SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

MOST COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

There are some questions that tend to pop up during almost every job interview. The bad news: These questions can be quite difficult to answer. The good news: Because they are so common, you can prepare for them well in advance and give a perfect answer without breaking a sweat. So allow me to present four of the most common -- yet most perplexing -- interview questions and how you can best answer them. 1. "Tell Me a Little About Yourself" Ans.1 Sometimes the most general question can be the hardest. How can you sum up your entire life story in just a couple of minutes? You don't. This oldest of questions is not an invitation to talk about your difficult childhood, your favorite grandmother or how you won the state swim competition in high school. Instead, it's a request for you to describe what you can offer the company. In his excellent book 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions , author Ron Fry suggests focusing on: Your key accomplishments at previous jobs. The strengths demonstrated by those accomplishments. How these relate to the job for which you're applying. The goal is not to summarize your resume -- the interviewer already has a copy of that. Rather, tell how you came to be interested in this particular company and job, and weave examples of past accomplishments throughout to demonstrate why you are the perfect candidate. Ans 2 The question behind this question may be: Are you prepared? Can you organize relevant information and express it concisely? How does your background relate to the job? Suggestions: Keep it brief, avoid getting into details. You can quickly cover your youth, education, work experience and present situation. Focus on the skills you have developed that are relevant to the job. Ans 3. Tell Me About Yourself This is the most often asked question in interviews. Try Our Tip.
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Limit it to work related items. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Ans 4 "Tell me about yourself." This is a common questionand sometimes the hardest. It's a broad, general question, and the worst thing you can do is give a broad, general answer. So how do you make the most of this question? Use it as a springboard to introduce the topics you want to discuss. Decide in advance what you want the interviewer to know: Your favorite job experience, your most valuable activities in college, your goals and dreams. Focus your answer by picking one or two things and then use specific details to bring the topic alive. Example: I'm a hard worker and I think I generally have good organizational skills. In college, I led a team of designers to create the Web site for each of the University's volunteer organizations ... Ans 5 "So, tell me a little about yourself." As you can see, it isn't really a question, but it can make your palms sweat worse than your first dance. The best thing to do is to keep it short and sweet. Don't ramble on about your pet lizard. Tie everything into your professional experience. Highlight your best qualities, personal successes, and one or two favorite hobbies. Do not contribute anything overly personal or offensive. Ans 1 Why should I hire you? The question behind this question may be: Can you convince me you are the right person? Help me decide on the best candidate Suggestions: Show how you could solve a problem for the company by using a relevant example from your past. This will help the interviewer see you in action. If you have little experience, sell your education and give examples of situations that demonstrate your key strengths (motivation, energy, positive attitude,). Ans 2 Why should we HIRE you ? Point out your merits, previous experience and qualifications by which you could help the organization. Try Our Tip.
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

You should never compare your performance with other candidates. Just deliver the things, which you can do and you are confident of. Ans 3 Why Should We Hire You? Summarize your experiences: "With five years' experience working in the financial industry and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I'm confident I would be a great addition to your team." Ans 4 "Why should we hire you?" Stress your knowledge, work experience, skills, and abilities. Always highlight specifics, not generalities. Anyone can make a bold statement, but what sells you is when you can back it up with proven experience. Ans 1 What are your major weaknesses? The question behind this question may be: Are you aware of your weaknesses? What is your level of maturity and self-knowledge? Can you handle difficult questions? Suggestions: Never say you have none! Never admit a weakness that could affect your ability to do the job well. Never disclose personal issues. Choose your weakness before the interview. Limit your answer to one weakness and say what you did in order to overcome it. Overcoming a weakness is actually developing a strength. Ans 2 "What's Your Biggest Weakness?" What are you supposed to do -- tell them why they SHOULDN'T hire you? The "weakness" question is popular with interviewers not because they want to torture you, but because they're interested in hearing how you tackle challenges. The most important thing to remember is that after you name your weakness, you MUST discuss what you have done to overcome it. Pick a weakness that is real but understandable or relatively harmless. Whatever weakness you pick, be sure that it is work-related ("I have a tendency to overfeed my dog" is NOT an appropriate weakness) and that you present the strategies for how you overcame it. Here are a few examples: "I used to have a tendency to procrastinate. So now I am always sure to set a strict schedule for all of my projects well in advance and I set personal deadlines. This organization has really helped."
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

