All about Interview

1. All about Interview

2. Interview Questions CONTENTS Answering Questions 10 Rules about the interview Dressing for the interview Types of interview Selling your self The “tell me about your self” questions Before the interview Phone interview 25 Things to avoid in an interview. Visa interview Overseas internship interview.

3. Interview Questions

4. Interview Questions Open questions" Tell us a little about .."Keep in mind the selection criteria and your strengths. Closed questions- Asked when the interviewer wants specific information, often factual or technical in nature, these questions can frequently be answered with a “yes” or “no”. Asks for clarification and elaboration of past experiences. Require you to demonstrate your technical knowledge in some area. Hypothetical questions- What would you do if… These will assess your ability to think on your feet. You will be required good communication skills - do you have good skills in this area? Do not give a yes/no answer. Give examples to support your response. Multi- barreled- two or more questions linked to the same topic. Don't be afraid to ask to have the question repeated if you can't recall the full question. Behavioral questions - uses your past experiences to predict future behaviors. Prepare examples of how your experiences have allowed you to develop specific skills and how these could benefit the employer.

5. Interview Questions • Give examples for each category: 1. Tell me about…… 2. Can you…/Could you… 3. What would you do if… • Answer the following questions and add related ones. 1. How fast can you type? 2. Do you know how to troubleshoot computers? 3. Can you operate the fax machine and the printer? 4. Do you know how to use MS Office, Excel and Powerpoint?

6. Interview Questions Sample Behavioral questions: • What will you do if the boss assigns a difficult task? • What would you do if your computer hangs and there is nobody to call? • The boss tells you to repeat a task? Will you do it? Why? • How would you conduct yourself in a new workplace? • Will you report to the boss all co-employee lapses.? Why?

7. Answering Questions The ‘STAR’ Approach for Answering a Question S: Situation – describe the situation T: Task or problem – what dilemma or problem did you face? A: Action – what action did you take? R: Result – what was the result of your action?

8. Answering Questions Situation • Say something about your job. • Describe your working relationship with your colleagues. • Tell about your rapport with your boss. • Report some of your accomplishments in the job. • Outline the prospects you have in mind.

9. Answering Questions Task • How did you solve conflicts in your job. • Who do you ask for help during difficult times at work? • How do you manage a tight schedule? • Is it alright to work overtime or on weekends? • Are you willing to travel?

10. Answering Questions Action • Your deadline is very near and you have to submit the report ASAP. Your schedule is very tight and you have to work overtime. What would you do? • The boss is asking for volunteers to a tree planting activity as part of your company’s endeavors. You have set a family picnic on the same date with your family. What would you do?

11. 10 Rules about the interview

12. 10 Rules about the interview 1. Keep your answers brief and concise. Unless asked to give more details, limit your answers to two to three minutes per question. Tape yourself and see how long it takes you to fully answer a question. 2. Include concrete, measurable data. Interviewees tend to talk in generalities. Unfortunately, generalities often fail to convince interviewers that the applicant has assets. Include measurable information and provide details about specific accomplishments when discussing your strengths. 3. Repeat your key strengths three times. It’s essential that you comfortably and confidently articulate your strengths. Explain how the strengths relate to the company’s or department’s goals and how they might benefit the potential employer. If you repeat your strengths then they will be remembered and—if supported with quantifiable accomplishments—they will more likely be believed.

13. 10 Rules about the interview 4. Prepare five or more success stories. In preparing for interviews, make a list of your skills and key assets. Then reflect on past jobs and pick out one or two instances when you used those skills successfully. 5. Put yourself on their team. Ally yourself with the prospective employer by using the employer’s name and products or services. For example, “As a member of __________, I would carefully analyze the __________ and ______.” Show that you are thinking like a member of the team and will fit in with the existing environment. Be careful though not to say anything that would offend or be taken negatively. Your research will help you in this area. 6. Image is often as important as content. What you look like and how you say something are just as important as what you say. Studies have shown that 65 percent of the conveyed message is nonverbal; gestures, physical appearance, and attire are highly influential during job interviews.

14. 10 Rules about the interview 7. Ask questions. The types of questions you ask and the way you ask them can make a tremendous impression on the interviewer. Good questions require advance preparation. Just as you plan how you would answer an interviewer’s questions, write out any specific questions you want to ask. Then look for opportunities to ask them during the interview. Don’t ask about benefits or salary. The interview process is a two-way street whereby you and the interviewer assess each other to determine if there is an appropriate match. 8. Maintain a conversational flow. By consciously maintaining a conversational flow—a dialogue instead of a monologue—you will be perceived more positively. Use feedback questions at the end of your answers and use body language and voice intonation to create a conversational interchange between you and the interviewer. 9. Research the company, product lines and competitors. Research will provide information to help you decide whether you’re interested in the company and important data to refer to during the interview.

