Download - Interview skills, be successful always
Interview-What is it?
- Before explaining What is Interviewing
- Let me start the session with a
story?
- Joby B Tech 68%- John B Tech 86%
This story is aboutThis story is about
two persons, Joby and John. two persons, Joby and John.
Both had done B Tech and passed Both had done B Tech and passed out from IET, University of Calicutout from IET, University of Calicut
John scored 86% John scored 86% of marks in the of marks in the
aggregate and Joby aggregate and Joby managed with a 68%.managed with a 68%.
John applied for a new job,John applied for a new job,
but as his self-esteem was low, and but as his self-esteem was low, and he considered himself as a failure and he considered himself as a failure and
unworthy of success, he was sure unworthy of success, he was sure that he was not going to get the jobthat he was not going to get the job
He had a negative He had a negative attitude towards himself, attitude towards himself,
and believed that the and believed that the other applicants were other applicants were
better and more better and more qualified than him.qualified than him.
John manifested this John manifested this attitude, due to his attitude, due to his
negative past negative past experiences with job experiences with job
interviewsinterviews
His mind was filled with His mind was filled with negative thoughts and negative thoughts and
fears concerning the job fears concerning the job for the whole week for the whole week
before the job interviewbefore the job interview
Thinking for a long time Thinking for a long time about the interview like about the interview like
this, on the previous this, on the previous night he couldn’t go to night he couldn’t go to
bed in timebed in time
It’s too late when he lied It’s too late when he lied down to sleep and down to sleep and worrying thoughts worrying thoughts
prevented him from prevented him from getting a good night’s getting a good night’s
sleepsleep
On the day of the interview On the day of the interview he got up late, and to his he got up late, and to his horror he discovered that horror he discovered that
the shirt he had planned to the shirt he had planned to wear was dirty, and the wear was dirty, and the
other one needed ironingother one needed ironing
As it was already too late, As it was already too late, he went out wearing a shirt he went out wearing a shirt
full of wrinklesfull of wrinkles
During the interview he was During the interview he was tense, displayed a negative tense, displayed a negative attitude, worried about his attitude, worried about his
shirt, and felt hungry shirt, and felt hungry because he did not have because he did not have
enough time to eat breakfastenough time to eat breakfast
All this distracted his mind All this distracted his mind and made it difficult for him and made it difficult for him
to focus on the interviewto focus on the interview
His overall behavior made a His overall behavior made a bad impression, and bad impression, and
consequently he materialized consequently he materialized his his
fear and fear and did not get the jobdid not get the job
Joby too had applied Joby too had applied for the same job but for the same job but
approached the matter approached the matter in a different wayin a different way
During the week preceding During the week preceding the interview she often the interview she often
visualized herself making visualized herself making a good impression and a good impression and
getting the jobgetting the job
In the evening before the In the evening before the interview she prepared the interview she prepared the clothes she was going to clothes she was going to wear, and went to sleep a wear, and went to sleep a
little earlierlittle earlier
On the day of the interview On the day of the interview she woke up earlier than she woke up earlier than
usual, and had ample time to usual, and had ample time to eat breakfast, and then to eat breakfast, and then to
arrive at the interview before arrive at the interview before the scheduled timethe scheduled time
She got the job because she She got the job because she made a good impressionmade a good impression
She had also, of course, the She had also, of course, the proper qualifications for the proper qualifications for the
job, but so had John job, but so had John with a better scorewith a better score
What do we learn What do we learn from this story? from this story?
Is there any magic Is there any magic employed here? employed here?
No, it is all natural. No, it is all natural. When the attitude is positive When the attitude is positive
we entertain pleasant we entertain pleasant feelings and feelings and
constructive imagesconstructive images
We see in our mind's eye We see in our mind's eye what we really want to what we really want to
happen.happen.
This brings brightness to the This brings brightness to the eyes, more energy and eyes, more energy and
happiness. The whole being happiness. The whole being broadcasts good will, broadcasts good will,
happiness and successhappiness and success
Even the health is affected Even the health is affected in a beneficial way. in a beneficial way.
We walk tall and We walk tall and the voice is more the voice is more
powerfulpowerful
Thus you better your central Thus you better your central and peripheral traits, and peripheral traits,
transmit a good image, so transmit a good image, so others form a good image others form a good image
about youabout you
That’s the story.That’s the story.How’s it?How’s it?
Read a story a weekRead a story a weekYou’ll improve your You’ll improve your
language toolanguage too
Think PositiveThink PositiveBe ProgressiveBe Progressive
And you’ll always be And you’ll always be successful in all your successful in all your
endeavoursendeavours
Interview-What is it?
- A pre-planned structured meeting between
prospective employee and an employer
- Interviewing is a skill- like riding your bike
- PRACTICE makes you PERFECT
Interviewing is a two-way street
- Interviewer explore and find out whether you are fit for the job
and their culture
- Interviewee ascertain
the employer, the job, compensation offered
and prospects for career growth
Types of Interviews 1
Telephonic: Occasionally used as initial information seeking or screening tool
Teita-Teita: most common interview style where you meet and talk with the potential employer, face to face
Panel or Group: allows many individuals to interview you at once, a filtering technique when there are more number of applicants.
Types of Interviews 2
Over a Cup o’ Coffee: used to see how you interact or function in a social setting
Spot Interaction: this allows one to get a tour of the facility, meet the staff, and additional questioning from different employees and/or administration
The Preparation involves: 1
Explore and learn - position, company, and the industry
Examine your potentials, Analyse your strengths and weaknesses
Prepare everything and keep everything ready
The Preparation involves: 2
Material Preparation: Arrange the required materials (Copies of resume, references, portfolio/pen, HHD or personal organizer, breath mints)
Internet based storage of required data
At the Spot
Arrive at the destination in time (Never let your throat go dry for the want of dry run)
Try to arrive 10-15 minutes early at the site to allow you to park and settle.
Ask for directions and where to park
Walk to the interview, use the restroom, or just gather yourself
Greet Warmly, Introduce boldly
Open perfectly, make a good impression in the
beginning itself…... Dress appropriately
Smile Pleasingly Maintain proper eye
contact Firm handshake Remain poised and
confident
Body Language: The signals you SEND
Positive Signals
Leaning forward = interest
Smiling = friendly
Nodding = attentive and alert
Eye contact = curious and focused
Negative Signals
Crossed arms = defensive
Fidgeting hands or tapping feet = nervous or bored
Lack of eye contact = untrustworthy
Leaning back= discomfort
Types of Interview Questions
Standard or traditional-
Targeting your education, work experiences, and
career goals
Sample Questions
Tell me about yourself?
What is your greatest strength? Weakness?
Why did you choose to interview with us?
What did you like most about your last job? Least?
What are your short and long term career goals?
Types of Interview Questions
Behavioral Questions
These focus on your actions and/or behaviors in a previous setting.
- Past behavior provides clues to future behavior
Sample Questions
Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision?
Tell me about a time you worked under a deadline?
What do you do when a team member is not pulling his/her weight?
Think about a time you made a mistake. What did you learn from it?
Types of Interview Questions
Inappropriate or unethical questions
-
Questions which probe into your private life or personal background
-
Questions about your ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, marital status
Sample Questions
How old are you?
Do you have children?
Do you have a disability?
What religion do you practice?
Types of Interview Questions
Questions asked by the interviewee
To enable the employer determine, you are an appropriate fit for the company and position, prepare a list of questions for the interviewer
Sample Questions
What type of assignments can I expect within the first year?
What do you like most about this company?
What is the biggest challenge facing this department right now?
What skills are you looking for in this position?
What is the next course of action?
General Interview Strategies
-Be prepared to talk about yourself and your experiences
-Master the art of storytelling
-Provide specific and concrete examples of your results/accomplishments
-Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident throughout the interview process
General Interview Strategies
Remember an interview is a formal conversation--avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, “You know” etc.
Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,” “probably,” or “pretty good”
Think before speaking, deliver in its proper speed
Avoid long verbose answers--limit your response to 1-2 minutes
If you do not hear or understand a question, ask them to repeat or clarify it for you
General Interview Strategies
Remain calm, relaxed, and be
yourself
Try to focus on the message you are trying to convey--NOT how well you
are doing!
Dressing for Success-Men
Suit-Single or double breasted
Polished shoes
Solid white shirt
Conservative tie
Neatly groomed hair, beard, and mustache
Avoid strong colognes, earrings, and body piercing
Dressing for Success-Women
Sari or Salwar Kamiz
Pant or skirt suit
Pumps with small to medium heels
Light makeup, perfume, and jewelry
Wear neutral color hosiery
FOLLOW-UP
Ask questions which invite a positive response
Request a business card contact details
Inquire about next steps in the process
Thank the interviewer
Never slam the door while coming out.
FOLLOW-UP CONT
Send a thank you note within 24 hours
Letter may be handwritten or typed; e-mail is also acceptable
Tailor each one to the individual.
Final Thoughts
Remember that only 15% of the success of an interview is out of your control
Take some time to reflect
Overall, how well did I do?
What went well? What steps can I take next time to improve?
Suggestions
Conduct a test run the day before the interview
Practice! Practice! Practice!
•Obtain a list of practice interview questions and jot down short answers
• Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers
•Schedule an appointment for a mock interview with Career Services
Get a good night’s sleep-Take rest and be alert for the interview
Be relaxed and be yourself!
After the Interview
YOU WILL GET THE OFFER LETTER IMMEDIATELY
You will get it if you ought to
You may not if you ought not
One thing is sure
You’ll get THE most suitable one alwaysIF NOT THIS TIME
Continuing Education…
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