GENERAL VERVIEW

FOR JOB

INTERVIEWS
GETTING STARTED
Know Yourself:
Examine your background Skills, accomplishments and
goals.
Know what you need:

Focus not only on what you have to offer the company but on what you want the
company to offer you.
Know your interests, your values, your career goals and your salary
requirements.
Know how to look the part: Self Presentation
Know the Company
Know the Interviewing game: What does the interviewer want from you?
Know how to answer questions and ask the right questions.
EVALUATING YOUR SKILLS
INTERVIEW IS A SALES SITUATION: The product you are selling
is YOU.

Q: Why should we hire you?

What makes you stand out from other Applicants?

What is your USP?

Study your accomplishments to be able to answer these questions.



Accomplishments
Accomplishments:
Something that you did well.
Something you enjoyed doing.
Some problem you solved.
Something you are proud of

Note: Employees key in on results-DONT be
shy,only if you talk will they be able to discern
the skills you possess and whether you can put
them to use.

TYPES OF SKILLS
Learned Skills: Skills that you have been
taught:driving, planting,building,running a
computer program.
Intuitive Skills: Skills that are part of your
personality: persistence,honesty,efficiency,
adaptability,punctuality,tenacity,creativity.
NOTE: In an interview potential employers pay
more attention to intuitive skills than they do to
learned skills.
THE FOUR STEP SKILL
ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
1.List your major accomplishments-as
simply and as detailed.
2.Examine why these accomplishments
make you satisfied or proud; write your
thoughts below each accomplishment.
3. Filter the skills you used for every
accomplishment.
4. Identify your most prominent skills.
An Example: Organized a trip to Europe
Convinced my friends
Did extensive research,planning and coordination
Managed to get along in different countries
Survived for 6 months on practically no money
Brave thing to do
Undertook a long term project and stuck on without
support
Learned to deal with foreign currency and various
rates of exchange
List the Skills

persuasion,tenacity,salesmanship,motivation,
enthusiasm: ability to motivate
ability to conduct research,plan,coordinate, arrange;
organizational skills
courage, risk taking,boldness, self confidence
adaptability,flexibility and ability to learn
survived six months on a small budget -ability to adjust
compromise,outgoing,ability to get along with others
determination,focus,drive,tenacity,vision, persistence and
self confidence
Attention to detail,knowledge of foreign exchange
Identify Your Most Prominent Skills

Some skills will reappear under almost
every accomplishment you list
Now you will be able to answer the
question
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST
STRENGTH ??
DEVELOP YOUR TWO-MINUTE
BIODATA
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF
SELF INTRODUCTION
1.Begin with a brief remark about your background such as
your schooling,hometown etc.
2.State your most recent employer,job title and years with the
company.
3.Offer one or two sentences about your job responsibilities.
4.Mention one or two special accomplishments in your most
recent positions,including skill strengths.
5.Refer to prior position to indicate career progression
6.Indicate career goals



AN EXAMPLE 250 WORDS120secs

1. I was born and raised in .I attended school
at.and graduated with a degree in
2. Most recently I have been working in.company
3.Two of my greatest strengths are
4.I used these strengths to achieve the following special
accomplishments in my most recent position (s)
5. Prior to that I worked for.as.
There I gained a solid base in..(knowledge learned
and/or skills used.
My career goals are


PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW-
EMPOWER YOURSELF
1. Research the Company
2. Research the Job
3. Know Yourself
4.Know What You Want to Ask
5.Practice
6. Take Care of Details like- Time, Phone, Cash,
Clothes etc. DOUBLE CHECK

