Interview Skills 9781642875980, 9789350243503

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INTERVIEW SKILLS

Ashok M. Soman

(

First Edition - 2009

)

1[(&1 GJIimalaya G"PublishingGJIouse MUMBAI • NEW DELHI • NAGPUR • BANGALOAE • HYDERABAD • CHENNAI • PUNE • LUCKNOW • AHMEDABAD • ERNAKULAM

©AUTHOR No part of this Publication shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic. mechanical, photocopying, recording and/or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.

ISBN

: 978-93-5024-350-3

First Edition : 2009

Published by

Mrs. MeenaPandey for HIMALAYA PUBLISHING HOUSE PVT. LTD., "Ramdoot", Dr. BhaleraoMarg, Girgaon, Mumbai-400004. Phones: 238601 70/23863863, Fax: 022-238771 78 Email: [email protected] Website: www.himpub.com

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Pune

First Floor, "Laksha" Apartment, No.527,Mehunpura, Shaniwarpeth, (Near PrabhatTheatre), Pune-411 030. Phones: 020 - 24496323/24496333

Lucknow

C-43, Sector - C, Ali Gunj, Lucknow - 226024. Phone: 0522-2339329

Ahmedabad

114, "SHAlL" 1st Floor, Opp. Madhu Sudan House, C.G.Road, Navrang Pura, Ahmedabad -380 009. Phones: 079-26560126, Mob-09327324149, 0931467413

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DTPby Printed by

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"This page is Intentionally Left Blank"

It gives me a great pleasure to write this book. In today's competitive world, on one hand it has become increasingly difficuit to get a good career. On the other side, a double graduation has become a must to get an opportunity to enter in the corporate world, education has become very expensive, therefore getting in an excellent company has become important' than ever before. During the past two decades, I had an opportunity to teach, interact with thousands of students in interviewing techniques

either in classrooms, or workshops or in individual coaching. The book is based on the feedback of students after the interviews. The common observation of the students was this training had increased their confidence, prepared them in such a way that in almost all cases, most of the questions in the interview were discussed and prepared. This had resulted in a big increase in the students getting selected in the final interview. It is this interaction with the students, fellow Professors, and HR Professionals that has prompted me to write this book. This book is primarily written for Graduates and Postgraduate students without or with little experience; however it will be equally useful for experienced persons who want a job change.

I am very grateful to Mr. Surendra. K. and the entire management and staff of MIS Himalaya Publishing House for giving me this opportunity to publish this book.

Should you have any questions, concerns, comments, please do not hesitate to write to me at [email protected].

I would love to hear back your feedback.

Prof. Ashok M. Soman

Contents Sr. No.

Topic

Page No.

I.

How to select a Good Company?

1

2.

Our Sources of Information about the company

2

3.

Management Tools and Value System

6

4.

Importance of Networking

8

5.

How to write A Good Cover Letter?

10

6.

How to write a good Curriculum Vitae?

11

7.

How to enrich your CV?

17

8.

Curriculum Vitae

19

9.

Got an interview call - Prepare, Prepare !

25

10.

How to get an Excellent Company for Summers / Winters?

30

II.

Commonly Asked Questions and How to Answer them?

33

12.

Dressing for the Interview

42

Sr. No.

Page No.

Topic

13.

Types of interviews

47

14.

Depth and Stress interview

48

15.

Group Interview

52

16.

Dos and don'ts in the interview?

58

17.

Interview Process - Beginning of Interview

61

18.

The Middle interview How to use SHARE technique?

65

19.

Behavior in an interview

72

20.

Make Your Career Story Winning

76

21.

Is there a way to find out how you have

. 77

done in an interview?

22.

Offer letter, Medical test and References

23.

Bibliography

24.

Annexure What are typical traits of some specializations?

-

79 81 82

If you can select an excellent company for your interview, much of the work is done. The company should be where you can stay for a long perioq. Best of the companies should be multinationals. Best of the Indian companies too give a great combination of salary, perquisites, work environment, etc. To get selected in an interview, we need to know about the company in which we want to apply, its products and services.

We must also know about its competitor's products and services. Last but not the least, we should know about the management tools the company is using, its value system and as much information about it as is possible. But where can we find this information?

•••

Interview Skills

1

Internet: It is a widely used tools but the information available may be

inadequate or outdated. We should use the Internet as a supplement and not as a substitute. Go to the company website for information.

Stock Exchange Directory: It is a bi-annual publication and even though its primary use

is for the investors, we should use it extensively. There are two stock exchange directories namely the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE). It is alphabetically arranged. On just A4 size sheets, it gives a total picture about the company such as its ownership pattern, background, overview, major products and services, its future prospects and past 2

1nteruiew Skills

performance. If this directory is kept in the librarys then we can get any information about the company in minutes. However, only companies which are listed on the stock exchange are described in it.

Annual Reports of the Company: These are the most accurate data of performance in the past year. In most companies, the annual reports are coloured and glossy, with pictures of its plants, products, services and about the employees. Many management colleges keep these annual reports in their libraries. Otherwise, efforts have to be made to collect it and then group them by industry; get them bonded and then keep them for ready reference.

Employees, Ex-employees and Suppliers: These are source of rich first hand information.

Press Releases, Magazines: Excellent business newspapers give tremendous information about the company. However, to get past newspapers becomes difficult. Some business magazines can be a good source of information.

Interview Skills

3

Visit the Company: Many times, it is possible to visit the company on its plants. And we can get first hand information about its efficiency, philosophy, management tools etc. However, visit to the company may not be possible for outstation companies.

Information is to be collected about the companies: This information can be found out from Alumni associations, colleagues, friends, past data, current and former business associates.

What information to collect about the company and industry? This information is required for the candidate, regardless of the level at which he is applying. Study of companies products and services, its competitors products and services gives you an advantage over less-prepared candidates.

Company Ownership: It gives you the idea if the company is family-owned, professional or whether multinational, collaboration, etc.

Financial Performance: Turnover profits, share price, earning per share (EPS), reserves, and returns on investment (ROI). 4

Interview Skills

. Future Prospects: Details of takeover's etc.

expansion

plants,

technical

collaborations,

Management Tools and Value System: Details of the management tools, whether western and/or Japanese that the company is practicing and valued systems it pursues.

Corporate Background: Mission, Vision, Strategies, history of success and failure . Major products, their unique selling qualities and its competitive advantage. If you have used, read or seen the company's products/ services. Remember it is flattering for interviewers to know that you know about the companies' products/services and you use them.

Company's strength, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT) , social responsibility. What projects the company is undertaking.

• ••

Interview Skills

5

The companies in India and MNCs use large number of management tools. Your confidence level will go up dramatically if you learn about these tools and tell about it in brief. You will have to find out what tools the company is using. Tata Motors:

•

Kaizen

.5S •

Just In Time (JIT)

Cummins India:

•

Total Quality Management (TQM)

•

Kaizen

•

Tata Koyo Poko Yoko

SKF Ball Bearing:

•

6

Small group activities

Interview Skills

Japanese tools used for improvement: •

Kaizen and 55

•

Quality Circles (QC'S)

•

Just In Time (JIT)

•

Poko Yoko

Western tools: •

Total Quality Management (TQM)

•

Six Sigma

•

Supply Chain Management (SCM)

•

Benchmarking

•

Customer Relation Management (CRM)

•

Business Process Engineering (BPE)

•••

Interview Skills

7

The more extensive is your network the more will be the career opportunity for you . So more importantly: Job Opportunity

= Good Job Performance + Extensive Networking.

