INTERVIEW TIPS

What Interviewer Look In You

Contents

1. Communication and Interpersonal skills

2. Intelligence

3. Enthusiasm

4. Flexibility

5. Leadership

6. High Energy Level

7. Maturity

8. Skills

9. Other skills

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

According to employers, the ability to communicate effectively with others and get along with a variety of different
types of personalities are two of the most desirable qualities in job candidates. Employers want to know if you have
the ability to organize your thoughts and ideas effectively. Can you express them clearly when speaking or writing?
Can you present your ideas to others persuasively? Can you bring out the best efforts of individuals so they become
effective, enthusiastic members of a team? Are you able to successfully contend with stressful situations and handle
conflict?

Intelligence

Employers often use cutt-offs as a way of screening out less desirable job candidates. To some, good grades indicate
that the applicant is motivated and goal-oriented. Do you have the ability to understand the job assignment? Are you
able to learn quickly? Can you contribute original ideas to the work being done?

Enthusiasm

It.s not enough just to have the right qualifications; an employer needs to know that you are willing to give 100
percent to your job. Interviewers are impressed by candidates who are alert, responsive and energetic. Do you
demonstrate a forcefulness and capacity to make things move ahead? Can you maintain your work effort at an above
average rate?

Flexibility
Employers need to know that the people they hire can expand and change as their companies do. Applicants who are
receptive to new ideas and concepts are highly valued by employers. Are you capable of changing and being
receptive to new situations and ideas? Can you confront and deal with problems that may not have standard
solutions?

Leadership

Even in entry-level positions, most employers look for evidence of leadership qualities. Successful companies need
self-starters who are not afraid to take responsibility for doing the best job possible. Can you guide and direct others
to attain the recognized objectives? Are you someone who recognizes what needs to be done and is willing to do it?

High Energy Level

A job candidate’s willingness to work hard matters a great deal. Employers want to know that you are committed to
devoting the prime hours of your day to the job. Do you have the capacity to compete with others and the willingness
to be measured by your performance in relation to others?

Maturity

This is an illusive quality that employers always mention in connection with first job hires. Maturity essentially means
knowing how to handle yourself in a business situation. Misplaced humorous remarks, giggling at inappropriate
moments or being indiscreet about company information are tell-tale signs of immaturity. Do you demonstrate a
sense of maturity that enables you to deal positively and effectively with situations and people? Can you realistically
assess your own capabilities? Do you see yourself as others see you and clearly recognize your strengths and
weaknesses?

Skill

Do you posses the positive combination of education and skills required for the position you are seeking? Do you
have the ability to identify and work toward specific goals? Do such goals challenge your abilities?

Others skills

1. Problem-solving skills rather than memorization of coursework. For achieving results in the future
management and leadership environments, college students must have clear critical thinking skills. 
2. An understanding of the people aspects of the work situation. Examples include team- based assignments,
group projects, and associated team evaluations. Employers want colleges and universities to create more project
and team environments so students can learn project management skills and strengthen team-player competencies. 
2. Well-developed logic and reasoning skills. Other related competencies included good judgment and decision-
making skills; technical expertise; exposure to high-tech, state-of-the-art equipment; independent goal setting;
andtime management skills. 
4. A broad knowledge beyond their field. Employers want employees to have a broad perspective and broaden
their knowledge base. Also, many employers advised becoming conversant in a second language.

Preparing For Interview

Plan Ahead

Do a little homework! Research the company and the position if possible, as well, the people you will meet with at the
interview. Be ready to support past accomplishments with specific information targeted toward the companies needs.
Have your facts ready!

Role Play

Human Resource managers, professional recruiters and career experts all agree: one of the best ways to prepare
yourself for a job interview is to anticipate questions, develop your answers, and practice. Use the general questions
provided below. And begin role playing (rehearsing before mirror). Try to keep your answers to the information

  Tell me about yourself? (try to hold your response to 2 minutes)

 What do you know about our company?

 Why should we hire you?

 What can you do for us that someone else can't?

 What do you look for in a job?

 What skills and qualifications are essential for success in the position of ______?

 How long would it take for you to make a meaningful contribution?

 How does this assignment fit into your overall career plan?

 Describe your management style.

 What do you believe is the most difficult part of being a supervisor of people?

 Why are you looking for a new career?

 How would your colleagues describe you?

 How would your boss describe you?

