Interview Tips

AT THE INTERVIEW

Arrive on time
Greet the interviewer with a warm smile
Be specific, concrete , and detailed in your answers
Be aware of non-verbal messages you convey
Do not mention salary in a first interview unless the employer does
Ask articulate, intelligent questions at opportune moments, but preface them with statements that demonstrate you have done your “homework” on the company. Your questions should convey enthusiasm and a sincere interest in the position
Be prepared to adapt to different styles of interviewing Some interviews are more structured than others. Note when the interviewer is bored or interested in what you are saying; take verbal and nonverbal cues from him or her.
If you are asked about weaknesses in your background, do not deny them. However, never volunteer information which will reflect negatively on you
Ask the interviewer when a decision will be made and if and when you can call to find out about it. At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for the time spent with you, and express your interest in the position

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Take notes on what you felt your weaknesses were in the interview or questions you had difficulty answering, and determine how you could improve your next interview
If you are interested in the position, type a brief letter to the interviewer letting him or her know of your interest and expressing appreciation for the time and consideration given to you
If offered the position, one to two weeks is a reasonable amount of time for you to ask for before making a decision. All offers of employment deserve a reply, preferably written, whether or not you accept the offer

THE QUESTIONS

Keep in mind that all questions serve a specific function. To help you better understand the purpose of the conversation, we are also going to tell you why you are asked these questions.

ICE – BREAKERS

Did you have any trouble getting here?
Purpose: To put you at ease

Can you believe this weather ?
To engage in informal conversation

You mentioned on your resume that you travel .... Where do you like to go?

EDUCATION AND WORK HISTORY

Tell me about yourself
To assess your background and skills in relation to the position

Why did you choose our company?

Why did you choose your particular major?
To decide how you will react and make decisions in the future

What courses do you like most? Least?

What activities have you participated in outside of class?
To judge transferable skills

Tell me about your grades – overall and in your major?

How do you finance your education?

What has been your most rewarding college experience?

What have you learned from the other jobs you have held?

Why should I hire you?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

VALUES

What kinds of personal satisfaction do you hope to gain from work?
To determine how well you understand yourself

What motivates you?
To obtain information about your motives

AMBITIONS AND PLANS

What does success mean to you?
To learn how much you have thought about future goals

What are your goals?
To know the degree of your ambition

What personal characteristics do you feel are necessary to succeed in your field?
To see if your goals are realistic and to find out how actively you pursue your goals

COMPANY/ORGANISATION

What do you know about our company?

Why did you choose to interview with our firm?
To see if you have conscientiously researched the company

Are we the type of firm you would seek out for employment upon graduation?
To determine if you are a “good match” for the organisation

What do you feel our company has to offer you? What do have to offer us?
To reveal your interest in the company

WIND-UP AND PROCEDURAL

When could you begin work?
Closing for the interview

Do you have any more questions?
Opportunity for additional comments or questions

Is there anything else I should know about you?

After today’s interview, do you still think the position is best suited for you?
A last chance to “sell” yourself

ILLEGAL QUESTIONS

Although uncommon, these are sometimes asked by an unsavvy interviewer. You are not required to provide this personal information. Your best response may be “ How do you feel that information is relevant to the position?”

Are you married?
How old are you?
What is your nationality?

QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT ASK

What are the duties and responsibilities for this position?
To express your interest in the position

Can you describe for me a typical day on the job?
Can I expect more responsibilities as I master previous duties?
Will I be working with other candidates in this position?
Will you be my immediate supervisor? (If so,) what are your personal expectations?
Does the company have long-term plans for this department?
Is there a training or orientation programme for new employees?
What are the organization’s future goals?
To help you determine if you want the job

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD NOT ASK

How much is the salary?
Any question that begins with , “If you should decide not to hire me ...”
You don’t expect me to work overtime, do you?

THE INTERVIEW IN A NUTSHELL ......

IN 15 – 20 MINUTES, YOU MUST

Talk about the job and relate it to your skills and strengths
Make it a conversation
Avoid ‘yes/no” responses
Tell the interviewer about your highlights
Listen carefully to your interviewer

BE PREPARED

For Interview Assistance and Training,

Contact- 94474 10584 or visit www.abhiruchikal.com

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEWEES

QUALIFICATIONS

WHAT THE EMPLOYER WANTS FROM YOU

WHAT YOU WANT FROM THE EMPLOYER

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW