Cracking an interview
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The document provides extensive guidance on how to prepare for and succeed in a job interview. It discusses researching the employer, knowing yourself and your strengths, proper interview attire, common interview questions, questions to ask the interviewer, negotiating salary, and practicing interview skills. The key aspects covered include dressing professionally, being knowledgeable about the employer, highlighting relevant qualifications, having well-thought answers prepared, maintaining good body language and etiquette, and following up after the interview.
Cracking an interview
- 1. Cracking an InterviewCracking an Interview Rohan Fernandez Srinivas School of Engineering
- 2. I have got to attend a job interview next week. How can I prepare myself? I have never been to an interview before. What is it all about? How can I let them know I could actually do the job well? What will they ask me? How do I answer? What do I need to take with me? Someone HELP me! Who can help me? I have no idea what to say or what to do? How do I dress? Do I have to purchase a new suit for the interview? How can I do well if I know nothing about it? What can I ask them about?
- 3. Where exactly is this street? Where exactly is this building? How do I get there? What about the traffic jams? Will I be delayed? What time must I leave? Which floor? Which office? Which room? If I drive there, where will I park the car? Will there be parking space?NOTE THE DATE of the interview DAY of the interview TIME of the interview PLACE of the interview
- 5. AIMS OF THE INTERVIEWAIMS OF THE INTERVIEW To Elicit Information To assess the suitability of a person to the job/position To assess the job / position / Company by the interviewee
- 6. INTERVIEW IS NOT A ONE WAY PROCESS: The interviewer is assessing the Interviewee for the suitability of the job or position The interviewee is assessing whether the job is suitable to him with all related perks Therefore, it is a two way process of communication.
- 7. VERBAL INTERVIEW:VERBAL INTERVIEW: Family background Communication Skill General aptitude Knowledge on subject Personality Potential to handle the job/to grow Remuneration package
- 8. Know the EmployerKnow the Employer Product or Service Sales/Assets Competition History Field Offices Industry Trends Size Specialization/products Customers/competitors New ventures Projects in the pipeline Chain of Command
- 9. Preparing for an interview -Preparing for an interview - Look forLook for • Company's main products and services and likely new products and services • Its key markets, its position in market and between major competitors • Its financial position / profit / turnover • Its history, reputation and achievements • Arrange all the papers required in a folder : Resume / CV, call letters, degree certificates, mark lists, NSS, NCC, sports / games certificates, experience certificates, references, photographs.
- 10. Why Do Candidates Fail In AnWhy Do Candidates Fail In An InterviewInterview • Poor grooming • Discourteous and ungraceful body language • Poor manners • Poor diction • Vague responses • Unappealing resume • Monetary benefits-centric approach • Lack of punctuality • Poor waiting hall behaviour
- 11. Some BehaviouralSome Behavioural "Unfavourable" Aspects"Unfavourable" Aspects • Lack of personal or career goals • Lack of enthusiasm and confidence • Not owning up responsibility for mistakes • Self-justification, aggressiveness • Lack of emotional maturity • Negative and cynical attitude • Over-reacting to questions • Lacking sense of humour • Complaining about various things and previous employers
- 12. Resources forResources for Researching theResearching the EmployerEmployer Official website of the company Newspapers/Magazines Advertisements Annual Reports Ex-employees Present employees Direct contact Trade publications & journals
- 13. Know YourselfKnow Yourself Why do you want to work for the firm? What can you do for the company? Your accomplishments/experience Your strengths/weaknesses Your initiative, goals and attitudes Your responses should be unique and specific
- 14. The Previous DayThe Previous Day • Confirm the venue of the interview, distance, and mode of transport • Locate the venue earlier • Relax, have good sleep, visualise and pray
- 15. The Interview DayThe Interview Day • Reach the venue at least 30 minutes ahead of the interview • Get familiar with the ambience • Don't carry too much baggage • Report to the authority concerned
- 16. Waiting Hall BehaviourWaiting Hall Behaviour • Maintain Decorum • Mingle with others politely • Avoid smoking, chewing, flirting, gossiping, defamatory comments • Greet others present • Switch off the mobile • Relax and visualise • Don’t listen to your iPod, play video games, make cell phone calls, etc. while waiting to be interviewed..
- 17. What to Bring to the InterviewWhat to Bring to the Interview Portfolio Copies of your resume List of Professional References College transcripts Filled out application Two quality pens Notepad Comb or brush Breath mints Always carry a handkerchief Keep your teeth clean. You don’t want to put off your interview when you speak. Don’t eat smelly food like onion, garlic, pickles etc.