The way to improve your Network is to cultivate your relationship with alumni, Professors, and colleagues. You can improve your image or improve your visibility by attending to workshops, seminars, and meetings. You should try to participate in these by taking an active part and try to lead from the front. Other ways to remain in the limelight are writing articles, speaking up so that you make yourself known. You can improve your job prospects further by taking help of: • Management consultants • Experienced professors • Placement co-ordinators 8

Interview Skills

• College friends • Alumni • Trade and Professional Associations • Competitors • Business and Technical Articles • Conventions and Technical Associations • Customers, if they are pleased with your serviced • Job Fairs • Workshops and seminars

•••

Interview

~kiil;;

9

A Covering Letter should always accompany the Curricular Vitae which you send. The Objective of the covering letter are as under: To introduce you friendly by personalising your CV by addressing to a specific person. By highlighting some important events or achievements. To allow you to state your job objectives, especially suited by a specific company. Some salient points of a good covering letter are as under: .:. The covering letter sbould be a page long .:. It should be addressed to a specific person .:. It should not indicate what you want from the company

but indicate what you can contribute to the company .:. The first paragraph of the covering letter should stimulate the interviewer to meet you in an interview .:. The second paragraph should indicate your one or two main achievements .:. In the last paragraph, the covering letter should be closed well.

••• 10

Interview Skills

•

Use Exec:Jtive Bond Paper

•

Use only white paper

•

Pages, only one or two pages. (It is mischievously said, your CV should be like a mini skirt, long enough to cover the subject but short enough to attract attention)

•

Contact information - Ensure your full name, phone number, current postal address, Email 10 are given.

•

Envelope · - Use standard size envelope. Write on the Envelope APPUCATION FOR POST. Do not put more than one CV in the

•

CV for two envelope.

•

Photographs - Do not send your photographs with the CV.

•

Printing - Use a computer for writing your CV . Do not use Matrix printing.

Interview SKiIls

.11

Advantages of using computers are manifold as under: •

You should use spell check

•

You can add or delete in the CV as per the company you are applying for

•

Corrections can be done more easily

Remember: 1 . Begin with name & contact number - Your CV should have your full name, current postal address, phone number, and E-mail. 2 . Career Summary - In case you have work experience, write

career summary about your skills, attitudes,

knowledge and experience. It should restricted to 30 - 40 words or can be bulleted. 3 . Focus

on

your

experience,

responsibility

and

achievements. 4 . Job responsibilities - I was a team leader for nine employees. My responsibility was to increase the mm by 11 % or I have worked as Dy. Production Manager from

2004 till date. 5. Educational .Qualifications -

are very important,

especially for the candidates without experience.

12

Interview Skills

6.

Achieve~ents

- Write your achievements starting with

the most important achievement first and then write other achievements in priority order. 1. Interest/Hobbies - These tell other facts of your life and personality. 8. Write short sentences - It is useful to keep sentences short. Use words that demonstrate your skills with words like managed, arranged, etc. 9. Font Size - Font size 10 is good. Use font size 12 for bold.

Don'ts in CV: Some things tum off an interviewer:

1. Colourful glossy paper and flashy fonts - CV is a ' \ formal document .You should keep it that way. 2. Writing CV or resume at the top - Many people tend to add words CV, Curriculum Vitae or Resume on the top of the paper. Do not do it. 3. Photographs - Many CV's are with coloured passportsize photographs. Do not attach it to the CV. However, carry three passport size colour photograph in your wallet at the time of interview, you may require to paste it on your application form. 4. Use of Words - He, She, My on your CV .00 not use was working in an IT software company. She was

adjudged as best woman employed etc. avoided. Interview Skills

13 7'

5. Spelling mistakes and Grammatical Errors - You should use CV spell check to correct your spellings and proof-read your CV otherwise you would be considered as careless or lazy person. 6. Lies - Tell the truth, it has an uncanny ability to assert itself. Do not lie about qualifications experience, strengths etc. You may land up in a legal problem or lose a job. 7. Reasons for leaving the current job - These reasons could be given in an oral interview if asked. 8. Past failures - Do not

tal~

about past failures, either in

academics or jobs. However, if asked, tell the truth in an interview. For example, Mr. Kumar you seem to have done poorly in the third year of Bachelor of Engineering. Tell a truthful answer. "Yes sir, I was involved in too many sports and extra-curricular events. Even though, we won lots, of medals and shields for the college, I suffered in my marks." 9. Health problems - Do not mention your health problems. Remember, the recruiter wants healthy and energetic candidates. 10. Avoid Abbreviations - Do not use abbreviations in your CV.

11. Current and expected salary - Do not mention your current salary, unless your asked and leave the expected salary for the interview.

14

Interview Skills

12. Irrelevant details - Marital status,' sex, number of children; their age may be avoided.

13. Reference - Do not put them in the CV until asked. If the interviewer wants the reference, he will ask in the interview.

How to Write a Winning CV? 1. Keep the CV clean - An untidy CV tum's off an interviewer; a crumpled or stained CV with ink or food may not be considered . . 2. Cut the hash - A CV is not the right place to display it.

3. Don't tell lies - Do not lie about your skills, qualification or experience.

4. Update your CV regularly - Do update your CV or you may miss out an important addition- of experience the skill and achievement. If there are gaps of time in the CV, it may create a doubt in the mind of the interviewer.

How to select a Good References? It is only natural that the employer will check back on your references. Many of your past employers would not like to divulge any information about you. However, assume that any information written by you iri the CV would be checked, therefore do

not

exa9Jlerate

your capabilities,

responsibilities

and

accomplishments beyond the truth. Interview Skills

15

Your superiors, peers and subordinates ,;fil; serve as a reference and your new employer is bound to check up with them. One way to deal with this is to give names of such persons of whom you are sure they are well wishes. Even your customers who are delighted with you would make good reference: The Frequently Asked Questions to the reference: (FAQ's) 1. How would you describe the candidate? 2. What were the candidate's major strengths and. areas of weakness?

.

3. How would you rate the· candidate as compared to his peers?

4. Do you think the candidate would be suitable for a higher post, which we are contemplating to give? 5. Why is the candidate leaving the company? Is he doing well in the company?

To Succeed: Assume that everything you write in the CV will be verified and questions will be asked about it, so tell the truth, you may divulge what is suitable, but don't lie. Never write a degree or a diploma for which you cannot give proof, unless you have done it.

••• 16

Interview Skills

It is very important to try and improve your CV by putting more and more into it. Undoubtedly, it is a long and continuous process. But once you know where you want to go, then you can take steps to achieve your aim . You can have a plan to add to your qualifications, or add to your language skills (Japanese, French, German, Spanish are a current rage). But it should be a substantial course/Diploma of say, an year or so. Since China has emerged as the second biggest trading partner of India, Chinese language proficiency would give a big opportunity in future , however, there is a dearth of good Chinese teachers. Many of us will do well to improve them ability of communication of English, Hindi or other languages. To improve your leadership skills, you can join the NCC or take up trekking or go for Himalayan trekking, it improves your leadership skills, stamina, goal achievement, team-building, ability to overcome problems. However, it should be a substantial effort.

