Some people go through such things and even ask questions on certain items in the portfolio. Neat lightweight folders with transparent folios are available in plenty.
You could put your
- Updated cv at the beginning.
- Copies of your degrees and diplomas and certifications.
- Copies of your passport, PAN card, driving license.
- Your previous employers in a chronological order (latest first)
- The projects you have done, your achievements (Keep CDs/DVDs if you wish)
- Seminars attended, honours bestowed on you, testimonials for your good work etc.
- Your personal vision statement and career and professional growth which you have achieved.
Overcoming Nervousness
It is quite natural to be nervous and tense before the interview. In fact, experts say that if you are slightly tense, it sharpens your performances and enhances your reflexes. Too much of tension spoils even advance preparation.
You should remember that you will be interviewed in the area you are specialized in. Normally, there will be nothing very new to you. All that required is to make a good presentation of what is known to you and impress the interviewers of your capability and knowledge in the area.
Take deep breathes just before interview. Close your eyes and imagine a pleasant scene. Do not try to mumble prayers. That will cause more tension. Instead, close your eyes, think of your favourite God.
Please remember that you always have another chance if you can’t succeed in one. Only the fallen can rise!
Your Body Language
Body language gives out one’s sub-conscience. It gives vital signals to the other person(s), even if you do not utter a single word. The board can form an opinion from how you enter the interview room, how you greet them, how you dress yourself, how you sit (posture), how confident your eyes are, how disinterested you are, how honest you are etc etc. Unless you feel what you say, your body language gives you out.
The interviewers can make a judgement on you, based on these visual signals. It is true that most of the times; you will be assessed in the first two minutes of your meeting. It’s called the ‘halo’ effect.
Dressing for the Interview
Wearing decent clothes means showing respect for the board. Casual dressing reflects casual attitude towards the interview. Dress well. Personal grooming and hygiene are important. You should be immaculate. Your mannerisms will supplement your physical grooming. Do not smoke before the interview. In spite of mints, you still would reek of tobacco. Some people smoke to ward off tension. Please avoid this. No chewing gum please during the interviews. Do not use any caps. They are very casual.
Attire for Men
For executive positions, a full-sleeve shirt with a tie is enough. Needless to say that the shirt to be tucked and the sleeves should not be rolled up. A dark pant and a light coloured shirt or a checked (small checks) shirt serves the purpose. A silk tie that is stripped or one with small dots would be fine. No patterned or designed ties should be used as they look gaudy. Polished, laced, black shoes will be ideal, though brown shoes can pass off. Well-ironed and clean shirt, neatly knotted tie, shining shoes and well kempt hair will be the ideal attire. Jeans and T shirts are not accepted as formal dress. Do not try to use gels and give spiked style to your hair. Whatever is the season, wear a vest. A clean white vest will brighten the colour of your shirt besides absorbing the sweat. No strong smelling deodorants or sprays should be used. Please note that expensive clothes are not a prerequisite nor is modest attire. Wear something that is not fanciful. Collarless shirts, half sleeve shirts, unbuttoned shirts¬ especially the top two buttons, faded shirts, bathroom slippers, chappals, unpolished shoes, unshaven face, uncombed hair, greasy hair - all are contributors for negative impression at the time of interview. Don’t show off with rings and bracelets.
Attire for Women
Women usually dress in a sari or salwar kameez. The guiding principle is to wear clothes that are not dazzling as are used for an evening party. Neat silks with a good blouse with conservative neckline will be ideal. Younger candidates may however prefer salwar kameezs. Whatever is worn it should look elegant but not showy. People should focus on your performance rather than your attire. Light make-up with pleasant lipstick is quite acceptable. On no account jeans should be worn for interviews. No heavy jewellery and clinking bangles, especially for software people. They keep making noise as they key in. One ring and one thin and plain chain is just the expected jewellery. Make a distinction between attending a wedding party and an interview.
Reach well before the time!
Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the interview, especially if you have a long journey. It is worth remembering that your late arrival could upset the carefully planned timetable. If you arrive late, you may well be mentally and physically restless and this will not help you to give your best efforts during the interview itself.