WHAT TO BRING TO THE
INTERVIEW
Several Copies of Your Resume
A Notebook with paper and pen
Business Cards
Cash- Coins for Parking
Your List of Questions
Phone No of the Company and Name of
Interviewer-his Mobile No
Other Papers of Interest to Interviewer e.g.
References,Art Samples,etc
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS-
THREE LEVELS OF INTERVIEWS
1. The Screening Interview (Weeding Out)
- Do not reveal any negatives
- Keep answers short and direct
- Focus on your basic skill levels
- Be positive and confident about your
ability to do the job
- Sometimes conducted over the phone
- Often conducted by HR (write the name
of interviewer and send Thank you note)
- Show enthusiasm about the job
- Before leaving ask about next interview process
2. The Hiring Interview
(Conducted by The Manager let your personality
shine)
- Give more information than your CV.
- Focus on your USP;
Show how well your personality,motivations and
skills fit into the companys needs.
- Thank you note is absolutely vital;check
correctness of name spelling,grammar,etc
3. The Confirmation Interview
(This Interview is conducted by the Bosss Boss)
- Stamp of approval on a decision that
has already been made
- Spend time building rapport; attitude
and good judgement should be on display
- Express enthusiasm and interest in the
job; key in to the needs of the firm and your
ideas and strategies regarding these issues
- Send a Thank you note
ALTERNATIVE
INTERVIEW FORMATS
1. The Telephone I nterview
May be a Screening Interview.
Be prepared or postpone -If not in a quiet place say will call
back.
Have a professional answering machine message.
If you have a choice arrange arrange a face to face interview
as a next step.
Conference Calls with several interviewers can be
confusing you may ask for the question to be repeated
Listen carefully to the interviewers name and job title
Remember to send a Thank you note
2. The Stress Interview
Puts the candidate in a hot spot to see whether the
candidate can cope with stress.
Keep calm and do not get offended.
Express a hundred percent confidence in your ability
to do the job.
Do not let the interviewer erode your confidence.
Stick it out till the end.
If the Company wants to see your reaction to stress it
means that the job you are applying for is stressful.
Decide if you want a stressful job.


3. The Panel Interview
KEEP YOUR COOL: Treat this as a superb opportunity to
impress everyone with your poise,composure,knowledge
and confidence.
Answer one question at a time and give equal importance to
every question.
Pay attention to introductions-address people by name,offer
a handshake
Be friendly and charming but also succinct-no rambling
Maintain good eye contact with each person
At the end ask what the next step is
Be sure to remember everyone who was on the panel and
send a thank you note to each one making them feel unique.
4.The Interview with a Meal
The Meal is secondary,concentrate on the interview.
Do not order any thing messy.
Do not order an alcoholic beverage even if
the interviewer does.
Do not order the most expensive dish.
Do not order dessert unless the the interviewer
orders first.
Do not smoke.
Do not summon the waiter or send back your food.
The Interview with a Meal (Contd)

Display good manners and proper etiquette
no elbows on the table,napkin on the lap, etc
Do not offer to pay the cheque.
Try to focus on the interview rather than the
meal.
WHAT HIRING MANAGERS
LOOK FOR?
Evaluating Job Candidates
a) Job Expertise level of
knowledge,skills,individual related experiences
and technical experiences related to the job
b) Personal Skills- unique set of personal skills,
behavior and values
EIGHT PERSONAL QUALITIES
HIRING MANAGERS LOOK FOR
1. Willingness to learn
-Show that you are interested in learning new
skills. (Sound Enthusiastic)
2. Motivation
- Someone who accepts challenges and is NOT a
quitter
- Dedicated enough to put all his time and energy
into the task at hand
-Someone who loves working hard
(Talk about your past accomplishments)
3. I ntegrity
- Honesty
-Loyalty to the Organization
(No negative inputs about your past and
current employers; keep classified
information to yourself)
4. Communication Skills
- Not only important to read and write but
to be able to convey information in a clear
and concise manner.
5. Ability to Get Along with Others
-Important to be a Team Player
-Keep the interest of the Group in Mind but one
who holds on to his Principles and Ideals when the
going gets tough
6. Positive Attitude
-No complaining,whining,tattling,
undercutting,gossiping-undermines productivity.
-The boss is looking for someone who gets
along with others and pitches in when needed.
(Say positive things about past projects)

