INTERVIEW TIPS

INTERVIEW
Facing an interview is one of the most interesting
and challenging aspects of a job search. In about
half an hour’s time, you have to convince the
recruiter on your key skills, strengths,
experiences and how you can be useful to the
organization.
RECRUITMENT & SELECTION
The recruitment and selection process should fulfill
two key components:

 The applicant should have the skills to perform

the duties and responsibilities of the job.
 The applicant’s personal qualities should fit the
organization's culture so that its long-term goals
can be achieved.
INTERVIEW
Therefore, apart from job related questions, you
may also need to answer questions about
yourself. Your ability to answer these questions
within the available time will help the
employer assess your employability and
suitability to the organization.

The best way to approach these questions is to

prepare for them in advance so that you can
answer confidently, without taking up too much
time.
INTERVIEW
Common questions

You cannot guess all questions an

interviewer may ask, but there are
some common questions all
interviewers ask. So prepare yourself
for the interview, with answers to
some of these common questions.
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF
Be prepared with information on your education,
accomplishments, work experience etc.
Make sure to tell them about your background
and how you have worked towards fulfilling your
aspirations. But, do not go overboard, and try to
keep your answer limited to about two to three
minutes.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR
ORGANIZATION?
Do some research on the company
background. Make sure that you know about
their products, services and important people in
the organization.

Your answer to this question will show that you are

interested in the job and have done your
homework well.
WHAT ARE YOUR KEY STRENGTHS?
This question is aimed to understand the
candidate’s suitability for a given role as against
the recruiter’s requirements and expectations
from the same.
Do some research around the profile you are
being interviewed for. List the skills and key
strengths required to perform the job efficiently
and then identify how your strong points map to
the required job skills. Talk about at least
three points that you think are the most
important.
WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?
Ans. 1
Do not talk about more than one or two weak
points. Instead, talk about them in a manner
that they look like positives. For example, tell
them that you are an impatient person when it
comes to winding up work, so when you see a
person not being able to complete work on time,
you decide to complete it yourself.
WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?
Ans.2

Nobody is prefect. I know that when you hire people you

look 2 things most of all. Do they have the skills to
perform the duties and responsibilities of the job? Do
their personal qualities fit the organization's culture?
I strongly believe that my qualifications and skills are
matching with requirements of the job. Also, I am
flexible, fit for changing environment and comfortable
in working with people of diverse culture or
backgrounds. So, I can say that I see nothing that
would cause you even a small concern about my
ability or my strong desire to perform this job with
excellence.
WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?
Ans.3
Most people say:

- Stage fear ( you should highlight that it is a

temporary phenomena and you are planning to
involve in some presentation exercises / cultural
programs in order to overcome this weakness).
- Everything has to be in its place.
- Workaholic
WHY DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE YOUR
CURRENT ORGANIZATION?

This is a tricky question and the answer will give

your employer a lot of information about your
personality and attitude towards work.
The employers generally ask this question to
understand if you are a reliable person or a
perpetual job-hopper.
Answer it by talking about the new challenges,
learning and the opportunities that you see for
yourself in the new organization.
Do not talk negative about your current
organization. It raises suspicion in the minds of
the employers about your reliability.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
CONFIDENCE AND OVERCONFIDENCE?
Confidence is combination of capability and
knowledge to complete the task efficiently.

While overconfidence is the combination of desire

to complete the task and ignorance towards
capability.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR THIS
ORGANIZATION?

This may take some thought and certainly, should

be based on the research you have done on the
organization. Sincerity is extremely important
here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your
long-term career goals.
WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?

Point out how your assets meet what the

organization needs. Do not mention any other
candidates to make a comparison.
HOW LONG WOULD YOU EXPECT TO WORK
FOR US IF HIRED?

Specifics here are not good. Something like this

should work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or As
long as we both feel I'm doing a good job.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR DREAM JOB /
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A JOB?
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If
you say the job you are contending for is it, you
strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you
plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied
with this position if hired. The best is to stay
generic and say something like:
A job where I love the work, like the people,
can contribute.
WHY DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD DO WELL
AT THIS JOB?

Give several reasons and include skills, experience

and interest.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO IMPROVE YOUR
KNOWLEDGE IN THE LAST YEAR?