 How would you describe yourself?

 What do you think of your present or past boss?

 What were the five most significant accomplishments in your last assignment?

 What were the five most significant accomplishments in your career so far?

 Can you work well under deadlines or pressure?

 How much do you expect if we offer you this position?

 Why do you want to work for us?

 What other positions are you considering?

 Have you kept up in your field with additional training?

 What are your career goals?

 What are your strong points?

 What are your weak points?

 How did you do in school?

  What position do you expect to have in 2 to 5 years?

 If you took the job what would you accomplish in the first year?

 What was wrong with your current or last position?

 What kind of hours are you used to working or would like to work?

 Do you have your reference list with you? (Remember don't give it out unless it is asked for).

 Can you explain your salary history?

 What questions didn't I ask that you expected?

 Do you have any question for me? (See Questions for the Interviewer that you might want to ask below).

 Talk to colleagues, friends, fellow alumni who are/have been connected to the institution

How To Approach
 

Eye Contact Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Show you want the job with your interest.

Be Positive - In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers.

Be enthusiastic. By being upbeat and having a positive attitude, you'll show the interviewer within
the first few seconds that you are a "can-do" person who will be an asset to their organization.

Be likeable. It sounds simplistic, but it's a fact that is often overlooked... people want to work with
(and hire) people they like.

Be determined. You have to make it clear that you want this job more than anything else.

Be informed. You need to know about the company and what they'll expect you to do for them.

Adapt - Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer. Pay attention to those details
of dress, office furniture, and general decor which will afford helpful clues to assist you in tailoring
your presentation.

Relate - Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and his or her company. Focus on
achievements relevant to the position. 

Encourage - Encourage the interviewer to share information about his or her company.

Demonstrate your interest. Some suggested questions to ask the interviewer are provided in the
"Questions You Could Consider Asking the Employer" section.

 Why is this position open? 

 
 How often has it been filled in the past five years? What were the main reasons? 
 
 What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position? 
 
 What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job? 
 
 What is most pressing? What would you like to have done in the next 3 months. 
 
 What are some of the long term objectives you would like to see completed? 
 
 What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position? 
 
 How do you think these could best be handled? 
 
 What type of support does this position receive in terms of people, finances. etc? 
 
 What freedom would I have in determining my own work objectives, deadlines, and methods
of measurement? 
 
 What advancement opportunities are available for the person who is successful in this
position, and within what time frame? 
 
 In what ways has this organization been most successful in terms of products and services
over the years? 
 
 What significant changes do you foresee in the near future? 
 
 How is one evaluated in this position? 
 
 What accounts for success within the company?
 
 These questions are presented only as interviewing guidelines. They are meant to help you
prepare for the interview. Some questions may or may not be appropriate for your
interviewing situation.
 You can ask relevant questions about your job nature.
  

Other Useful Tips

 Make sure to wish all the panels while you enter or leave the interview
 Use examples to explain your skills and experience.
 Avoid discussing about political, salary,bonuses etc
 Resume or application. Although not all employers require a resume, you should be able to
furnish the interviewer information about your education, training, and previous employment.
 References. Employers typically require three references. Get permission before using
anyone as a reference. Make sure that they will give you a good reference. Try to avoid
using relatives as references.
 Transcripts. Employers may require an official copy of transcripts to verify grades,
coursework, dates of attendance, and highest grade completed or degree awarded.
 Ask questions about the position and the organization, but avoid questions whose answers
can easily be found on the company Web site.
 Also avoid asking questions about salary and benefits unless a job offer is made.
 Close each interview by summarizing your strongest qualifications and continuing interest in
the position.
 Send a short thank you note.
 Thank the interviewer when you leave and shake hands.
 Do not answer 'yes' or 'no' type manner.

Arrangements on Interview Day

 Dress appropriately. Be businesslike, approachable, confident in your appearance.

 No gum, cigarette smell, heavy scents.

 Carry an attractive portfolio. It provides a tidy, efficient place to store questions you may want to ask,

information about yourself you want to be sure to transmit, a place to carry additional resumes for

distribution to department heads, search committees, and others you may meet who have not seen your

resume.

 Being on time to the interview is very essential. Make sure of interview time and be before fifteen minutes for

the interview.

 Turn off your cellphone,i-pod,pager etc.,

 Do not smoke while waiting for an interview.

 Do not forget to take copies of resumes,pen and writing pad.