"Once in a while, I focus too much on the details of a project. So now, when I'm working on a project, I always make sure at the end of the day to sit back and take a few minutes to think about the general scope of my work. It forces me to keep priorities straight and helps me keep the right mindset." "I used to have some problems with organization. So now I carry a schedule book around throughout the day and I also use this Palm Pilot to keep me on track. It's worked out great!" You don't want to pick a weakness that will torpedo your chances -- even your weakness should speak strongly toward your skills. The examples above all address honest weaknesses; here are a few other "safe" weaknesses that are easy to discuss: I tend to be a perfectionist. I sometimes work too hard, leading to unnecessary stress.

Ans 3 "What is your greatest weakness?" The key to answering this question is the same as the last: Turn a negative into a positive. Don't try to come up with a character flaw or personal weakness. Instead, rephrase the question for yourself: "How do I want to improve to become better in my career?" Identify areas in which you want more training or guidance. Example: I would like to get more experience as a manager. In the past, I've really enjoyed supervisory roles, but I know there's so much more I could learn to make me a better manager. I'd like to build on that foundation and develop more skills. Use these questions as a guide as you prepare. But don't assume every question will show up, and don't try to memorize answers. Instead, use them to help you review your experiences and plan some possible answers. When you get to your interview, relax and draw upon your preparation as you respond to your interviewer. Hopefully, the last question you'll have to answer is "When can you start?" Ans 4 What Are Your Weaknesses? This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful." Ans 1 What are your major strengths? The questions behind this questions may be: What important qualities and traits would you bring to this job? What is your level of maturity and self-knowledge?
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

Suggestions: Choose from your top five self-management skills [PDF] (Qualities, Traits) those that you believe are most important for the job and the organization. Ans 2 What is your greatest Strength? Just be positive. Try Our Tip. You should highlight your communication skill, problem solving skills, your ability to work better under pressure, your ability to focus on projects and your leadership skills. Ans1 "Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?" Did you resign? Get laid off? Get fired? Storm out of the office in a huff, never to return? Chances are, you'll have to explain it in an interview. The most important point to remember when answering this question: STAY POSITIVE. The biggest sign of a troublemaker is when someone trashes his or her former boss or company during an interview. It doesn't matter if your boss was a jerk or if you hated your coworkers -- an interview is not the place to vent past frustrations. Rather, the best way to answer this question is to stay positive and talk about your desire for growth opportunities. This will paint you as a proactive employee who enjoys responsibility and challenges. Here are some quick pointers for answering this question, depending on your circumstances: Ans2. Why did You leave your last job? Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Try Our Tip. Always remember that you should never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special. IF YOU WERE FIRED: Be honest, but quick about explaining it. Don't get into the political details; rather, explain what you learned from the experience and how it makes you an even stronger employee today. It's not a good idea to lie about your termination. When the interviewer calls your references, he or she will most likely find out you were fired anyway. So be honest, and explain what you learned.
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

IF YOU WERE LAID OFF: This is not nearly as taboo as it was even five years ago, so doesnt apologize or act defeated. If a company goes bankrupt or had massive layoffs, simply explain, "Because of the economy, the company decided to eliminate six departments, including mine." IF YOU QUIT: Again, be honest and stay positive. State that the work being offered wasn't challenging enough, that you are seeking higher levels of responsibility or simply that you are ready to make the next step on your career ladder -- and that the job for which you are interviewing is the ideal next step. The secret is to stay positive and discuss your desire for growth. Hiring managers love applicants who actively seek responsibility.

"Do You Have Any Questions for Me?" Yes, you do. You should always try to ask a thoughtful question or two at the end of an interview. It shows that you've been listening and that you've done your research on the company. What should you ask? In his book 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions, Ron Frey suggests some of the following queries: Does this job usually lead to other positions at the company? What kind of positions? What do you like best about this company? Why? DO NOT ask about salary, vacation days, benefits or anything else that would make it look like you're more interested in the compensation package than the company. Also, don't ask too many questions; just a couple will be fine. And the most important question of all: Don't forget to ask for the job! I'm very interested in this job. It's exactly the kind of job that I'm looking for. What is the next step in the interview process? If you would like more information on how to answer interview questions, check out these books: What salary do you expect to receive? The question behind this question may be: Are you too expensive for our budget, or would you still feel motivated with a lower pay? Are your expectations too low for what we wish to invest in this position? Are you prepared, well-informed about your market value? Suggestions: Find out in what salary range the job is situated. Never discuss salary before you receive a job offer. Mention that you trust that if an offer comes, it will be reasonable. When the interviewer insists, answer the question using a range. What prompted your decision to apply for this position? The question behind this question may be: Do you know what motivates you?
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

