Unit-6. Interview Skills

Semester-1:
English Language and Communication Skills Lab-2 for Electronics and

Communication Engineering:
Subject Code: 23EG3182.
Syed Mushrafuddin (Assistant Professor, RGUKT IIIT), department of

English.
Unit-6. Interview Skills:
Interview Skills: Making a Lasting Impression

and key Techniques for Interview Success.
Introduction:
Interviews play a pivotal role in the hiring process, serving as a
structured opportunity to demonstrate your skills, experience, and
personality. They are a two-way interaction where you, as a candidate,
assess the potential fit of the role and organization. This guide will cover
critical techniques to help you make a strong impression and improve your
chances of interview success.
Understanding the Interview:

Definition: An interview is a formal, structured conversation designed to
evaluate whether a candidate’s skills, experience, and personality are a
good match for a particular role.
Purpose: Interviews help employers gauge abilities, assess cultural fit, and
offer a space for candidates to showcase their skills and career
motivations.
2. Types of Interviews:
A. Structured Interview: A set list of questions asked in a specific order.
This type ensures fairness and facilitates comparison between candidates.
B. Unstructured Interview: A conversational style with flexible questioning,

often used to assess personality and adaptability.
C. Behavioral Interview: Focuses on past experiences to predict future
actions, often probing for examples of teamwork, problem-solving, or
leadership.
D. Technical Interview: Examines job-related technical skills and

knowledge, common in IT, engineering, or science fields.
E. Knowledge Interview: Assesses subject-specific expertise required for

the role, like finance, healthcare, or education.
F. Case Interview: Involves solving a real-time scenario, testing analytical

skills, and logical thinking.
G. Synchronized Interview: Multiple interviewers take turns asking

questions in a coordinated format, giving varied perspectives.
H. Group Interview: Assesses teamwork and leadership by interviewing

multiple candidates together, often used in sales or customer service
roles.
3. Preparation for the Interview:

Research the Company: Gain an understanding of the company’s mission,
products, culture, and recent achievements. This knowledge shows
alignment with their goals.
Know the Role: Study the job description carefully and identify the skills,
experiences, and qualifications emphasized.
Practice Responses: Use the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
for behavioral questions, and rehearse a brief personal introduction or
"elevator pitch."
Logistics: Confirm interview details and prepare necessary documents

(e.g., resume, portfolio). Test technical equipment if the interview is
virtual.
4. The STAR Method:

The STAR method provides a clear structure for answering behavioral
questions. Here’s how it works, along with an example:
Situation: Describe the context or background of the situation.
Task: Explain the goal you aimed to achieve.
Action: Outline the steps you took to accomplish the task.
Result: Share the outcome and any positive impact.
Example STAR Answer:

Question: "Tell me about a time when you led a team through a
challenging project."
Answer:
Situation: “I was managing a team tasked with delivering a project for a

major client on a tight two-week deadline.”
Task: “Our objective was to complete the project on time, without

compromising quality, despite limited resources.”
Action: “I divided tasks based on each team member’s strengths,

established daily check-ins to track progress, and communicated regularly
with the client to manage expectations.”
Result: “We completed the project successfully and on time, impressing

the client, who became a long-term partner. This experience also boosted
my team’s morale and collaboration skills.”
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Effective answers to common interview questions can help you stand out.
Here are some commonly asked questions with response strategies and
examples:
1. "Tell me about yourself."
How to Answer: Start by briefly summarizing your background, focusing

on relevant experiences and accomplishments. Tailor your response to the
position, connecting your experience with the job role’s requirements.
Example Answer:
“I have over five years of experience in software development,

specializing in web and mobile applications. In my previous role, I led a
project that improved user engagement by 30%, thanks to a new feature
that personalized user recommendations. I’m passionate about leveraging
technology to create seamless user experiences, which is why I’m excited
about this opportunity to contribute to a team known for its innovation.”
2. "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
How to Answer: Choose strengths that align with the role, giving specific
examples. For weaknesses, discuss an area you’re improving or a past
weakness you’ve worked on and show your growth.
Example Answer (Strength):
“One of my core strengths is my analytical thinking. In my last role as a