Preparation
Preparation is the key to interview success. Getting an interview call is not easy and once you have secured one, it is important to make the most of it. Prior to attending an interview it is important to have a clear understanding of what the job is, how and why you would be suitable for the job, what the company does, who its competitors are etc.
Many graduates frequently forget under pressure that an interview is a two way process. An interview is a chance for the employer to find out more about you and your suitability for the role and for you to find out more about them, the suitability of the role for you. In order to take adv-antage of this opportunity it is advisable to have a set of questions that you would like to ask. Questions could be about the company culture and how they might think that you would fit in, what would be expected of you in the first 6 -12 mon-ths, possible career paths available etc.
Preparing for Common Interview Questions
While you'll never be able to anticipate every question you might be asked in an interview, you can get a head start by developing strong, concise answers to commonly asked questions. Most interviewers ask similar questions like these to gain knowledge about a candidate's abilities and qualifications and compatibility with the job and the company. Let us look at few typical questions which needs good preparation.
Tell me about yourself.
This is often the opening question in an interview. It's also one of the most difficult if you're not prepared. Remember, the interviewer does not want to hear about the football team you support or your unusual hobbies. This question calls for your one-minute advert that summarises your profile, experience, skills and your personality in the context of the job for which you are being interviewed. Get to the point and sell your professional self. Develop a few brief sentences that demonstrate you have what it takes to do the job. Sumarising briefly about one's project/ internship / job experience with examples of proven results and desire to contribute is recommended.
Why should we recruit you?
The key to answering any question about you versus your competition is using specifics. Everybody is going to speak in generalities, so you need something that will make you stand out a bit. Give real examples that show them you are best-suited for the job. Point out to your achievements and accomplishments that are relevant to the open position, as well as experience in dealing with different types of situations. Pinpoint the qualities you have that are truly valuable to the company.
Why do you want to work here? What do you know about our company?
Use this opportunity to show off what you know about the company and, more importantly, how you would fit in. Address issues and challenges in the company to demonstrate the depth of your knowledge. Talk about revenue, numbers of employees, and also challenges in their type of business.
What are your weaknesses?
The secret to answering this question is using your weaknesses to your advantage. Turn your weaknesses into strengths. For example your weaknesses include lack of patience then state that because of this, you have learnt to take special measures to ensure that you remain calm and attentive. Just make sure that you do give a real answer to this question. None of us is without faults, so don't pretend that you do not have weaknesses.
What did you dislike about your last job? Why did you leave your last job?
Candidates with experience need to be cautious about these kinds of questions and make sure you do not end up sounding bitter. Never criticise your former company, the boss, or former colleagues. You need to have a good understanding about the job for which you're applying to turn this question into a positive one. It may be best to say that you really enjoyed many aspects of your job, then focus on how this new job will give you the opportunity to contribute more in a particular area that is key to the position.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
An interviewer does not want to hear that your five-year aspiration is to climb Mt. Everest in the Himalayas or working in a different industry. You need to talk about goals you have that relate to the job. This will demonstrate that you understand the industry, the company and are motivated to succeed there. Keep the answer specific to your field.
Preparation is the key to answering any question with poise and confidence. Always keep in mind - whatever the question is - the interviewer is trying to find out if you are a good fit and can make a positive contribution in the job.
Things to remember at the Location of Interview
A job interview can provoke anxiety. Here are some practical things you can do to make your interviews run smoothly. Going to a job interview can be stressful. Be prepared by practicing responses to sample questions. Have patience when you are waiting for your turn near the interview venue. Sit in the waiting place in a relaxed mode. It is preferable that you are quiet and calm. Mentally rehearse how you would answer the question " tell us about yourself". Be prepared to pick 1-2 subjects of your interest in your domain when asked by the Interviewers. Do not allow other friends or candidates who are along with you to continuously engage you with some useless talk. Unnecessarily, other candidates attending the interview may pass on their tension to you. Also, the candidates who have come out of the interview room may volunteer to give away loads of information about how their interview went off. They may also disclose what questions were asked and how they answered. Listen to them only to get a brief overview of the kind of interview you may face. But, do not indulge in continuous talk with them as it would make you more anxious.
