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So what if you are not a mountaineer. Or a keen hiker. You still cannot treat your interview
like a careless morning trot along a jogger's path. Your jaw-jaw at the interview table is
nothing less than a cautious climb up a mountain trail--which begins around your early
childhood and meanders through the years at the academia before reaching a new summit in
your career. And as you retrace your steps down memory lane make sure that you post flags
at important landmarks of your life and career, so that you can pop them before the interview
panel scoops them out of you. You don't want to be at the receiving end, do you?

Face the panel, but don't fall of the chair in a headlong rush-and-skid attempt to tell your
story. Take one step at a time.Don't go into unnecessary detail about how you aced your
business math midterm in your sophomore year at accounting school. Here are a few
preparation tips from the Team of Freshersworld.com that books on interviews sometimes
overlook. Remember, as a fresher you do not have anything to loose but to gain.

TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

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/Study-related items
unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done well at your college and how
you wanted to perform in the first job.

2. Why Should We Employ You?

For this question, your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the job.
Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers. However, structure
them to suit your requirements.

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills
I can persuade people to see my point of view, and get the work done
My greatest asset is my ability to motivate people
Even during emergencies, I do not loose my cool
I have good entrepreneurial skills
I have consistently met my deadlines and targets
Can say �no� to people when required to do so!
I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates, and would like to see them grow
I am a good team player
I am very flexible, and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions
I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here, give appropriate details and
examples)

3. Do You Have Offers From Other Companies ?

This is of course a difficult question to answer. Obviously, you must have applied to other
companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other companies
already. Therefore, do not lie that you have not. However, you are on thin ice here! The
interviewer could be checking your honesty. On the other hand, he/she may also be trying to
find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly, or is there a well-planned
strategy?
Whatever your answer, it should match your career goals.

4. What Salary Are You Expecting?

Try not to get into salary details early in the interview. If pressed, you could say that it all
depends on the job, and would like to talk about it after a job offer. Say this in a convincing
tone. In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews, give a direct answer. Do
not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind.

SALARY EXPECTATIONS :

1. How much do you expect?

If you have done your homework, you would know how much other people in similar jobs
are paid. Quote the range upfront.

2. 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. If
you can bring some extra skills to the table, do not hesitate to ask for more than the market
value.

3. What kind of a culture are you comfortable with?

It is better to be frank about your preferences. Your interviewer will get a clear idea about
your expectations.

4. Which is more important to you-salary, perks or growth opportunities?

This one will reveal the real you. So be sure what you are going to say. Above all, be true to
yourself. If you think this is a negotiation move, then say clearly that you will never sell
yourself short.

5. What do you know about our company?

Do not give your opinions about the company. Stick to reported facts that you have gathered
from newspapers and so on. Talk about the product portfolio, size, income, and market
perceptions of the company. Also it is better to refer details about each company before going
for the interview from Freshersworld.com or PlacementWeek.com

6. Why should we choose you over someone else?

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your College/Project Team and highlight
the quality required.

6. Your qualifications are excellent, but you may be overqualified for the position we have to
offer?
Point out that more experience can never be a drawback. If you are multi-skilled, then
highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people. It needs people
within different departments to work together. Also emphasise that the company's future
growth will be an exponential function of your experience.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK :

Interviewers usually round off by giving you an opportunity to ask questions. Treat it like a
welcome opportunity.
You could ask questions like.
a) Tell me about your company.
b) Now that I have outlined my career goals, do you think you can offer me the opportunities
I need?
c) What kind of training and learning can I expect in your company?
d) Describe the work culture and the management style of your company?
e) What is the long-term vision of your company?

As a fresher, current position and status can impact the way you are interviewed. Fresh Out of
College

The basis on which you will be judged is your academic background, family background, and
interests.
If looking for your first job, ensure that your previous experience, even if it is part-time, is
noticed.
Mention projects or responsibilities you may have undertaken. This will indicate your area of
aptitude.
You should be willing to put in regular hours, in line with the company's policies. The
interviewer needs to know whether you can be punctual and put in full-time work.
In case you have applied for the post of management trainee, you should display an ability to
adapt, and indicate all-round interests. Moreover, you should have good interpersonal skills.
You should be enthusiastic to learn, and show commitment towards the organization, as the
company will be spending a lot on your training.

Bring with you :

a) Copies of your resumes
b) References and letters of recommendations.

First Impressions :
There is a common saying that minds are made up within the first 5 minutes of an interview.
So keep in mind these important first impression indicators. Walk in the door as if you
already work there, carry yourself as though you feel perfectly comfortable with the situation.
Arrive on time or a little early. In the waiting area, politely tell the receptionist who you are
meeting and in a friendly way, ask where you should sit. Take slow, deep breaths to help you
remain calm and focused. When introduced to the interviewer, have a firm, but not painful,
handshake. Smile. Have good posture when sitting or standing. Introduce yourself in a
relaxed, confident manner. Have a well-groomed, professional appearance. Project a feeling
of confidence. Bring extra copies of your resume, some thing to write on and something to
write with.

The interview is an opportunity for both, the interviewer and the candidate to market
themselves. The employer is selling the organization to you, and you are marketing your
skills, knowledge, and personality to the employer. Remember that interviews are varied and
so they cannot therefore be easily categorized.
Following are some human resource interview tips:

1. Be prepared
Preparation increases confidence. Practice with your friends or relatives. Remember
that everyone who is interviewing is not necessarily a good interviewer.
You may prepare by reviewing magazine and newspaper articles. You may check out
 their web site. Read your resume before your interview. It will keep your answers
fresh.
2. Location and punctuality
Find out the location of organization. Make sure you have a map or directions as well
as information of the nearest railway station.
Arrive 5-10 minutes early. Arriving early will give you the opportunity to read some
information on the company in the reception area.
3. Be professional
Professional look always helps for good impression. Be careful about your dressing.
Be aware of the company culture and ensure you dress to impress. Decide what you
are going to wear the night before to avoid making the wrong choices.
4. Be polite
Don't interrupt to the interviewer. Listen very carefully. Poor listening skills are
responsible for the bad impression.
If the interview is being conducted in a restaurant, mind your table manners. If the
interviewers are serious and soft-spoken, then you should be same as interviewer.
Avoid loud laughter during the interviewer.
5. Be positive
Keep in mind that there is only one chance to make a first impression. Every
company wants employees who are goal-oriented, career-driven, enthusiastic and
motivated. Be the employee as they want. End the interview on a positive note. The
hiring official needs to know that you are interested, enthusiastic and excited about
the position and the company.
6. Be practical
If you are experienced then the interviewer already knows your current salary and
benefits package. When the topic of salary comes up state that you know they will
make a fair offer.
If you are offered the position during the interviewing process and you want the job
then accept it. If the offer is not acceptable for any reason, ask for time to consider the
offer.
7. Human resource interview tips - Do's
 Have a firm handshake.
 Be sincere and direct.
 Introduce yourself in a courteous manner.
 Read company materials while you wait.
 You have to prepare for questions and listen carefully to the interviewer.
 Ask about the next step in the process.
 Thank the interviewer.
 Learn about the Human Resources Analyst Program and understand the
different facets of human resources.
 You never know what the interviewer will ask you about, so be prepared to
talk about anything you have included on your resume. You should be truthful
about your experiences and skills.
8. Human resource interview tips - Don'ts
 Don't show depression or discouragement.
 Don't start the topics like salary, benefits or working hours.
 Don't look at your watch.
 Don't take extensive notes.
 Don't be too serious.
 9. Follow up
Always write a thank you note immediately after the interview. If there are number of
interviewers then send a copy of thank you letter to each person. Summarize your
qualifications and how they meet the expectations of the position.

1. Tell me about yourself?

I am down-to-earth, sweet, smart, creative, industrious, and thorough.