Interview Ski1ls

17

Joining some, (Non-Governmental Organisations) to help the '--

society in need, such as blood donations, family planning awareness, anti-AIDS programmes or any other programme would help you immensely. This is an age of computers, so take some formal one year diploma course from some reputed Institute. Nowadays, it is possible to do additional training ·-through Modules, which can take care of your time or money constraints. Thus, your plan to enrich your CV should include: (a) Improving your education (b) Improving your multi-language skills (c) Improving your leadership, team building skills "

'

(d) ' Improving your computer skills (e) Doing social work with a good Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) .

• ••

.--

18

Interview Skills

To Write a Curriculum Vitae (CV): How to write a curriculum vitae (CV)that will get you an interview opportunity?

As a rule, it is your CV and covering letter that gives you an opportunity for an interview. You may be a very smart person with excellent communication skills but unless you get a letter for an interview, you have no chance to get a job. First of all, your CV should be tailor made for the company you are applying. It has to be a match between the job requirement and how you are the best person to fill in the vacancy.

What are the Employer's Requirements: (Need analysis of the employer): 1. Do you have the necessary skill set to do the job well? 2 . Do you have the requisite experience to do that job well? Interview Skills

19

3. What abilities and skills are required to fill in the vacancy? (Analysis of your skills) 4. What makes you think that you would be the perfect candidate to do the job? (Self analysis) •

Do you possesses skills and talents, which are a perfect fit for the job?

•

Have you done a similar job very successfully before?

•

Can you give proof of your achievements?

•

Why does this job particular interest you?

If your CV and covering letter addresses the requirement of

the would be employer, they will respond favourably, otherwise they may not even call you. Therefore, you should be able to convince the employer that you have the necessary skills and experiencp, in addition to a proven tracK record to do the job well.

What to do if you are a fresher or without relevant experience? The first thing to do is to find out the information from a personal visit (if possible) , employees; ex employees; magazines; books; Internet, etc. regarding what the employer is looking for. The next step is to match your skills, experience and knowledge to it. If you are without any experience, you could harp your ability

to learn fast. 20

Interview Skills

I

Contents of Curriculum Vitae: Many colleges have a format of a CV and writing a good CV is to just fill in the blanks or complete the information and put it in

the relevant columns. You can go through the under mentioned steps: 1. Objectives. 2. Personal Information. 3. Educational Qualifications. 4. Skills and other qualifications like languages; computer diploma, etc. 5. Seminars and Conferences. 6. Achievements and Participation is Events. 7. Publications, either in newspapers, magazines etc.

8. Professional Experience. Objectives: A well defined objective adds a great deal to

your CV, as it shows your clarity of career direction.

How to write a good objective? A well written' objective is eye catching to the interviewer or reader. To write a good objective it should be: (a) Related to the position applied. (b) It should give reasons as to why you have applied for the job .. (c) Your objective should be specific. Interview Skills

21

Example of a good objective: "To be associated with an

organisation that provides me an opportunity to f.Irow by acquiring new skills and thus, contribyting towards development of the organisation and myself." Personal Information: It should contain your full name,

current address, phone number including the mobile number, Email 10 and your home page if you have. Do not write things like marital status, sex, date of birth, nationality, height, weight, etc. they are more suitable for marriage. You may give your passport number, if the job requires trips abroad or is positioned abroad.

Educational Qualifications: Always start with the latest degree and then go in a reverse chronological order. Then write other advanced courses or training. Highlight what is suitable to you and de-empasise your weakness, at the same time tell the truth. e.g. If you have got 70% marks, say scored Distinction. If you have got 69% marks, then write down the marks. If you have a good working experience, say 4-5, years then

do not write grades and marks and names of colleges where you studied.

22

Interview Skills

Skill Sets and other skills: In skill sets, we can write various computer languages grouped as packages and tools (Unix Window 4.0); Languages (Java; C;

C++) Internet technologies (XML; ASP, HTML; Java script) Methodologies:

Object Oriented Analysis and Design

(OOAD).

Other Skills: •

Ability to learn new tools; theories fast

•

Ability to describe complex technologies

•

Ability to transfer knowledge to other subordinates or students

•

Proven ability in writing in leading newspapers or magazines.

Professional experience: This part should be written in

reverse chronological order focusiI)g on most recent and relevant job. If you are experienced, then write about it in very short paragraphs, concentrating on job summary or achievements. However, if you have limited experience, you can write it more elaborately.

Interview Skills

23

How to write impressive CV tips? 1. Use phrases rather than full sentences: Instead of "I have ability technology to subordinates," ability to teach complex technologies to subordinates. 2. Avoid long sentences: Keep sentences short and simple. 3. Use Power words: Use power words, that is verbs that match the level of position you are seeking.

Instead of are assignments or work to my immediate subordinates.

Better: Trained and mentored my subordinates. Allocated the task. So use words such as trained, eliminated, achieved, executed, implemented, etc.

4. Use Past Tense: I have conducted an on job training for the manager. 5. Make your CV error free: Check and recheck your CV till it becomes error free and spell.

•••

24

Interview Skills

If you get an interview call from your target company, immediately start preparing yourself for the interview. The initial preparation has to be for the specific job needs which is either given in the job description. A marketing job requires skills in marketing, similarly HR managers job requires not only professiunal knowledge but also people skills (soft skills). If a marketing executive does not know how to sell the companies products/services, then in all probability the interview process would stop. The steps in preparation for the interview are •

Prepare for the post for which you are being interviewed by re-learning the subject.

•

Know about the company where you are applying; its products/services.

•

Know about the management tools that the company uses.

•

Know about its value system and culture.

Interview Skills

25

•

If you are working, study your existing company, its

organisation chart, your job achievements. •

Know about the companies competitors, its product and services.

•

Prepare for the Mock Interview.

Preparation for interview Restudy the subjects relevant to the job

Study about the company where you are applying for the job

Study your existing company

Its products/services Competitors' products or Services Management Tools Value System Culture

Organisation chart Nature of your job Your achievement

26

Interview Skills

H R Interview Adaptability

Interpersonal

Work Habits

Skills

Adjusts to the

Team work

integrity

situation Accomodates

Loyalty and

Leadership skills

Good self and time management

change Change Agent

Motivation

Accept differences

Understand

Provides services

Follows instruction

Energetic

Importance of Mock Interview: Mock interviews improve your confidence levels and if conducted properly, prepare the candidate for the actual interview. When the probable questions are carefully drafted by the mock interviewer, the candidate can answer majority of the questions in the real interview. Mock interviews are a must for the freshers or for candidates with less experience. However, most candidates, even the experienced ones also would immensely benefit from it.

Interview Sleiiis

27

Preparation for the mock interview.: •

Mock interviewer should carefully go through the CV of the candidate.

•

He should note if there are some inconsistencies in the academic performance or gaps between the jobs.

•

If the candidate has taken a year or more for the

education. •

He should carefully study the company in which the candidate wants the job and the job description.

•

He should analyse the job requirements and skill sets, experience, abilities to do that job, etc.

•

Whether a "Stress Interview" is required.

•

He should prepare his questions based on the requirement of the job and company.

Ideal setting for the mock Interview: Ideally, a mock interview should replicate what the candidate may experience in terms of actual interview. In mock interview sessions, other candidates may be used for role playas well as observers. Some important points to remember are: • •

28

Create a setting similar to the actual interview.

.Use panel for interviewing the candidate.

\

Interview Skills

•

Ask the candidate to come for mock interview in an appropriate dress or at least formals.

•

Make other candidates observe the mock interview session.

Debriefing:

After the mock interview is over, ask th(>

observers to point out what was done correctly by the interviewee and what were the areas of improvement. Tell the candidate answers to the questions he did not know. Point out the answers that could have been answered in a different way

give the

candidate a chance to absorb the correct answers and if required, take a mock interview again.