While attending an interview, one should remember a few important etiquette points. When you are called into the interview room, before entering the interview room, tell yourself that you are going to meet new elderly friends and whatever they ask, you are ready to take the questions confidently with a smile on your face. Ask for permission before entering the room and take the seat very elegantly without making much noise. 80% chances are that the first question that you will be asked is "Tell me about yourself". And you must feel fortunate on getting that question, as it will give you the best opportunity to present yourself to the interviewers.
Use a forceful voice and talk with good clarity. There is no need to answer all the questions. If you surely do not know the answer to the question, politely tell the interviewer that you really do not know the answer so that they can move on to another question. Always answer to the point. Do not beat around the bush. For 'yes' or 'no' type questions, justify why you say 'yes' or 'no'. Do not try and pretend that you know the answers for all questions. There will be some questions for which even the interviewer also does not know the answers. Do not try to justify your wrong answers and never argue with the interviewers. Use good body postures and always make eye contact with the members of the interview board. Pan your eyes at all of the interviewers from time to time while interacting with them during the interview. Plus, if they make a joke and you don't "get it" just laugh anyway, if you don't they'll think either you are stupid or that you think they are.
Modern Interview Skills
Before applying/choosing any job, job analysis is a basic exercise which can help us to find a suitable job. Following are some of the aspects that are to be looked into:
The job interview is a common and effective system practiced by organizations to identify qualified and efficient candidates.
The first impression you make in the interview is the key to whether you will get job offer.
Some of these points will help you.
Interview etiquette:
Arriving too early for your interview will make the interviewer will be under pressure to see you at that moment, when they are not ready. Arriving so early also projects you as too eager, even desperate.
Pushing the Interviewer:
If the interviewer says they will be making a decision and let you know in the next few weeks, you should say "I'll check back." If you have another offer, tell them but don't try to push them into making a decision.
Follow-up without fail:
The interview is concluded by interviewer saying that they'll get back to you in a few weeks, but you haven't heard from them. Call them. Let them know that you are still interested in the job and that this is something that you want to take up.
Communication etiquette:
Talking too much or too little does not impress the interviewers; the interviewer will not like this at all. Let them put all their questions. Follow, rather than lead the interviewer. This will help the interview to go on smoothly.
Answering:
Answer appropriately for questions asked, listen well before answering. You should not do more than half the talking; you may come across with person with no listening skills. If asked a question for which you may not be able to answer, politely and frankly say "I don't know, but it will not be a problem, I will pick it up", rather than beating round the bush and answering incorrectly. Talk slowly, distinctly and to the point (especially if it is a telephonic interview). Give information only when asked and it should be precise and convincing.
Grooming & Hygiene:
Always be formal in grooming and maintain hygiene. Organization atmosphere may be informal, but job aspirants are still expected to dress and behave formally. That will show respect to the interviewer(s).
Researching the organization:
It is very difficult to know every aspect of a company that you are attending for interview, but if you are attending interview with a mobile company, you should at least know that their primary business is telecommunications. Try to do some basic research on the company. It will show your interest in the firm and your keenness in joining it.
Asking package and benefits:
Interviewer will provide you with an opportunity to ask questions. When you are asked if you have any questions at an interview, do not ask about salary and benefits until you smell that there has been a tentative decision that you are selected for the job.
Sending a covering letter with work samples:
If you are asked to send some samples of your work, make sure that you include a covering letter. This will remind the interviewer who you are and for what position you have applied. This is a key to building a relationship with a prospective employer.
Hope this will help to prepare for interview and present you with confidence.
Preparation
Preparation is the key to interview success. Getting an interview call is not easy and once you have secured one, it is important to make the most of it. Prior to attending an interview it is important to have a clear understanding of what the job is, how and why you would be suitable for the job, what the company does, who its competitors are etc.
Many graduates frequently forget under pressure that an interview is a two way process. An interview is a chance for the employer to find out more about you and your suitability for the role and for you to find out more about them, the suitability of the role for you. In order to take adv-antage of this opportunity it is advisable to have a set of questions that you would like to ask. Questions could be about the company culture and how they might think that you would fit in, what would be expected of you in the first 6 -12 mon-ths, possible career paths available etc.
Preparing for Common Interview Questions
While you'll never be able to anticipate every question you might be asked in an interview, you can get a head start by developing strong, concise answers to commonly asked questions. Most interviewers ask similar questions like these to gain knowledge about a candidate's abilities and qualifications and compatibility with the job and the company. Let us look at few typical questions which needs good preparation.
Tell me about yourself.
This is often the opening question in an interview. It's also one of the most difficult if you're not prepared. Remember, the interviewer does not want to hear about the football team you support or your unusual hobbies. This question calls for your one-minute advert that summarises your profile, experience, skills and your personality in the context of the job for which you are being interviewed. Get to the point and sell your professional self. Develop a few brief sentences that demonstrate you have what it takes to do the job. Sumarising briefly about one's project/ internship / job experience with examples of proven results and desire to contribute is recommended.
Why should we recruit you?
The key to answering any question about you versus your competition is using specifics. Everybody is going to speak in generalities, so you need something that will make you stand out a bit. Give real examples that show them you are best-suited for the job. Point out to your achievements and accomplishments that are relevant to the open position, as well as experience in dealing with different types of situations. Pinpoint the qualities you have that are truly valuable to the company.
Why do you want to work here? What do you know about our company?
Use this opportunity to show off what you know about the company and, more importantly, how you would fit in. Address issues and challenges in the company to demonstrate the depth of your knowledge. Talk about revenue, numbers of employees, and also challenges in their type of business.
What are your weaknesses?
The secret to answering this question is using your weaknesses to your advantage. Turn your weaknesses into strengths. For example your weaknesses include lack of patience then state that because of this, you have learnt to take special measures to ensure that you remain calm and attentive. Just make sure that you do give a real answer to this question. None of us is without faults, so don't pretend that you do not have weaknesses.
What did you dislike about your last job? Why did you leave your last job?
Candidates with experience need to be cautious about these kinds of questions and make sure you do not end up sounding bitter. Never criticise your former company, the boss, or former colleagues. You need to have a good understanding about the job for which you're applying to turn this question into a positive one. It may be best to say that you really enjoyed many aspects of your job, then focus on how this new job will give you the opportunity to contribute more in a particular area that is key to the position.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
An interviewer does not want to hear that your five-year aspiration is to climb Mt. Everest in the Himalayas or working in a different industry. You need to talk about goals you have that relate to the job. This will demonstrate that you understand the industry, the company and are motivated to succeed there. Keep the answer specific to your field.
Preparation is the key to answering any question with poise and confidence. Always keep in mind - whatever the question is - the interviewer is trying to find out if you are a good fit and can make a positive contribution in the job.
Things to remember at the Location of Interview
A job interview can provoke anxiety. Here are some practical things you can do to make your interviews run smoothly. Going to a job interview can be stressful. Be prepared by practicing responses to sample questions. Have patience when you are waiting for your turn near the interview venue. Sit in the waiting place in a relaxed mode. It is preferable that you are quiet and calm. Mentally rehearse how you would answer the question " tell us about yourself". Be prepared to pick 1-2 subjects of your interest in your domain when asked by the Interviewers. Do not allow other friends or candidates who are along with you to continuously engage you with some useless talk. Unnecessarily, other candidates attending the interview may pass on their tension to you. Also, the candidates who have come out of the interview room may volunteer to give away loads of information about how their interview went off. They may also disclose what questions were asked and how they answered. Listen to them only to get a brief overview of the kind of interview you may face. But, do not indulge in continuous talk with them as it would make you more anxious.
While attending an interview, one should remember a few important etiquette points. When you are called into the interview room, before entering the interview room, tell yourself that you are going to meet new elderly friends and whatever they ask, you are ready to take the questions confidently with a smile on your face. Ask for permission before entering the room and take the seat very elegantly without making much noise. 80% chances are that the first question that you will be asked is "Tell me about yourself". And you must feel fortunate on getting that question, as it will give you the best opportunity to present yourself to the interviewers.