- 18. Men's Interview AttireMen's Interview Attire • Suit (solid color - navy or dark grey) • Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit) • Clean shaven • Belt • Tie (pattern should be simple) • Dark socks, conservative leather shoes (well polished) • Neat, professional hairstyle • Limit the aftershave • Neatly trimmed nails • Portfolio file with documents properly organized
- 19. Women's Interview Attire:Women's Interview Attire: • Suit (navy, black or dark grey) • The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably • Coordinated blouse • Conservative shoes • Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets • Professional hairstyle • Light make-up and perfume • Neatly manicured clean nails • Portfolio file with documents properly organized
- 20. Interview Attire Tips:Interview Attire Tips: • Before you even think about going on an interview, make sure you have appropriate interview attire and everything fits correctly. • Get your clothes ready the night before, so you don't have to spend time getting them ready on the day of the interview. • If your clothes are dry clean only, take them to the cleaners after an interview, so they are ready for next time. • Bring a breath mint and use it before you enter the building.
- 21. Ten TipsTen Tips Arrive on time Introduce yourself in a courteous manner Read company literature while you wait Use body language to show interest Listen Smile, nod, give nonverbal feedback Ask about the next step in the process Thank the interviewer Obtain a business card Write a thank-you letter to anyone you have spoken to
- 22. Ten Critical Success FactorsTen Critical Success Factors Nearly Every Company isNearly Every Company is Looking ForLooking For
- 23. 1) Positive attitude towards work 2) Proficiency in field of study 3) Communication skills (oral and written) 4) Interpersonal skills 5) Confidence 6) Critical thinking and problem solving skills 7) Flexibility 8) Self-motivation 9) Leadership 10) Teamwork
- 24. While Entering the InterviewWhile Entering the Interview HallHall • Enter confidently, not arrogantly • Shut the door gently • Smile and greet the interviewers • Shake hands only if they offer their hand
- 25. The HandshakeThe Handshake Keep your right hand free Meet the other person’s hand “web to web” Keep hand in a vertical position Shake from the elbow, not the wrist Two to three smooth pumps
- 26. During The InterviewDuring The Interview • Maintain eye contact • Be attentive, listen carefully, and lean forward • Don't lean on the table, and don't slouch • Don't toss your files across • Hand over your file-right side facing them • Don't laugh or giggle but smile gently • Be polite. use the words "Please" and "thank you" • Don't argue but can orally acknowledge
- 27. Sit relaxed and in up right position without crossing your legs Beware of your forced habits - Breaking knuckles/Shaking your legs/Squeezing your palms/Wiping your face etc., Be bold and confident Anticipate the type of questions Be polite and ask for queries in case of doubt while answering the questions High light your strengths whenever a chance is given to you or create a chance to highlight your strengths
- 28. Try to draw attention of the interviewer on specific subject you know well and try to take an opportunity to express them well Mind your body language Do not get frustrated or loose temper for some irritant questions posed Do not have the negative feeling if you do not answer some questions Do not try to bluff or cover your wrong answers If you do not know the answer say I am sorry/ I am afraid I cannot answer the question etc.,
- 29. If you cannot understand the question ask politely to repeat the question Do not try to argue with the interviewer As far as your credentials are concerned take a chance to show/exhibit them - by doing so you will be drawing their attention towards the subject you know well Do not try to blow your own Trumpet - You might get caught or it gives an impression that you are a self centered person Face the interviewer while answering. Answer to the person who posed you the questions
- 30. Have a good eye contact with the panel members of the interview Wait for a question to be completed . Do not be hasty in answering even when you know the answer well Some times using pen and scribbling pad will help you in expressing things better and it also helps you in relaxing Do not give excuses of health for not answering Do not take shelter under or blame the college or organization or lecturers for not answering some questions Be clear in what you say - Do not mumble
- 31. Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself with specific examples whenever possible. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question; and be thorough in your responses while being concise in your wording. Use good grammar and good diction. Say “yes”, not “yeah.” Don’t fill pauses with “um,” uh” or “ah”. Don’t punctuate sentences with “you know”, “like”, “see” or “okay”. Treat the interview seriously and show interest in the employer and the opportunity presented and respond to questions in a positive manner.
- 32. Watch the tone of your voice. While it might be trendy among your friends to “up speak” (end sentence with a higher tone of voice so that sentences sound like questions), this habit will kill your credibility during the interview. Answer the question and use professional experiences or descriptive information to demonstrate how you would react or respond to a situation. Make sure answers have a definite flow. In the beginning state major points you want to make; in the middle expand upon those points or ideas, and in the end reinforce your key points and end on a positive note.
- 33. Do not try to take sympathy by expressing your family problems / financial problems to the interviewer At the end of interview, if you have still doubts on anything, ask for clarification from the interviewer Do not plead or beg for the job Do not accept or ask for whatever job the Company will offer (Say like, not related to your aptitude) Do not walk out of the interview in a huff. Wait until the interview is completed After completing the interview, do not forget to wish or say thanks before you go out
- 34. Typical Structure of anTypical Structure of an InterviewInterview Small talk “Tell me about yourself!” Discussion of your background and how it relates to the position Your opportunity to ask questions Conclusion
- 35. Five Tough InterviewFive Tough Interview QuestionsQuestions The tell-all question: “Tell me about yourself.” The surprise question: “What’s your passion?” Strengths and weaknesses questions Questions about the future: “What are your long-term goals?” Scenario questions: “What if…?”