• ••

--

Interview Skills

29

..

Many companies are reluctant to hire for Summers or Winters, because by the time the candidate learns about the job and starts contributing to the company, his project time is over and the candidate will have to go back to the college. Summer interviews are a good way for work in the Excellent Placement offer opportunity, to those who work very hard, systematically, and give excellent results. The best company for Summers is a company where you can make a career, that is a company where you will like to work for a long time. The most difficult part is finding such a company, and then getting a Summer offer. •

Best way to get a good company is in your college campus Interview.

•

You must use networking, take help of alumni, relatives, well wishers, College professors to get such a company.

30

Interuiew Skills

•

The most commonly made mistake is that the students tend to select the companies next to their home towns, by

.

using their connections of their contacts. Their real intention is to spend time with their family members, the Project is far less important to them. •

Many companies offer some stipend in Summers, since students will always be short of money; they tend to opt for such companies. Chose a company which is the best, whether they payor not is secondary.

• 1\nother very difficult part in Summers, is that the usual method for most of the colleges is that if you get selected in one company, then you cannot get a chance in any other company, you are simply out of the process. So, you must have the confidence to reject a company which is not the best, and do not go for that interview. •

If you get one offer, even though you cannot apply for any

company through the college you can keep trying on your own and if you get the best company with your own efforts you may opt for it. However, keep your Placement cell informed. •

Select a company which is on rapid expansion path, and which will have Placement requirements.

•

Generally, it is difficult to get a project in your area of liking, so if you have a choice choose a company which gives you a Project of your liking.

•

Remember your Summers/Winters couLd be your entry in the corporate world.

Interview Skil/s

31

How to Work During the Summers/Winters? A simple formula for working 13-14 hours a day, or work till your work is completed. It is a very successful and time tested model, and many candidates come back with a written job offer. •

In many cases, your Superiors may not be able to give you a Job Offer, because you have not completed your Postgraduation, However, they will tttil you that you had performed well, and will tell you to keep in touch. The HR Manager or your immediate Superior will tell you to apply for the job on completion of your Postgraduation.

•

Remember, that generally you will get a low salary offer as you have not completed your Postgraduation, but on completion of your studies, they will give an appropriate post and salary.

•

Most colleges allow the students to join the companies if you get an offer letter and allow you to sit for the Fourth Term Examination directly. Your company too must co-operate and give you leave for an examination or presentation or any other important requirement. It is better to check this out with your Superiors on one side '(md company on the other, before you join. Do follow up the results of your suggestions and recommendations.

•

Keep in touch with your Superior; Peers and team members.

•

Make occasional visits to the company, if possible.

• •• 32

Interview Skills

In most of the intelViews, the intelViewer either depends upon your CV to get leads or tends to ask questions which are . common in most intelViews. The best way to answer them is to . prepare yourself thoroughly, keep your certificate file in front of you when you write these answers. Remember to tell the truth only because truth has an uncanny ability to assert itself. When you tell the truth you don't have to remember what you said, otherwise you will have to remember about the earlier conversation and the delay in answering can be identified by an experienced intelViewer.

It is best to write down the answers to the commonly asked questions in writing with double spacing. When you get up in the morning the next day see if you can improve them. A stage will come when these answers cannot be improved and it is your final answer.

Interview Skills

33

Q. 1. Tell us something about yourself? The interviewer will get many leads from it. You should answer it in four parts giving more time for every succeeding part. Your school and family background: This part would be the smallest. Tell something about your family background. Your parent's post and education always shapes up your life. Even tell about your siblings e.g. my brother is from lIT and works as a Manger in a MNC. My sister is a doctor; . she is pursuing · her postgraduation. Tell about your academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, sports activities, even if you were only a Prefect in the school. It shows you have leadership skills. Your graduation: This should be for larger time than schooling. Again, the emphasis should be on academic achievements, extra curricular activities, social work , etc . . Your Postgraduation: This should be even longer than graduation. Tell about academic achievements, your willingness to take added responsibilities like class representative (CR), placement team member, sports committee member, cultural committee member, participation ~n the colleges or intercolleges, arranging national seminars, some important events, etc. 34

Interview Skills

Your current job/past job. This should be given maximum time. Your achievements in the job could include achieving difficult targets, overcoming obstacles,

converting a

crisis

into

an

opportunity. If you prepare yourself well, then you will be able to tell about your past jobs properly. You will be surprised that just 90-120 seconds are required to tell about yourself, without missing any important point. However, as your job experience grows, you will require more time. Q.2. What are your strengths and weakneses? Here give list of strengths, however write down only the truth. For example, if you write that your strength is hard work, then your CV should reflect it. If you have failed in college or your marks are just 45-50%, it does not indicate a hard-working person. Common strengths are: •

Honesty, Enthusiastic, Confident

•

Hard-working, Ethical, Flexible

•

Good Communication Ability

•

Adaptive

•

Passion

•

Methodical

Interview Skills

35

•

Patience

•

Persuasive

•

Goal achiever

•

Excellent health and high energy levels

•

Ability to work in a sustained manner for a long period

•

Quick Leamer

•

Sensitive

•

Emphatic

•

Never say die attitude

•

Ability to think out-of-the-box solutions

You should be prepared to answer questions on your strengths, as they will be invariably asked.

Q. 3. What are your weakneses? To state that you do not have weaknesses is to indicate that you do not know your weaknesses. Alternatively, you can think of weakness as areas of improvement. Typical weaknesses should not be told are laziness, drinking, bad health, inability to work for long hours. Typical weaknesses or areas of improvement are:

36

•

Impatience

•

Emotional

Interview Skills

•

Short-tempered

•

Poor English

•

Lack of communication skills

•

Trusting others too easily

Suppose you say that you are a short-tempered person. (A bad trait for a HR job) . How would you answer the Question?

(a) Identify the weakness. (b) Tell short-term measures including sandwiching it between two strengths. (c) Tell long-term measures that you have taken Example of how I dealt with my short-tempered nature. I was a short-tempered person during my first job. When I used to be given any job I would do it systematically, methodically, and with full concentration. However, when I delegated the tasks my subordinates used to take too long a time and I used to lose my temper. Now, I have accepted that everyone does not have the same ability or capabilities. Now, I give my subordinates more time than my own timing. I train them before giving the task and periodically monitor their work. However, on a long term, I have realised that short temper is a bad trait, so I have changed my diet to a simple diet, it is

Interview Skills

37

vegetarian food, with little spices. I take regular exercise and play a lot of outdoor games. I have also started to do some Yoga. All this has made me a calmer person. Q. 4. Is there anything you have done which you are proud of?

Tell something from your past that you are especially proud of, such as getting a prize at a State or National Event or becoming a topper or a Gold Medallist, etc. Q. 5. Is there anything which. you regret?

A good answer could be, I take decisions after getting all the facts, carefully apply my thoughts and take a decision. Many a times, the situation changes and it looks like that the original decision was wrong. However, I do not regret anything as I had carefully taken the decision in that situation. I do not regret any of my decisions. Q. 6. Tell us, where do you think you would be five years from now?

An aggressive answer which many candidates give is I would be in your place. An interviewer who interprets it, that he will be promoted and the candidate will reach his position would take it positively. But if he tllinks that the candidate would be promoted and he will be out, then he will think about it negatively.

38

Interview Skills

I

Anyway, the post you are likely to reach in five or ten years depends on the size of the organisation, its growth, etc. So five years from now, I would be on the upper, side of the middle Management and ten years from now dn the Lower side of the Top Management would be more appropriate. Giving answers such as ten years from now, I will have my own business or I will be happily married in case of woman candidates must be avoided.

Q. 7. How do you spend your spare time? This is another Question where a thoughtful answer must be given. How you spend your spare time tells what sort of a person you are. Even though most of the working people or students may be using their spare time in catching up with rest, a better answer could be doing pending work like banking, buying household stuff, etc. You should be telling activities such as reading. Trekking, Information searching on the net, etc., or you may mention going for some sports with your friends.

Q. 8. How do your friends or recent peers describe you? This is an indirect way of finding more about you. If you can convince your interviewer that you are perceived by your friends/peers as friendly, supportive and a person who can be counted in all situations would make a favourable impression.

Interview Sldlls

39

It tells the interviewer that you can give him a number of

your friends and peers who would give this opinion. Q. 9. \\Inat is more important to you, is it your career or a job?

This may be a common question to unmarried women candidates. This may be out of anxiety that after joining in a short span the women get married and move to some other place. Some good answers could be even my family members want me to ,succeed in the career, so my first priorities are to develop my career. Q.l O. Why are you leaving your present job?

Even though I am doing well in my present company, more experience is not adding to my value. Also I am keen to apply my newly-acquired skills.' Honestly, I am looking for a more challenging job, which will have better post, prospects and salary that I want.

Q.l1. Why do you want to join us? To answer this question well, you must have in-depth knowledge of the company you want to join. For example - In a Cement Company, the company is not only a market leader but is on a very big expansion path.

40

Interview Skills

I want to join this company because as per Economic Times Survey, it has been adjudged as the Best Employer. I want to join this company because I am a JAVA architect and I will get a chance to use my skills and knowledge to the fullest extent here. Q.12. Why do you think you are the best?

My submission is I have gone through the job profile and I can certainly fulfill this job to your entire satisfaction. I do not think it would be proper for me to say I am the best because I do not even know other candidates, their experience, qualifications, etc. Q.13. Can we check up about you with your present Boss?

Even if you say do not check up with your existing boss because he may not like you to leave you, it is better to say you may check up with the present Boss. If you are not sure if your Boss will be supportive, tell that

you may also check up with peers or subordinates or Boss of your immediate Superior.

Q.14. Tell us something about your achievements in the past jobs.

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41

If the company you intend to join is in the same industry as your current company let your talk revolve around your achievements. For example, you may have achieved an increase in Sales even in the Competitive market. You may have worked as Officer-In-Charge of product development and come out with innovations that has made the company competitive. Explain how your company has benefited from your actions.

Q.15. Why should we hire you? •

You can tell about your experience in the previous company in the similar business,

enumerate your

achievements. Show that you are excited about the companies job profile and eager to perform. You may cite your strengths to drive home

it

point that would make you

a suitable candidate. Some good answers are: •

Since this is an IT company and is under pressure of eroding profits. It needed to cut' costs. I can make a significant contribution as I have saved my existing company about Rupees eighty thousand every month. More importantly many of our employees became costconscious.

•

The company is facing severe competition, I can become a part of the team that can meet and beat the competition.

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Interview Skills

•

In my present job, I have four innovations to our teams credit, these are great success in the market.

•

I have almost three-and-half years experience in a company having horrible Industrial Relations, a militant trade union . The Union went on

0.

strike and we were not

only able to persuade them to come back to work but we have excellent industrial relations at present. Since in this company too there is scope to improve Industrial Relations, I feel that my experience would come in handy. Q.16. You have done your Graduation in Commerce, but now want to do Postgraduation in Marketing. Can you explain your reasoning?

My personality is extrovert, I like to travel and meet people. Achieving difficult targets gives me a thrill, therefore my college teacher, friends have advised me that Marketing

would

be

a

better option

for

me

in

postgraduation. It will get a better career opportunity. Q.17 . Why you have changed your jobs so frequently?

I admit that I have changed two jobs in one year, but the company was in financial problem and I was told by the HR department that the company is being right-sized, therefore I changed my job.

• ••

Interview

~kiiis

43

Remember, you do not get a second chance for the first impression. It is for the first one minute that you make the first impression.

First impression is a sum total of your personality like: •

General appearance

•

Facial expression

•

Eye contact

•

Posture

•

Confidence, etc.

Remember, even in companies where casual dresses are occaSionally worn, like the IT companies or Busiriess Process Outsourcing (BPO), the interview must be in a proper dress. Dressing well improves your confidence and also makes an excellent impression on the interviewers. 44

Interview Skills

·General Instructions: Hair: One's, hair must be neatly trimmed and combed.

Finger nails must be well-kept. Smoking: Avoid smoking before, during and after the

interview. Smoking makes a bad impression on the

intervie~ers.

What Men should wear? Suit: One of the best dresses is a suit. Even in college, the

uniform is the best, provided it is clean and pressed. The suit should be used but a relatively new one. A dark suit is preferable to a light coloured one. Shirt: A full-sleeve shirt is accepted anywhere. The shirt

should be faint-coloured; light blue, cream, and white. The top button should be closed and the collar must be well-pressed. Tie: A broad tie with a double knot is best for the occasion;

the length should be up to the belt buckle. Pants: Dark-coloured formal pants e.g. black, dark navy blue

with loops for the belt. Socks: Used but relatively new socks to match your pant and

not the shoes. The elastic of the socks must be intact. Shoes: Well-polished black or brown shoes (Black shoes go with any pant). The laces must be in a good condition with the tips intact.

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45

Facial Hair: Do not go to a interview without a shave . In

case you have a beard, keep it well-trimmed. Go to a professional barber to trim the moustache. Accessories: Carry an excellent bag for your credentials.

Your watch should be moderately priced. Other than a ring don't wear any jewellery.

What should woman wear? Remember, you are going for an interview and not for a drama or a cat-walk. You should look a professional working woman. Suit: The best dress is surely a suit. It looks professional. Sari: The next best choice is a sari provided that you are used

to wearing it. Wearing a sari will need practice. Most MBA colleges have the sari as their uniform which makes the girls more comfortable with it. Shoes: Avoid high heel shoes. A good quality formal shoes in

black is the best choice. Watch: Wear a moderately-priced watch. Avoid jewellery,

other than a ring. Make up: It should be light and never be over done. Accessories: Carry an excellent bag for carrying your cr~dentials.

• ••

46

Interview Skills

Formal Interview: It is an interview in the company office.

As the name suggests it is done in a very formal setting, the interviewers are in formal dresses. Many candidates find the formality daunting. The Interview Panel knows what they are looking in a candidate. The Panel may use a written Questionnaire. If the candidate tries to wriggle out of the set questions, the Panel will bring him back to it. The disadvantages of the Formal Interview is that the Panel may not come to know the real person, as the answers may be close-ended. Informal Interview: The aim of the Informal Interview is to

find out the real candidate behind the mask. There is bound to be tension on the candidate if the company is once-in-a-lifetime job. In an Informal Interview, an effort is made to ensure that the candidate is put at ease. Usually, the informal interview is taken in an informal setting like the Restaurant, or a Hotel or a Coffee shop. In an informal interview, open-ended questions are asked, like tell me about yourself, what are your strength/weakneses?