2. How has your experience prepared you for your career?

Coursework:
Aside from the discipline and engineering foundation learning that I have gained from my courses, I
think the design projects, reports, and presentations have prepared me most for my career.
Work Experience:
Through internships, I have gained self-esteem, confidence, and problem-solving skills. I also refined
my technical writing and learned to prepare professional documents for clients.
Student Organizations:
By working on multiple projects for different student organizations while keeping up my grades, I've
built time management and efficiency skills. Additionally, I've developed leadership, communication,
and teamwork abilities.
Life Experience:
In general, life has taught me determination and the importance of maintaining my ethical
standards.

3. Describe the ideal job.

Ideally, I would like to work in a fun, warm environment with individuals working independently
towards team goals or individual goals. I am not concerned about minor elements, such as dress
codes, cubicles, and the level of formality. Most important to me is an atmosphere that fosters
attention to quality, honesty, and integrity.

4. What type of supervisor have you found to be the best?

I have been fortunate enough to work under wonderful supervisors who have provided limited
supervision, while answering thoughtful questions and guiding learning. In my experience, the best
supervisors give positive feedback and tactful criticism.

5. What do you plan to be doing in five years' time?

Taking the PE exam and serving in supervisory/leadership roles both at work and in
professional/community organization(s).

6. What contributions could you make in this organization that would help you to stand out from
other applicants?
In previous internships, my industriousness and ability to teach myself have been valuable assets to
the company. My self-teaching abilities will minimize overhead costs, and my industriousness at
targeting needs without prompting will set me apart from others. Additionally, one thing that has
always set me apart from my scientific/engineering peers are my broad interests and strong writing
abilities. I am not your typical "left-brained" engineer, and with my broad talents, I am likely to
provide diverse viewpoints.

7. What sort of criteria are you using to decide the organization you will work for?
Most importantly, I am looking for a company that values quality, ethics, and teamwork. I would like
to work for a company that hires overachievers.

8. What made you choose your major?

My academic interests are broad, so I sought civil engineering to achieve a great balance of
mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, and writing.

9. Have your university and major met your expectations?

The College of Engineering at MSU has exceeded my expectations by providing group activities,
career resources, individual attention, and professors with genuine interest in teaching.
My major has met my expectations by about 90%. I would have enjoyed more choices in
environmental courses, and would have preferred more calculus-based learning.

10. What made you choose this college?

I chose this college for the following reasons: my budget limited me to in-state schools, I was seeking
an area with dog-friendly apartments, the MSU web site impressed me, I saw active student groups,
and the people were very friendly.

11. List 2-3 of your greatest achievements since you've been in college and why? Receiving the SWE
Outstanding Member Award and College of Engineering Student Service Award
I got involved with student activities to overcome my debilitating shyness. Receiving these awards
signified that I had accomplished a transition from dragging myself to participate to feeling
energized by it.
Receiving the SWE Web Site Award
Without training in web design, I competed against not only the other student sections, but
professional sections around the nation. Despite competing with more HTML-experienced people, I
brought this award to my section. After getting so much from SWE, I was able to give something
back.
Earning the highest grade in an organic chemistry class of ~200 people
I worked very hard for this grade and loved the subject, so it was a great feeling to see that the hard
work paid off.

12. Which subjects have you enjoyed studying the most and why?
I have enjoyed hydrology, fluids, solid & hazardous waste management, water and wastewater
treatment, and oceanography because I love water and environmental topics.
Calculus and linear algebra excite me because I love logic.
I enjoyed the writing and analysis in economic history.
Business law thrilled me because I have a strong interest in legal matters.

13. Which subjects did you dislike and why?

Introductory soil elicited little interest in me, most likely because the professor was inexperienced,
the book was ineffective, and I had little spare time that semester to look into other resources.
14. Do you have plans to continue your education?
Yes, but not immediately. I plan to continue part time with either an MBA or an environmental
engineering masters, depending on which will be more beneficial to my work.

15. How would a professor who knows you well describe you? One who does not know you well?
A professor who knows me well would likely describe my personal qualities: sweet, down-to-earth,
smart, hard-working, and conscientious.
As specific examples of those who did not know me well, my soils professor and soils teaching
assistant each considered me smart and respectful, and both thought that I must have enjoyed the
class a lot, due to my performance.

16. Given the chance, how would you alter your education?
Knowing now what I like the most, I would have used my electives for extra math and psychology
classes, since I tend to be well-rounded enough that a variety of classes are unnecessary; my
personal reading is diverse enough. I have found that mathematics and psychology are helpful to all
career and life paths.

17. Which part-time job did you enjoy the most and why?
Working for PM Environmental was most enjoyable to me, since I felt like I was significantly
contributing to the company, and I enjoyed learning on my own.

18. Interests:
Some of my interests include dogs, hiking, snow-shoeing, water sports, writing, reading (especially
Charles Dickens' novels), skiing, drawing, crafts, and computers.

19. What are your strengths?

My strongest strength is the ability to teach myself difficult material, regardless of the subject (with
the exception of theater and drawing blood from dogs, which I have no talent for). Additionally, I
have always excelled verbally and look forward to writing opportunities.

20. What are your weaknesses?

I tend to try to do too many things, leaving little time for myself. I have worked on balancing myself
for the last several months. I am also working on improving my public speaking skills.

21. What sort of serious problems have you experienced, and how have you handled them?
My apartment building burned down at the end of January during one of my semesters at MSU.
Before the fire got too bad, I was able to rescue my pets and the neighbor's dog, as well as my
textbooks and backpack, but I lost most of my mementos and possessions. While the firemen were
preparing their hoses, I drove to school (with the animals in the car) to meet my lab partners, who
were waiting for me. I explained the situation, emailed my professors, and rushed back to the
apartment.
Fortunately, I had renter's insurance. I missed about a week of school to deal with the insurance
matters and find a new place to live. In order to salvage my grades and sanity, I dropped a course
and honored my existing student group and research commitments. Staying active socially and
keeping myself well-rounded were the best healing tools for me. Within a few weeks, I was caught
up and had recovered reasonably from the loss of sentimental items.

22. Do you or have you in the past experimented with illegal drugs?
No. My only addictions are caffeine and sugar.

23. Would you be willing to take a drug test?

Of course.

24. Do you drink alcohol socially?

No, but I enjoy Shirley Temples quite a bit.

Whether you are searching for jobs, looking for career avenues or climbing the corporate
ladder, you can't escape team interviews these days. The problem is that such interviews don't
have a pattern to them. They come in different forms. You could be facing your prospective
team members. Or you could be up against the top brass�HR vice-president, the section
head, the operations chief. Or you could also be sent to a recruitment assessment centre for
multi-parametric evaluation (psychological tests for pressure-handling abilities, team-player
skills and so on).
Try these ten tips for surviving, and scoring, in a team interview.

GIVE VARIETY TO YOUR ANSWERS

Remember you might be interviewed by different panels. Don't give a stock answer to all of
them. They'll be comparing notes.
Repackage your skills so that they sound different. If you're showcasing project X as your
major achievement in your present job before one team, talk about project B before another
interview panel.
A technical team will tune in to techie talk; an HR team would rather hear about your
interpersonal skills.

FINE-TUNE INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Pull out the stops on your group management and group presentation skills.Interviewers are
people after all. Look for the personality type underscoring each interviewer.Then try and
connect with each one of them without getting personal. Usually the best way to make
contact is to project values that you feel you can share with your interviewers.

DON'T QUAKE IN YOUR BOOTS

 Interviewers are not ogres. They are looking for excuses to hire you, not spill your
guts.
 Don't be obsequious. That conveys low self-esteem.
 If you face your interviewers with fear in your eyes, they won't like what they see.
They are NOT sadists.

