Interview Tips

Here are some tips for fresh graduates aspiring to join the community of working professionals.
Preparation just before the interview
You must be aware of the company background, where you are going for an interview. Visit the
company website to know more details
Check out how you will get to the location and how much time you will need to reach there.
Have what you are going to wear ready in advance.
Be sure you know the time, date and location of the interview and the name of the interviewer -
make sure you know how to pronounce your interviewer’s name correctly. On arrival at the
venue, inform the receptionist that you are there for an interview and state the name of the
interviewer.
Carry multiple copies of your updated Resume, a notepad and a pen.
If need be, visit the wash room to freshen up.
Reach on time:
Being punctual shows your seriousness towards the meeting. Try to reach the interview place
15 minutes in advance so that you can rest and get yourself ready to deal with the interviewer.

Dress neatly and demonstrate confidence

Dressing nicely contributes to your self confidence – this contains, nice outfits, footwear and
well done hair. Enter the interview room with a smile on your face and be confident. Your way
of talking must be professional and higher level of confidence reflects from your words and tone
but don’t be over confident.

Know about the company.

You ought to learn as much as you can about the organization. An excellent starting point is the
organization’s website. Also, do a google search on the organization to know what others are
saying about the organization.

Smile
At last it is advised to you don’t be nervous at that time while answering any quiz. Give all
replies with a little smile so that recruiter will not be able to judge nervousness in your words. A
positive attitude must reflect in each reply.
What does interviewer keep in mind while interviewing you?
You should know what the interviewers take into consideration while interviewing a candidate,
so that you can present yourself to meet up to his/her expectations

Does the applicant have the ability to do the job?

How does he or she relate to people?
What kind of a person is this? A leader, or a follower?
What strengths does he or she have that we need?
In what areas is he or she weak? How will this affect his/her performance on the job?
What are his or her ambitions? Are they realistic?
Does she or he have growth potential?
How will the other interviewers react to him/her? Should this person get an offer?

What helps:

Communication Skills
Strong communication skills can impress your interviewer in one go. Your proper use of words
can be a magical touch. Everybody wants to listen to you when you are able to explain the
things in a captivating way. You need to be aggressive & polite at the same time. Your answers
should be confident & your language must be deliberate. You must know how to tackle the
things & twist the answers accordingly so that your interviewer cannot counter you. But this is
only possible when you are having good command on your language. You can improve your
skills by watching the news on TV (Indian English news channels) reading (novels, articles,
editorial sections of newspaper, business magazines or blogs) and getting into the habit of
speaking in English

First Impression
Be careful of what you are wearing. Your whole attire needs to be very neat, tidy and purely
formal. Your first impression will be your last impression. Half of the work is done if your mentor
is impressed by your personality. When you look good, you will gain much more confidence.
You must be aware that the person sitting there is watching you entirely and he wants to pin
point each & every aspect of your personality which includes your walking style, your gestures,
your sitting posture, your movement of hands etc. You must have noticed perspiration on some
people’s face which shows their state of nervousness or anxiety. So try to be calm and relaxed.
Your appearance, smiling face, confidence in your voice & positive attitude shows that you are a
strong contender and having full spirit to work. Make sure you reach on time, as late comers are
always losers.

Attractive Resume
Resume is the summary of your achievements, your past experiences and your personal &
academic information. You are represented by your Resume. You should be very careful while
drafting it. Make sure your contact details are accurate & reachable. Don’t overburden your
resume by adding more and more content. Be specific and only include what you can explain.
Font should be between 10 – 12 but your name can be slightly larger. Use basic format and
font. Draft such a resume which is easily readable though impressive. Don’t use tough
vocabulary and jargons as it leads to complications. Use simple language so that it is easy to go
through by your hiring managers and other management. Nobody have so much time to waste
in reading complicated Resume.
Interview Etiquettes:

You must walk in the premises with a smile on your face and remember to greet everyone i.e.
receptionist, your interviewers very politely and enthusiastically. Sit properly (erect, yet
comfortable) on the chair. Lean a bit forward towards your hiring manager and make an eye
contact so that it will give an impression that you are interested. Pay attention and don’t behave
too casual & relaxed. Be attentive and look interested.

Establish eye contact

If there are more than one interview panel member, establish eye contact with each of them
while responding to the questions. Simultaneously avoid staring at any one of them.

Do not be argumentative.
Present your perspective and be professional. If you do not agree with something the
Interviewer has said do not spurn it as incorrect. Try to understand their point of view even if it
clashed with your own. This does not mean that you need to agree to their perspective.

Thank You Note:

End your interview with a ‘thank you’ telling him/her that it was pleasure meeting him/her, and
you are looking forward to their response. It will show your keen interest in their company & job.

How to answer interview questions

You should listen properly to understand what they are asking, and then answer it confidently.
Don’t feel shy if you don’t know the answer. It’s not necessary that you know everything, but
don’t be quiet just say something and leave it to the interviewer so that he can explain you. You
could also politely ask for the question to be repeated or re-phrased. You can also ask
questions. It will make him feel that you are willing to know more about the company. Try to use
simple language within your comfort zone. At the end you can make him feel that you are
interested and explain your requirement and how you are suitable for the job.

 Listen carefully - if the question is unclear ask politely for clarification.

 Pause before answering to consider all facts that may substantiate your response – it
shows you can think.
 Keep nodding and making appropriate sounds to show that you are listening to them.
 Always offer positive information and be enthusiastic.
 Get directly to the point.
 Discuss only the facts needed to respond to the question.
 Do not open yourself to areas of questioning that could pose difficulties for you.
 Be truthful, but do not offer unsolicited information.
 Focus and re-focus attention on your successes. Do not feel low because of some
failures.
 Don’t worry about admitting you don’t know – but keep this to the bare minimum.
 Be prepared for hypothetical situation questions – take your time on these.
 Be prepared for the unexpected question – it is designed to see how you cope with the
unexpected.
 Assume all questions are asked for a good reason and answer accordingly.
 If you ask questions, keep them brief. Remember that you are being interviewed and
not the other way round!

Good Luck!