Try to include improvement activities that relate to

the job. A wide variety of activities can be
mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have
some good ones handy to mention.
WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU: THE
MONEY OR THE WORK?
Money is always important, but the work is the
most important. There is no better answer.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO YOUR BEST
ON THE JOB?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but
good examples are: Challenge, Achievement,
Recognition.
ARE YOU WILLING TO WORK OVERTIME?
NIGHTS? WEEKENDS?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO RELOCATE IF
REQUIRED?
You should be clear on this with your family prior
to the interview if you think there is a chance it
may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if
the real answer is no. This can create a lot of
problems later on in your career. Be honest at
this point and save yourself future grief.
HOW DO YOU PROPOSE TO COMPENSATE FOR
YOUR LACK OF EXPERIENCE?

First, if you have experience that the interviewer

does not know about, bring that up: Then, point
out (if true) that you are a hard working quick
learner.
ARE YOU WILLING TO PUT THE INTERESTS OF
THE ORGANIZATION AHEAD OF YOUR OWN?

This is a straight loyalty and dedication question.

Do not worry about the deep ethical and
philosophical implications. Just say yes.
WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A BOSS?

Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are

knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to
subordinates and holder of high standards. All
bosses think they have these traits.
DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC.

Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things

like, determination to get the job done and work
hard but enjoy your work are good.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF FIVE YEARS FROM
NOW ?

I am definitely interested in making a long term

commitment to this position. In terms of my
future career path, I am confident that if I do my
work with excellence, opportunities will
inevitable open up for me. And I am confident I
have similar opportunities here.
WHAT KIND OF SALARY DO YOU NEED?
As a fresh engineer, you may answer as
below:
Talk about your interest in the position as well as
in the company. Highlight that this is the right
opportunity or wise career move from your side
and therefore salary is not a constraint to accept
this offer (money is important but career is more
important).
Or
Can you tell me the range for this position? In most
cases, the interviewer will tell you. If not, say
that it can depend on the details of the job. Then
give a wide range.
“SO, DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR
ME?”

Have some well-thought out questions to ask the

interviewer. This will show your interest and
enthusiasm for the job and the company.
Example:
 Do you have a formal training program?

 How will my performance be evaluated, and how

often?
 Do you see any gaps in my qualifications / skills
that I need to fill?
 Will I be hearing from you or should I contact
you?
……“SO, DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME?”

 Why is this position vacant?

 What are the future goals of the company?

 How will I know that I have met your goals?

 Why did you choose to work for this company?

 How would you describe your company’s culture?

 Are there any reasons I’m not fully qualified for

this position?
 Is there anything I have said today that might
hurt my chances of being hired here?
SOME MORE TIPS
Be likeable at the interview :

At the end of the day – what is an interview all

about? It is a personal interaction and it depends
a lot on how you connect to the interviewer. Here
are some tips to make you more like-able during
the interview.
TIPS TO MAKE YOU LIKE-ABLE
Be enthusiastic – be motivated

When you enter the room, be ready with a smile

and a firm handshake, that tells the recruiter you
are happy to be here. Have a pleasant expression
and an open attitude.

Smile enough and make eye contact with the

interviewer. Project yourself as some one who is
friendly and malleable.
TIPS TO MAKE YOU LIKE–ABLE
Do not have a monotonous tone during the
discussion. True – often people are not able to
project their enthusiasm due to being nervous.
However if you have researched and are prepared,
this will help.
Also there must be certain aspects of the job that
interested you in the first place and that is why
you are there for the interview.
Project your passion in your voice when discussing
your interest area.
TIPS TO MAKE YOU LIKE-ABLE
 Also show enthusiasm for the organization. It
should not appear that you are looking for
personal gain. It is good to research beforehand
and be ready with some ideas on how you can
contribute to the organization.
 Have some well-thought out questions to ask the
interviewer. This will show your interest and
enthusiasm for the job and the company.
 Further show your earnestness for the job – by
expressing your willingness to take it on. Do not
take it for granted that the recruiter knows your
keenness for the job.
TIPS TO MAKE YOU LIKE-ABLE
Talk about what you can give

Find out as much as you can about the job profile

and the kind of job you are expected to do before
you go to interview. This will help you frame your
answers on what you can do for the company.
TIPS TO MAKE YOU LIKE-ABLE
Be honest – build trust

Be sure what you say is based on facts and do not add

on duties you may not have handled.
If the recruiter asks you a question that you do not have
an answer to, be honest to admitting that, that area is
not something you know a lot about.
However show your willingness to learn more, by
asking the recruiter to enlighten you a little on that
subject and if possible, you can express your views on
the same thereafter.
Also honestly admitting to an area of weakness, may
not be a negative, as it lends credibility to your other
strengths and expertise. If you are honest and sincere
in what you say, it reflects in the tone of voice.
WHY PEOPLE GET NERVOUS?
The edgy behavior is a result of the thought, ‘what
will the recruiter think?’, which recurs
continuously in our mind. We assign them a
godly position and try to please them as much as
possible.
We get nervous not about the job but at the idea of
failing to impress them. We are nervy about
doing or saying the wrong thing which may
crush our hope of being selected for the job. You
will be surprised to know that this can be avoided
if you try to understand the recruiter better.
TIPS TO OVERCOME EDGY BEHAVIOR

