HOW TO FACE JOB INTERVIEWS SUCCESSFULLY?

Dr. B. B. Bansal
Professor Incharge Training & Placement Cell Institute of Technology Banaras Hindu University VARANASI - 221005 January 22, 2005
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 1

WHY ARE WE HERE?

To briefly know about present job scenario To know about the process of recruitment To know as to how to prepare for being successful in getting a job

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

PRESENT SCENARIO
Industry needs personnel to work for them, but they do not get People need jobs, but they do not get WHY this scenario? There is a mismatch between the skill sets that the industry looks for and those the students possess
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 3

PRESENT SCENARIO
Jim Burge, Director, Motorola wrote: At my company, Motorola, the only constant is change. Jobs that were once relatively simple now require high performance work processes and enhanced skills

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

SKILLS
FOUNDATION SKILLS
Basic Skills Thinking Skills People Skills Personal Qualities

TECHNICAL SKILLS
FOUNDATION SKILLS reflect these changing workplace realities and help students, job applicants, and employees anticipate change

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

BASIC SKILLS
READING WRITING SPEAKING LISTENING MATHEMATICAL APTITUDE

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

THINKING SKILLS
CREATIVE THINKING PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS DECISION MAKING SKILLS VISUALISATION

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

PEOPLE RELATED SKILLS

SOCIAL NEGOTIAGTION LEADERSHIP TEAM WORK CULTURAL DIVERSITY

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

PERSONAL QUALITIES
SELF ESTEEM SELF MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILTY SET GOALS

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

PROCESS OF RECRUITMENT

Let us look at the process of recruitment adopted by the industry and prepare ourselves according to the needs of the industry

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

10

STEPS IN RECRUITMENT PROCESS

1. SCREENING OF APPLICATIONS (Resume) Academic record (Consistency, continuity, improving) Institution from where studied Participation in curricular activities Vocational training / projects Extracurricular activities Interests / hobbies etc.
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 11

STEPS IN RECRUITMENT PROCESS .

2. WRITTEN TEST Aptitude (Vocabulary, comprehension, mathematical acumen, data interpretation, general knowledge etc.) Technical Basic skills related to the job Knowledge in the field of specialisation (e.g. Mechanical Engineering, Computers etc.)
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 12

STEPS IN RECRUITMENT PROCESS .

3. GROUP DISCUSSION (in some companies) To evaluate group behaviour To evaluate initiative and drive Analytical approach to a problem/situation Ability to communicate and convince people Ability to logically conclude a discussion
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 13

STEPS IN RECRUITMENT PROCESS .

4. PERSOSNAL INTERVIEW Technical / related to the job Personal or HR

If you cross all these steps, you are successful

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

14

HOW TO WRITE A RESUME ?

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

15

WHAT IS A RESUME FOR?

Essential part of the work search process Is a systematic assessment of your skills in terms of specific work objective To tell the potential employer what you can do and have done, who you are and what you know It provides information to the employer to evaluate your qualifications and interest the employer to invite you for an interview
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 16

STEPS TO WRITING YOUR RESUME

1. Make detailed self-assessment notes 2. Obtain detailed job description for which you are applying 3. Prepare a draft of a resume 4. Organise major sections in order of importance, with Job Objective or Career Goal first and skills summary second 5. Have someone else proofread the draft of your resume
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 17

PREPARING TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

Before making a draft of resume, make sure to gather the following information: 1. PERSONAL DATA Name Local Address Permanent address Phone number/ STD code E-mail address
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 18

PREPARING TO WRITE YOUR RESUME .

2. CURRENT WORK OBJECTIVE 3. SPECIAL SKILLS & QUALITIES RELATED TO OBJECTIVE Skill analysis Languages Computer skills etc. Certificates received
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 19

PREPARING TO WRITE YOUR RESUME.

4. EDUCATION Academic achievements Subjects related to your objective Details of project / training etc. Other significant facts (e.g. honours, awards, credentials, achievements) 5. WORK EXPERIENCE, if any
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 20

PREPARING TO WRITE YOUR RESUME .

6. ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS 7. PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS & REPORTS 8. ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS Extracurricular activities Positions of responsibility held Athletic accomplishments Range of general interests
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 21

AVOID THESE RESUME BLUNDERS

1. Lying about your qualifications, qualities and experience 2. Typos and misspellings 3. Unconventional layout and stationery 4. Telling too much about yourself

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

22

TIPS FOR INTERNET FRIENDLY RESUME

1. Make sure contact info is complete 2. Stay away from fancy formatting 3. Customize resume to match requirements 4. Create a strong summary 5. Use bullet points 6. Concentrate on accomplishments 7. Include only relevant information 8. Keep it to two pages maximum 9. Proof read the resume
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 23

INTERVIEW

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

24

PURPOSE OF AN INTERVIEW
To meet you face to face To know more about you, your ideas and your way of thinking To talk about your skills and strengths To assess your personality To discover your potential To see how do you interact with others To discuss your aspirations For you to assess whether or not the offer/job fulfils your short and long term career plans
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

25

SOME IMPORTANT FACTORS AND DOs AND DONTs

Confidence Qualities to be developed for good interview performance Are you afraid of interview Your CV is important Establish rapport with the interviewer Positive attitude Avoid negative attitude
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 26

CONFIDENCE
Self confidence is rested in experience, knowledge and practice If you lack confidence, dont despair Given time and patience, confidence can be rebuilt

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

27

QUALITIES TO BE DEVELOPED
Talking briefly about yourself Effectively expressing verbally your key qualities and skills Being comfortable with interview format Presenting ideas and concepts in front of an audience/interview personnel Being brave enough to listen to your critical evaluation by others and correct your minor flaws Remaining open-minded and honest throughout the interview Interacting on a one to one basis or as part of a small group Learning from your mistakes
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

28

ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE INTERVIEW ?

Commonly people may suffer from a fear of : meeting new people the attention being focused on them traveling to new/unknown place being asked difficult questions failure again having to perform To be successful, work to overcome fear. Calm your nerves
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 29

CV IS IMPORTANT
Be careful while making CV The CV/application form is the script for interview CV is in front of the interviewer Before going for an interview, read your CV carefully/properly The types of questions asked are determined by the content of the CV
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 30

ESTABLISH RAPPORT WITH THE INTERVIEWER

The Initial Introduction. Greet the person warmly Look at the interviewer. Make eye-contact Strike up areas of common interest Listen to the interviewer Keep your attention and focus on the interviewer/avoid distractions Keeping emotional responses under control Do not start your response before the interviewer has finished
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 31

POSITIVE ATTITUDE
To develop a positive attitude Take time out for yourself Work for good in yourself and others Talk positive things Act now on your resolution During the interview Be Humble Avoid challenging the interviewer Be positive and constructive
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 32

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Screening Interview
Meant to screen out candidates Interviewers look for inconsistencies in your resume and challenging your qualifications Provide answer to their questions Never volunteer any additional information The information may work against you Telephone interview is one such type gaining importance

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

33

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS.
Committee Interview
Common in practice Speak directly to the person asking question, not necessary to answer to the group May be asked to demonstrate your problem solving skills or formulate a plan for a given situation Dont have to come up with ultimate solution Interviewers look for how do you apply your knowledge and skills to a real life situation
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 34

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS.
Telephone Interview
Now used commonly for screening Anticipate the dialogue : Write a general script with answers to questions you might be asked. Focus on skills, experiences and accomplishment. May use cue cards. Keep your notes handy : Keep key information including your resume, notes about the company near the phone. You will sound prepared and you dont have to search for information. Keep a notepad and pen to jot down notes and any questions that you may like to ask at the end.
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 35

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS.
One-on-one Interview
Called when established that you have skills and qualifications necessary for the position Interviewer wants to see how your skills will complement the department / organisation Your goal in one-on-one interview is to establish rapport with the interviewer and show him that your qualifications will benefit the company

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

36

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS.
Lunch Interview
Same rules apply in lunch interview as in those held in the office Setting may be more casual, but remember it is a business lunch and you are being watched carefully Develop common ground with your interviewer Follow his or her lead in both selection of food and in etiquette.
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 37

HOW TO PREPARE?
Do a little home work before the interview to give good impression Research the company and the position
Find out key information about the company Office locations Products and services Customers Competitors Philosophy History Financial information including salary/stock IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

38

HOW TO PREPARE?.
Prepare for the actual interview
Prepare answers to commonly asked questions List of questions to ask from the employer Rehearse your interview with friends Check your diction, speed and body language Carry several copies of your resume, list of references and if appropriate any work samples Make sure all information that you provide is upto-date
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 39

HOW TO PREPARE?.

Dress professionally and comfortably. When in doubt, dress conservatively

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

40

MAKING A GOOD IMPRESSION

Before the interview
Be on time : It is usually interpreted by the interviewer as evidence of your commitment, dependability, and professionalism. Be positive Show openness by leaning into a greeting with a firm handshake and smile. Don't make negative comments about current or former employers. Relax. Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation.
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 41

MAKING A GOOD IMPRESSION.

During the interview
Show self confidence : Make eye contact with the interviewer and answer questions in a clear voice Remember to listen Reflect before answering a difficult question : You might reply with another question When it is your turn, ask the questions you have prepared in advance : These should cover any information about the company or job position you could not find in your own search.
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 42

MAKING A GOOD IMPRESSION.

