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.