PREPARE FOR STRESS

  You'll be up against a time crunch in a team interview.
 In one-on-ones, the interviewer might be taking notes, allowing you little breathers.
No such luck with four people firing questions at you. Use stress control techniques to
soothe your nerves. You might even use the extra adrenaline to sharpen your
responses.

SHOWCASE THE IMPORTANT THINGS

 List seven important things that fit the job description of the advertised post. Prepare
to present skills that fit such traits.
 It helps to talk to friends familiar with the job description. You can even ask them to
prepare tests that you can take from them.

REHEARSE WELL

 Put together three family members or friends with diverse personality traits.
 Recreate the formality of a team interview situation and ask them to fire nonstop
questions at you. That will serve as a useful practice session.
 Ask for serious feedback, especially about weak areas in your answers. Questions
about qualifications and work experience are usually generic, so what your mock
team asks you is bound to be pretty close to the real stuff.

CREATE A MENTAL PICTURE OF YOURSELF

Boost your self-confidence by seeing yourself as star performer who's a cut above. See
yourself answering with elan the questions you expect. Then replay your answers and ask
yourself these questions:

 How interesting were your observations?

 Did most of your responses begin the same way?
 Did you use 'we' often, suggesting team-player attributes?
 Are there traces of humour in your responses?

ASK GOOD QUESTIONS

 Research is integral to a good interview performance. Find out as much about you can
about the company concerned. Browse the Net, check company reports, put together
news clips.
 Armed with your background brief, ask relevant questions about the company.
 If you think you have a bright idea about any ongoing activity, try this: "Did the
company consider this option ..."

LOOK BEYOND THE OBVIOUS

 Your interview team has some core queries about you. It's these they want you to
address. Try and look beyond the upfront questions to decipher their exact intent.
Then respond to fill in what the team is really looking for.
 Flesh out your answers to focus on the team's concerns. If they ask you about your
perception of the company's ESOP policy, they want you to present your expectation
from a stock option plan.
  Answer in sync with the general tenor of the interview. If your work involves
individual research besides team work, don't go overboard about team-player abilities.
Balance your answer. Mention how sometimes individual work is more productive
though team work is needed to put into action ideas generated by individual research

Whether you are searching for jobs, looking for career avenues or climbing the corporate
ladder, you can't escape team interviews these days. The problem is that such interviews don't
have a pattern to them. They come in different forms. You could be facing your prospective
team members. Or you could be up against the top brass�HR vice-president, the section
head, the operations chief. Or you could also be sent to a recruitment assessment centre for
multi-parametric evaluation (psychological tests for pressure-handling abilities, team-player
skills and so on).
Try these ten tips for surviving, and scoring, in a team interview.

GIVE VARIETY TO YOUR ANSWERS

Remember you might be interviewed by different panels. Don't give a stock answer to all of
them. They'll be comparing notes.
Repackage your skills so that they sound different. If you're showcasing project X as your
major achievement in your present job before one team, talk about project B before another
interview panel.
A technical team will tune in to techie talk; an HR team would rather hear about your
interpersonal skills.

FINE-TUNE INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Pull out the stops on your group management and group presentation skills.Interviewers are
people after all. Look for the personality type underscoring each interviewer.Then try and
connect with each one of them without getting personal. Usually the best way to make
contact is to project values that you feel you can share with your interviewers.

DON'T QUAKE IN YOUR BOOTS

 Interviewers are not ogres. They are looking for excuses to hire you, not spill your
guts.
 Don't be obsequious. That conveys low self-esteem.
 If you face your interviewers with fear in your eyes, they won't like what they see.
They are NOT sadists.

PREPARE FOR STRESS

 You'll be up against a time crunch in a team interview.

 In one-on-ones, the interviewer might be taking notes, allowing you little breathers.
No such luck with four people firing questions at you. Use stress control techniques to
soothe your nerves. You might even use the extra adrenaline to sharpen your
responses.

SHOWCASE THE IMPORTANT THINGS

  List seven important things that fit the job description of the advertised post. Prepare
to present skills that fit such traits.
 It helps to talk to friends familiar with the job description. You can even ask them to
prepare tests that you can take from them.

REHEARSE WELL

 Put together three family members or friends with diverse personality traits.
 Recreate the formality of a team interview situation and ask them to fire nonstop
questions at you. That will serve as a useful practice session.
 Ask for serious feedback, especially about weak areas in your answers. Questions
about qualifications and work experience are usually generic, so what your mock
team asks you is bound to be pretty close to the real stuff.

CREATE A MENTAL PICTURE OF YOURSELF

Boost your self-confidence by seeing yourself as star performer who's a cut above. See
yourself answering with elan the questions you expect. Then replay your answers and ask
yourself these questions:

 How interesting were your observations?

 Did most of your responses begin the same way?
 Did you use 'we' often, suggesting team-player attributes?
 Are there traces of humour in your responses?

ASK GOOD QUESTIONS

 Research is integral to a good interview performance. Find out as much about you can
about the company concerned. Browse the Net, check company reports, put together
news clips.
 Armed with your background brief, ask relevant questions about the company.
 If you think you have a bright idea about any ongoing activity, try this: "Did the
company consider this option ..."

LOOK BEYOND THE OBVIOUS

 Your interview team has some core queries about you. It's these they want you to
address. Try and look beyond the upfront questions to decipher their exact intent.
Then respond to fill in what the team is really looking for.
 Flesh out your answers to focus on the team's concerns. If they ask you about your
perception of the company's ESOP policy, they want you to present your expectation
from a stock option plan.
 Answer in sync with the general tenor of the interview. If your work involves
individual research besides team work, don't go overboard about team-player abilities.
Balance your answer. Mention how sometimes individual work is more productive
though team work is needed to put into action ideas generated by individual research

Many companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to

check on your interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with
other people. The GD is to check how you behave, participate and contribute
in a group, how much importance do you give to the group objective as well
as your own, how well do you listen to viewpoints of others and how open-
minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own. The aspects which
make up a GD are verbal communication, non-verbal behaviour,
conformation to norms, decision-making ability and cooperation. You should
try to be as true as possible to these aspects.

1. In a group discussion what should my objectives be and how should I

achieve them?
2. Is it wise to take a strong stand either in favor or against the topic right at
the start of a Group Discussion ?
3. Is it a good strategy to try and be the first speaker on the topic in a GD?
4. In an interview how does one handle the question "Tell us about
yourself?".
5. Is it better to have a longer selection interview or a shorter one?
6. In the MBA entrance interview how do I justify my decision to pursue
the MBA programme?
In a group discussion what should my objectives be and how should I
achieve them? In order to succeed at any unstructured group discussion, you
must define what your objective in the group is. A good definition of your
objective is - to be seen to have contributed meaningfully in an attempt to
achieve the right consensus

The key words in this definition are 'seen', 'meaningfully', and 'attempt'. Let
us understand what each of these imply in terms of action points : The first
implication is that merely making a meaningful contribution in an attempt to
achieve consensus is not enough. You have to be seen by the evaluator to
have made a meaningful contribution in n attempt to build the right
consensus.
In other words you must ensure that you are heard by the group. If the
group hears you so will the evaluator. You must get at least some airtime. If
you are not a very assertive person you will have to simply learn to be
assertive for those 15 minutes. If you get cowed down easily in an aggressive
group, you can say goodbye to the business school admission.
Many GD participants often complain that they did not get a chance to
speak. The fact of the matter is that in no GD do you get a chance to speak.
You have to make your chances.
The second important implication is that making just any sort of
contribution is not enough. Your contribution has to be meaningful. A
meaningful contribution suggests that you have a good knowledge base, are
able to structure arguments logically and are a good communicator. These
are qualities that are desired by all evaluators.
Many GD participants feel that the way to succeed in a GD is by speaking
frequently, for a long time and loudly. This is not true. The quality of what
you say is more important than the quantity. Don't be demoralized if you feel
you have not spoken enough. If you have spoken sense and have been heard,
even if only for a short time, it is usually good enough. You must have
substance in your arguments.
Therefore, think things through carefully. Always enter the room with a
piece of paper and a pen. In the first two minutes jot down as many ideas as
you can. It pays to think laterally. Everybody else will state the obvious.
Can you state something different? Can you take the group ahead if it is stuck
at one point? Can you take it in a fresh and more relevant direction? You
may like to dissect the topic and go into the underlying causes or into the
results.
One way of deciding what sort of contribution is meaningful at what point
of time is to follow two simple rules. First, in times of chaos a person who
restores order to the group is appreciated. Your level of participation in a fish
market kind of scenario can be low, but your degree of influence must never
be low. In other words you must make positive contributions every time you
speak and not speak for the sake of speaking. The second rule is applicable
when the group is floundering. In this situation a person who provides a fresh
direction to the group is given credit.
The third implication is that you must be clearly seen to be attempting to
build a consensus. Nobody expects a group of ten people, all with different
points of view on a controversial subject to actually achieve a consensus.
But did you make the attempt to build a consensus?

