Interviews

 

Facing Interviews 

The Importance of an Interview :

The interview is normally the last step of the hiring process--and probably the most important. It offers both you and the employer the opportunity to meet one another, exchange information and come to tentative conclusions about working together. Depending on the organization you may have to face one or several interviews.

    The interview is a two-way process. You evaluate the employer while he/she evaluates you. Since there is no one way of facing an interviewing, you will have to develop your own style. In the short amount of time that you will spend with a potential employer, you will either be accepted or rejected, so you must project yourself in a positive, enthusiastic manner.

   The interview gives the employer the opportunity to meet you in person and to evaluate the "complete" you. This includes your attitude, appearance, personality, confidence, knowledge about yourself, and knowledge about the company, as well as suitability and basic ability to do the job.

Before the Interview

     Before appearing for the interview you should extensively research the company you have applied to. This creates a good impression and shows your keeness to work with the organization. Get hold of a balance sheet of the organization. You will find a wealth of information in the balance sheet. Some of the information you should know includes:

· size of organization

· location of facilities and offices

· structure of organization - by product line, function,

· past, current & potential growth

· types of clients

· product line or service

· potential markets, products, services

· price of products or services

· present value and structure of assets

· recent items in the news

· who the competition is

· training provisions

· vision of the CEO

· others you know in the organization

· stock price

 

It is also important to research issues, trends, problems, and buzz words of the industry. Such information can be obtained from people in the field, company literature, trade journals, newsletters, business magazines, and directories. Prepare a list of well-researched questions for the interviewer.

Be Aware of Yourself

· Analyze your strengths and weaknesses and accordingly decide what you want to say and do not want to say during the interview.

· Think and write out answers to possible questions from the interviewer.

· Evaluate problem areas in your track record and be prepared to offer a strong and convincing reasons for these during the interview, if necessary. Do not provide negative information about yourself unless asked for.

· Request a friend or relative to conduct a mock interview.

On The Day of the Interview :

· Ensure that you know the name and designation of each individual with whom you are to meet.

· Know exactly how to get to the organization and arrive at least ten minutes before the interview

· Dress to project an image of confidence and success; your total appearance should be appropriate to the job. Carry with you additional materials to the interview such as copies of your resume, a list of references, samples of your work, or your degree and certificates.

During the interview :

· Before you are actually asked to enter the room where the interviews are being conducted do not get impatient or restless, wait for them to call you.

· When you are asked to proceed, knock on the door and wait to be called in the room.

· Greet all the people inside the room

· Do not sit down unless asked to.

· Thank the interviewer after sitting down.

· Before the interview you should have decided what you are going to communicate and how you are going to get your communication across. What you will want to communicate are: personal qualities, functional skills, your achievements and special areas of knowledge that relate to the particular interviewer or organization. How you are going to get your communication across will depend on your choice of words, non verbal gestures and your attitude.

· Have an open attitude that is sensitive to the interviewers style.

· You should be thinking positively. (If you don't think you are the best candidate for the job, how can you hope to convince the employer you are?)

· The non-verbal behaviours which contribute to rapport are: dress and posture, eye-contact, handshake, voice level, and gestures.

· The verbal behaviours contributing to build rapport with the interviewer include: courteous observations and proper choice of words.

· Be positive in your choice of words and choose words that are affirmative and indicate your level of determination and dedication.

· Back up your statements with concrete examples and achievements.

· Summarize your strengths before finishing what you have to say.

· If you are not able to answer some question, admit it, do not try to fudge an answer.

· Listen to the question carefully, let the interviewer complete his question before you reply.

· If you have not heard the question clearly ask the interviewer to repeat the question.

· When the interview is completed, thank the interviewer before leaving the room.

· Set up the next contact by asking "When should I expect to hear from you" or "When should I get back to you?"

· If you have any questions or clarifications, you can ask the interviewer after the interview is complete.

The Importance of Body Language :

· Pay attention to your body language and non-verbal communication. Your body language should exude confidence, sincerity and high energy level.

· Your words and gestures must be in agreement.

· Maintain eye contact with the interviewer while answering or listening to the interviewer. Do not look at your shoes or the floor.

· Do not fidget in your seat or fiddle with your tie etc.

· Keep your hands relaxed and use them to animate or express interest

· Maintain an erect posture, do not slouch in the chair.

· Keep your facial expression pleasant, it can add or deduct sincerity from your words.

· Keep your voice tone firm, well modulated and relaxed.

· Be aware of the things you do when nervous and try to keep them under check.

· Actively listen to the interviewer.

After the Interview :

· Use the interview as a learning experience. Take notes on what you would like to improve after you leave the room.

· Send a follow-up letter to thank the interviewer, and stress points in your background that qualify you for the position.

· If you are not contacted within the specified time, call to restate your interest.

· It is usually best not to accept a job offer on the spot; state your interest and appreciation for the offer and request a reasonable amount of time to consider the offer.

· Be sure to evaluate all aspects of the job before accepting it rather than afterward. Once you have accepted a position, your commitment is considered binding by the employer.

· If you do not get the job, you may want to ask the interviewer for some constructive criticism or recommendations for future interviews. If you are consistently passed over for positions, try to identify potential problems; then seek guidance for improvement.

 

PYSCHOMETERIC TEST

You don't need to fret much about this test. This test consists of 150 questions and is just a psychology test which should be answered confidently and doesn't require any  preparation. One must try being consistent while answering as the same questions are repeatedly asked in different forms. Also one must answer all questions.Questions are of yes,no or can't say kind.

1. Will you be interested in social activities.

2. While going upstairs do you move two steps at a time.

3. Can you make friends with people of the same sex or with opposite sex also

4. Your friends consider you as a leader in your group

5. People think that you are serious minded.

6. There are times you feel dull without any reason.

7. You host several parties

8. When relatives come to your house do you entertain them.

9. You can work for long hours without tiredness.

10. In your company you want to lead the organization.

This Interview Tips has brought to you by baskaran