How much do you really want this job? Do you really understand what it takes to be successful in this job? Why us? How do you know you would be happy in our organization? Suggestions: If you apply for positions that match your true needs, this should be an easy question. Link your interest and enthusiasm to the skills and knowledge that are most relevant for the position. Mention what you like about the organization and the people who work there.

Could you please give me an example from your past that describes when you took initiative? The question behind this question may be: Show me evidence that you have initiative Can you prove with facts that you really do have initiative? Suggestions: Prepare for behavioral questions by compiling key moments from your past that describe well how you handled different situations. For example, other possible behavioral questions might be: Tell me about a great decision you made. What about a decision that proved to be a mistake? Give an example of a time when you handled a difficult customer. What was one of the most difficult goals you had to reach? How did you go about meeting that goal? Where do you see yourself five years from now? The question behind this question may be: Can we depend on you? Are you focused? Can we offer you what you really want? How long do you intend to stay with this company? Suggestions: Focus on tackling the challenges within the job to which you are applying. For the longer term, you can underline how you wish to develop your career by developing new skills and knowledge that are meaningful both to you and to the organization.

SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

What Experience do you have in this field? Always refer to the experiences that you have pertaining to the position you have applied for. Try Our Tip. Never try to cheat yourself by boasting your achievements. If you don't have specific experience, get as close as you can. Never leave the impression that you are badly in need of a job. Do you consider yourself successful ? You should always answer YES and briefly explain WHY ? Try Our Tip. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some of them and you are on track to achieve the others. Always remember that never boast yourself by telling stories of others' achievements. Be true and honest. What have you done to improve your knowledge last year? Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. Try Our Tip. You should list wide varieties of activities which you have undergone for your positive self improvement and you should explain some of them. Are you applying for any other jobs ? Be honest and don't spend lot of time in this area. Try Our Tip. You should keep the focus on the current job and what you can do for this organisation. What is your salary expectation ? This is a tricky question. Always try to answer patiently. Try Our Tip. You should always keep in mind that it is a nasty game that you will probably lose if you answer first. Try to avoid the answer and instead try to ask questions like "Can you tell me the range for this position?" If not say that it can depend on details of the job and then give a wide range. Do you believe in teamwork? Try to be always positive. Try Our Tip. You should always say YES. You should have some examples ready to deliver. It should seem that you are a good performer in team rather than solo. Always remember that you should not brag, just say it in a natural tone.
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

Your Philosophy towards work? Always cut talk and say positive things Try Our Tip. You should answer YES and should show your eagerness towards work and be short and specific. Have you ever been asked to leave a position? If you have not say NO. Try Our Tip. Be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about your previous organization. It gives bad impression of yourself. Explain how you would be helpful to this organisation? Wait patiently for this question and answer cleverly. Try Our Tip. You should highlight the best points that relate to your position of job. Never highlight things, which you can't do. What irritates you about co-workers? It is a trap question and try to come out neatly. Try Our Tip. Always think before you answer this question. You should make a short statement that would seem to get along with folks is great. What is your Dream Job? This is the most common asked question. Try to stay away from a specific job. Try Our Tip. Never talk of more than one job. Always be sure of the job, which you are been interviewed. If you talk and show interest in other jobs, you would plant the suspicion that you would be dissatisfied if hired. Do you rate MONEY or WORK more important? MONEY is always important but WORK is most important. What motivates you to perform best ? It is a personal trait. You should speak about some good reading habits of yours or your challenges, achievements and recognition. Do you have any blind spots ? This is a tricky question again. It will make you exposed in front of your interviewer. Try Our Tip.
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

