Interview Techniques & How to face interviews

20 seconds to make a good first impression and 5 minutes to prove yourself...

Interviewing-What is it?
A structured meeting between you and an employer, oral tool to test a candidate, a procedure to find out or evaluate the skills, knowledge ability /attitude of a candidate. Interviewing is a skill- like riding your bike

PRACTICE makes PERFECT

Interviewing is a two-way street

Employers are attempting to
determine if you are an appropriate fit for the job and their culture. You decide if the environment is right for you

You should understand the important parameters that is required for evaluating a candidate
As we know Interview is a formalized process of assessing & measuring a candidates skill, knowledge, and attitude. To define it in a more simplistic manner, interview is a process to determine a persons suitability for a job or a seat in college even a child has to face an interview to get admission for her pre schooling.During an interview, these are the are the attributes the interviewer looks for in an interviewee. Attitude is judged by the manner in which the interviewee /CADIDATE presents his answers. The words used for example - negative words like- I cant, but, may be etc. should not be used) Tone of his answers Rate of speech,COMMUNICATION Body language One has to understand the difference between knowledge and skills (the what to do and how to do??) for example a person sales a personal loan he should have knowledge about the product, competition in the market, Key financial ratios and terms.T he Skills needed are Interpersonal, persuasive, convincing, negotiating, motivating etc. Skills required are tested from the past achievements, extra curricular activities, strength and weaknesses as mentioned by the interviewee in his resume. Knowledge required for the job is gauzed from the education, work experience sections of the resume. 80% of the interview is focused in testing the attitude and skills while only 20% tests knowledge (especially for freshers). Knowledge and skills can be acquired through training, however its difficult to change the attitude of a person.

So we have crossed all hurdles since childhood and today we are in a position to face an interview to sell ourselves /grab a wonderful job!!!

To succeed in personal interview is the crucial part for any candidate irrespective of how intelligent he or she is in academics. The candidates preparation, knowledge, communication ability, behavior, attitude etc are evaluated in an interview . Employers want to know how you handle problems and if you are a team player. Further,the employer is interested in knowing about yourself that relates to the job. You may have to use every opportunity to show that you are smart, hard working and a potential employee. Many a times a candidate who is well qualified having very good academic records may not be selected as he could not satisfy the interview panel

Resume n covering letter ppt

Resume Format
OBJECTIVE To start my career trainee company Secretary in an organization where my knowledge and skills are challenged continuously, enabling me to enrich myself and in-turn enhance my contribution to the organization ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS (ACADEMICS) PG UG HSLC SSLC CERTIFICATIONS, if any You must be able to produce valid proof if asked for. Else classify them under other qualifications. OTHER QUALIFICATIONS Any courses / trainings attended that you think would add value to the position that you are applying for. PROJECTS (in a nutshell) Internships if any Projects done while pursuing UG/PG EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Member of Rotary club Volunteer of CRY PERSONAL INFORMATION Age & DOB Sex Email Contact Number Landline Mobile Address Hobbies

Resume Debrief
Objective: Should tell what you are expecting out of this position. What is that you want? While making money is obvious are there any other intangible results that you are looking forward to. (What is in it for you?) Academics: These are verifiable information. So be very careful while you enter the information especially in grades/marks/class /year of passing etc Certifications: These are also verifiable information. Classify them under this category only if you have valid certificates. Else they would be a part of other qualifications. For example, if you have received a certificate for Tally, then it comes under this. You are proficient in Tally but you dont have a certificate then it is a part of other qualifications. Other Qualifications: As mentioned above. But be cautious while you fill in this category. Let your resume not have anything for fancy. The interviewer may have good knowledge about the topic and may quiz you on those. You will lose credibility drastically because 1. You dont have a valid proof for this. 2. You are not knowledgeable to the extent you have posed to be. Think thrice before you enter details here. Projects Done: Enter details about the projects and summer internships that you have done so far. Do brush up with the project reports before you attend your interview. Personal information: As mentioned in the format. Hobbies Dont write if you are not sure about it. Extra-Curricular activities: Would help the interviewer to understand your personality. Your associations, activities etc. for example, you may be a member of Rotary Club, or a member of Kairali Cultural Association, or a member of any NGO serving a social cause etc The resume is a document that reflects you. So project yourself as you are. Dont try manipulating. The guy on the other side of the table is smarter than you. The information that you provide should help the interviewer make a decision. So provide relevant information. The importance is not on how much you write but what you write. Let your resume be maximum two pages, definitely not more than two pages. Alignment of the text in the resume as given in the format If there are more than one point bullet them or number them Write ***end of the document*** at the resume and cut the third page if it is attached. Make sure about this before you send your resume online.

WRITING AN EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER intensive focus on resume preparation, with little or no emphasis on cover letter. What was overlooked was the simple matter of courtesy, that you introduce yourself when you are requesting something from somebody; same is the case when you are sending your resume to an employer. Cover letter is simply a letter of introduction. Through a cover letter, you are explaining who you are, how far you are suitable for the job, and why you are applying for a specific job. When you are applying offline, your cover letter should precede your resume. But, when you are applying online, it could be either part of template/format, or keyed directly as a mail. If you are filling an online job-application format, a window will pop up or a separate box is provided, where you can key-in or paste your cover letter. But, if you send your resume by mail, the introduction which you key-in constitutes the cover letter. Care should be taken to modify / customize the cover letter as per the job expectations of each employer. Remember that the cover letter you submit is one of the most important factors considered by the employers when reviewing your application. When writing a cover letter, make sure that you include the following points: Why you are interested in this job opening What are the job requirements Your skills that are relevant to this job opening

Examples/links to relevant projects you have completed

Why you believe to be a good match for this job opening Your current availability Best time and method to contact you

Provide information asked for in the job opening (if any)

Use clear and polite language Do grammar and spell-check Please note that, if the employer is interested in interviewing you, your contact details will automatically be disclosed to them. So you do not need to include your email address or any mail ID in the cover letter.

Pre-Interview Preparation
Research position, company, & industry Know yourself Know the position. Know the organization. Prepare answers for common questions. Know your career goals/objectives. Know your professional skills. Know your personal skills. Team player/leadership skills. Programming skills. Know the responsibilities of the position. Know the specific knowledge, experience and qualities the recruiters looking at. What are the major products of the Company. What are the locations of the Company. Who are the Competitors. Any recent developments/changes in the Company. Culture of the Company

Know yourself and be able to articulate skills, strengths,

accomplishments, and career goals

Prepare necessary materials (Copies of resume, references, portfolio/pen, palm pilot or organizer, breath mints) Ask for directions and where to park

Where do You Stand in Interview Preparation?

3 2
1

PURPOSE AND PASSION

Why to attend? Am I really interested? Serious? Attending on My OWN/compulsion ?

RESEARCH AND PREPARATIONS

3 CETT, More about the company, Related CNA, Advanced Questions

STRUCTURE AND FORMALITIES

Dos and Donts, Grooming, Etiquette, Timing, Regular Questions, SWOT

PURPOSE AND PASSION

The Key is the Third Step

Put yourself in the right frame of mind before the interview Be prepared Show self-confidence. Three best predictor of future performance are
Your past performance Your passion and- ..Your Preparation

WHAT INTERVIEWERS REALLY WANT TO KNOW

Your Kind of Company. But are you THEIR Kind of Person?

Can YOU DO the JOB ? Will YOU DO the JOB ? Will YOU FIT IN ?
Questions

WHAT NEED TO KNOW TO FACE AN INTERVIEW?

About Yourself About the Company About the Job About the Process
Above all, Ask Yourself

What you need to know and how to let them know you know?

THE PERSONAL TOUCH

Project the Skilled Individual

All About Your Personality

Your Skills
Your Interests

VALUE OF DIFFERENTIATION
All can quench thirst, but we prefer one over the others. Why?

> There is value in DIFFERENTIATION. > Each Individual is DIFFERENT. > So Each CV should be DIFFERENT. > Each Presentations Should Be Unique

Hence 1st impression Should be Unique

..And

Interview Kit

In the kit there should be a folder or a bag which should contain the following essential articles: Copy of resume (spell checked, well formatted with consistent fonts, bullets etc) List of references, certificates, mark sheets Work samples if relevant Business card if you have one (You wont have one if you are a fresher with no prior work experience) Notepad Good quality pen Interview call letter, details of the time, venue, route map etc

Body Language
Greeting & Introduction
You get Only 1 chance to make a good 1st impression Maintain EYE CONTACT Firm HANDSHAKE Have a brilliant Smile

GAIT-Gait is the pattern of movement of the limbs of animals, including humans, during locomotion over a solid substrate.

Dress appropriately
Trimmed nails Neat hair Oral hygiene Body odour

POSTURE

Remain poised and confident

Body Language: What signals are you sending?

Positive Signals Leaning forward = interest Smiling = friendly Nodding = attentive and alert

Negative Signals Crossed arms = defensive Fidgeting hands or tapping feet = nervous or bored

Lack of eye contact = untrustworthy

Leaning back= discomfort

Eye contact = curious and focused

Etiquette

Dress Code
Formal Dressing for Men
Suit Shirt Tie Trouser Socks Shoes Accessories Grooming Colors Colognes, deodorant Mouth Freshener

Formal Dressing for Women

Indian
Sari Suits

Western
Skirt-Top Trouser-Top

Colors
As grooming has become the most important part of a self today lets see in detail

General Tips for men

For Suit the sleeves should be 1.5 inches below the wrist, touching the base of the
thumb. When you sit, preferably unbutton the blazer. The Shirt should be long sleeved, wear solid (plain) colors with appropriate fit. The Tie should be 100%silk, solid in color, preferably stripes or small patterns. However with a striped shirt, wear a plain tie. Tie should be tied so as to reach the belt buckle plus or minus one inch.The collar button should always be closed while wearing a tie. Shoes- Brown or black leather polished shoes. Socks- Calf length, dark color to match suits. Accessory- Belt should match color of shoes Avoid earrings,chains,bracelets, body piercing. Wedding ring is permissible. Avoid strong colognes Sport neatly groomed hair, beard, and moustache Hair should not be longer than shirt collar Select neutral colors which are subdued and not very bright Do not smoke at least one hour prior to interview (Use a mint before going for interview

in case you have smoked)

