Interview Skills

Types of Interviews:

• Telephonic Interviews
• Questionnaires
• Personal Interviews
• Panel Interviews
• The “Let’s Do Lunch” Interview

Prepare Yourself

• Do a self assessment
• Be clear about what you want to do
• Know your strengths and competencies
• Areas of improvement
• Visualize what will happen
• Be familiar with the language of the industry
• Practice out loud

Prepare for them

• Research the company and the industry

• About the position
• What they are looking for in an employee
• Match your strengths with what they need
• Prepare possible questions from your resume

Selling points

• Results, achievements and experience

• Personality
• Self motivation and desire
• Staying power
• Education
• Team work
• Common sense and good business sense
• Energy commitment and initiative
• Ability to see the big picture
• Courage of your convictions

FAQs

• About you:
– So, tell me about yourself
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 – Why you have made the choices you made
– Your strengths and weaknesses

• About your motivation for the employer:

– Why you are interested in the company
– Why they should choose you

• About how you work:

– What do you need in a job – content and culture
– What type of boss you work best/ worst with

• About your current situation and future plans:

– When you will be done with your studies
– Where you see yourself in 5 or 10 years

Tips

• Be honest on your resume and in the interview

• Be aware of cultural differences
• Observe all rules of courtesy and respect
• Address all people in the room
• Use proper language – avoid slang
• Ask for the next step
• If you receive a rejection, you can ask for feedback
• Don’t forget to smile.

Do’s and don’ts of an interview

What To Do....
 Express yourself clearly with a strong voice, good diction and grammar
 Pay close attention to your personal appearance
 Make concrete goals in planning for your career
 Offer a firm handshake
 Look the interviewer in the eye (but don't stare him or her down)
 Have as much knowledge about the industry, employer, and position as possible
 Have prepared questions about the employer and position
 Display a sense of humor
 Display self-confidence
 Carry a pen and small notebook with you to the interview
 Take time to think before answering difficult or unexpected questions
 Carry an extra copy of your resume and a list of references with you to the interview
 Follow-up with a thank-you note restating your interest in the position
 Contact the employer by phone if the interviewer does not contact you one week after the time
from which he or she indicated you would be notified

What Not To Do....

 Don't be overbearing, overaggressive or conceited
 Don't show a lack of interest or enthusiasm
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  Don't emphasize money as your main interest in the job
 Don't expect too much too soon - be open to the idea of starting at the bottom and working your
way up
 Don't make excuses for unfavorable factors on your record
 Don't condemn past employers or institutions of education; keep comments positive
 Don't display a marked dislike for schoolwork
 Don't be indecisive
 Don't display intolerance or prejudice
 Don't interview unless you are interested in the job...don't just "shop around."
 Don't state specific geographic restrictions
 Don't contradict yourself in responses
 Don't take notes during the interview - jot down your notes immediately after the interview
 Don't glorify your past experiences - getting into a job for which you are under qualified is not
recommended

Common Interview Questions and

Suggested Guidelines for Answers
Review these typical interview questions and think about how you would answer them. Read the
questions listed; you will also find some strategy suggestions with it.

Note: According to the interviewer’s expectation, best answers are those which reflect upon the
candidate’s creativity, communication skills and above all ingenuity (Originality). Hence all
questions mentioned below have suggested guidelines along with interviewer’s perspective
(interviewer’s focus)

1. Tell me about yourself:

The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your
mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed
otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are
being interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Communication skills, confidence level, career plan, self esteem

2. Do you consider yourself successful?

You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set
goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Self belief, self esteem, person of achievement

3. What do your friends say about you?

Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will
work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest worker she had ever
known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Self reflection, Self belief and self esteem

4. Are you applying for other jobs?

Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do
for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.
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 Interviewer’s Perspective: Career plan, proactive

5. 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.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Motivation level, attitude and preparedness

6. Do you know anyone who works for us?

Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even
though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well
thought of.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Networking and circle of influence
7. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not
answer it. Instead, say something like, that’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this
position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend
on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Preparedness, spontaneity and conviction

8. Are you a team player?

You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often
perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do
not brag; just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Conflict handling, understanding of group dynamics, handling
individual objective vs organization’s goals

9. 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.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Handling individual objective vs organization’s goals and commitment

10. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say
yes if you do not mean it.
Interviewer’s Perspective: commitment and motivation level

11. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization

You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they
relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Individual objective vs organization’s goals, commitment and
dedication

12. What irritates you about people?

This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short
statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Conflict handling, understanding of group dynamics and adaptability

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 13. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize,
Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects,
Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Self-awareness, self belief and adaptability

14. Tell me about your dream 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 genetic and say something like: A job where I love the
work, like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to work.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Preparedness, Career plan, self positioning and motivation level

15. Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Preparedness, conviction, self positioning and motivation level

16. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?

Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to
object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Conflict handling, understanding of group dynamics and adaptability

17. 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.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Commitment and motivation

18. What disappoints you about a job? (With reference to work environment)
Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You
were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more
responsibility.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Motivation level and its source

19. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.

You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type
of position applied for.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Motivation level, preparedness and conviction

20. 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, and
Recognition
Interviewer’s Perspective: Motivation level and its source

21. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?

This is up to you. Be totally honest.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Tactful, spontaneity and adaptability

22. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures: You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes
are a success. Your bosses tell you that you are successful
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 Interviewer’s Perspective: Self awareness, self confidence

23. 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.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Tactful, spontaneity and adaptability

24. 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.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Commitment and motivation

25. Do you have any blind spots?

Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any
personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it
to them.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Self awareness

26. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Motivation level, preparedness and conviction

27. 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.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Motivation level, preparedness and conviction

28. 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.
Interviewer’s Perspective: Conflict handling, understanding of group dynamics and adaptability

29. Do you have any questions for me?

Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the
organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? And what type of projects will I be
able to assist on?
Interviewer’s Perspective: Preparedness

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 Group Discussion Skills
Group discussion is an important dimension of the selection process. Any institute requires students
to work with others for effective functioning. In a same way like people skills are an important
aspect of any MBA program. In today's context, the educational institutes and organizations are
interested in team players rather than individual contributors. During the Group Discussion, the
panel essentially evaluates the candidate's potential to be a leader and also his/her ability to work in
teams. Remember that institutes are typically on the look out for candidates who will inspire to lead
and succeed and for that you need to be a good team player.

Here is a sample list of skills assessed during a group discussion:

Leadership skills:
Ability to take leadership roles and ability to lead, inspire and carry the team along to help them
achieve group's objectives.
Example: To be able to initiate the group discussion, or to be able to guide the group especially
when the discussion begins losing relevance or tries to encourage all members to participate in the
discussion.

Communication skills:
The participating candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression and aptness of
language. One key aspect is listening. It indicates a willingness to accommodate others views.
Example: To be able to use simple language and explain concepts clearly so that it is easily
understood by all. You actually get negative marks for using esoteric jargons in an attempt to show-
off your knowledge.

Interpersonal skills:
Is reflected in the ability of the individual to interact with other members of the group in a brief
situation. Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal relationships. The person has
to be more people centric and less self-centered.
Example: To remain cool even when someone provokes you with personal comment, ability to
remain objective, ability to empathize, non-threatening and more of a team player.

Persuasive skills:
Ability to analyze and persuade others to see the problem from multiple perspectives without hurting
the group members.
Example: While appreciating someone else's point of view, you should be able to effectively
communicate your view without overtly hurting the other person.

Problem solving skills:

Ability to come out with divergent and offbeat solutions and use one's own creativity.
Example: While thinking of solutions, don't be afraid to think of novel solutions. This is a high- risk
high-return strategy.

Conceptualizing skills:
The ability to grasp the situation, take it from the day to day mundane problem level and apply it to a
macro level.
Example: At the end of the discussion, you could probably summarize the findings in a few
sentences that present the overall perspective.

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 Resume Writing
It's a myth that resumes of entry-level graduates are unimportant because they lack the 'pull' of
experience. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only is a well-made resume important for
every job seeker, it is more critical for entry-level graduates. A resume is a mirror of your
professional identity. A well-defined resume impresses a recruiter. Here are some dos and don'ts on
what makes a great resume for graduates seeking entry-level positions in industry.