data analyst, I implemented a new data-cleaning process that reduced
analysis time by 20%. I’m constantly seeking ways to optimize processes
for more accurate, faster results.”
Example Answer (Weakness):
“In the past, I found public speaking challenging, so I often avoided large
presentations. To address this, I joined a local speaking club and began
volunteering for presentations. This helped me build confidence, and I’m
now comfortable leading team meetings and project discussions.”
3. "Why do you want to work here?"
How to Answer: Show that you’ve researched the company and align your
career goals with its mission, values, or recent achievements.
Example Answer:
“I admire your commitment to sustainable practices and innovative

technology, which aligns well with my passion for environmental
engineering. This role would allow me to contribute to impactful projects
and continue developing my skills alongside a team that values
environmental responsibility.”
4. "Where do you see yourself in five years?"
How to Answer: Demonstrate ambition and a desire for growth, but also
ensure it aligns with the company’s direction.
Example Answer:
“In five years, I see myself taking on a leadership role where I can
contribute to strategic decisions and mentor junior team members. I’m
excited about the potential to develop my project management skills
further, ideally within a company that values innovation and continuous
improvement, like yours.”
5. "Why did you leave your last job?"
How to Answer: Keep it positive, focusing on what you’re looking for in a

new role rather than any negative experiences.
Example Answer:
“I had a great experience at my last company and learned a lot, especially

in client relations and project management. I’m now seeking a role with
more advancement opportunities and a chance to work on larger projects,
which is why I’m very interested in this position.”
6. Behavioral Question Example: "Tell me about a time when you handled

a challenging situation."
How to Answer: Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) Method to
answer behavioral questions. Describe the situation, the challenge or task,
the actions you took, and the positive result.
Example Answer (STAR Method):
Situation: “In my previous role as a project coordinator, we had a key

team member fall ill just two days before a major deadline.”
Task: “My task was to ensure the project was completed on time, even
with this unexpected setback.”
Action: “I took on some of the missing team member’s responsibilities,

reallocated tasks among other team members, and worked overtime to
keep everything on track.”
Result: “We completed the project successfully, impressing the client and
reinforcing my ability to adapt under pressure.”
6. Dress Code and Appearance:

General Guidelines: Aim to dress one level more formal than the
company’s typical dress code. Avoid excessive jewelry, distracting colors,
or overpowering perfumes.
Dress Types:
Formal: Suit, collared shirt, and formal shoes, typically for traditional
industries like law or finance.
Business Casual: Slacks, button-down or blouse, with an optional blazer,

suitable for most professional environments.
Smart Casual: Tidy jeans or slacks and a collared shirt, common in tech or
creative fields.
7. Facing the Interview:

Start Strong: Begin with a confident greeting and a brief, relevant self-
introduction.
• Answer Questions Clearly: Focus on the question at hand; be concise yet

thorough in your responses.
Show Enthusiasm: Highlight experiences and skills specific to the job, and
let your enthusiasm for the role show.
Handle Tough Questions: When discussing weaknesses or setbacks, be

honest and frame them as growth areas.
End on a Positive Note: Express gratitude to the interviewer for their time,
reiterate your interest, and inquire about next steps if not covered.
8. Asking the Right Questions:
Purpose: Asking questions shows interest in the role and provides insights
into company culture and expectations. Avoid questions about salary or
benefits unless the interviewer brings them up.
Sample Questions:
“What does a typical day look like in this role?”
“How does this role contribute to the company’s larger goals?”
“What is the team culture like?”
9. Post-Interview Etiquette:
Thank-You Note: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, mentioning
specific topics from the interview to show attentiveness and genuine
interest.
Follow-Up: If there’s no response after the expected timeframe, send a

polite follow-up email to inquire about the hiring timeline.
10. Key Takeaways:
Preparation is Key: Research the company, understand the role, and

practice potential questions.
Presentation Matters: Dress appropriately, and maintain professional

