Interview Preparation

Interview help video

How to prepare for interview ?
Interview assumes an important step in the entire job hunting process. Interviews come in different forms. They don't have a
common pattern to them. However there are few tips which help to prepare for any interview.

1. Show Case your Traits and achievements

Plan and list few important things that fit the job description of the advertised post Present those points in a logical order, it
helps to talk to friends familiar with job description.

2. Practice in Mock Interview

Practice your Performance in the presence of family members and friends by asking them to fire question at you. Take feed
back from them and work on the weak areas, to overcome them.

3. Do your homework well
Research is integral to a good interview performance. Find out as much about you can about the Company, browse the net,
check company reports and put together news clips.

4. Armed with your background brief, ask relevant questions about the company. Give variety to your answers Don't attempt to
give a stock reply to all the panels of interview because they'll be comparing notes Re package your skills and achievements
so that they sound different

5. Hone your interpersonal skill
Interviewers are after all people with their taste, and dislikes. Identify each one of their area of interests. Then try and connect
with each of them, and deliberately attempt to guide the talk to the subject of the interviewer's interest without getting personal.

Importance of Proper Dress Code
As the saying going, first impression makes the best impression and certainly the outfit/dress worn by the candidate for the
interview go a long way in creating a best impression. In the preliminary stages of interview the dress code of the candidate
assumes more importance since in appropriately dressed candidates gets eliminated easily. However, proper dressing does
not necessarily mean investing on new wardrobe. Just be sure that you are able to put together an adequately smart interview
outfit.

Generally for women a professional-looking attire could be Sari or business suit with low heeled shoes. For Men, a long sleeved
shirt with necktie and shoes do quite well. In more conservative industries like law and banking, an event more conservative
approach is advisable. However in "creative" industries like advertising and publishing , a more informal style that reflects the
applicant's individuality is preferred.

Be sure that your cloths are immaculately clean and ironed well, Hair neatly cut and combed, shoes polished well, avoid carrying
purse, which could be bulging from your front pocket.

A brief case or portfolio would complete the look of professionalism. Be sure to wear a watch, also carry along a pen, and a pad
of paper for jotting down notes.

How to prepare for telephonic interview ?
The concept of telephonic Interview is gaining more acceptance in the new era of communication revolution. This methods gives
the employer an opportunity to evaluate the candidate on the following areas
1. Communication skill
2. Knowledge on the subject
3. Presence of mind

Here we give some tips on how to prepare for telephonic interview.
1. Ensure that you have the primary information about the company, the exact name and designation of the interviewer, before
you start answering
2. Prepare a brief introduction about yourself which must be short and to the point.
3. Ensure that you are in the right set of mental frame and mood before you start answering your questions
4. Don't get nervous while answering and keep your voice as normal as possible.
5. Try to speak clearly and precisely with out an exaggerated accent.
6. If you don't understand the question, it's perfectly acceptable and within your right to ask for it to be repeated.
7. Frame your answers carefully and keep them to the point.
8. Rehearse well about the questions you want to ask the interviewer. You can ask about the Company profile, expected
emoluments and other relevant information which you deem fit and proper.

10 Worst mistakes which can hamper your interview preparation

If the job seeker subject himself to a self evaluation he would come across a number of common short comings which would
hinder the chances of him/her being selected. So it is very much essential for him/her to identify those short comings and
attempt to overcome them before appearing for the actual interview. Here we give some common shortcomings and tips for
overcoming them.

Lack of Preparation
The worst thing you may be confronted with is to go for an interview badly prepared. In order to be at an advantage, you have
to find out as much as you can about the interviewer(s). Find out about the company, their business, and the position for which
you're being called for interview. Prepare for the questions they are likely to ask you, as well as the questions you would like to
ask them.

Late Arrival
On the day of the interview, leave much earlier to avoid any chance of getting late. No one will accept your excuse for being late,
however it may be due to reason beyond your control. If you are unavoidably late, offer a sincere apology just once, and then let
it drop.

Improper Appearance
Many people pay less attention to what they wear on the interview. Never ignore the possibility that every large company has its
own dress and grooming code standards etc. If you're in doubt as to what to wear for your interview, try to pay an anonymous visit
to their business / office, lunchtime and take a look around, which can give you a good idea. If you expect the interview to last
several hours, plan to wear clothing that will look neat all day. If it's raining, protect your outfit with reliable rain gear. Do not,
under any circumstances, allow yourself to appear disheveled.

Bad Manners
As the saying goes the first impression is the best impression. The moment you step into the interviewer's room, you are being
watched. The way you walk up to the interviewer's table, the way you sit in front of them, the way you wish them, every activity of
yours is put under the microscope eyes of the trained interviewer.

Lack of Confidence
Are you confident of your ability to meet responsibilities assigned to you? You need to learn to appear as competent, it does
create an atmosphere that is conducive to success.

Poor Attitude
You should go for an interview with enthusiasm and an open mind while presenting yourself in an upbeat and professional manner.
If they are giving you the courtesy of their time and consideration, the least you can do is to respond in kind. If you decide during
the interview that you don't want the job, or that you may not be sufficiently experienced or qualified to receive the offer, don't
adopt a negative attitude. Continue to manifest a positive attitude.

Inconsistency
The people who will be interviewing you are usually old and seasoned hands at the job. They are quick to notice inconsistencies,
hesitations, and uncertainties. They may challenge something you say just to see how you respond. If you back off, change,
justify, qualify, over-explain, or retract what you said earlier, they may suspect that you've been exaggerating or lying to them,
and are likely to probe further.

When interviewers respond to your statement with a skeptical look, a pause, or a comment, like "Really?", you've to keep you
cool, just smile politely, nod, and wait for them to continue. If you become uncomfortable, you can always ask, "Have I answered
the question to your satisfaction?", or "Was there anything else you wanted me to talk about?"

Failing to listen
The successful interviewees read the interviewer's tone and gesture and respond accordingly. This means paying attention, and
knowing when to continue, change direction, or stop talking. Avoid potentially controversial issues. When you see the interviewer's
attention lacking change the topic or better still ask a question. Don't get carried away with the sound of your own voice. Pay
attention to the interviewer's questions and line of conversation. Bear in mind that what they want to hear is more important than
what you may want to say.

Losing temper
No matter what happens, don't lose your temper. even if you don't really need the position, remember that your reputation may
precede you to your next interview. If you do react, do so with control and resolve, so that you won't regret your behavior
afterwards.

If you are being interviewed for a high-level or high ranking slot you may be subjected to a pressure interview. This can take
the form of making you wait, having the interview interrupted (once or several times), inappropriate conversation or questions,
and even rudeness or hostility.

Most likely, you will not be subjected to such tactics, although some unpleasant situations (especially being Kept Waiting) can
arise without intent.

Blowing the Negotiation
If you get the offer, at some point you will have to negotiate your compensation package and any other benefits. Make sure
that the terms of your employment, including responsibilities, reviews, and related conditions are defined and that you have a
clear idea of what is expected of you. Don't commit yourself to remunerations, terms and conditions that will make you unhappy.

Bear in mind once, you have accepted specific terms, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to amend them. So prepare yourself
to negotiate wisely and intelligently your own behalf.

The Common Interview Questions and few tips on answering them

Are you clear about where want to be ?

Explain your career progression in a logical manner and show how the various jobs, you have held so far, have helped you move
farther towards your goal.

Can you outline the growth path you have in mind ?

Explain in a step-by-step fashion how you expect to grow with time frames.

Management Style

Would you describe yourself as good manpower ?
Try to answer this question with the help of situations that you have dealt with and the success you have achieved.

How would you rate your Boss?
Never criticize your boss. If for example, your boss does not take responsibility, then you could say, "My boss has taught me
how to stretch beyond myself".

Salary Expectations
How much do you expect ?
If you have done your homework you know much other people similar jobs are paid. Quote the range up front.

How much do you think you are worth ?
Work out how much you should be paid, given the market value of the job and your skills.

Tricky Questions
Why do you want to leave your present employer ?
Do not ever criticize the organization you worked with previously. You could say that you enjoyed meeting the challenges you
faced there, but now you want to more on the bigger challenges.

Why are you looking for a change now ?
You said you were looking for fresh challenges, then why didn't you move earlier. Say I prefer to wait for the right job, rather
than settle for second best.

How do you rate your current organization ?
An excellent learning ground that has given me perfect opportunities for personal as well as career growth.

How to answer questions on Career accomplishments?
When interviewers ask you to describe your most significant accomplishment, they want stories about your on-the-job experiences.
Many candidates make the mistake of answering the question with a general statement. But interviewers want to hear about a
specific time when you had this experience. The way to prepare for this type of question is to identify and tailor your stories before
the interview. This question offers an opportunity to emphasize awards, compliments or bonuses received for a job well done. A
story can relate a great many skills. By giving specific examples of an accomplishment, you give the interviewer a better idea of
your past behavior. After all, you've done it before, and you can certainly do it again.
One really good story is worth 50 general answers

Preparation is key to a successful interview

Does the idea of going to a job interview make you feel a little queasy? Many people find that it is the hardest part of the hiring process. But it doesn’t have to be. The more you prepare and practice, the more comfortable you will feel. Increase your odds of landing the job you want by brushing up on your interview skills.

Prepare before you go.
Find out all you can about the company before you go to the interview. Understand the products that they produce and/or the services that they provide. It’s also good to know who the customers are and who the major competitors are.

Practice makes perfect.
It will also make you feel more confident and relaxed. So, practice your answers to common questions. Make a list of questions to ask, too. Almost all interviewers will ask if you have questions. This is a great opportunity for you to show that you have done your homework and have put some thought into your questions

Make a great impression.
The interview is your chance to show that you are the best person for the job. Your application or resume has already exhibited that you are qualified. Now it ’s up to you to show how your skills and experience match this position and this company.

The employer will be looking and listening to determine if you are a good fit. He/she will be looking for a number of different qualities, in addition to the skills that you possess. To make the best impression, dress appropriately; sell your strengths; arrive early, by about 10-15 minutes; be enthusiastic; shake hands firmly; be an active listener; sit up straight and maintain eye contact; ask questions.

Say "thank you".
After the interview, follow up with a thank-you note. This is a chance for you to restate your interest and how you can benefit the company. Your best bet is to try to time it so that the note gets there before the hiring decision is made. You should also follow up with a phone call if you don’t hear back from the employer within the specified time.