The reason why an attempt to build a consensus is important is because in

most work situations you will have to work with people in a team, accept
joint responsibilities and take decisions as a group. You must demonstrate
the fact that you are capable and inclined to work as part of a team.
What are the ways that you can try to build consensus? First, you must
not just talk, you should also listen. You must realize that other people also
may have valid points to make. You should not only try to persuade other
people to your point of view, but also come across as a person who has an
open mind and appreciates the valid points of others.
You must try and resolve contradictions and arguments of others in the
group. You must synthesize arguments and try and achieve a unified position
in the group. Try to think of the various arguments of yours and others' as
parts of a jigsaw puzzle or as building blocks of a larger argument for or
against the topic.
Try and lay down the boundaries or the area of the discussion at the
beginning. Discuss what the group should discuss before actually beginning
your discussion. This will at least ensure that everyone is talking about the
same thing.
Try and summarize the discussion at the end. In the summary do not merely
restate your point of view; also accommodate dissenting viewpoints. If the
group did not reach a consensus, say so in your summary

You must carry people with you. So do not get emotional, shout, invade
other people's private space.
Do not bang your fist on the table except in extreme circumstances. If
you have spoken and you notice that someone else has tried to enter the
discussion on a number of occasions and has not had the chance to do so
maybe you could give him a chance the next time he tries. But do not offer
a chance to anyone who is not trying to speak. He may not have anything to
say at that point and you will just end up looking foolish.
The surest way of antagonizing others in the GD as well as the examiner is
to appoint yourself as a de facto chairperson of the group. Do not try to
impose a system whereby everyone gets a chance to speak in turn. A GD is
meant to be a free flowing discussion.
Let it proceed naturally. Do not ever try to take a vote on the topic. A vote
is no substitute for discussion.
Do not address only one or two persons when speaking. Maintain eye
contact with as many members of the group as possible. This will involve
others in what you are saying and increase your chances of carrying them
with you. Do this even if you are answering a specific point raised by one
person. One last point. You must not agree with another participant in the
group merely for the sake of achieving consensus. If you disagree, say so.
You are not there to attempt to build just any consensus. You have to attempt
to build the right consensus.
Is it wise to take a strong stand either in favour or against the topic right at the
start of a Group Discussion ?
In theory yes. If you believe something why shouldn't you say so? If we are
convinced about something our natural response is to say so emphatically.
However in practice what is likely to happen if you take a very strong and
dogged stance right at the beginning of the interview is that you will
antagonize the people in the group who disagree with you and will be
unable to carry them with you and convince them of the validity of your
argument. We therefore recommend that after you hear the topic you think
about it for a minute with an open mind and note down the major issues that
come to your mind. Don't jump to any conclusions. Instead arrive at a stand
in your own mind after examining all the issues in a balanced manner. Only
then begin to speak. And when you do so outline the major issues first and
only then state your stand. In other words give the justification first and the
stand later. If you were to state your stand first chances are that the others in
the group who disagree with your stand will interrupt to contradict you before
you can elaborate on the reasons why you have taken that stance. In this
situation the evaluator will only get an impression of what you think and not
how you think. Remember you are being evaluated on how you think and
not what you think

Is it a good strategy to try and be the first speaker on the topic in a GD?
In most GD's the opening speaker is the person who is likely to get the
maximum uninterrupted airtime. The reason is simple - at the start most
other participants in the GD are still trying to understand the basic issues in
the topic, or are too nervous to speak and are waiting for someone else to
start. Therefore the evaluators get the best chance to observe the opening
speaker.
Now this is a double edged sword. If the opening speaker talks sense naturally
he will get credit because he opened and took the group in the right direction.
If on the other hand the first speaker doesn't have too much sense to say, he
will attract the undivided attention of the evaluators to his shortcomings. He
will be marked as a person who speaks without thinking merely for the sake
of speaking. As someone who leads the group in the wrong direction and does
not make a positive contribution to the group.
So remember speaking first is a high risk high return strategy. It can make or
mar your GD performance depending how you handle it. Speak first only if
you have something sensible to say. Otherwise keep shut and let someone else
start.
In an interview how does one handle the question "Tell us about yourself?".
An often asked opening question. Perhaps the most frequently asked
question across interviews. Your opening statement needs to be a summary of
your goals, overall professional capabilities, achievements, background
(educational and family), strengths, professional objectives and anything
about your personality that is relevant and interesting. This question
represents an opportunity to lead the interviewer in the direction you want
him to go e.g., your speciality or whatever else you may wish to highlight.
Your intention should be to try to subtly convince the interviewers that you
are a good candidate, you have proved that in the past, and have a personality
that fits the requirement. Remember that the first impression you create will
go a long way in the ultimate selection. Keep in mind, most candidates who
are asked this question just blurt out their schooling, college, marks and
qualifications. All this is already there in the CV.
Why tell the interviewer something he already knows?
A final word on approaching this question. Once you have said what you have
to say - shut up. Don't drone on for the sake of speaking for you just might
say something foolish. Sometimes interviewers don't interrupt in order to give
the candidate the impression that he has not spoken enough. This is just a
stress inducing tactic. Don't fall for it, if you feel you have spoken enough. In
case the pause gets too awkward for you just add something like,

"Is there something specific that you wish to know about me?" Is it better to
have a longer selection interview or a shorter one?

The length of an interview in no way is an indicator of how well an

interview went. This is especially so when there are a number of candidates to
be interviewed for example in the civil services interview or the MBA
entrance interview. In the past a number of candidates have reported varying
lengths of interviews. Nothing positive or negative should be read into this.
An interview is only a device whereby the panel seeks information about the
candidate. Information that will help the panel decide whether or not the
candidate should be selected.
If the panel feels that it has gathered enough information about the candidate
in 15 minutes of the interview commencing and that it has no further
questions to ask the interview will be terminated in 15 minutes. If on the other
hand the panel takes an hour to gather the information required to take a
decision the interview will last for an hour. In either case the decision could
be positive or negative. It is a fallacy to believe that interview panels take
longer interviews of candidates whom they are more interested in.
No panel likes to waste its time. If an interview is lasting longer than usual
then it only means that the panel is seeking more information about the
candidate in order to take a decision.
In the MBA entrance interview how do I justify my decision to pursue the
MBA programme?
When you are asked this for God's sake don't tell the panel that you are
looking for a "challenging job in a good firm with lots of money, status and
glamour". That is the first answer that most candidates think of. Unfortunately
it is the last answer that will get you admission. In the answer to a direct
question on this subject you must convey to the interview panel that you have
made a rational and informed decision about your career choice and your
intended course of higher study. There are broadly six areas which your
answer could touch upon :

Career Objectives : You could talk about your career objectives and how
the two year MBA programme will help you achieve them. This implies that
you have a clear idea of what your career objectives are and how you wish to
achieve them. For example you may want to be an entrepreneur and wish to
set up your independent enterprise after doing your MBA and then working
for a few years in a professionally managed company. You could explain to
the panel that the MBA programme will provide you with the necessary
inputs to help you run your business enterprise better. But then you must be
clear about what the inputs you will receive in the MBA programme are.