•••

Interview Skills

47

The interviewer so far has already checked you for your competence in the job for your profession. Generally, we are not in compartments, meaning that if you have depth in your chosen profession, then the same depth would be in your other areas of liking. For example, if you like reading books then in reading too you would have depth. So if your CV says that reading books is your passion then a good interviewer would check what kind of pooks you read, do they relate to entertainment only or you also read professional. books, magazines that increase your knowledge, and make yourself up-to-date. Remember an interviewer can ask a barrage of questions to check your depth. Therefore, it is pointless to lie either in the CV or in an interview.

Q. 1. You have said in the interview as well as written in your CV that you spend your spare time in reading books. What kind of books do you read? Are they fiction or non-fiction books?

Ans.: I read non-fiction books. 48

Interview Skills

Q. 2. Are they professional or non-professional books? Ans.: They are of both types.

Q. 3. Can you tell me any book which you have read lately? Ans.: I have read a book, "INDIA UNBOUNDED".

Q. 4. Who is its author? Ans.: The author is Mr. Gurcharan Das.

Q. 5. Can you summarise the book? Ans.: Yes Sir. A good interviewer can easily find out the depth of a candidate. Most Indian male

students tell that their hobby is

Cricket. But one may find one of the interviewers in the Panel very much an expert in Cricket and you will find answering his questions, a difficulty. Before you go for the interview, ensure that whatever you have mentioned in your CV can be used to ask Questions, alternatively questions other like, "Tell us something about, yourself? What do you do in your spare time 7", will give enough leads to interviewers; therefore you can expect a barrage of questions on them. For female candidates, their hobbies or the way to spend spare time is watching films, dancing, or TV. Again remember that these answers will invite questions after questions.

Q. 6. What do you watch on the TV? Which channels ·do you watch? Interview Skills

49

Ans.: I watch some news channels to keep the abreast of current .

news and I also watch Discovery, Animal Planet, and sometimes, BBe. So, remember to tell things in which you have proficiency and prepare yourself for Question Answers. Stress Interview: There is a lot of stress in many jobs in

today's world. It is in jobs where the job requires meeting difficult targets, such as production or nature of job for example, IT softwar~

development jobs. It can be jobs where there is a lot of

tension as well as difficult work timings. The purpose of the stress interview is to check a candidate under stress. In many industries like BPOs , the attrition rates have increased to thirty per cent and more, therefore the cost of recruitment and training has gone up to a great extent. By a stress interview, we can identify the candidates who may not perform well under pressure. Normally, it is the job of an interviewer to put the candidate at ease but in a stress interview, he might ask personal questions to irritate you and to make you angry, so that he can see your reaction in stressful conditions. Some examples are as under:

Q. 7. We have gone through your CV and we think you are an overqualified person. Sorry, but you are rejected! ADS.: I do not think that I am overqualified; in fact I am thinking

which added qualifications I should take so that at higher levels I would perform even better.

50

Interview Skills

Q.8.

Our experience with candidates from your institute is bad, only last week one such candidate left us within just two months, What have you to say?

Ans.: I cannot comment on why the candidate in question left

you . Anyway, one candidate leaving you does not affect our reputation as an institute. I think it was an exceptional case . We should not generalise it.

Q.9.

How many steps did you climb to attend to this interview?

Ans.: There were eighty steps. Q.I0 The correct answer is Ninety.

Ans .: I must have taken two steps many times.

• ••

Interview Skills

51

Group Discussions (GDs)

are a common method of

shortlisting the candidates. It also helps an Interviewer to identify the candida,tes who have initiative, ability to continuously participate, and forcefully tell their viewpoint. Group discussions also help to find out if the candidate has persuading ability, good listening ability and his listening skills. To do well in

Group Discussions,

good reading of

newspapers, and magazines is required. Taking part in real or mock GDs in training can help too .

Methodology of GD: The participants who may be up to twelve in numbers have to sit in a C type arrangement and the Panel Members usually three in number sit in front of them. (a) The Panel members write or read out two topics and tell the participants to choose one subject in one or two minutes by discussions.

52

Interview Skills

(b) Panel members may give one or two minutes for the participants to mentally prepare or jot down the points. (c) Panel members will tell the participants about the rules and remind them that the GO is a democratic method. (d) The participants would be advised to talk to other participants and not to Panel members. (e) Participants would be given a timeframe of about 20 minutes, with a minute to summarise the discussion.

Some Commonly Asked Questions in the GD are: Q. 1. Is it all right if I do not get a chance to talk as others are doing all the talking? Ans.: No, in a GO you will not get marks if you do not speak.

Q. 2. When some other participant is not giving a chance to others, what should I do? Ans.: In such a case, allow him to finish a sentence and just say

excellent point and give your viewpoint equally forcefully. If the original aggressive participant raises an objection, remind him that when he was doing the talking, others were listening to him patiently, so request him not to interrupt when others are talking. Q. 3. If earlier participants tell your points, if you say I agree with their viewpoint, will it be all right?

Interview Skills

53

Ans.: No, you will not get any marks or points for that. You

have to contribute something or add to an earlier point or give some clarification, or alternative view. Q. 4. If a participant is giving an opinion which is totally unacceptable or incorrect,

wh~t

should be done?

ADs.: You should not snub or ridicule other participants..

Instead, you can say to the earlier speaker that he has given his viewpoint candidly and forcefully but other important aspects must be taken into consideration, and give the other side. e.g ..

~;uppose

the topic given is should

India control its population by force or compulsion 7"

An aggressive speaker says, since our traditional methods have failed to because they were voluntary in nature, compulsory sterilisation should be used to control the population after one or two children. Counter-view: You have given your point strongly but in

India there is high child mortality. If a person is sterilised and then loses his child, the couple will have to be childless. Similarly in India, having a male child is important, so a chance should be given to couples with only males or female children. Q. 5. Suppose the topic given is my favorite topic, is it all right if I take maximum time? ADS.: No, not giving a chance to

othe~

would go against you. If

you have lots of knowledge of the subject, it is better to talk pointwise and give a chance to a member who has 54

Interview Skills

not got a chance to speak by saying, "Gentlemen, till now number four has not got a chance to speak, number four would you like to contribute?" Q. 6. In case by the time it is your turn to speak, all other members have already talked about your points, what should you do?

Ans.: Try to add to some area which they have not covered. Alternatively listen to others carefully and summaries the discussion. Q. 7. How to summarise if the group does not have consensuos?

Ans.: You can summarise by saying that-the group had an interesting and lively debate. Majority of the participants developed a common viewpoint, however, a few members had differing views as follows.

Q.8. Since most members in a group discussion are unknown to each other, how to address each other? Ans.: The usual method of addressing in a GO is to address

each other by numbers in front of your chair. Q. 9. Can I interrupt others, if the group has strayed from the topic totally?

Ans.: Yes. You can remind other members that they are not talking pertinent to the subject, if required read the topic again.

Interview Skills

55

Telephonic Interview: As the cost of the interviews mounting and the attrition rates are increasing, the companies are using Telephonic Interviews as a screening method to shortlist the candidates, and eliminate candidates who are unsuitable. Telephonic

interviews are

a

standard

method

in IT

companies, especially if the companies are abroad. These interviews on the telephone have a few added difficulties, because of the time difference, the interview telephone calls would be in the night. The difficulty would be that it will surprise you, also the American accent would pose an added problem. These telephonic interviews from USA would start by the caUerd identifying himself and telling the name of the organisation that he is representing. A considerate interviewer may call ahead and take a suitable time for the telephonic

int~rview.