15. 10 Rules about the interview 10. Keep an interview journal. As soon as possible, write a brief summary of what happened. Note any follow-up action you should take and put it in your calendar. Review your presentation. Keep a journal of your attitude and the way you answered the questions. Did you ask questions to get the information you needed? What might you do differently next time? Prepare and send a brief, concise thank you letter. Restate your skills and stress what you can do for the company. Because of its importance, interviewing requires advance preparation. Only you will be able to positively affect the outcome. You must be able to compete successfully with the competition for the job you want. In order to do that, be certain you have considered the kind of job you want, why you want it, and how you qualify for it. You also must face reality: Is the job attainable?

16. DRESSING FOR THE INTERVIEW Wear clothing that indicates you are ready to go to work today.

17. DRESSING FOR THE INTERVIEW • Men and WomenAll clothes should be neatly pressed. Conservative two-piece business suite (solid dark blue or gray is best) Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best) Clean, polished, conservative shoes Clean and well-groomed hairstyle Clean, trimmed fingernails Minimal cologne or perfume Empty pockets – no noisy coins No gum, candy or cigarettes

18. DRESSING FOR THE INTERVIEW • Men Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best); clean and polished Dark socks (black is best) Short hair always fairs best in interviews No beards – mustaches are acceptable (keep neat and trimmed) No earrings No heavy cologne

19. DRESSING FOR THE INTERVIEW • Women Always wear a suit with a jacket; or a sheath dress with a jacket Do not wear extremely high-heeled or platform shoes Do not wear open-toe shoes or mules (they are more casual) Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!) If you wear nail polish (not required), use clear or a conservative color One set of earrings only Conservative makeup No heavy perfume No heavy cologne

20. Selling your self

21. Selling your self Introduce yourself with a smile and firm handshake. Maintain good eye contact during conversation. Demonstrate to the recruiter what you want to and can do for the employer today, based on employer research. Give two minute commercial. Answer questions with:   " Yes, for example (accomplishment/result statement)" and   " No, however (accomplishment/result statement)" Show interest in what the interviewer is saying, by nodding your head and leaning toward him/her occasionally. Give positive answers to negative-based questions. Ask the recruiter prepared questions. Initiate the next step by asking what the next step is. Ask for the recruiter’s business card for future contact. Immediately after you leave make notes of important points of discussion. What to Say

22. Selling your self Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Use time wisely to review employer research information. Have pen and paper. Asking to borrow a pen indicates lack of preparation. Be enthusiastic. Recruiters remember a positive attitude. Listen carefully to the interviewer’s complete question before responding. If needed, pause and take time before answering difficult questions. Keep going even if you feel you made a mistake. Carry extra resumes, references, etc. organized in a portfolio. Unless asked, do not discuss salary and benefits. • What to do

23. The "Tell me about yourself" question Here is an example about how to answer the first question most interviewers ask. “Tell me about yourself” It also allows the job seeker to share with the interviewer the most important thing they want to know – “Why should I hire you?”

24. The "Tell me about yourself" question 1. Personal and EducationThis part is used to give the interviewer relevant information concerning you personally and about your educational background. This does not include personal information such as marital status, children, etc. This does include information such as: hometown or state and/or personal attribute(s). The education should be either the latest obtained and/or major field if relevant to job objective. 2. Early Career/Life ExperiencesThis part is used to share with the interviewer past work and life experiences relevant to the job objective. 3. Recent Work History/Life ExperiencesThis is the time for the job seeker to relate to the employer two accomplishments/results of the job seeker that indicate why he/she is the best candidate for the position sought. 4. Why you are hereIn this part, the job seeker speaks with enthusiasm that he/she is here for the specific position sought.

25. Types of interview

26. Types of interview TelephoneBe ready for a telephone interview from the moment you apply for a position. Many times a company will ask you questions the first time they contact you to begin assessing your qualifications. Keep a list with you of the positions you have applied for, the company it is with, the job description and any other pertinent information. The fact that they cannot see you is a challenge but also a benefit, use your notes

27. Types of interview • Group Some employers will interview several candidates at the same time or you might find yourself in a social setting with the other candidates during the interview process. Keep in mind that the employer is always evaluating you. You want to be seen as a team player.