You are amongst the chosen few. If you have

been called for the interview, be assured that you
have succeeded in impressing them in some way
or the other. They called you because they realize
that there is potential in you. Therefore your
battle already half won.
….TIPS TO OVERCOME EDGY BEHAVIOR

Confidence speaks for itself. Be confident about your

skills and knowledge do. Portray your buoyancy in
words during the interview. However, do not go
overboard. Maintain a humble and honest outlook. Try
and hide all traces of edginess in you. They expect to
meet a self assured person who is capable of working
calmly even in crisis.
….TIPS TO OVERCOME EDGY BEHAVIOR

Abstain from unwanted emotions and words:

Do not feel ashamed or apologetic about being without a

job. Scores of other people are in the same shoes

Also do not rattle off pre-fixed answers when questioned

in an interview. Try to sound genuine and honest
even if you have prepared your answers beforehand.
SOME MORE TIPS
Show interest.

You need to be interested in the job you are being

interviewed for. You also need to show your
enthusiasm to the recruiter during the interview. You
will be amazed to see the response in return to your
positivity for the company.
SOME MORE TIPS
Avoid being the 'know all' person:

Nothing is more infuriating for the recruiters than a

candidate who simply refuses to listen to what they
have to say. Speaking too much about everything can
prove to be fatal to your ambition of securing the job.
Instead, listen patiently to what they have to say and
answer only when you have to. Speak wisely and
charm them with your answers.
GENERAL TIPS
Show up 10 minutes before the interview time. Don't
show up a half hour early.
Bring multiple copies of your resume and make
sure they are not folded up.
Bring a bag large enough for a folder, if necessary.
Bring a list of references.
Come prepared with concrete examples of your
professional or social successes.
GENERAL TIPS – DON’TS

Don’t wear too much perfume.

Don’t wear a hat or cap to the interview.
Don’t wear sunglasses.
Don’t say "ummm" or "you know" or "like" too often.
Don't lie.
Don’t ask about time off in your first interview.
Don’t ask about salary and benefits right away.
Don’t tell jokes and laugh too much.
Don’t chew gum.
Don’t play with your hair.
DRESS CODE
Men :
- Formal dress
- No casuals, no jeans

- Formal shoe , polished

Women:
- Formal dress

- No casuals, no jeans

- Formal shoe or decent chappal

ENTERING THE ROOM

Knock the door.

Take permission to enter the room: May I come in Sir /
Madam
Greet the interviewers : Good Morning ( or after noon/
evening ) Sir (s) & Madam (if applicable)
Never argue with interviewers.
Never interrupt the interviewers
Thank them after the interview process over.
Wish them again: Have a nice day ( or evening )
SOME MORE QUESTIONS
(WWW.INDIABIX.COM)

 What is the difference between hard work and smart

work?
 Can you work under pressure?

 What are your goals?

 What makes you angry?

 Give me an example of your creativity.

 Explain how you would be an asset to this

organization?
 What are your outside interests?
SOME MORE QUESTIONS
 Would you lie for the company?
 Who has inspired you in your life and why?

 What was the toughest decision you ever had to

make?
 Have you considered starting your own business?

 How do you define success and how do you measure

up to your own definition?
 Tell me something about our company.

 Describe your ideal company, location and job.

 What are your career options right now?

TELEPHONIC INTERVIEW TIPS

Telephonic interview has emerged as a popular way to

conduct the preliminary round during the interview
process.

Telephonic interview implies responding to recruiters

queries on phone. It is an effective method to measure
a person’s communication and listening skills.
TELEPHONIC INTERVIEW TIPS

A telephonic interview can happen in three

circumstances:

 When you initiate a call to the recruiter and they show

interest. The call from there on is an interview.
 A company calls you based upon a previous contact.

 You have a designated time to talk to a company's

representative.
HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL TELEPHONIC INTERVIEW?

