Dear friends Interview is a process where you are judged fit for a requirement in a very short time. Let me tell you that many good candidates have been rejected because of a flaw noticed in your expression or an important question, according to the interviewer, not been answered to the satisfaction of the interviewer. Also there are average/ below average candidates who have been judged excellent and selected, to the later repent and frustration of the company. Well, these are not so common occurrences, but do happen. It is related both to the efficiency of the interviewing panel and to the candidates presenting abilities. I have always believed that there must be at least three rounds of interviews on different dates and the panel should at least have two additional members apart from the HR and the Departmental Head. However, the companies are in a hurry to finish the process of an interview as early as possible because of various reasons. Well, that’s a different issue. We will reserve for the HR. So dear friend you have to present your worth within that 15 to 45 minutes. How do you get ready? I will tell you how.
Know the Job Description
If you do not have the job description, insist to get it from your consultant. Understand the Job Description thoroughly. Do you fit in? If yes, prepare. Put on the shoes of the interviewer and jot down questions you would put to a candidate. Try posing questions to yourself and answering them. It is not easy but it is not that difficult also. Do refresh your basics too. We all tend to forget them. You must aim to project your skills, achievements and strengths. So jot down what you consider to be your skills, strengths and achievements. Dear friend, please if you see that you do not fit in the Job description….Do not…I repeat with bold lettering Do not pitch for the job. Do convey it to your consultant. The disadvantages are many. First you are sure to get rejected. Secondly you lose on your confidence which is very important for any person building up his career. Remember confidence is not built in a day, it develops with everyday. And even one such incidence of rejection can cause a severe harm to your confidence.
Get to Know about the Company. Know as much you can about the company. Visit their website. Speak to some of their employees. Though you should know about the company where you are working, do not forget to get as much details about your present company too.
Dressing Up.
It depends on the position you are pitching in for. If it is for a managerial position, select a well tailored formal suit with a matching tie. If it is for a sales job, wear a formal light coloured full sleeve shirt with a matching tie and solid coloured trousers. If you have never worn a tie, do practice wearing it and move around town for a few days before the interview. Take a feedback from the employees of the company, if you know any, on what do they wear. You may select a combination similar or slightly better. Do not over-dress or dress down. Do not wear flashy colours. Ensure that you have had a hair cut, your nails are neatly trimmed and clean. A proper haircut always adds up to a smart look. Polish your shoes. Wear dark coloured socks matching your trousers. Only spray mild cologne. Do not over spray. If you are in a habit of wearing those ear rings, just keep it at home for that day. Do not keep things in your pockets that make it look bulgy, like cigarette packets, key bunches etc. Carry a briefcase and store all your un-necessaries there. Remember, do not wear anything new or anything that makes you uncomfortable or can cause a flutter with the interviewing panel.
For women, you have many options. You have the great Indian Sari, a Salwar Kameez, or a business suit. It depends on the position and the company you are seeking your job. Do not look flashy. Wear sober colours. Do not wear excessive make up and jewelry. Do not wear huge ear rings. Make it simple. Have your nails well manicured and polished light. Check that your hairs are well tied, if long and well trimmed if cut. Avoid wearing new dresses. It makes you conscious. Do not overdress. Never wear a new dress for your interview.
Timely Reporting. Confirm the time and venue for your interview, well beforehand. Keep space for traffic jams, searching for parking space etc, and aim to reach the venue at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
What should you carry?
You may carry a briefcase, which holds all your certificates neatly filed. If you are expected to give a presentation do carry your lap top. Carry a small note pad and a pen or pencil. This will come in handy if you feel you need to jot down any points during the interview.
Nervous? Don’t Worry.
Know the Job Description
If you do not have the job description, insist to get it from your consultant. Understand the Job Description thoroughly. Do you fit in? If yes, prepare. Put on the shoes of the interviewer and jot down questions you would put to a candidate. Try posing questions to yourself and answering them. It is not easy but it is not that difficult also. Do refresh your basics too. We all tend to forget them. You must aim to project your skills, achievements and strengths. So jot down what you consider to be your skills, strengths and achievements. Dear friend, please if you see that you do not fit in the Job description….Do not…I repeat with bold lettering Do not pitch for the job. Do convey it to your consultant. The disadvantages are many. First you are sure to get rejected. Secondly you lose on your confidence which is very important for any person building up his career. Remember confidence is not built in a day, it develops with everyday. And even one such incidence of rejection can cause a severe harm to your confidence.
Get to Know about the Company. Know as much you can about the company. Visit their website. Speak to some of their employees. Though you should know about the company where you are working, do not forget to get as much details about your present company too.
Dressing Up.
It depends on the position you are pitching in for. If it is for a managerial position, select a well tailored formal suit with a matching tie. If it is for a sales job, wear a formal light coloured full sleeve shirt with a matching tie and solid coloured trousers. If you have never worn a tie, do practice wearing it and move around town for a few days before the interview. Take a feedback from the employees of the company, if you know any, on what do they wear. You may select a combination similar or slightly better. Do not over-dress or dress down. Do not wear flashy colours. Ensure that you have had a hair cut, your nails are neatly trimmed and clean. A proper haircut always adds up to a smart look. Polish your shoes. Wear dark coloured socks matching your trousers. Only spray mild cologne. Do not over spray. If you are in a habit of wearing those ear rings, just keep it at home for that day. Do not keep things in your pockets that make it look bulgy, like cigarette packets, key bunches etc. Carry a briefcase and store all your un-necessaries there. Remember, do not wear anything new or anything that makes you uncomfortable or can cause a flutter with the interviewing panel.