The interviewer may begin by giving the job description and why you are being considered. An interviewer may ask questions regarding your educational qualifications, experience, past achievements, and technical knowledge In a telephonic interview if the candidate looks suitable, then a second interview in person may be carried out to evaluate skills such as physical appearance, energy, leadership, team work, problem solving ability, etc. The key to a good telephonic interview is good preparation because you may have to face an ambush interview. 56

Interview Skills

Ambush Interview: These type of interviews are conducted to catch you off guard, to see how you give answers even when surprised or under pressure .

Preparation for an Ambus" Interview: •

Prepare your self thoroughly on frequently asked questions.

•

Do not allow the children to answer the phone.

•

If possible, use an answering machine to screen your calls

from the recruiter immediately, and call others back. •

Keep you CV next to the telephone, so that you can refer to it, also your answer to frequently asked questions.

•

Before answering the phone control your excitement.

•

Keep a note pad and a pen ready near the phone.

• ••

Interview Siems

57

There are some things you should do before, during and after the interview and there are some things that you should not do.

Do's:

• •

Dre~correc~y

for the interview. ~;.

Always go ahead of time by about an hout or so. There are many advantages of going ahead of time. There is no unnecessary worry of speeding fast, of . traffic jams, you can catch your breath.

•

You can register yourself with the receptionist and watch others going in for -the interview. You may be able to converse with the candidates after they come out of the interview.

•

Take your tickets, air tickets, hotel bills with you. Many companies reimburse the expenses.

•

Carry excellent quality accessories such as bags, files, etc. You should be able to take out any document in a few seconds.

58 .

Interview Skills

•

Eat a good breakfast before the interview, if it is in the .morning. If the interview timing is in the afternoon take a light lunch. Also carry a sandwich, small water bottle, or Glucose biscuits. Some interviews do have a long waiting time.

•

Drink water and have a cup of tea/coffee before going in for the interview:

•

Go to the rest room toilet, see yourself in the mirror to recheck YO'lr dress.

•

Carry all your original papers, and attested copies with you. Go through your CV and usual Question Answers. (You have already written them down). It will just takes few minutes to do it.

•

Go through the job description carefully and see how you can use your strengths to match it.

•

Find out about the organisation, values and management traits, you may find them around you, e.g., trying for Total Quality Management, Kaizeu, Value statements. Glance. through home journals.

•

Keep a cheerful disposition; a smile is the best way to establish a rapport.

•

Get a goodnight's sleep before the interview, so that would make you feel fresh.

Interview t>kills

59

Don'ts in an Interview: •

Do not be late for the interview. There are many instances of candidates losing the chance for an excellent job because they were late by a few minutes.

•

Don't ask for salary unless asked. You should find it out prior to the interview.

•

Don't say anything about difficulties in finding the company.

•

Don't tell on 'your own why you left the last job.

•

Don't volunteer to give information such as losing an academic year, or inconsistency in performance.

•

Don't ask for tea or coffee on your own.

•

Don't give information about relatives you have in high positions.

•

Don't make any references about race, gender, age, religion on your own.

•

Don't speak negatively about the travel arrangements.

•

If you are member of any trade Union or organisation like ABVP, Communist Party, do not mention it, no one likes trouble-makers in the organisation.

• ••

60

Interview Skills

The interviews are normally conducted by a Panel. Most likely, the senior most person sits in the Center. The candidate is usually ushered in. Knock the door and ask gently "May I come in Sir?" And wait for a response before you rush in.

Greeting: Start with an appropriate greeting. Normal greetings are - "Good Morning from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.," "Good Afternoon" from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Good Evening thereafter. You should never say Goodnight.

Shake Hands: The Panel members either would shake hands or ask the candidate to sit down. A handshake tells volumes about a person's level of confidence. Always hold the hand firmly and fully. Say "Th~nk You" and gently pull up the chair and take' the chair forward gently. Put your bag on the right side. -:..... -

Interview Skills

61

Posture: Sit in an erect but relaxed position. One way to do it .

is to touch your back ·o n the chair. Do not sit on the edge of the chair. Avoid playing with your pen or shaking your legs as they indicate tension, do not put your hands on the table . Tea/Coffee: Many a times, the panel gets tea/coffee for

themselves or may ask you if you would you like to have tea /coffee. A good answer would be, "No, Thank You" or "I don't mind it." Tea Manners: Do not pour tea in a saucer and drink it. Also

do not make any sounds while drinking. If the interviewers stop drinking tea then stop drinking tea yourself, and get back to the interview.

To Create a Favorable First Impression: Usually, simple questions are used to open the conversation and break the ice, example "Did you have difficulty in finding the \

company? Or tell us something about yourself. "

Tell Us About Your Accomplishments: If you have work experience, tell about your important accomplishments. Instead of telling I did this or that, say our team accomplished the task of increasing sales by 30 per cent in the last six months. This would tell the interviewer that you are a leader and teamwork is very important to you. 62

Interview S kills

Use Body Langugage: Remember, most of the communication is by body language. So keep your arms unfolded, use them, your facial expressions and emphasise on some important things. Nodding helps communication. Always look into the eyes of the interviewer. If there is a Panel, keep eye contact with all the Panel members.

Avoid Unnecessary Confrontations: Do not unnecessarily confront the interviewers for awkward questions. Few example:

Q. 1. It seems like you are a rolling stone. You have changed four jobs in last three and half years. Ans.: "Your observations are correct but one of the companies

that I worked for went bankrupt and the second one unfortunately had a strike at the behest of a militant union. So, everyone was forced to switch jobs."

Q. 2. You are overqualified for the job. Ans.: "I appreciate the concern. But even though 1 come across

as overqualified for the current post, 1 think my educational background will be eventually suitable for a higher post. In fact 1 am thinking what other added qualifications I need to gain in the medium term".

Q. 3. You have a business of your own. It creates an impression that you are using the company as a stepping stone. Interview SkilIs

63

Ans.: "Even though I have a family business, my brothers are running it and I do not have any intention of joining it; rather I would like to be successful with my own efforts. Anyway, the business has been handed over to my brother legally." Usually your CV and leading questions like, "Tell us something about you" gives enough leads to the interviewer. It is here that your preparation about the commonly asked

questions will come in handy.

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Interview Skills

The middle interview which takes up to 60-70% of the total interview is an important part of the interview process. The interviewer has two objectives: (a) Is the candidate suitable for filling up the current position. (b) To find out whether the candidate is suitable in terms of qualification, experience, attitude, etc. to fill up future position.

Commonly asked questions are: 1. Why do you want to leave your existing company? Response: Sir, in my existing company I am doing well, but

then since the company's growth is slow, it has affected my growth payments and post. I am looking for a challenging job where my skills, knowledge would be put to maximum use or it could be the company is incurring losses and I lost the job in the .downsizing or my previous job was taken over by the competitor

Interview Skills

65

and there was surplus of manpower after that, so I was given a golden handshake. 2. How do your peers describe you?

Generally, my colleges call me trustworthy, reliable and eager to help them.

How to use SHARE Method in Answering Questions in the Interview? A simple but effective method has been advocated by Paul C Green in his book "Get Hired". SHARE stands for

S - Situation H - Hindrance A - Action R - Results E - Evaluation Situation

Explain the situation in which you were

operating. Hindrance - Narrate the constrains or hindrances on your

action. Action - Tells what did you do. Results - Describe the result that can be attributed to your

action . 66

Interview Skills

Evaluation

- Summarise

the

example

with

positive

evaluation of skills. Even though at first SHARE technique may look difficult, but if you practice few Questions it will become your second nature. The SHARE answers should be prepared in three broad areas of inter-personal skills: (a) Adaptability (b) Inter-personal Skills (c) Work Habits Adaptability: An ability to qUickly adapt to a situation.