Prepare well

 Never jump to take an unexpected or unplanned call. Excuse yourself

and ask for the call to be rescheduled.
 Keep your resume handy.
 Rehearse answers related to your accomplishments as this is a
commonly asked question and a good way to impress the recruiters.
 Keep your research material ready to act as reference point.
 Stay ready to take notes.
 Keep yourself calm in body and mind.
 Make sure you need no break during the call.
 Turn off call waiting on your phone.
 Turn off your stereo, TV and any other possible interruption.
 Have a glass of water handy. Warm up your voice while waiting for
the call.
 Finally, be ready with the answers to the basic questions and
rehearse them in front of the mirror to gain confidence.
HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL TELEPHONIC INTERVIEW?

Perform well

 Listening skill is a crucial component during the interview

process. Comprehend the questions well and give to the point
answers.
 Avoid talking in between and let the recruiter complete his
thought or question before you speak.
 It is important to speak at a slow pace and be clear so that the
interviewer can understand what you are saying.
 Do not use unprofessional language and sound courteous and
polite. Thank the interviewer once the interview process is
complete.
 Most importantly keep your tone pleasant as most interviewers
are experienced and can easily judge the comfort level of the
candidate, so it is important to smile and stay relaxed. Give your
best during the telephonic interview as it will pave the
way for further interactions.
MOST COMMON INTERVIEW MISTAKES

Dressing Inappropriately
MOST COMMON INTERVIEW MISTAKES

Arriving late
 Everyone knows that first impressions are very
important in landing a job, but did you know that you
can make a bad first impression before you even
arrive at your interview? Running late not only
suggests poor time management skills, but shows a
lack of respect for the company, the position and even
your interviewer.
 Go the extra length to make sure that you aren't late,
and arrive on time, or even early. Budget your time so
that you make it to the interview 10 to 15 minutes
early. That way, if something unforeseen comes up on
your way over to your interview, you'll have some
cushion time.
MOST COMMON INTERVIEW MISTAKES

Bringing a drink with you

Having a drink in front of you creates the

opportunity for distraction - fiddling with the
cup, or missing a question while taking a sip, for
example. And although it may be a relatively
unlikely possibility, bringing a drink into your
interview also gives way to other unsightly
accidents - like spilling the drink on the desk, on
you, or even your interviewer!
MOST COMMON INTERVIEW MISTAKES

Using your phone during interview

Before you get to your interview, silence your

phone. Texting during your interview is not only
rude and disruptive, but it's a pretty clear
message to your potential employer that getting
the job is not your top priority. For the same
reasons, don't answer calls (and certainly don't
make calls!) during the interview. To resist the
temptation to check your phone, stow your phone
in your bag before the interview.
 MOST COMMON INTERVIEW MISTAKES

Not knowing anything about the company

Don't let your potential employer stump you with

the question, "What do you know about this
company?"It's one of the easiest questions to ace,
if only you do some research before your
interview.
MOST COMMON INTERVIEW MISTAKES

Fuzzy resume facts

Even if you have submitted a resume when

you applied for the job, you may also be
asked to fill out a job application. Make
sure you know the information you will
need to complete an application including
dates of prior employment, graduation
dates, and employer contact information.
MOST COMMON INTERVIEW MISTAKES

Not paying attention

 Don't let yourself zone out during an interview. Make

sure you are well-rested, alert and prepared for your
interview. Getting distracted and missing a question
looks bad on your part. If you zone out, your potential
employer will wonder how you will be able to stay
focused during a day on the job, if you can't even focus
during one interview.
 If you feel your attention slipping away, make the
effort to stay engaged. Maintain eye contact, lean
forward slightly when talking to your interviewer,
and make an active effort to listen effectively.
MOST COMMON INTERVIEW MISTAKES

Talking too much..

 There is nothing much worse than interviewing
someone who goes on and on and on... The
interviewer really doesn't need to know your whole
life story. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point
and focused and don't ramble - simply answer the
question.
 Don't get sidetracked and start talking about your
personal life - your spouse, your home life or your
children are not topics you should delve into. No
matter how warm, welcoming or genial your
interviewer may be, an interview is a professional
situation - not a personal one.
MOST COMMON INTERVIEW MISTAKES

Not being prepared to answer questions.

Your interviewer is probably going to ask you more

than just the basics about where you worked, and
then. To get a feel of your aptitude for a job, your
interviewer is going to take advantage of the
allotted time and flesh out everything he or she
needs to know about you as an employee.
MOST COMMON INTERVIEW MISTAKES

Badmouthing past employers

Don't make the mistake of badmouthing your boss

or coworkers.
When interviewing for a job, you want your
employer to know that you can work well with
other people and handle conflicts in a mature and
effective way, rather than badmouthing your
coworkers or talking about other people's
incompetence.
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR JOB SEARCH !
THANK YOU….

----- for the attention.