- 36. Questions to Ask in anQuestions to Ask in an InterviewInterview What will my duties entail? What kind of work can I expect to be doing? Can you describe a typical day? Where does this job fit into the organizational structure of the company? Who would I report to? Who would I be working with? What is the size of the department I would be working in? What is its structure? How is it organized? May I see it?
- 37. More Questions to AskMore Questions to Ask Does the company offer any training opportunities? How would you describe the ideal candidate for this position? What qualities do you want in the person who fills this job? What do you feel would be the greatest challenge for me? What is the selection process/timeline from here? May I contact you if I have any further questions?
- 38. Practice, Practice, Practice!Practice, Practice, Practice! Mock interview Scour the Internet for questions etc.
- 39. UNDERSTANDING THEUNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS OF NEGOTIATIONPROCESS OF NEGOTIATION What It Is Not – saying “I want more money” What It Is – Meeting and discussing a subject – Mutual agreement of issues
- 40. UNDERSTANDING THEUNDERSTANDING THE PROCESSPROCESS When does negotiation begin – Telling about yourself – With the initial interview Don’t reveal your salary requirements too early in the negotiation process.
- 41. UNDERSTANDING THEUNDERSTANDING THE PROCESSPROCESS Evaluation – Answer these questions: What is the Salary range? What is the lowest salary that I will consider? What makes me worth a higher salary?
- 42. UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESSUNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS Where To Get Salary Information – National Association of Colleges and Employers – Career Resource Center – Libraries – Trade associations and trade publications – Internet – People working in the industry
- 43. UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESSUNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS Some Employer Objections To Your Request For More Money – You don’t have enough experience – Other employees aren’t making more – The budget won’t permit – That’s what we are paying new hires
- 44. UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESSUNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS Your Positive Response To An Objection To Pay You More – In response to the “other employees aren’t making more” statement, you might give a response such as: “I see. (short pause) What is the range for this position? What would it take to get to that higher level within that range? Remember, you are asking questions not delivering an ultimatum.
- 45. The InterviewThe Interview Some Ideas To Help You During The Interview Process As It Pertains To The Salary Issue – Good listening skills – Try not to be the first to mention money – If asked what salary you are looking for, say you have a range but that it really will depend on the total package – If pushed, have a range in mind – If asked what your current pay is, tell the truth
- 46. THE OFFERTHE OFFER – Give answer in 24 hours unless you are considering other options. Or ask for a window of time. – Ask about other important fringe benefits before accepting the job – Avoid telephone negotiations
- 47. THE NEGOTIATION PROCESSTHE NEGOTIATION PROCESS Here Are Some Examples Of How A Salary Discussion Might Go Company: “We would like to offer you a salary of Rs. 3,00,000/year.” You: Alternative answer #1: “I’m delighted that you are interested in me. Based upon my experience and also because of a variety of expenses associated with the cost of living in (this city), I would like to make around Rs.3,50,000. How do you feel about that?
- 48. THE NEGOTIATION PROCESSTHE NEGOTIATION PROCESS Alternative answer #2: “I like the opportunity, and I know that I could contribute, but I have several other opportunities that are in the Rs.3,50,000 range. Is there a way we could work this out?” Alternative answer #3: “I’ve completed a very valuable education and anticipated Rs.3,50,000 as a minimum. Is there a way we can work that out? I love the opportunity and would like to work here if I can get that amount. What do you think?”
- 49. THE NEGOTIATION PROCESSTHE NEGOTIATION PROCESS – Ask if you can get periodic reviews to let your future employer know that you are concerned with providing the highest level of service. – Before asking for more money, mention positive statement that reflects your skills and why you are qualified for the job.
- 51. Every Interview is a new opportunity
- 52. Credential questionsCredential questions "How long were you at . . . " "What did you learn in that class?" objective measurements on your background.
- 53. Experience questionsExperience questions What were your responsibilities in that position? What is the most rewarding thing in your job? Subjectively evaluate your background.
- 54. Opinion questionsOpinion questions "What would you do in this situation?“ "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Subjectively analyze your response in a series of scenarios.
- 55. Behavioral questionsBehavioral questions "Can you give me a specific example of how you did that?“ "What were the steps you followed to accomplish that task?" Anticipate future responses based upon past behaviors.
- 56. Top Interview QuestionsTop Interview Questions Introduce yourself What are your key strengths? What are your weaknesses? What kind of a person you are? What subjects have you studied? What are your career goals? Why did you choose this company? What are your accomplishments? What is your percentage of marks?
- 57. What projects have you undertaken? What do you know about our company? How can you contribute to our company? Are you ready to work overtime? What do you know about the job? How long will you work with us? What salary do you expect? What are your hobbies? Would you be willing to relocate? Have you got any questions to ask?