OBJECTIVE
One of the most frequently heard complaints made by recruiters about entry-level resumes is that
they lack a specific objective. Resumes of fresh graduates have fuzzy, general objectives or no
objective at all. Mentioning a specific objective is by far the most important feature of an entry- level
resume. Without goal clarity you are bound to drown in the sea of mediocrity.

Your objective should be clear, well-defined and short-not more than 10-12 words.. It should be
aimed towards getting a particular position in a specific industry. Thus your objective should talk
about the following:
1. Position wanted
2. Functional area
3. Industry wanted

SUMMARY
Summary is the second most important factor that is conspicuous by its absence in resumes of entry-
level graduates. It is a good idea to include a summary of your resume after having mentioned your
objective. This sums up your resume in a nutshell and gives you an opportunity to highlight your
strengths. It invites the recruiter to read your detailed resume. The summary should consist of 4-5
specific points-either bulleted or in one paragraph.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
fresher resume doesn't suffer from space constraint. However it is a good idea to include only those
educational and professional’s qualifications, which are relevant. Put your qualifications in a reverse
chronological order. i.e. the recent ones first followed by earlier ones. Entry-level resume should
also mention the names of their school and college, years in which they passed their board
examinations. However, include your marks only you have shown a good academic performance.

WORK EXPERIENCE
An entry- level resume cannot compete with resumes of experienced workers in the area of work
experience. But don't forget to list internships, voluntary work and summer training that you have
undertaken. How you present these is very important. Make sure you clearly define your duty and
responsibilities during this training.
E.g.: "Worked as a summer trainee in India's largest Oil Refinery. I was working for the system
control department. Wrote quality reports as well as ISO features for the company." Any projects
done for your school or your college should also be mentioned.

DESIGN
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 Follow a simple design, which gives maximum information in the minimum number of pages. Use
an easy to read and commonly used font like 'Times New Roman' or 'Verdana.' Limit your font size
to 10-11. Do not underline heavily.

WORD USAGE
Simple language, lucid expression with good grammar is the thumb rule. Watch your tenses
carefully. Use short and simple sentences. And never-ever make the mistake of using long words just
to impress the recruiter. Flowery words are for speeches; keep them away from your resume.

CHECK, AND RE-CHECK!

The most important post resume step: Read and re-read your resume for any mistakes. Check the
facts, the grammar, the spellings.

1. Follow the employer's directions, if any are given.

If they specify a "receiving" address on the job posting or the Website, send your resume to that
address. If they have specified what goes into the subject line of the message (like the job posting
number), be sure to do that, too.

2. Send a separate message to each potential employer. Even though it may be easy to do, don't
do mass emailing.

Messages with multiple addressees are a sure way to trip a spam filter's alarm and very bad
'netiquette to boot. If you're not careful, it can reveal all the other employers you are courting and
demonstrate that you are not willing to spend much effort on any of the employers listed.

In addition, a cookie-cutter message will not be focused on that specific opportunity (the
requirements of the job, the employer's situation, etc.). So, it may not get through, and if it does get
through, it won't be effective.

3. Look for alternative ways to reach people.

Content of your Resume

Personal Details
Obviously every resume will have this section to start it off. Remember however to keep these
details to a minimum. Your name, phone number and email address are all that is required.

You do not need to indicate your date of birth, marital status, number of children, or supply a
personal photo. Other details should only be included if they are required. Otherwise you can
address specific criteria in a covering letter.

Career Goals
If you are applying for graduate positions this just needs to be a short statement that broadly outlines
both your short and long-term goals. It demonstrates that you have started to think about the
directions in which you would like to go and is not something that potential employers are going to
hold you to for the next 10 years.

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 Education
Start with the most recent qualification and work backward in a chronological order. List the title of
the degree(s), name of the institution and date of completion.

Specialist Skills
This section can be in point form, to highlight how your studies are relevant to the position you are
applying for. Include any relevant projects, thesis or assignments you have completed and any skills
that you have obtained throughout your degree that will make the potential employer interested in
your application.

Awards
You can include any academic awards achieved where relevant. List these in point form and make
sure to identify those that were tertiary or secondary.

Achievements
This section is used by employers to identify that you have set various goals for yourself and worked
to achieve them. Achievements may be academic, sporting, and personal or community based.

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