Value Addition : That brings us to the second area that your answer should
touch upon. What is the value you will add to yourself during your two year
study of management. Value addition will essentially be in two forms
knowledge and skills. Knowledge of the various areas of management e.g.
marketing, finance, systems, HRD etc. and skills of analysis and
communication. You will find it useful to talk to a few people who are either
doing their MBA or have already done it. They will be able to give you a
more detailed idea of what they gained from their MBA.

Background : Remember, there must be no inconsistency between your

proposed study of management and your past subject of study or your past
work experience. If you have studied commerce in college then management
is a natural course of higher studies. If you are an engineer this is a tricky
area. You must never say that by pursuing a career in management you will
be wasting your engineering degree. Try and say that the MBA course and
your engineering degree will help you do your job better in the company that
you will join. But then you should be able to justify how your engineering
qualification will help

Opportunities and Rewards : You could also at this stage mention the
opportunities that are opening up in organizations for management
graduates. Highlight with examples. At the end you may mention that while
monetary rewards are not everything they are also important and MBAs do
 get paid well. You must not mention these reasons as your primary motivators
even if that may be the case.

General Tips

 A good level of general awareness will come in handy so that you

aren't at a loss of words on certain issues
 Understand the topic and analyze it mentally before speaking
 Be clear about the purpose and content of your viewpoint
 One should be able to communicate his views in an effective manner
to everyone. Be clear in speech, audible but not too loud and above all
remain confident
 Remember the six C's of effective communication -- Clarity,
Completeness, Conciseness, Confidence, Correctness and Courtesy
 You should maintain eye contact with all others in the group and not
focus on a particular person for he may benefit from that
 Be responsive to ideas from other people and seem to be very
receptive and open-minded but don't allow others to change your own
viewpoint.
 Starting the discussion is considered to be good however it isn't that
important; what is important is that you speak for a period long
enough for you to be able to communicate your viewpoint
 Always mantain your calm and never get aggressive. If you haven't
been able to talk then one can cut in saying "Excuse me, but what I
think is .........." or something of that sort
 Never lose your temper and never attack anyone on a personal front.
Your attitude should be one of cooperation and not one of conflict
 Don't lose sight of the goal of the discussion
 Listen to any criticisms and give them a thought before trying to
defend your views
 In addition to doing research and practicing your answers to common
interview questions, you should be aware of general interview etiquette.
Remember the following points when preparing for an interview:
 Review your resume, and make sure that you can explain everything on it.
Arrive at the interview ten minutes early to give yourself an opportunity to
collect your thoughts and relax. Be aware that many employers will have their
receptionists record the time you came in. If you rush in at the last minute, an
employer may have serious concerns about your ability to arrive on time for a
normal day at work.
 Get a good night's sleep before your interview. You will think more
effectively in the interview if you are rested. Also, yawning will not impress
anyone. Eat something before the interview. If you are worried about your
stomach growling, you will not be able to concentrate on the questions.
 Dress appropriately for the position that you are applying to. Try to dress like
the people who work there would dress if they were representing their
organization at some function. If you are unsure about what to wear, always
err on the side of being too dressed up.
 Make sure that you are clean, neat, and well-groomed. Interviewers do notice
your appearance, and first impressions are critical in an interview situation.
  Take a copy of your resume, transcript, references and perhaps a portfolio or
work samples with you. Also take a pen and paper, as you may wan to record
some important information.

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather information.
The employer wants to know if you, the applicant, have the skills, knowledge, self-
confidence, and motivation necessary for the job. At this point you can be confident that the
employer saw something of interest in your resume. He or she also wants to determine
whether or not you will fit in with the organization's current employees and philosophy.
Similarly, you will want to evaluate the position and the organization, and determine if they
will fit into your career plans. The interview is a two-way exchange of information. It is an
opportunity for both parties to market themselves. The employer is selling the organization to
you, and you are marketing your skills, knowledge, and personality to the employer.

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview. If you haven't done your homework,
it is going to be obvious. Spend time researching and thinking about yourself, the occupation,
the organization, and questions you might ask at the end of the interview.

Step 1: Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that you
will know what you have to offer an employer. It is very important to develop a complete
inventory of skills, experience, and personal attributes that you can use to market yourself to
employers at any time during the interview process. In developing this inventory, it is easiest
to start with experience. Once you have a detailed list of activities that you have done (past
jobs, extra-curricular involvements, volunteer work, school projects, etc.), it is fairly easy to
identify your skills.

Simply go through the list, and for each item ask yourself "What could I have learned by
doing this?" "What skills did I develop?" "What issues/circumstances have I learned to deal
with?" Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic. Technical
skills are the skills required to do a specific job. For a laboratory assistant, technical skills
might include knowledge of sterilization procedures, slide preparation, and scientific report
writing. For an outreach worker, technical skills might include counseling skills, case
management skills, or program design and evaluation skills. Generic skills are those which
are transferable to many work settings. Following is a list of the ten most marketable skills.
You will notice that they are all generic.

 Analytical/Problem Solving
 Flexibility/Versatility
 Interpersonal
 Oral/Written Communication
 Organization/Planning
 Time Management
 Motivation
 Leadership
 Self-Starter/Initiative
  Team Player

Often when people think of skills, they tend to think of those they have developed in the
workplace. However, skills are developed in a variety of settings. If you have ever researched
and written a paper for a course, you probably have written communication skills. Team
sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of a team player and
leader. Don't overlook any abilities you may have When doing the research on yourself,
identifying your experience and skills is important, but it is not all that you need to know.
Consider the answers to other questions such as:

 How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position?

 What are my strong points and weak points?
 What are my short term and long term goals?
 What can I offer this particular employer?
 What kind of environment do I like? (i.e. How do I like to be supervised? Do I like a
fast pace?)
 What do I like doing?
 Apart from my skills and experience, what can I bring to this job?

Step 2: Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation. This is necessary
because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the experience and skills
required for that occupation, you must first know what those requirements and duties are.
With this information uncovered, you can then match the skills you have (using the complete
skills/experience inventory you have just prepared) with the skills you know people in that
occupational field need. The resulting "shortlist" will be the one that you need to emphasize
during the interview.
It is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position, or
those similar. There are several ways to find out about an occupation:

 Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

 Resources/Personnel) or check with Student Employment Services. If you are
responding to an advertisement, this may also supply some details.

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations. Make
sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupation. If you
belong to a professional association related to the occupation, use its resources. These
associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars. It is also a good
way to meet people working in the field. Conduct information interviews with people
working in the field. Read articles about people in the occupation, and articles written by
people in the occupation. Sources include newspapers, magazines and the internet. Find out
what the future trends are in the area. Is technology changing the job?

Step 3: Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization, the better prepared you will be to discuss how
you can meet its needs. Some of the characteristics that you should know about an
organization are:
  Where is it located?
 How big is it?
 What are its products and who does it serve?
 How is the organization structured?
 What is its history?
 Have there been any recent changes, new developments?

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information. Most medium- to
large-sized organizations publish information about themselves. You can access this a
number of ways:

 On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and business

directories) or at the Drake Centre Library
 The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with information on over
5000 Canadian companies and business directories
 Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by searching by
industry and company name
 Finally, you can visit or phone the organization and request some information on their
products, services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small, or fairly new, there may not be much information
published. In this case, it will be necessary to do an information interview. Contact someone
within the organization, introduce yourself, explain that you are considering moving into the
field, and ask if it would be possible to meet with him/her to inquire about the
company/organization and about what exactly the position would involve.

Step 4: Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research, you are now ready to prepare questions to ask
the interviewer(s). Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily available in
company literature. Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate your genuine
interest in the position. Be careful how many questions you ask, however, as too many can
imply you feel the interview was not successfully run. Pick your questions with care - this is
your chance to gather information, so ask about what you really want to know. Avoid
sounding critical by mentioning negative information you may have discovered. This is one
of the most effective ways to compare different employers, so for issues of particular
importance to you (for example, whether they support staff upgrading), you should ask the
same questions of each employer. Some sample questions are:

 What are the most significant factors affecting your business today? How have
changes in technology most affected your business today?
 How has your business/industry been affected by the recession?
 How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years?
 What future direction do you see the company taking?
 Where is the greatest demand for your services or product?
 Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company?
 Which department feels it the most?
 How do you differ from your competitors?
 How much responsibility will I be given in this position?
 What do you like about working with this organization?
 Can you tell me more about the training program?
  Have any new product lines been introduced recently?
 How much travel is normally expected?
 What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance?
 Will I work independently or as part of a team?
 How did you advance to your position?
 What are the career paths available in this organization?
 When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position?

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals who
are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to demonstrate
interest on your part. Exercise judgment when asking questions to an employer. When being
interviewed by a large company that has a high profile, one would not ask the
question "What is the history of your company and how was your company started?" You
can find the answer to this question in the company's annual report or articles in
magazines/newspapers. However, small- and medium-sized companies do not always
produce publicly available annual reports and it may be difficult to access information on the
company and its role in the industry. This question is appropriate if you have exercised all
other ways to find out the answer.

Hone your interview etiquette................ Churn the right mix of deportment,

attitude and dressing skills for a great job talk !

Never make the big mistake of treating an interview lightly. It's not an
impromptu thing where you depend on your improvisation skills. An
interview requires careful thought and planning before you take it. Keeping in
mind some basic attitudes and presentation techniques will help you sail
through it with panache.

So if you thought that going for an interview just meant pulling your best suit
out of the wardrobe and updating your resume, please think again. You are
forgetting the other essentials: body language, basic etiquette and attitude.

Remember that you are actually selling an entire package and the packaging,
in this case, is as relevant as the product inside. Ultimately you are presenting
yourself as a valuable professional to a new job environment. And you can't
do that without minding the basic interview etiquette to get you ahead of the
rest of the pack.

An interview is the sum total of many parts. It's not just what you say but how
you say it that matters equally. So it's good to brush up on more than just your
training skills when you do go in for an interview.

ATTIRE

How you dress for an interview is perhaps as relevant as the way you lay out
your resume. Says Nina Kochar of Upgrade Management Services, an
organization which coaches' executives in the basic rules of corporate
etiquette: "A person who is sloppy in appearance shows a sloppy personality,
so you have to be decently dressed." Of course, decently dressed does not
necessarily mean being dressed to the gills. In most cases, this would mean
you would wear long sleeved shirts and a pair of formal trousers. In fact, Nina
Kochar does not recommend suits, especially for younger people. "A lot of
young people do not have the money to invest in suits, consequently, they
wear ill-fitting or borrowed suits and that looks even worse. A tie, shirt and
pant should do the trick for most junior level positions."

Most HR experts would also tell you to mind the accessories like ties, belts
and shoes. To be sure, badly matched shoes and ties can have a jarring effect
on an interviewer. Similarly, please avoid heavy Jewellery or personal
accessories as they would look incongruous on you.

ENTRANCE AND INTRODUCTION

Even though most of us are primed for the basic grilling that we would face
during the interview, we seldom pay attention to the way we enter an
interview room or how we introduce ourselves. Says Subhashish Mitra,
deputy manager, Essar Cellphones: "A lot of people do not think it important
to knock properly while entering the interview room. They assume that as an
interview is taking place, the panel will be expecting them. To my mind this is
a very major faux pas which really jars."

In fact, the best way to enter an interview is to knock, ask for permission to
enter and then wait for a while before you actually sit down. Few interviewees
know this but the interview panel needs a little quiet time to discuss the
previous candidate before they get around to the next one. So your silence till
you actually get seated would be very valuable. Try and keep a bag with you
for all your papers and certificates; make sure this bag is an unobtrusive as
possible.

ATTITUDE AND RESPONSE

This is a grey area for most interview candidates. While dressing up and
resume writing are skills you can Go for a mock exercise before the real talk
at the job table handle with a little practice, cultivating the right attitude as an
interviewee requires a lot of patience and reading between the lines. The usual
complaint of most interviewers is that few interviewees are able to stri
perhaps the best thing you can do for getting your answer right. Most
interviewers like to give a lead to the candidate in the way they ask the
question, so it's entirely up to you to note facial expressions and the tone of
the words.

Do you show your certificates immediately to the interview panel?

Not till you are asked actually. You might already have sent in your resume,
so you shouldn't try and offload all your achievements and skills onto the
panel till a turn in the interview leads to such a situation.

Try and take cues form the tonal variations, facial expressions and thrust of
questions from the interview panel. That in itself will give you a clue as to
where this interview is heading.
 TEN THINGS THAT AN INTERVIEWER LOOKS IN YOU!

1. Family Background

2. Education

3. Experience

4. Stability

5. Initiative

6. General Ability

7. Interpersonal Skills

8. Confidence

9. Aptitude

10. Pleasant Looks

How one wished that an interview were a simple meeting of minds and hearts.
Just one casual meeting where an employee's future gets sealed.
Unfortunately, it's not something as pre-ordained as you would like it to be;
it's a pre-meditated exercise which fetches you dividends only if your
homework is done right.

Your resume is the first interface you have with your employer. Make the most of this
opportunity............. The employment market is changing all the time and so have resumes,
evolving from a one-size-fits-all standard. Here are our tips to convert your resume into a
catching one.

Follow These Basic Standards....

 Don't overcrowd your resume; allow for plenty of white space.

 Keep your resume to one page whenever possible.
 Keep the number of fonts you use to a minimum -- two at the most.
 Use a font that is easy to read. Times Roman works well.
 Do not justify the lines of type on your resume. Allow the right side of the page to
"rag."
 Do not overuse capitalization, italics, underlines, or other emphasizing features.
 Make sure your name, address, and a phone number appear on your resume and all
correspondence, preferably at the top of the page.
 Print your resume on white or cream paper using a good-quality printer.
 Second- and third-generation photocopies must be avoided
 Print on one side of the paper only.

Avoid Mistakes:
Spelling Mistakes:

To avoid spelling mistakes:

 Don't use words with which you aren't familiar.

 Use a dictionary as you write.
 Perform a spell check on your finished resume.
 Carefully read every word in your resume.
 Have a friend or two proof read your resume for you.

Punctuation Mistakes:

Things to look for:

 Periods at the end of all full sentences.

 Be consistent in your use of punctuation.
 Always put periods and commas within quotation marks.
 Avoid using exclamation points.

Grammatical Mistakes:

Grammar hang-ups to watch for:

 Do not switch tenses within your resume.

 The duties you currently perform should be in present tense (i.e., write reports)
 Duties you may have performed at past jobs should be in past tense (i.e., wrote
reports).
 Capitalize all proper nouns.
 When expressing numbers, write out all numbers between one and nine (i.e., one,
five, seven), but
 use numerals for all numbers 10 and above (i.e., 10, 25, 108).
 If you begin a sentence with a numeral, spell out that numeral (e.g. Eleven service
awards won while employed.).
 Make sure your date formats are consistent (i.e.11/22/01 or Nov. 22, 2001, or
11.22.01. Choose one and stick with it.).
 Choose Your Words Carefully:
 Phrase yourself well:
 Be on the lookout for the following easily confused words:
 accept (to receive), except (to exclude)
 all right (correct), alright (this is not a word)
 affect (to bring about change), effect (result)
 personal (private), personnel (staff members)
 role (a character assigned or a function), roll (to revolve).
 Use action words (i.e., wrote reports, increased revenues, directed staff).