Use a forceful voice and talk with good clarity. There is no need to answer all the questions. If you surely do not know the answer to the question, politely tell the interviewer that you really do not know the answer so that they can move on to another question. Always answer to the point. Do not beat around the bush. For 'yes' or 'no' type questions, justify why you say 'yes' or 'no'. Do not try and pretend that you know the answers for all questions. There will be some questions for which even the interviewer also does not know the answers. Do not try to justify your wrong answers and never argue with the interviewers. Use good body postures and always make eye contact with the members of the interview board. Pan your eyes at all of the interviewers from time to time while interacting with them during the interview. Plus, if they make a joke and you don't "get it" just laugh anyway, if you don't they'll think either you are stupid or that you think they are.
Modern Interview Skills
Before applying/choosing any job, job analysis is a basic exercise which can help us to find a suitable job. Following are some of the aspects that are to be looked into:
The job interview is a common and effective system practiced by organizations to identify qualified and efficient candidates.
- The job interview is the only time in the entire process where candidate has the opportunity to prove personal and professional capabilities.
- By preparing in advance for interview you will be in command of situation. If your answers are well planned, you will be much more at ease.
- Be relaxed and comfortable, the interview is bound to be better.
- Prepare for an interview by going over the details of the job requirements from the sources, developing a clear idea of your professional goals, and know your own strengths and gaps.
- Be calm, alert and polite, groom appropriately for the interview, express enthusiasm for the job responsibilities and your role in them.
- Always be a positive speaker - about previous experiences(if any), about yo-ur own competency, maintain good po-sture and hygiene (avoid nervousness and avoid smoking or chewing gum).
- Interviewer either asks a series of questions and answers to get certain information or ask you to talk about yourself and your skills in a less structured manner. If you have prepared well yourself as suggested, you may not face difficulty with any of the approaches.
- When looking for a job, gather some basic knowledge on interviewing. The following points will give you some idea when taking interview for the new position.
The first impression you make in the interview is the key to whether you will get job offer.
Some of these points will help you.
Interview etiquette:
Arriving too early for your interview will make the interviewer will be under pressure to see you at that moment, when they are not ready. Arriving so early also projects you as too eager, even desperate.
Pushing the Interviewer:
If the interviewer says they will be making a decision and let you know in the next few weeks, you should say "I'll check back." If you have another offer, tell them but don't try to push them into making a decision.
Follow-up without fail:
The interview is concluded by interviewer saying that they'll get back to you in a few weeks, but you haven't heard from them. Call them. Let them know that you are still interested in the job and that this is something that you want to take up.
Communication etiquette:
Talking too much or too little does not impress the interviewers; the interviewer will not like this at all. Let them put all their questions. Follow, rather than lead the interviewer. This will help the interview to go on smoothly.
Answering:
Answer appropriately for questions asked, listen well before answering. You should not do more than half the talking; you may come across with person with no listening skills. If asked a question for which you may not be able to answer, politely and frankly say "I don't know, but it will not be a problem, I will pick it up", rather than beating round the bush and answering incorrectly. Talk slowly, distinctly and to the point (especially if it is a telephonic interview). Give information only when asked and it should be precise and convincing.
Grooming & Hygiene:
Always be formal in grooming and maintain hygiene. Organization atmosphere may be informal, but job aspirants are still expected to dress and behave formally. That will show respect to the interviewer(s).
Researching the organization:
It is very difficult to know every aspect of a company that you are attending for interview, but if you are attending interview with a mobile company, you should at least know that their primary business is telecommunications. Try to do some basic research on the company. It will show your interest in the firm and your keenness in joining it.
Asking package and benefits:
Interviewer will provide you with an opportunity to ask questions. When you are asked if you have any questions at an interview, do not ask about salary and benefits until you smell that there has been a tentative decision that you are selected for the job.
Sending a covering letter with work samples:
If you are asked to send some samples of your work, make sure that you include a covering letter. This will remind the interviewer who you are and for what position you have applied. This is a key to building a relationship with a prospective employer.
Hope this will help to prepare for interview and present you with confidence.
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