7. Personal Chemistry
-Personality
-Try to establish a rapport
-Try to keep it professional but friendly
8. Confidence
-Strong but Realistic level of Confidence.
-Overconfidence leads to expensive failure.
-Under confidence leads to lack of productivity.
(Be neither boastful or self effacing;
Never pretend you can solve all problems;or
show you are out of your depth
Project self assurance,level headedness and poise)



GUIDELINES FOR VISUAL IMPACT
CANDIDATES ARE ASSESSED ON:
- the way they look
- the way they speak
- what they speak
IMAGE
-Present an Image of a
professional,dynamic,hardworking and
responsible person
-For the Interview wear a Conservative
and traditional look


TIPS FOR A POLISHED LOOK
WOMEN
-NEAT TAILORED BUSINESS SUIT/SAREE
-WELL GROOMED HAIR
-LIGHT MAKE-UP;NATURAL LOOK
-FINGERNAILS SHOULD BE CLEAN,NEAT AND UNDERSTATED
-NO BOLD COLOURS
-AVOID JEWELLERY;JUST A STRING OF PEARLS OR A CHAIN
-EARRINGS SHOULD BE SMALL AND SUBTLE
-NO LARGE HOOPS OR DANGLERS
-CLASSIC PUMP HEALS (1 & HIGH)
-BRIEFCASE

(I N BRI EF A STYLE THAT I S PROFESSI ONAL)

MEN
-SPORT A WELLGROMED MOUSTACHE OR BEARD
-HANDS CLEAN WITH NEAT TRIIMMED NAILS
-LIGHTGREY/DARKBLUE/MUTEDCOLOUR
TRADITIONAL SUIT
-LIGHT BLUE/WHITE/CREAM COLOURED SHIRT-
CRISP AND FRESH
-TIE SHOULD NOT SCREAM FOR ATTENTION
-CONSERVATIVE SHOES
-PLAIN SOCKS APPROPRIATE WITH SUIT
-MATCHING BELT
-NO JEWELLERY- A WATCH AND AT BEST A
WEDDING BAND
PROJECTING SUCCESS
1. Personal Preparation Before the I nterview
-Haircut if you need one
-No chewing gum
-Fresh Look- take a bath,breath mints
2. Beginning of the I nterview
-Appear cool and confident and behave pleasantly while
waiting for your interview
- Smile and look friendly as you enter
-Walk in confidently and stand erect
-Allow the interviewer to initiate the handshake
-Wait to be asked to sit
-Accept a cup of coffee if asked, do not ask for
alternatives
-Be alert and responsive

The Middle of the I nterview
-Never explain your nervousness
-Do not apologize throughout the Interview
- Do not lean on the Interviewers table or sit at the
edge of the chair
- Do not sit with arms crossed
-Do not shake your legs; keep your hands still
-Smile now and then; show you are relaxed and
confident
-Listen attentively to what the Interviewer is
saying,nod your head and give verbal affirmation
-Maintain good eye contact and allow rapport to
buildup
-Do not look at your watch

4. The End of the I nterview
- Allow the Interviewer to close the
interview.
- You may now initiate the handshake.
- Express your thanks for the Interviewers
time and interest.
- Say Good Bye to all the participants.
- Maintain your confidence and composure.
- Try not to be too self conscious.
INTERVIEWS-FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Q 1. Tell us about yourself
- Which place you belong to
- A little about your family
- Academic Qualifications
- Professional Qualifications
- Skills you Possess
Q 2. What kind of Job Environment are you
looking for ?
Vibrant and Friendly
Young and Enthusiastic,
Charged up and Professional