References:
In most instances it is not necessary to include names and address of references on the
resume. If you include a reference, make it sure that the referenced person knows very well
about you. It is also advisable to add the persons as references, whom the employer can
contact easily. If possible add the phone number and e-mail ID of the reference. Never add a
person as a reference, about whom you know nothing

STICK TO THE POINT

Employers have a busy schedule, so don't expect them to read through a long resume. Ideally,
resumes should be of one page, or of two pages only if absolutely necessary, to describe
relevant work experience.

WORDS COUNT

Use of language is extremely important; you need to sell yourself to an employer quickly and
efficiently. Address your potential employer's needs with a clearly written, compelling
resume. Avoid large paragraphs (five or six lines). If you provide small, digestible pieces of
information, your resume will be read. Use action verbs. Verbs such as "developed",
"managed", and "designed" emphasise your accomplishments. Don't use declarative
sentences like "I developed the ..." or "I assisted in ...", leave out the "I". Avoid passive
constructions, such as "was responsible for managing". Just say, "managed": that sounds
stronger and more active.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE

Employers need to know what you have accomplished to have an idea of what you can do for
them. Don't be vague. Telling someone that you "improved the company's efficiency" doesn't
say much. But if you say that you "cut overhead costs by 20 per cent and saved the company
Rs 20 lakh during the last fiscal year", you are more specific.

HONESTY IS A GOOD POLICY

Employers will feel more comfortable hiring you if they can verify your accomplishments.
There is a difference between making the most of your experience and exaggerating or
falsifying it. A falsified resume can cost you the job later.

DOUBLE-CHECK FOR MISTAKES

Check your resume for correct grammar and spelling - evidence of good communication
skills and attention to detail. Nothing can ruin your chances of getting a job faster than
submitting a resume filled with preventable mistakes. Make your resume easy on the eye. Use
normal margins (1" on the top and bottom, 1.25" on the sides) and don't cram your text on the
page. Allow for some space between the different sections. Avoid unusual or exotic fonts.
Preferred fonts: Arial and Times Roman.

Interviewers use five different types of questions - directive, non-directive, hypothetical,

behavior descriptive, and stress. Being aware of the different types can help you in the
preparation stage as you build your skills inventory. It may also help you focus in on
exactly what is being asked and what the employer is looking for in specific questions.

Directive Questions
The interviewer determines the focus of your answer. The information that the interviewer
wants is very clear. If you have completed the research on yourself, this type of question
should be easy to answer.

Example: "What skills do you have that relate to this position?"

"I have very good communication and interpersonal skills that I have refined through several
summer and part-time jobs working with the public. In addition, I am fluent in both English
and French."

Non-Directive Questions

You determine the focus of your answer. The interviewer asks a general question and does
not ask for specific information. The most common non-directive question is

"Tell me about yourself."

When answering the question, keep in mind that the employer is

interested in knowing how your background and personality qualify you
for the job. In your answer, you should cover four areas: your education,
related experience, skills and abilities, and personal attributes. As you
talk about these areas, relate them to the job you are seeking. Decide
what your response will be before starting to speak, this helps to keep
responses concise.

Example: " Tell me about yourself."

"I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, and have recently completed the course

in Volunteer Management through the Volunteer Center of Winnipeg. These have given me a
strong background in many of the principles of human behavior and the recruitment,
training, and supervision of volunteers. I have experience in working with young adults in a
helping capacity, both through my position as a Peer Advisor at the University of Manitoba,
and as a camp counselor at a camp for behaviorally troubled adolescents. Both of these
positions involved individual counseling, facilitating discussion groups, and teaching young
people about health issues - all of which relate directly to the services which I would be
training volunteers to provide within your organization. In addition, I thoroughly enjoy
working with young people, and can establish rapport with them easily."

Hypothetical or Scenario Questions

When asking a hypothetical question, the interviewer describes a situation, which you may
encounter in the position and asks how you would react in a similar situation. This is a good
way to test problem-solving abilities. When answering this type of question, try applying a
simple problem solving model to it � gather information, evaluate the information, priories
the information, seek advice, weigh the alternatives, make a decision, communicate the
decision, monitor the results and modify if necessary.
Example: "Suppose you are working your first day in our laboratory, and a fire at a nearby
work station breaks out. What would you do?"

"Before I start working in any laboratory, I always locate the emergency equipment, such as
eye washes, fire blankets and alarms. I would also review the safety protocols. So in this
situation, I would be aware of these. As soon as I noticed the fire, I would shut down my
experiment and if the fire is significant, I would pull the firm alarm and help to evacuate the
lab. In the case of very small flame, I would ask the staff member at the station what I could
do to help, Which would vary with the type of substances involved.�

Behavior Descriptive or Behavioral Questions

This type of question is becoming increasingly popular in interview situations. It asks what
you did in a particular situation rather than what you would do. Situations chosen usually
follow the job description fairly closely. Some employers feel that examples of past
performance will help them to predict future performance in similar situations. There is no
right or wrong answer to this type of question, but keep in mind that you should relate the
answer to the position. If you are interviewing for a research position, talk about a research
project you completed.

Example: "Give me an example of a work situation in which you were proud of your
performance."

"While working as a sales representative for XYZ Company for the summer, I called on
Prospective clients and persuaded them of the ecological and economic benefits of
Recycling. I also followed up on clients to ensure that they were satisfied with the service
They received. This involved both telephone and in-person contacts. I increased sales 34%
over the same period in the previous year."

When preparing for this type of questioning, it is crucial that you review the skills and
qualities that the position would require and identify specific examples from your past which
demonstrated those traits.

Stress Questions

Some questions will surprise you and possibly make you feel uncomfortable during an
interview. For

Example:" Which do you prefer, fruits or vegetables?" There are many reasons why an
interviewer might ask such questions. They may want to see how you react in difficult
situations, or they may simply be trying to test your sense of humor. Such questions may
directly challenge an opinion that you have just stated or say something negative about you
or a reference. Sometimes they ask seemingly irrelevant questions such as,

"If you were an animal, what type of animal would you be?"

The best way to deal with this type of question is to recognize what is happening. The
interviewer is trying to elicit a reaction from you. Stay calm, and do not become defensive. If
humour comes naturally to you, you might try using it in your response, but it is important to
respond to the question. What you say is not nearly as important as maintaining your
composure.

Example: "Which do you like better, Lions or Tigers?"

"Oh, lions definitely. They appear so majestic and are very sociable. To be honest, I think
that seeing The Lion King four times has probably contributed to this!"

Oversell
Trying too hard to impress; bragging; acting aggressively. Undersell
Failing to emphasize the fact that you have related skills; discussing
experience using negative qualifiers (i.e. "I have a little experience...").
Body Language
It is easy to create a negative impression without even realizing that you are doing it. Are you
staring at your feet, or talking to the interviewer's shoulder? Be aware of what your actions
say about you.
Lack of Honesty
The slightest stretching of the truth may result in you being screened out.
Negative Attitude
The interview is not an opportunity for you to complain about your current supervisor or co-
workers (or even about 'little' things, such as the weather).
Lack of Preparation You have to know about the organization and the occupation. If you
don't, it will appear as though you are not interested in the position.
Lack of Enthusiasm
If you are not excited about the work at the interview, the employer will not assume that your
attitude will improve when hired.

Six Common Interview Mistakes

AVOID SIX COMMON INTERVIEW MISTAKES

Tip # 1: Don't discuss pay too early

As the manager of a software store for 10 years, I can honestly say that questions about pay
in the first interview from anyone other than a temporary applicant always bothered me a
little. Temp jobs aside, if you are not really out there just for the money, asking this question
right out of the gate is going to make any other questions you ask sound conniving and
insincere. Unless the subject comes up, don't wade into the issue of the pay in the first
interview. You can talk about it after you impress the employer enough for a second
interview.

