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Regardless of what type of question
you are asked, you will find it easier to respond effectively
if you keep in mind some basic question answering strategies:
You can never predict every question that you will encounter,
so approach the interview with an inventory of important points.
Make a list of the points about yourself that you want the interviewer
to know. For example, if you were to apply for a job as a Sales
Representative, you might want to list the products you have
sold before, types of customers (by industry, age, etc.), languages
spoken, personal experience in that industry and related knowledge
(perhaps from your academic program).
Consider each question an opportunity to provide some of this
information. Don't assume anything. You will be evaluated on
your answers, not your resume. Therefore, ensure you incorporate
the relevant information from your resume in your answers.
Pause a couple of seconds before you respond to each question,
even if you know exactly what you want to say. Take this time
to quickly plan your answer, this helps to avoid misunderstandings
and produces much more concise answers.
If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification. This
is expected and is preferable to providing an unsuitable answer.
If you need time to collect your thoughts - take it. When people
are nervous they tend either to "draw a blank" or
to babble. It is better to think for a few moments and make
sure that your answer is doing you justice and that there is
a point to what you are saying.
Always expand. Never answer a question with a "yes"
or "no."
The interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself. Don't
be afraid to 'blow your own horn.' As long as you can back up
what you are saying with examples which demonstrate that what
you are saying is true, you are not bragging. Third party observations
can also be mentioned. For example, "My last employer told
me that I was promoted because of how I handled conflicts with
clients."
Be very positive. Don't complain about anything - from your
former employer to the weather - and don't apologize for experience
that you don't have. Just sell what you do have and let the
employer decide if you have what he/she is looking for. Also,
avoid negative words. For example, you would not say "I
have a little experience...," you would say "I have
experience......"
Don't be afraid to repeat important points. In fact, it is a
good idea to do this.
General Tips To Overcome An Interview
Campus So what if you are not a mountaineer. Or a keen hiker.
You still cannot treat your interview like a careless morning
trot along a jogger's path. Your jaw-jaw at the interview table
is nothing less than a cautious climb up a mountain trail--which
begins around your early childhood and meanders through the
years at the academia before reaching a new summit in your career.And
as you retrace your steps down memory lane make sure that you
post flags at important landmarks of your life and career, so
that you can pop them before the interview panel scoops them
out of you. You don't want to be at the receiving end, do you?
Face the panel, but don't fall of the chair in a headlong rush-and-skid
attempt to tell your story. Take one step at a time. If you
place your foot on slippery ground, you could be ejecting out
on a free fall.
So prepare, fortify your thoughts, re-jig your memory, and script
and design your story (without frills and falsity). Without
the right preparation and storyboard, you could be a loser at
the interview.
Here are a few preparation tips
that books on interviews sometimes overlook.
Before the interview
1. Chronological Outline of Career and Education
Divide your life into "segments" defining your university,
first job, second job. For each stage, jot down :
The reason for opting certain course or profession; Your job
responsibilities in your previous/current job; Reason of leaving
your earlier/current job. You should be clear in your mind where
you want to be in the short and long term and ask yourself the
reason why you would be appropriate for the job you are being
interviewed for and how it will give shape to your future course.
2. Strengths and Weaknesses
You should keep a regular check on your strengths and weaknesses.
Write down three (3) technical and three (3) non-technical personal
strengths. Most importantly, show examples of your skills. This
proves more effective than simply talking about them. So if
you're asked about a general skill, provide a specific example
to help you fulfil the interviewer's expectations. It isn't
enough to say you've got "excellent leadership skills".
Instead, try saying:
"I think I have excellent leaderships skills which I have
acquired through a combination of effective communication, delegation
and personal interaction. This has helped my team achieve its
goals."
As compared to strengths, the area of weaknesses is difficult
to handle. Put across your weakness in such a way that it at
leaset seems to be a positive virtue to the interviewer. Describe
a weakness or area for development that you have worked on and
have now overcome.
3. Questions you should be prepared for
Tell us about yourself.
What do you know about our company?
Why do you want to join our company?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
How have you improved the nature of your job in the past years
of your working? Why should we hire you?
What contributions to profits have you made in your present
or former company? Why are you looking for a change?
Answers to some difficult questions :
Tell me about yourself ?
Start from your education and give a brief coverage of previous
experiences. Emphasise more on your recent experience explaining
your job profile.
What do you think of your boss?
Put across a positive image, but don't exaggerate.
Why should we hire you? Or why are you interested in this job?
Sum up your work experiences with your abilities and emphasise
your strongest qualities and achievements. Let your interviewer
know that you will prove to be an asset to the company.
How much money do you want?
Indicate your present salary and emphasise that the opportunity
is the most important consideration.
Do you prefer to work in a group?
Be honest and give examples how you've worked by yourself and
also with others. Prove your flexibility.
4. Questions to As
At the end of the interview, most interviewers generally ask
if you have any questions. Therefore, you should be prepared
beforehand with 2-3 technical and 2-3 non-technical questions
and commit them to your memory before the interview.
Do not ask queries related to your salary, vacation, bonuses,
or other benefits. This information should be discussed at the
time of getting your joining letter. Here we are giving few
sample questions that you can ask at the time of your interview.
Sample Questions
Could you tell me the growth plans and goals for the company?
What skills are important to be successful in this position?
Why did you join this company? (optional)
What's the criteria your company uses for performance appraisal?
With whom will I be interacting most frequently and what are
their responsibilities and the nature of our interaction?
What is the time frame for making a decision at this position?
What made the previous persons in this position successful/unsuccessful?
5. Do your homework
Before going for an interview, find out as much information
on the company (go to JobsAhead Company Q and A) as possible.
The best sources are the public library, the Internet (you can
check out the company's site), and can even call the company
and get the required information. The information gives you
a one-up in the interview besides proving your content company
or position.
Clearing the interview isn't necessarily a solitary attempt.
Seek assistance from individuals who are in he profession and
whose counsel you value most. Be confident in your approach
and attitude; let the panel feel it through your demeanour,
body language and dressing.
Getting prepared for your interview is the best way to dig deep
and know yourself. You will be surprised that it would breed
a new familiarity become more familiar with your own qualifications
that will be make you present yourself better. All the best
and get ready to give a treat.
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