General Tips for Women

There are primarily two options Indian and Western that goes in the Indian context. In todays professional and competitive environment, a proper dressing sense gives an insight into your personality. Traits like hygiene consciousness & grooming are well appreciated and advance your candidature to a great extent. Her are few guidelines for dressing for a women. Generally, neutral colors like - beige, navy, brown, camel, gray, and black are worn by office going women professionals. Even understated pastels are acceptable. Depending on your comfort and and ability to carry yourself, you can decide between Indian or western formals. However, you must be careful in choosing what you want to wear. If all your life, you have worn Indian dresses like Sari and Suits, it is better that you stick to that. Under no circumstance, should you think of wearing casuals like Denims, Cargos, and shorts etc. If you choose to wear a sari, the blouse should have classic looks with no frills, laces or low cuts etc. The length of the sari should be such that it covers the heels of the shoes. Suits or dupattas should not be heavily embroidered with gold or silver work. In Western, if wearing a skirt, it should be below the knees. Keep the same parameters as discussed for deciding your shoes, accessories, Jewellary, perfumes, and deodorants

DOs OF AN INTERVIEW
REACH EARLY COME ALONE EAT A GOOD MEAL AVOID LOOKING TIRED HAVE ENOUGH COPIES OF THE RESUME, A PEN AND PAPER GREET THE INTERVIEWER AND THANK HIM BEFORE SITTING DOWN

DOs OF AN INTERVIEW
PAUSE AND THINK BEFORE ANSWERING AN IMPORTANT QUESTION AVOID CONTROVERSY ANSWER IN A MODERATE TONE DO NOT INTERRUPT TO ANSWER A QUESTION BEFORE IT IS FINISHED IF NEEDED, ASK FOR CLARIFICATIONS

DONTs OF AN INTERVIEW
DONT SMOKE OR CHEW PAN BEFORE ENTERING THE VENUE DONT LET YOUR BREATH BETRAY WHAT YOU ATE DONT APOLOGISE FOR YOUR LACK OF EXPERIENCE DONT ASK ABOUT SALARY OR DAYS OFF DONT WEAR STRONG SMELLING PERFUME

DONTs OF AN INTERVIEW
DONT DISCUSS PERSONAL PROBLEMS DONT CRITICISE FORMER TEACHERS OR EMPLOYERS DONT BEG FOR A JOB OR GET EMOTIONAL DONT LOOK AT YOUR WATCH DONT ACT OFFENDED AT ANY QUESTION EVEN IF YOU ARE

DONTs OF AN INTERVIEW
DONT HIDE FACTS DONT ANSWER IN LONG WINDED SENTENCES OR MONOSYLLABLES DONT MAKE ANY DECISION ABOUT THE JOB DURING THE INTERVIEW DONT LINGER AFTER THE INTERVIEW IS OVER. BID A COURTEOUS FAREWELL AFTER TAKING A RECONTACT DATE

SOME COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF WHAT MADE YOU INTERESTED IN OUR COMPANY ? WHY SHOULD WE RECRUIT YOU OVER OTHERS? WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS ? WHAT ARE YOUR SALARY EXPECTATIONS ?

ONCE YOU ARE GIVEN A CHANCE TO ASK

DONT HESITATE TO ASK QUESTIONS IS NEITHER RUDE NOR PUSHY ASK RELEVANT QUESTIONS CREATE AN IMPRESSION IN THE INTERVIEWERS MIND THAT YOU CAN COME UP WITH RIGHT QUESTION AT THE RIGHT TIME

WHILE ASKING QUESTIONS

RELEVANT QUESTIONS CAN REVEAL YOUR SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE AS WELL AS ANSWERS CAN. ASK OPEN ENDED WH QUESTIONS GO FROM GENERAL QUESTIONS TO SPECIFIC ONES YOU NEED NOT WAIT TILL THE END TO ASK QUESTIONS. ASK WHENEVER YOU HAVE CLARIFICATIONS WITOUT INTERRUPTING TOO MUCH

FEW SAMPLE QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN THIS ORGANIZATION?

WHY IS THIS POSITION AVAILABLE NOW?

WHAT WOULD BE THE JOB ROLE OF A PERSON IN THIS POSITION BE ? WHAT IS THE SCOPE FOR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH IN THIS ORGANIZATION FOR A PERSON WITH MY SKILLS ?

FEW SAMPLE QUESTIONS

HOW WILL THE EMPLOYEES SUGGESTIONS FOR THE COMPANYS GROWTH BE ACEPTED ? WHAT AMOUNT OF FREEDOM WILL A PERSON HAVE TO DETERMINE HIS WORK OBJECTIVES ? WHAT IS THE ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT ? IF I WERE OFFERED A JOB HOW SOON WOULD YOU EXCEPT ME TO JOIN ?