Q3.Describe your Work Ethics?
Emphasize benefits to the organization:
Determination to get a job done.
Hard work but enjoy your work.
Q4. What are your Biggest Strengths?
- Good Communication Skills
- Analytical and Logical Thinking
- Ability to Interact with People
- Organizational Ability
- Hard work
- Problem Solving
Q5. What is your biggest weakness?
Get too involved in my work
Sometimes tend to get overconfident
Too sincere, people tend to take me for granted.
Workoholic


Q6. What is your Objective?
Looking for a challenging assignment in the
field of finance/ marketing/ HR etc
That utilizes my skills
Gives me an opportunity to learn and contribute
towards my personal and organizational goals.
Q7. What is your short term goal?
To hone my skills and learn the basics of the
working of a company like yours which will
provide me an opportunity to grow within the
company.

Q8.Where do you see yourself five years
from now?
In a position of responsibility.
In a company that realizes my worth
Heading a process single handedly
Q9.What is your long term goal?
To do the kind of work which gives me job
satisfaction and helps me meet my personal and
professional goals.
Shows your ambition and realistic structured
goals






Q10. How do you propose to compensate
for your lack of experience?
If you have experience that the interviewer does
not know about bring that up.
Then point out you are hardworking and a quick
learner.
Q11 . Do you think you are overqualified
for the job?
-Regardless of your qualifications state that you
are well qualified for the position.

Q12.Why do you want to work for our
Company?
Show how much research you have done about
the organization. Shows that you have good
work ethic, are detail oriented, conscientious,
thorough, enthusiastic, dedicated)
Tell the company you like their size, location,
aggressive market stance, competitive thinking
and creative business policies.
Q13.What interests you most about this job?
Look for your areas of interest and enthusiasm.
Match the companys needs with your strong points.
Answer this question with another question: Please could
you clarify my job profile so that I dont miss any aspects
of the job?
Q14.Are you a leader or a follower?
Personality dynamics
Leadership is a positive trait but an employee should be
able to follow directions as well.


Q14. Tell me about a problem you have
faced and how you handled it?
They wish to assess your analytical skills, you
ability to tackle a delicate situation with tact
and diplomacy.
Prepare this before hand.
Clear presentation of your problem
Steps you took to correct the problems
Result of your actions
Keep it to 2mins. Do not degrade anyone.
Q15. Rate yourself on a scale from one to
ten.
They are hoping to see a healthy level of
confidence
Answer the question indirectly.
10 shows you are cocky. No potential for
growth.
7-9 shows you are under confident.
I am always striving for a ten in all aspects
of my life, professional as well as personal.
Its important to me to be the best that I can
be in anything I do.
USING EXAMPLES
Impress the Interviewer by proving your skills and
abilities through use of examples of past
performance.
Emphasize the skills you have that you have that
relate to job at hand.e.g.
Example 1. What are your greatest strengths?
I feel I am very tenacious, I can stick to a project
even when the going gets tough.
Cite an example. (Practice your stories)
Example 2. Matching your experience to the
skills. (30-60 secs)
Hardworking Persuasive Self motivated
Leadership Creativity.
Dont recycle stories tell same story to
show two different skills.
Explain without bragging.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
Gain more information about the job and the
company so that you can make informed decisions.
Make the interviewer think of you as an employee
e.g. What are the projects that I would be devoting
most attention to?
Never ask a question or make a comment that
reveals former problems or failures.
Dont ask questions that reveal lack of
enthusiasm.
Dont create negative scenarios.
The Questions should be related to the three key
aspects of the job:
1. THE JOB (what they expect of you)
What are the responsibilities of this position?
What is the first challenge that needs attention?
What are the key strengths you are looking for?
2. COLLEAGUES & ASSOCIATES
(Will they be knowledgeable and supportive?)
You said Id reporting to..Can you tell me his
management style?
Do you have plans to reduce or increase staff levels?
How is the morale in the division in which I work?
3. THE ORGANISATION( Is the company
deeply rooted and growing?)
How does your company stand apart from its
competition?
Is the company in a growth phase?
How do you see the future of this industry?
Does the company have a mission or vision
statement?