Always remember not to reveal any personal demerits. Do not let them know about them. Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have. Describe your work ethic ? Try to give benefits of the organization Try Our Tip. Always try to show that you are determined to get the job done and enjoy hard work. How would you cope up with lack of experience ? Try Our Tip. First, try to expose your experience to the interviewer. Then, point out (if true) your caliber to grasp things very fast and that you are a hardworking and quick learner. What position do you prefer on a team working? Be Honest and you are comfortable to work in different roles Why Do You Want to Work Here? The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought and are not sending out resumes just because there is an opening. For example, "I've selected key companies whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list of desirable choices." What Are Your Goals? Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility." Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job? If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: "I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me." If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: "After two years, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience." When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job? The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me." What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't?
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly." What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You? It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor." What Salary Are You Seeking? It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: "I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?" If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be? Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a bunny," you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make? "Why did you decide to pursue this career?" Questions like this one do double duty. On the one hand, they allow you to foreground your most relevant and impressive achievements, such as honors coursework or special research projects. On the other hand, this kind of question also allows you to talk more generally about "what makes you tick"what motivates you and how you make decisions. The key, as always, is to focus your answer by picking a few specific events and providing details so your answer does not become too vague. Example: I have always been interested in math, but I also wanted a secure career that had a strong practical bent. I did a little research and decided to look into accounting. By the time I applied to college, I was sure accounting was what I wanted. I attended State University because they have a really strong accounting program. I also had a great opportunity to serve as President of the Accounting Club. "What have you gained from your work experiences?" Since the employer has already read your resume, avoid simply listing your past jobs. Instead, pick one or two work experiences and think about them in detail. What were your
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

duties? What particular activities, events or crises stick out in your memory? Use these specific details to think about what you learned while doing that job. Example: My work at the community pool really helped me develop my interpersonal skills and learn how to lead people. When I was teaching swimming, it was up to me to give my students a sense of confidence and motivationand to keep them safe while doing it. "What difficulties have you faced on the job?" Even if you have had bad work experiences, you should never use the interview as a chance to lay blame or complain about a past job or employer. Instead, turn a negative into a positive. Describe problems as challenges, and focus on solutions rather than the difficulties. Example: While working at the daycare center, I had to balance a lot of competing demandsfrom the parents, the children, the teachers and the administration. It really taught me how to view all sides of any situation, and how to prioritize my time. I found that differences of opinion usually occur because two people can not see both sides of the situation. I learned to see the other person's side and explain my position. "Why do you want to work here?" This is a trick question. You don't answer this with a response filled with what you really want. Focus on what you can bring to the company. If you are aware of a publicly known project the company is working on, outline how you can contribute to it. Focus on the company's needs, not your own. "How long will you stay with the company?" Get ready for this one if you are in the military. Even though it shouldn't be on your application, living in a military community is enough for companies to be aware of your situation. Avoid giving time frames and focus on the needs of the company. Short, direct comments that express that you want to stay on board as long as you are contributing successfully to the company and growing as a professional are sufficient. There is no need to discuss how many years you have left on station. Don't forget that you don't know where you will be in a year when it comes to the military (or in the civilian community, at that). "Do you have kids?" There are several questions and topics that are not only taboo at a job interview; but also illegal. That doesn't mean they won't be brought up or asked. How you handle these topics can be the biggest selling point of all. As a general rule, if it is personal and not directly related to the job, it is illegal to ask. It may help you to ask the interviewer how the question relates to the job requirements if you are unsure of its legality.
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

