Hw to be effective in an interview
- 1. How to be effective in an interview By N.V.V.PRASAD M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D. Assistant Professor in Physics, Sri Sarathi Institute of Engineering and Technology, NUZVID – 521 201, Krishna (D.T)., A.P., INDIA. SSIET
- 2. What is AN INTERVIEW ? The oxford dictionary defines an interview as “ a face to face meeting “. It provides a mutually beneficial meeting for the interviewer and the interviewee. It is not a one way street. Normally held in a closed cabin in private. Nowadays also held in cafes, through video conferencing and also over the phone for convenience sake. SSIET
- 3. What is an interview about ?.. Its about selling yourself. You are the product The interviewer is the buyer Show them your USP Tell them why you are better than the competition. SSIET
- 4. Know what you OFFER… You should know what is it that you have that can be useful for the employer. Ask yourself these questions.. Do you know what are your strengths ? Do you know what skills do you have ? Do you think that what you have to offer is what is required for that job profile ? And above all: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF- YOU ARE THE BEST SSIET
- 5. What makes a company come for campus recruitment.. The success of the organization depends on its people The reputation of the college The belief that they will get quality people Right knowledge, skills & attitudes accomplish the necessary task and functions. Vacancies means loss of money for the organization. SSIET
- 6. How to prepare for an interview. Check out the company’s website. Learn about the nature of the company’s products & services. Understand the nature of the job from the placement officer Understand the skill set required for the job and see how best you can match them Have thorough knowledge on any claims that you make SSIET
- 7. How to prepare for an interview. Have proof of all educational certifications Practice answering common questions asked Don’t practice so much that you sound fake and scripted. You should sound natural. Your CV should be neatly typed without spelling mistakes. Don’t write Bio-data. Instead write “Curriculum vitae” or “Resume” SSIET
- 8. On the interview day. Men Dressing Clean & well ironed dark trousers with light coloured full sleeved shirt Socks, shoes & belts & tie should match trousers. Tie should be properly knotted Shoes should have laces & should be well polished SSIET Women Dressing Wear light colours; not bright or dark In indian dresses, neatly ironed saris and salwar kameez Western wear should be business trousers and top Low heeled shoes
- 9. On the interview day.. Men-Hair: Well combed. Should not be oily and smelly. Make sure that you don’t have dandruff Neat, short hair cut.( if you have long hair, tie it up like a pony) SSIET Women-Hair : Well combed. Should not be oily and smelly. Make sure that you don’t have dandruff Wear it back and tie it up/clip it up to avoid adjusting it every now and then
- 10. On the interview day… MenFace: Clean shaven Face washed properly. In case of oily skin, make sure it is properly washed and wiped so that there is no oil. In case of dry skin, apply moisturizer If you have beard, keep it trimmed. Nose/ear hair should be trimmed. Teeth should be clean/use mouth wash or chew a mint before the interview to avoid bad breath SSIET WomenFace: Light make up No facial hair Light jewelry Earrings should be tops, not dangling Too many bangles should be avoided as they make noise Teeth should be clean/use mouth wash or chew a mint before the interview to avoid bad breath
- 11. On the interview day… Men-Hands: Hands should be clean. They should not be sweaty. Gives a bad impression when you shake hands. Nails should be cut and filed Women-Hands: Hands should be clean They should not be sweaty. Gives a bad impression when you shake hands Nails should be cut and filed If nail polish used, it should match the dress SSIET
- 12. On the interview day.. Be on time. Planning is very important. Know exactly where the place is. If possible, take a visit a day before so that you time it. Traffic, road blocks etc have to be planned properly Start early so as to reach early. Reduces the extra stress if you are running late. Makes you feel relaxed and good if you arrive well before your time. Gives you time to compose and gather yourself before you go for the interview. SSIET
- 13. While waiting for the interview.. Remember that people are watching you even before you enter the interview room. Don’t act jittery or nervous. Keep your body relaxed and calm Sit or stand upright and alert. Don’t lounge in the chair/sofa It’s always a good idea to strike a conversation with fellow candidates. It will make you feel confident and enthusiastic. Take feedback from candidates who have completed the interview. Get your favorite book to read. It will calm you down. SSIET
- 14. Entering the room.. Adjust your dress/hair and wipe your face with a clean handkerchief prior to entering the room Say “ May I come in?” and say “ thank you” once they ask you to come in. Shut the door softly ( if the cabin has a door) Look at the interviewer(s) in the eye, smile and say “ good morning/ good afternoon/ good evening “ If the interview board wants to shake hands, then do so firmly and confidently. Don’t initiate a handshake Ask permission to sit( most often they will ask you to sit, but sometimes they will want to check whether you ask or sit without asking) SSIET
- 15. Entering the room.. Sit upright with your hands in your lap Don’t rest your hands and elbow on the desk Maintain an eye contact and smile with the interviewer but DON’T STARE Don’t look at only one person on the interview board. Give all equal attention. Listen actively. Don’t interrupt. SSIET
- 16. The INTERVIEW.. Time for you to sell yourself. So believe in the product i.e YOU..!!!! Focus, focus, focus!! Don’t get distracted by anything, not even your own thoughts. Maintain enthusiasm and interest at all times. Listen carefully Put across your points assertively not aggressively. Maintain your cool and composure ( sometimes the interviewer will try to instigate you i.e stress interview ) Have a pleasant and polite tone throughout the interview SSIET
- 17. The INTERVIEW.. Never bluff. If you don’t know the answer, admit it, however convey your willingness to learn Don’t talk too much. Be to the point. Tell them what they WANT to know. Present them the certificates in case they ask for it. Ask pertinent ( relevant) questions. Above all – BE YOURSELF!! Thank the panel for the interview before you leave SSIET
- 18. Why candidates get rejected.. Lack of preparation. This makes them nervous. Poor communication skills i.e not able to express properly ( BIGGEST REASON) Poor English ( Grammar & Vocabulary) Lack of knowledge Non clarity of thoughts. Too aggressive, over confident or egoistical Poor physical appearance Artificial, immature, dishonest. Dropping influential names. Blaming past organization and bosses. Blaming others for his/own mistakes SSIET
- 19. Some Do’s and don’ts Do’s Dress appropriately Be on time Be confident Acknowledge others are also equally good Maintain good eye contact Smile Exhibit a positive approach Listen carefully and answer assertively Switch off your phone Be yourself Don’ts Make excuses Make negative comments on prior organization/bosses Treat the interview casually Give the impression that you only are interested in the salary Assume Don’t smoke before you go in Don’t show your frustration Try to fake SSIET
- 20. SSIET Thank U N.V.V. Prasad M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D