28. Types of interview • Panel A panel is the reverse of the group interview. There are several people from the employer. You might be interviewed by 2-10 people at the same time. Be sure to make eye contact with each person. When a question is asked you want to direct 50% of your eye contact to the person that asked the question and the other 50% to the other members of the panel. Try to get everyone’s contact information so that you can write each of them a thank you letter.

29. Types of interview • One-On-One This is the traditional format for interviews. Make good eye contact and try to match their “style”. If they are very conservative and don’t smile it would not be a good idea to try humor in the interview.

30. Types of interview • On-Campus The main challenge is that you usually only have 30 minutes with the recruiter. So be sure to use all the time to your advantage. If there are company representatives in the waiting area, take advantage of the extra “face time” by speaking with them. Remember, they are always evaluating you.

31. Types of interview • On-Site When you get an interview that is at the employer’s place of business you need to stay on your toes. You want to be nice to everyone from the receptionist to people you pass by in the parking lot. You never know what their position is at the company. Plan your route to the location and make sure you allow for traffic. You do not want to be late to an interview! Arrive about 15 minutes early but you want to be near the employer about 1 hr before your interview so you can make sure you have everything together. Take the last 45 minutes to get some water or a bite to eat if you are hungry.

32. Phone interview

33. Phone interview • Some helpful hints • Introduce yourself clearly and directly. Engage in some “small talk” at the start of the interview, just as you would a face-to-face interview. • Speak clearly into the receiver and modulate your voice. Your voice is the only way you have of showing eagerness, enthusiasm and zest for the job. Your voice reveals both your personality and your attitude toward the caller. Don’t forget to smile! It makes a big difference in a conversation, even on the telephone.

34. Phone interview • Have your resume and the job advertisement with you for reference, and a pencil and some paper to make notes. • Some students find that it helps to dress for a telephone interview as you would for a face-to-face interview – it often helps to psychologically prepare you for this form of business “meeting.

35. Phone interview • No matter how or where your interview is conducted, you should still have the same goal: to communicate to the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the position for which you are being interviewed. If the interview has been scheduled in advance, you should prepare as carefully as you would for a formal “sit down” in someone’s office. • Eliminate any distractions from your immediate environment (desk toys, newspaper clippings, your shopping list). Dress professionally and maintain good posture. The one bonus to a telephone interview is that you can prearrange notes to prompt you and to keep you on track, but only if you can refer to them unobtrusively. You do not want the person on the other end of the line to hear you shuffling papers in the background!

36. Before the Interview Find out everything you can about the company (read their annual report which can be obtained by telephoning them). Re-read your application, thinking through your own career and the questions they might ask you. You should try to anticipate the general questions which they will ask and also prepare some questions to ask them.

37. Before the Interview • To do well at the interview you will need to convince the interviewer you are technically qualified to do the job. You will also need to show that you are sufficiently motivated to get the job done well and that you will fit in with the company's organizational structure and the team in which you will work. • You should dress smartly for the interview and should leave home earlier than you need to on the day of the interview - you may be delayed by traffic or for other reasons. Be courteous to all employees of the company. At the interview itself you must be positive about yourself and your abilities - but do not waffle.

38. Before the Interview • Here are some more tips: 1. Assemble all necessary papers2. Learn all you can about the prospective employer3. Identify what you have to offer.4. Consider your potentials as an employee • Are you ready for the interview now? • What have you done before the interview? • Do you think you’ll do well? Why?

39. 25 Things to avoid in an interview.

40. 25 Things to avoid in an interview. • Poor personal appearance • Lack of interest and enthusiasm; passive and indifferent • Over-emphasis on money • Criticism of past employer • Poor eye contact with interviewer • Late to interview • Failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time • Asks no questions about the job • Unwillingness to relocation • Indefinite answer to question • Lack of maturity • Sloppy application form • No interest in company or industry

41. 25 Things to avoid in an interview. • Overbearing, aggressive, conceited with ‘know-it-all’ complex • Inability to express self clearly; poor voice, poor diction, poor grammar • Lack of planning for career, no purpose or goals • Lack of confidence and poise, nervous, ill at ease • Failure to participate in activities • Expects too much too soon • Makes excuses, evasive, hedges on unfavorable factors on record • Lack of tact • Lack of courtesy, ill-mannered • Lack of vitality • Cynical • Intolerant, strong prejudices