Topics on kids, family, and marital status are illegal. In this day and age, however, it is one of your employer's biggest concerns. Your response does not have to be dishonest, but it doesn't need to reveal everything, either. Simply state that your personal life, in the context of the question/statements made, is not relevant to your abilities to succeed in your career. State that you plan on working and maintaining your career, regardless of the state of your personal life. These topics generally come up at an interview if you are female (which makes them discriminatory). Don't be fooled if it's a woman interviewing you. First and foremost, she is your boss (or represents your boss); her sympathies as a woman come in a long-shot second. Other illegal topics include (but are not limited to): your age, country of origin, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and your health status. For more commonly asked questions and help in preparing for the unexpected, visit Monster.com and The Guide to Interviews (http://www.job-interview.net) and stop by the Employment section of LIFELines for more helpful hints. "Why did you decide to pursue this career?" Questions like this one do double duty. On the one hand, they allow you to foreground your most relevant and impressive achievements, such as honors coursework or special research projects. On the other hand, this kind of question also allows you to talk more generally about "what makes you tick"what motivates you and how you make decisions. The key, as always, is to focus your answer by picking a few specific events and providing details so your answer doesn't become too vague. Example: I've always been interested in math, but I also wanted a secure career that had a strong practical bent. I did a little research and decided to look into accounting. By the time I applied to college, I was sure accounting was what I wanted. I attended State University because they have a really strong accounting program. I also had a great opportunity to serve as president of the Accounting Club. "What have you gained from your work experiences?" Since the employer has already read your resume, avoid simply listing your past jobs. Instead, pick one or two work experiences and think about them in detail. What were your duties? What particular activities, events or crises stick out in your memory? Use these specific details to think about what you learned while doing that job. Example: My work at the community pool really helped me develop my interpersonal skills and learn how to lead people. When I was teaching swimming, it was up to me to give my students a sense of confidence and motivationand to keep them safe while doing it. "What difficulties have you faced on the job?" Even if you've had bad work experiences, you should never use the interview as a chance to lay blame or complain about a past job or employer. Instead, turn a negative into a positive. Describe problems as challenges, and focus on solutions rather than the difficulties. Example:
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

While working at the daycare center, I had to balance a lot of competing demands from the parents, the children, the teachers and the administration. It really taught me how to view all sides of any situation, and how to prioritize my time. I found that differences of opinion usually occur because two people can't see both sides of the situation. I learned to see the other person's side and explain my position. "Why did you decide to pursue this career?" Questions like this one do double duty. On the one hand, they allow you to foreground your most relevant and impressive achievements, such as honors coursework or special research projects. On the other hand, this kind of question also allows you to talk more generally about "what makes you tick"what motivates you and how you make decisions. The key, as always, is to focus your answer by picking a few specific events and providing details so your answer doesn't become too vague. Example: I've always been interested in math, but I also wanted a secure career that had a strong practical bent. I did a little research and decided to look into accounting. By the time I applied to college, I was sure accounting was what I wanted. I attended State University because they have a really strong accounting program. I also had a great opportunity to serve as president of the Accounting Club. "What have you gained from your work experiences?" Since the employer has already read your resume, avoid simply listing your past jobs. Instead, pick one or two work experiences and think about them in detail. What were your duties? What particular activities, events or crises stick out in your memory? Use these specific details to think about what you learned while doing that job. Example: My work at the community pool really helped me develop my interpersonal skills and learn how to lead people. When I was teaching swimming, it was up to me to give my students a sense of confidence and motivationand to keep them safe while doing it. "What difficulties have you faced on the job?" Even if you've had bad work experiences, you should never use the interview as a chance to lay blame or complain about a past job or employer. Instead, turn a negative into a positive. Describe problems as challenges, and focus on solutions rather than the difficulties. Example: While working at the daycare center, I had to balance a lot of competing demands from the parents, the children, the teachers and the administration. It really taught me how to view all sides of any situation, and how to prioritize my time. I found that differences of opinion usually occur because two people can't see both sides of the situation. I learned to see the other person's side and explain my position.
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

Three Steps to a Successful Job Interview You've made it to the interview stage! But before you step through that door, make sure you know the basic steps of a successful job interview. Preparation Learn about the company and the position. Check out their web site, use online corporate directories such as www.hoovers.com or request information from the company's public relations department. Your school's reference librarian can help you track down all sorts of useful information, such as the company's size, history, main products and services, the names of top executives and current news stories. Rehearse with mock interviews. Check with your school's career planning center to see if they offer a program to help you improve your interview skills. Double-check the time and location of the interview. If it's in an area that's new to you, consult a map or take a 'test-run' the day before to make sure you know how to get there. Prepare what you want to say in the interview. Think about your greatest strengths and weaknesses, your most significant work or school experiences, your future plans and your ideal job. Review your resume and think about how your experiences can be matched up with the job's requirements. Interview Day Dress appropriately. Choose conservative clothing and keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum. Be punctual. Arrive a little early to allow yourself time to relax and focus. Bring along some basic interview tools: extra copies of your resume and a pad of paper and pen. Take notes on any interesting points or questions. Your notes will come in handy when preparing for a second interview or writing a follow-up letter. Be sure to listen actively throughout the interview. It's easy to spend all your time planning your answers, but rememberthis is a conversation. Listening carefully helps you to respond appropriately. Avoid generalities and cliches ("I'm a people-person"). Give concrete examples when describing your work experience. And always be positive. Don't be critical of previous co-workers or bosses. The way you talk about your former or current boss may be seen as an indication of how you will talk about your future boss. Demonstrate that you have thought seriously about this career path and this company by asking intelligent questions about the position. Draw upon your research about the company, or ask about the working conditions, the chances for advancement and major projects your prospective job would entail. Ask your interviewers for their business cards to ensure that you have the proper contact information when you follow up.
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