Tip # 2: Talk tech to techies only

Feel free to discuss what you know, but remember: If you are talking to a nontechnical
manager or human resources representative, you are not going to impress them with talk
about life in the trenches. My previous supervisor was totally unimpressed with anything to
do with technology. A sure way to put the man to sleep was to begin any story that had to do
with computers.
When I interviewed for a previous position, the department manager actually had a
technically savvy person participate in the interview to ask and respond to questions she
would not understand. When I saw this tactic being used, I knew it was not a time to try to
impress with a lot of techno babble.
Answer questions about your work history briefly and keep the tech comments to a minimum
until you know the history of the company and the people involved in the hiring process. If
you have questions about the technology in use at the site, keep your questions specific and
relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Tip # 3: Keep your philosophy to yourself

If you hate Bill Gates, Windows XP, and the whole Office Suite, keep it to yourself. Ranting
about your tech philosophy can ruin your chances at the position.
I once interviewed a young man for a retail sales position in a software store. When I asked
about his opinion of the then-new Windows 98, the applicant ranted about "the revolution of
UNIX" and loosening the grip of Microsoft on the PC market. I am not exaggerating; the
man sounded like he was ready to sign on to a paramilitary group. I almost didn't have the
heart to tell him my company was a Value Added Reseller for Microsoft.
Chances are, you will work with many people who need your help with one of the Microsoft
products, so you don't want to blast the tools you will likely be using and supporting. If you
are asked about how you feel about a product, be honest, but don't preach. The interviewer
probably just wants to see how you respond to such questions.

Tip # 4: Don't climb the advancement ladder in the interview

If you are joining the ranks of a new company, the last thing the interviewer wants to hear is,
"How fast can I get out of this job?" Do not ask about opportunities for advancement until
the second or third interview. If you are joining a company just to advance into another
position, silence is golden. Keep it to yourself unless the interviewer asks or unless it is
somehow already known that you'll be advancing quickly. Remember that what you say now
can come back to haunt you later. You don't want to brag to someone who might be under
your wing after a promotion.
Further, you never know what may happen if you actually get the job. Learn to accept and
adapt and, above all, be happy you have a job. Due to downsizing, a former coworker of
mine did not move into the network administration position she wanted and was expecting to
get. The bitterness fostered by her broken expectations eventually caused her to resign. In the
tight job market of the time-similar to the one now-and with her lack of certified
qualifications, she ended up seeking work at a local restaurant.

Tip # 5: Avoid the dreaded electronic interruption

Cellular phone and pager etiquette might seem a trivial thing to those that are hooked up, but
you can kiss any job opportunity goodbye if you interrupt an interview to take a telephone
call, especially if the human resources representative has a low tolerance for personal digital
devices. Only if you are exchanging information by invitation should you reveal the fact that
you carry a PDA. If you wear it on a belt loop or somewhere that is exposed, lose it, along
with any other electrical device hooks and loops, and store them in pocket, purse, or
briefcase. If you can't spare the time away from the rest of the world to do an interview, why
are you applying for the job?
I have conducted training classes with people who, when asked to turn off their phones and
pagers during class, place their devices in silent mode. When giving a lecture to a class or
holding a discussion, watching a person being silently buzzed is terribly distracting and also
aggravating.
If you think getting rid of electronic communications devices isn't important, just ask any
human resources rep who has had a person answer a cellular phone during a job interview.
Then ask if the person got the job.
Tip # 6: Remember to say thank you
Beyond thanking your interviewers for their time as you leave, it's vital that you follow up in
written form. If the competition for a position is tight, a follow-up thank you note can mean a
lot. If the manager is slow to hire, the arrival of a thank-you note can serve as a reminder
about the candidate who's awaiting the manager's next move.
Just after you've completed the interview, take note of anything specific you discussed and
make a point of referencing it in your thank you letter. Even a nice greeting card is better
than nothing.
It may seem like a small detail, but the experts will tell you that this tried-and-true tactic
really makes an impact. A coworker of mine, who successfully worked as a job coach, used
to keep a stack of generic notes in her desk. When a participant in her program applied for a
job somewhere, she would give the person one of these notes to have them drop in the mail
on the way home.

1. Enter into a state of relaxed concentration. This is the state from which great
basketball players or Olympic skaters operate. You'll need to quiet the negative self
chatter in your head through meditation or visualization prior to sitting down in the
meeting. You'll focus on the present moment and will be less apt to experience lapses
in concentration, nervousness, self-doubt and self-condemnation.

2. Act spontaneous, but be well prepared. Be your authentic self, professional yet real.
Engage in true conversation with your interviewer, resting on the preparation you did
prior to coming to the meeting. Conduct several trial runs with another person
simulating the interview before it actually occurs. It's the same as anticipating the
questions you'll be asked on a final exam.

3. Set goals for the interview. It is your job to leave the meeting feeling secure that the
interviewer knows as much as he or she possibly can about your skills, abilities,
experience and achievements. If you sense there are misconceptions, clear them up
before leaving. If the interviewer doesn't get around to asking you important
questions, pose them yourself (diplomatically) and answer them. Don't leave the
meeting without getting your own questions answered so that you have a clear idea of
what you would be getting yourself into. If possible, try to get further interviews,
especially with other key players.

4. Know the question behind the question. Ultimately, every question boils down to,
"Why should we hire you?" Be sure you answer that completely. If there is a question
about your meeting deadlines, consider whether the interviewer is probing delicately
about your personal life, careful not to ask you whether your family responsibilities
will interfere with your work. Find away to address fears if you sense they are
present.

5. Follow up with an effective "thank you" letter. Don't write this letter lightly. It is
another opportunity to market yourself. Find some areas discussed in the meeting and
expand upon them in your letter. Writing a letter after a meeting is a very minimum.
Standing out among the other candidates will occur if you thoughtfully consider this
follow up letter as an additional interview in which you get to do all the talking.
Propose useful ideas that demonstrate your added value to the team.

6. Consider the interviewer's agenda. Much is on the shoulders of the interviewer. He or

she has the responsibility of hiring the right candidate. Your ability to do the job will
 need to be justified. "Are there additional pluses here?" "Will this person fit the
culture of this organization?" These as well as other questions will be heavily on the
interviewer's mind. Find ways to demonstrate your qualities above and beyond just
doing the job.

7. Expect to answer the question, "Tell me about yourself." This is a pet question of
prepared and even unprepared interviewers. Everything you include should answer
the question, "Why should we hire you?" Carefully prepare your answer to include
examples of achievements from your work life that closely match the elements of the
job before you. Obviously, you'll want to know as much about the job description as
you can before you respond to the question.

8. Watch those nonverbal clues. Experts estimate that words express only 30% to 35%
of what people actually communicate; facial expressions and body movements and
actions convey the rest. Make and keep eye contact. Walk and sit with a confident air.
Lean toward an interviewer to show interest and enthusiasm. Speak with a well-
modulated voice that supports appropriate excitement for the opportunity before you.

9. Be smart about money questions. Don't fall into the trap of telling the interviewer
your financial expectations. You may be asking for too little or too much money and
in each case ruin your chances of being offered the job. Instead, ask what salary range
the job falls in. Attempt to postpone a money discussion until you have a better
understanding of the scope of responsibilities of the job.

10. Don't hang out your dirty laundry. Be careful not to bare your soul and tell tales that
are inappropriate or beyond the scope of the interview. State your previous
experience in the most positive terms. Even if you disagreed with a former employer,
express your enthusiasm for earlier situations as much as you can. Whenever you
speak negatively about another person or situation in which you were directly
involved, you run the risk (early in the relationship) of appearing like a troubled
person who may have difficulty working with others.