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Interview
Tips
Interviews
- Basics to Know
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?
Research
Do not go for an interview without proper company and industry
research. Knowledge is power, wield it!
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.
Try
and establish a rapport with the staff, as you could get important
information about the company from this source.
Prepare
a Checklist
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.
Keep
Your Cool
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!
What
Should Your Answers Reflect?
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.
Dress
Code
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!
Other
Key Issues
• Before going for the interview
read the newspaper for the day! The interviewer may want to check
your knowledge of current affairs.
• What and how you eat is also
important! Have a light meal. Do not skip a meal, it could lead
to loss of concentration.
• Ensure that you have all the
required papers such as CV, call letter etc., with you. Arrange
and carry them in a folder.
• Reach the interview destination
10-15 minutes before the interview. Do not, however, be there
long before time; it could make you nervous.
• Do not experiment with your
mode of transport, travel in a manner that is comfortable and
reliable.
COMMUNICATION
- A MUST FOR SUCCESS
The
interview seemed to have gone well, Sarita, the finance officer
appeared to have presented her skills and expertise well to the
Vice-President(Finance) . The resume indicated that she was the
right fit for the job. The result, however, was completely different
- she was not selected. According to the VP, Sarita was quiet
and withdrawn, and did not show an ounce of interest. The company
finally chose somebody less talented, but more enthusiastic and
interested. Sarita lost out in the areas of communication and
self-promotion.
The
situation described above has occurred several times in the real
world. The first thing an employer looks for is the ability of
the candidate to communicate effectively and enthusiastically.
Flexibility
- An Essential Attribute
Flexibility is the key for effective communication. A person with
the capability to express ideas to all sections of the organisation,
is ultimately the most successful. Flexibility also means that
you can identify an opportunity to communicate. You should also
have the ability to understand that different situations and personalities
need different communication styles. For instance, getting into
details with somebody who likes bare-bone facts, would be inappropriate.
Self-Promotion
- A Maligned Concept
For many, self-promotion is in bad taste, and considered to be
egoistic or pushy. Moreover, enthusiasm is viewed as inappropriate.
This type of group fails in interviews, wherein strong persuasion
skills are required. This could explain why two people with similar
backgrounds find themselves in different career positions. Selling
yourself is crucial, how else would the employer know what you
are capable of? People, who can promote themselves, literally
leave no stone unturned while searching for opportunities.
Several
people think that hard work and talent speak for themselves. This
perhaps is true in the context of the academic world, but the
corporate arena requires some persuasion for one to move ahead.
The work rules have changed dramatically. Merely being intelligent,
hardworking, and loyal is not sufficient, you have to push yourself
into the limelight. Assuming that your superiors would recognize
your interests, capabilities and achievements is impractical.
Therefore, if you want something, go ahead and ask for it!! Put
your feelings into words. If you don't, it most probably will
be perceived as a lack of interest on your part.
The
inability to self-promote has been the waterloo for several talented
individuals. After all, it's up to you to convince the employers
about the benefits of hiring you. Why be modest about your achievements?
You should live up to who you are and what you are capable of
doing!
Self-promotion
does not, however, mean that you have to change your personality
or principles. It does not mean you have to resort to unethical
promotion techniques. Just emphasise your capabilities, which
combined with good communication skills and flexibility, would
be the best assets to have for an interview.
TIPS
FOR DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF INTERVIEWEES
For
Freshers, Unemployed And Those Shifting Career
Your current position and status can impact the way you are interviewed.
Here are some tips based on the segment you belong to:
Fresh
Out of College
• The basis on which you will
be judged is your academic background, family background, and
interests.
• If looking for your first
job, ensure that your previous experience, even if it is part-time,
is noticed.
• Mention projects or responsibilities
you may have undertaken. This will indicate your area of aptitude
• 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.
• 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.
• You should be enthusiastic
to learn, and show commitment towards the organization, as the
company will be spending a lot on your training
Unemployed
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.
•
Even though it's painful, indicate that you understand the reasons
for your termination by the previous employer. Do not let your
bitterness creep in.
• Present your termination in
a positive light - you could say that you had made a mistake in
making a career choice, something that will not be duplicated
again!
• Prove to the interviewer that
the time you were unemployed was well spent! In case you quit
just to take some rest, show that it was worth it!
• You need to show that you
are well in touch with your skills.
• Never give the impression
of being a "drifter".
• In case you can start off
immediately, say so to the interviewer, as it could be an important
point in your favour. A person who is already employed will definitely
not be able to join duty immediately.
Change
of Career
• Try to convince the employer
that even though you have changed your career, there is still
a link between them.
• You also need to tell the
employer why you are looking for a change in your career.
• 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.
• 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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