The Follow-Up Afterward, send a follow-up letter. Thank the interviewer for taking the time to speak with you and let them know that you are still interested. Demonstrate your interest by describing how could contribute to the company's future. Review what you've learned. What were the strongest parts of your interview? What were the weakest? Were you asked any questions you hadn't anticipated? And what did you learn about this company or career track? Even if you don't get the job, you can learn a lot from every interview. Keep this outline in mind, and you'll be ready to ace your next interviewand start your new job! Types of Interviews An interview is an interview, right? Actually, depending on the size of the company, you could go through many interviews before the decision is made. Ace each one by knowing what to expect. Screening Interview Usually a member of the personnel department or an outside recruiter conducts this interview, which is meant to weed out unqualified candidates. This interview is often done over the phone. It focuses on clarifying and confirming the qualifications on your resume. Initial Interview The initial interview is conducted by someone from the human resources department. They figure out if you fit the job description and can do the job. They will then determine whether to pass you on to the hiring manager. Selection Interview This consists of a more in-depth interview and is conducted by the hiring manager. It's used to explore your skills and experience. There might be more than one selection interview with various people from different departments or levels to determine your fit with the organization. Follow-up Interview There may be one or more additional meetings after the selection interview. They provide an opportunity for the employer to get more details on the information that was gathered in an earlier interview. Your follow-up interview might seem like a casual conversation, but it's very important to the final selection. Committee Interview In a committee interview, you face a panel of several members of a company. You may be asked to demonstrate your problem-solving skills by thinking through a hypothetical business
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

situation or dilemma. You don't have to come up with the perfect solution: They're more interested in how you apply your skills and knowledge to a real-world situation. Group Interview A group interview is usually designed to find leadership potential and employees who will be dealing with the public. Job candidates are brought together in an informal, discussion-type interview. A topic is introduced and the interviewer starts off the discussion. The goal of the group interview is to evaluate your leadership skills and how you interact with others. The interview process can be exhausting and nerve-wracking. But if you know what to expect at your next interview, you'll be in control and on your way to a new job. See also: Competitive Interview Prep "Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure." You finally have an interview! Your moment of truth has arrived. Whether your interview is on campus or off, it is important to make the most of it. Because to be successful, you should always seek to retain control of the process, and the only way to do this is to have control over the final decision. You can always walk away from a company that you later decide you have no interest in, but you need to remain in positive control to retain the power to pick and choose. Your objective in every interview should be to take yourself one step further toward generating the job offer. You can do that by doing your very best in each and every interview. Treat every interview as if it were the only one you will ever get with that company and your only opportunity to convince them that you are the right candidate for the position. Although there may be several interviews before the eventual offer, you must score positively in each interview. Successful interviewing begins with preparation. Read the following sections to be fully prepared before your first interview. And reread the information for additional pointers as your interviewing approach matures over time. The Most Important Aspect of Interviewing The One Thing You Must Do Before Your First Interview The Insider Interview Prep Technique Insider Company Information Dress for Interview Success All Eyes Are On You The Most Important Interview Nonverbals The Whites of Their Eyes Technique The Nose on Their Face Technique Winning the Body Language Game The Nonverbal Interview Technique Being Sincerely Honest The Show and Tell Technique
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SHAILENDRA PRATAP SINGH Assistant Professor, MED, RKGIT, GZB

The Sneak Preview Technique The Proof Positive Technique Raspberry Fudge Swirl in a Plain Vanilla World The Interview Psych Technique Whom Would You Believe? The Pygmalion Technique The Visualization Technique Click on one of the bullets above to go directly to the topic of your choice. Or click on one of the links below to directly access the information you are seeking. "Next" will continue to take you sequentially through information on this topic.

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