For women, you have many options. You have the great Indian Sari, a Salwar Kameez, or a business suit. It depends on the position and the company you are seeking your job. Do not look flashy. Wear sober colours. Do not wear excessive make up and jewelry. Do not wear huge ear rings. Make it simple. Have your nails well manicured and polished light. Check that your hairs are well tied, if long and well trimmed if cut. Avoid wearing new dresses. It makes you conscious. Do not overdress. Never wear a new dress for your interview.
Timely Reporting. Confirm the time and venue for your interview, well beforehand. Keep space for traffic jams, searching for parking space etc, and aim to reach the venue at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
What should you carry?
You may carry a briefcase, which holds all your certificates neatly filed. If you are expected to give a presentation do carry your lap top. Carry a small note pad and a pen or pencil. This will come in handy if you feel you need to jot down any points during the interview.
Nervous? Don’t Worry.
Have a glass of water. Do not get nervous. Recollect a funny movie while you are waiting. That will keep your spirits high
Every interviewer generally intends to makes you comfortable first. He would start by asking you very general questions and slowly switch to your profession. So don’t worry, no one has the intention to put you down. The interviewer only wants to know how best you fit into the profile.
The Encounter.
You are called in. Enter the interviewing chamber sporting a pleasant smile. Have a smart gait. Scan into the eyes of each of the interviewer and wish once for eg. “Good Morning Sirs”. Walk up to the empty chair and wait till you are told to sit down. Sit straight but comfortably. Rest your hands along the arm of the chair or neatly fold them over your lap or you can rest them on the table with both your palms clasped neatly. Feel confident keeping the smile. Look into the eyes of the interviewer asking you the questions. Do not take the support of hand movements when you are answering questions. You may, without letting the interviewer know, steer the conversation to the subject you are very good at. If you come across a question where you are not aware, please say so clearly without hesitation “Sir’ I am sorry, I am not aware” or “…not well aware”. Do not dilly-dally and provide a cooked up answer. Listen to the question patiently and with concentration. Do not answer in-between a question. Let the interviewer complete his question. Think ten to fifteen seconds before you open your mouth to answer. Though your resume provides the interviewer with all the info they need - but the interviewer needs to check out how much do you actually weigh and very importantly check on your communications skills. If you were told that you would be required to give a presentation, keep the content brief and simple. Do not make it jazzy. Do not go beyond the time allotted to you. Do not also make it too short.
If you have questions, do ask them when the interviewer asks you to. Make your questions short and simple. Do not throw too many questions. Your questions must be indicative of your interest in the company. Never ask silly questions.
When the interview is over, stand up, shake hands with warmth and a smile. Say a Thank you and wish “A good day to you all Sirs”. Push your chair back neatly and exit gracefully. Remember that you have neatly collected all your belongings and stuffed it in your briefcase before you leave.
Every interviewer generally intends to makes you comfortable first. He would start by asking you very general questions and slowly switch to your profession. So don’t worry, no one has the intention to put you down. The interviewer only wants to know how best you fit into the profile.
The Encounter.
You are called in. Enter the interviewing chamber sporting a pleasant smile. Have a smart gait. Scan into the eyes of each of the interviewer and wish once for eg. “Good Morning Sirs”. Walk up to the empty chair and wait till you are told to sit down. Sit straight but comfortably. Rest your hands along the arm of the chair or neatly fold them over your lap or you can rest them on the table with both your palms clasped neatly. Feel confident keeping the smile. Look into the eyes of the interviewer asking you the questions. Do not take the support of hand movements when you are answering questions. You may, without letting the interviewer know, steer the conversation to the subject you are very good at. If you come across a question where you are not aware, please say so clearly without hesitation “Sir’ I am sorry, I am not aware” or “…not well aware”. Do not dilly-dally and provide a cooked up answer. Listen to the question patiently and with concentration. Do not answer in-between a question. Let the interviewer complete his question. Think ten to fifteen seconds before you open your mouth to answer. Though your resume provides the interviewer with all the info they need - but the interviewer needs to check out how much do you actually weigh and very importantly check on your communications skills. If you were told that you would be required to give a presentation, keep the content brief and simple. Do not make it jazzy. Do not go beyond the time allotted to you. Do not also make it too short.
If you have questions, do ask them when the interviewer asks you to. Make your questions short and simple. Do not throw too many questions. Your questions must be indicative of your interest in the company. Never ask silly questions.
When the interview is over, stand up, shake hands with warmth and a smile. Say a Thank you and wish “A good day to you all Sirs”. Push your chair back neatly and exit gracefully. Remember that you have neatly collected all your belongings and stuffed it in your briefcase before you leave.