Do not ask questions that raise red flags : e.g. Is relocation a requirement? Interviewer may assume that you do not want to be relocated. OR Too many questions on vacations/other facilities. Show you want the job : You might ask specific details of the job position such as functions, responsibilities, who you would work with or whom to report etc.

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

43

MAKING A GOOD IMPRESSION.

Avoid negative body language : Avoid the signs of nervousness and tension Frequently touching your mouth Faking a cough to think about the answer to a question Gnawing on your lips Tight or forced smiles Swinging your foot or leg Avoiding eye contact

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Dont forget to say thanks
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 44

COMMON JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Tell us about yourself : Make a short,
organized statement of your education, professional achievements and career goals.

Why do you want to work with us?: Answer

clearly and with enthusiasm. Show the interviewer your interest in the company. Share what you learned about the job, the company and the industry.

What are your best skills?: Imagine what

skills the company values. Give examples where you have demonstrated these skills.
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 45

COMMON JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS .

What is your major weakness?: Be positive;
turn a weakness into a strength. E.g. you might say: "I often worry too much about my work. Sometimes I work late to make sure the job is done well.

Do you prefer to work with yourself or with others?: The ideal answer is one of flexibility. What are your career goals?: Interviewer
wants to know if your plans and the company's goals are compatible. Let him know that you are ambitious enough to plan ahead.
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 46

COMMON JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS...

What are your hobbies?: Hobbies such as
chess or bridge demonstrate analytical skills. Reading, music, and painting are creative hobbies. Individual sports show determination and stamina, while group sport activities may indicate you are comfortable working as part of a team.

What salary do you expect? : Current salary

range in the industry

Why did you leave your last job?: Simply

give a reason, such as: relocated away from job; poor possibility of advancement; wanted a job better suited to your skills. IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

47

LIST OF COMMON QUESTIONS

About your qualifications
What can you do for us that someone else can't do? What qualifications do you have that relate to the position? What new skills or capabilities have you developed recently? Give me an example from a previous job where you've shown initiative. What have been your greatest accomplishments recently? What is important to you in a job?
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

48

LIST OF COMMON QUESTIONS.

What motivates you in your work? What have you been doing since your last job? What qualities do you find important in a coworker?

ABOUT YOUR CAREER GOALS

What would you like to being doing five years from now? How will you judge yourself successful? How will you achieve success? What type of position are you interested in? How will this job fit in your career plans?
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 49

LIST OF COMMON QUESTIONS.

What do you expect from this job? Do you have a location preference? Can you travel? What hours can you work? When could you start?

ABOUT YOUR EDUCATION

How do you think your education has prepared you for this position? What were your favorite subjects/ classes /activities at your college/school? Why did you choose your major/ project? IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU
50

LIST OF COMMON QUESTIONS.

ABOUT YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE
What have you learned from your past jobs? What were your biggest responsibilities? What specific skills acquired or used in previous jobs relate to this position? How does your previous experience relate to this position? What did you like most/least about your last job? Whom may we contact for references?
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 51

ASKING YOUR OWN QUESTIONS

In most interviews you may be invited to ask questions from the interviewers. Guidelines :
Prepare a few good questions concerning the job, the company, and the industry or profession. Dont ask questions that raise warning flags : Would I really have to work late or on week ends? Dont ask questions about only one topic Clarify: Its OK to ask a question to clarify something the interviewer said. Just make sure IEEE Workshop that you are listening. on Personality Development, ITBHU

52

COMMON MISTAKES
Arrive late for interview Indicate you are late because the directions you were given were not good. Look disheveled and inappropriately dressed. Slouch in your seat. Don't maintain good eye-contact with the interviewer. Do your company research at the interview by asking, "What do you guys do here?"
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 53

COMMON MISTAKES.
Don't make a connection between your skills and the needs of the employer. Brag about how great you are, but neglect to cite evidence of your accomplishments. Respond in an unfocused, disorganized, and rambling manner. Remain low-key and display no enthusiasm for the job. Answer most questions with simple "yes" and "no" answers. Appear desperate for a job - any job.
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 54

COMMON MISTAKES.
Call the interviewer by his/her first name, or use the wrong name. Give memorized responses, forgetting parts in the process. Badmouth your current or former employer. Ask "How am I doing? Are you going to hire me? Blurt out, "I need to make at least 3 lakh. I hope this job pays at least that much," near the beginning of the interview. When asked "Do you have any questions?", reply "No."
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 55

If you try to identify your weak points and try to improve on them, it is certain that you will meet

SUCCESS
IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU 56

BEST OF LUCK

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

57

Thank you

IEEE Workshop on Personality Development, ITBHU

58