Convert a negative experience into a positive outcome, or a failure into a learning experience. Accomodates Change: Helping the management to bring

about a positive change. Being open-minded about the changes proposed by the management. Once convinced, rallying others for the change to bring about a change. Showing Resihence: Rebounds from conflicts, responding

to time pressures, resolving inter-personnel conflicts, and offering problem-solving actions. Withholds negative comments especially, with or about Superiors or company policies. Lastly, be respectful to others even under time /work pressure. Interview Skills

67

Inter-personnel Skills: Shows Leadership: Leads from the front, leads by example,

shows courage in taking tough decisions, communicates and persuades

Superiors,

peers,

and

subordinates.

Excels

in

management of change. Participates in Team-Building: Works towards, building a

team. Has an open mind for team members suggestions, ideas and feelings and can empathise with them. Is willing to confront teams performance problems. Manages Conflicts: Expresses opinion directly. Listens to

the conflicting parties, view points impartially. Accepts negative feedback as a way to learn but if unable to resolve refers to higher authorities. Accepts Differences: Works efficiently with individuals with

diverse backgrounds, deals with differences professionally and supportively. Corrects behaviour of others if they have negative comments on other members in a diverse group. , Provides services: Works towards delighting the customers

with superior service. Helps others to reach their Goals. Gives information in an attention catching and persuasive manner.

68,

Interview Skills

Work Habits: Displays Integrity: Shows integrity in letter and spirit. Collects information and utilises it in ways that respects confidentiality, is ethical, keeps secrets regarding organisation, makes truthful comments based on verifiable information. Motivates Others: Starts work himself and motivates others to start it. Commits to a plan of action, shows willingness to work as long as it takes to achieve objectives. Breaks the task into subtasks, and checks the performance at every' important stage (Milestones) . Self-management: Makes a list of things/activity to do. Allocates priority, delegates tasks, allocates time to each'task and sub-task, and monitors activities. Adheres

to' Procedures:

Understands,

follows

and

encourages others to follow organisations procedures. Technical Skill: Technical skills pertaining to Resources, Information, Systems and Technology. e.g. HR student can take a diploma in labour welfare, or you may learn the latest software on a modular basis.

How to Give Your Share Answers: Here is a sample of how to give your SHARE Answers. \

Interview Skills

69

Question: You have given in your CV that your strength is

that you have good leadership qualities. Can you give an example of a recent incident where you could show your leadership skills?

Situation: I will tell an incident which happened in the last

month. I was coming to the college and on the way I saw a tempo hitting a motor cycle. The tempo driver did not even stop to help the Motorcyclist and simply drove away. The motor cyclist was profusely bleeding as he had a leg as well as a head injury. Even though there were many onlookers, none of them were helping the injured person, they were simply watching. >

Action: I immediately decided to help the person and

collected his bag, took the injured on the side with the help of others. I told a nearby shopkeeper to keep the vehicle in his custody. I called for a rickshaw and took the patient to the nearest hospital. I took the responsibility of payment in the hospital, completed all the formalities for the treatment. Results: The operation was successful and at that time, the

victims relatives came and really thanked me. Evaluation: The patient's mother commented that it was

because of the timely help that her son was saved. Let us take one more example of a SHARE answer.

70

Interview Skills

Question: You have mentioned that you have an ability to meet the target deadlines even in the most difficult situation, can you cite an example of that? Evaluation: In my last company, we received a big order from Dubai for the supply of pumps, the order had large profit margins. Completing this order would be very nice to our financial health. Hindrance: The real problem was the order had a BonuslPenalty clause and in normal circumstances it would take 50% more time which would subject us to penalties. Action: I called all my colleagues and explained to them the importance of completing this order in time . We brainstormed and decided on the following action. No one would take leave till the order is complete and we will work in two shifts instead of three that is twelve hours a day. In addition, we would work even on weekly offs. Results: We not only completed the order in time, it was done one week in advance. The company generously gave us a hefty bonus. Evaluation: The company got many repeat orders and I got a Promotion.

• ••

Interview Skills

71

Avoiding arguments, negative statements, and showing humility. Whereas good personal appearance and body language represents one side of an interview, building rapport and trust is tt w other important side.

Arguments with the interviewers: It is a best policy to

avoid arguments with the interviewers, we should try to avoid even a mild argument. The main reason is that the interviewer may consider that you ar~ argumentative. In fact, you should use statements like, Sir," I totally agree with you" should be used.

The reason why arguments should be avoided are as under: •

Your interviewer may be a consultant or definitely not your direct superior:

•

Bad interviewers don't necessarily make bad supervisors.

•

Interviewers himself or herSelf may be going through a bad patch, nervous or even be inexperienced.

72

Interview Skills

•

Avoiding negative statements in the interview - Do not volunteer to give information in the interview or give negative answers for example:

•

I would love to work for BPOs, but for the night shifts.

•

I don't love working under pressure.

•

I suffer from a lot of stress, so I am looking for a stress free

job. •

Many a times, I get annoyed when people do not understa. td what I am talking.

•

I am a slow learner.

•

I scored low marks in graduation because I was not focused on studies.

Positive Statements: An excellent way of preparing for the

interview is to look within yourself and make a list of positive things you can say. Go through it several times so that the answers come spontaneously. •

I want to join you, as teaching is my passion

•

I can surely do things or write or analyse as required in the job.

•

I feel confident about this job due to my experience.

•

I am excited about an opportunity to use my knowledge and skills.

•

I am looking forward to challengg in the job.

•

I feel at ease about doing all those things you mentioned.

Interview Skills

73

Humility: In an interview, the task of the canditate is to make

a balance between showing your achievements, without being seen as bombastic or arrogant. The way to do it is as under: •

Give credit of most of your achievements to others. Most of the important and big jobs require co-operation, hard work, and assistance of others for example

•

Our company like all others was under great pressure due to the strong Rupeed, and was headed for losses. We implemented Kaizen which I had leamed in a course, in a big way, we reduced the los-ses by cutting down wastages by almost one per cent, It may sound like a small percentage but in value terms it amounted to more than three-and-half crore rupees. My entire team gave their full support and it resulted in this grand success. I think they were the main cause of success.

Avoid criticising others: Do not try to gain credit at the

expense of others. The golden rule is there are no bad men oniy bad officers. Third person Statements: Instead of saying [ did this or I

was able to achieve that, use third person statement. This won't be easy without practice.' •

My superiors frequently comment that I was able

t(;

~et

through my work quickly when required.

74

Interview Skills

•

My colleagues very genero usly voted me as a most valuable team member.

•

My clients often gave a feedback about my skills in providing best services.

•

The team I worked always gave me high marks for my communication skills.

Avoid repeating your key achievements: If you keep

repeating your achievements, it is perceived that either you have no other achievements or you are a show off. Avoid criticising your superiors: The cardinal rule is don't

criticise your bosses. If you criticise your · boss, you may be creating a doubt in the mind of the interviewer about your ability. The interviewer does not know the other side, that is the side of your boss. In fact, criticising more than one boss is virtually an interview suicide Avoid statements like: •

My boss is HClri Sadu. You know wh~t I meufi.

•

My bo5..