behavior and positive body language.
Communicate Confidently: Be clear, concise, and genuine in your

responses.
Be Yourself: Authenticity and positivity create a lasting impression.
Inconclusion, Mastering interview skills is essential for making a positive,

lasting impression on potential employers. By thoroughly preparing,
presenting yourself professionally, and answering questions confidently,
you showcase both your qualifications and your enthusiasm for the role.
Remember, an interview is as much an opportunity for you to assess the
company as it is for the company to evaluate you. With these strategies,
you can approach interviews with confidence, authenticity, and clarity,
paving the way for career success.
Activity:
Objective: To help students document and reflect on essential interview
skills and develop a personalized strategy for successful interviews.
Pre-writing Task:
Self-Introduction: Prepare a 1-minute self-introduction, highlighting your

background, strengths, and career goals.
Job Role Research: Choose a job or internship role relevant to your field
and research the company, its culture, and key job responsibilities.
Prepare 3–4 specific reasons why you would be a good fit for this role.
Writing Task:
Write a mock interview in at least 10 lines by considering the following:
Question Set: Use common interview questions provided including the

questions of your own.
STAR Method: Describe a hypothetical experience using STAR method for

at least one question.
End of the material…

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Semester-1:

English Language and Communication Skills Lab-2 for Electronics and

Subject Code: 23EG3182.

Syed Mushrafuddin (Assistant Professor, RGUKT IIIT), department of

Unit-6. Interview Skills:

Interview Skills: Making a Lasting Impression

Understanding the Interview:

B. Unstructured Interview: A conversational style with flexible questioning,

D. Technical Interview: Examines job-related technical skills and

E. Knowledge Interview: Assesses subject-specific expertise required for

F. Case Interview: Involves solving a real-time scenario, testing analytical

G. Synchronized Interview: Multiple interviewers take turns asking

H. Group Interview: Assesses teamwork and leadership by interviewing

3. Preparation for the Interview:

Logistics: Confirm interview details and prepare necessary documents

4. The STAR Method:

Situation: Describe the context or background of the situation.

Task: Explain the goal you aimed to achieve.

Action: Outline the steps you took to accomplish the task.

Result: Share the outcome and any positive impact.

Example STAR Answer:

Situation: “I was managing a team tasked with delivering a project for a

Task: “Our objective was to complete the project on time, without

Action: “I divided tasks based on each team member’s strengths,

Result: “We completed the project successfully and on time, impressing

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. "Tell me about yourself."

How to Answer: Start by briefly summarizing your background, focusing

“I have over five years of experience in software development,

2. "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

Example Answer (Strength):

“One of my core strengths is my analytical thinking. In my last role as a

Example Answer (Weakness):

3. "Why do you want to work here?"

“I admire your commitment to sustainable practices and innovative

4. "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

5. "Why did you leave your last job?"

How to Answer: Keep it positive, focusing on what you’re looking for in a

“I had a great experience at my last company and learned a lot, especially

6. Behavioral Question Example: "Tell me about a time when you handled

Example Answer (STAR Method):

Situation: “In my previous role as a project coordinator, we had a key

Action: “I took on some of the missing team member’s responsibilities,

6. Dress Code and Appearance:

Business Casual: Slacks, button-down or blouse, with an optional blazer,

7. Facing the Interview:

• Answer Questions Clearly: Focus on the question at hand; be concise yet

Handle Tough Questions: When discussing weaknesses or setbacks, be

“What does a typical day look like in this role?”

“How does this role contribute to the company’s larger goals?”

“What is the team culture like?”

Follow-Up: If there’s no response after the expected timeframe, send a

10. Key Takeaways:

Preparation is Key: Research the company, understand the role, and

Presentation Matters: Dress appropriately, and maintain professional

Communicate Confidently: Be clear, concise, and genuine in your

Be Yourself: Authenticity and positivity create a lasting impression.

Inconclusion, Mastering interview skills is essential for making a positive,

Self-Introduction: Prepare a 1-minute self-introduction, highlighting your

Write a mock interview in at least 10 lines by considering the following: