Submitted By:

Ajay Raj

An interview is a conversation between two people (the interviewer and the interviewee) where questions are asked by the interviewer to obtain information from the interviewee.

Or

• A job interview is a process in which a potential employee is evaluated by an employer for prospective employment in their company, organization, or firm. During this process, the employer hopes to determine whether or not the applicant is suitable for the job.

Traditional Face-to-Face InterviewBehavioral InterviewCase InterviewTelephone InterviewGroup InterviewLunch/Dinner InterviewStress Interview

• Most interviews are face-to-face. The most traditional is a one-on-one conversation.

• Your focus should be on the person asking questions. Maintain eye contact, listen and respond once a question has been asked.

• Your goal is to establish rapport with the interviewer and show them that your qualifications will benefit their organization.

• The basic premise behind this type of interview is that your past behavior is the best predictor of your future actions. These types of questions may be asked in any interview format—telephone, panel or one-on-one.

• If the employer asks behavior -oriented questions, they are no longer asking hypothetical questions but are now asking questions that must be answered based on facts.

• With a behavioral question, the interviewer is looking for results, not just an activity list. They are listening for names, dates, places, the outcome and especially what your role was in achieving that outcome.

• This type of question generally starts with the words “Give me an example when...” or “Tell me about a time when…”

• In some interviews you may be asked to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. The interviewer will outline a situation or provide you with a case study and ask you to formulate a plan that deals with the problem.

• You do not have to come up with the ultimate solution. The interviewers are looking for how you apply your knowledge and skills to a real-life situation. Speak and reason aloud so interviewers have a full understanding of your thought process.

• Many organizations will conduct interviews by telephone to narrow a field of candidates. Telephone interviews may also be used as a preliminary interview for candidates who live far away from the job site.

• It is important to treat this interview as you would a face-to-face connection. Arrange for a quiet space and time to schedule the conversation. Clear a work surface to minimize distractions.

• Focus on the conversation. Listen to the questions carefully before you answer. Since your voice is key, convey energy with inflection in your voice.

• Have a copy of your resume nearby as a reference. • Avoid using a phone with call waiting. You do not want to be interrupted during an interview.

• Try to use a landline phone or a cell phone that is not prone to dropping calls.

• A group interview is usually designed to uncover the leadership potential of prospective managers and employees who will be dealing with customers.

• The front-runner candidates are gathered together in an informal, discussion type interview. A subject is introduced and the interviewer will start off the discussion.

• The goal of the group interview is to see how you interact with others and how you use your knowledge and reasoning to influence others.

• The same rules apply at a meal as those in an office. The setting may be more casual, but remember that it is a business meal and you are being watched carefully.

• Use the interview to develop common ground with your interviewer. Follow his/her lead in both selection of food and etiquette.

• Avoid messy foods and do not drink alcohol at any point in this part of the interview process. • See the CPCC tip sheet “The Interview—Etiquette” for additional tips.

• This form of interview was more common in sales positions and is rare today. However, you should be aware of the signals. The stress interview is usually a deliberate attempt to see how you handle yourself under pressure. • The interviewer may be sarcastic or argumentative, or may keep you waiting. Do no take it personally. Calmly answer each question. Ask for clarification if you need it and never rush into an answer.

First of all, prepare your mind in advance, that you are going to have an interview next morning. Relax yourself and do not get nervous, tense or tired at any cost.

Before going for an interview, pre-planned few things:

1. Learn about the company, organization or educational institution and do some research in advance. 

2. Why should you perform an advance research?

3. Simply to develop good answers and to prove yourself unique.

4. What you have to Research?

5. You can gather information about organizational structure; type of their clients/ students; departments and its branches; past and present achievements etc.

Simply search yellow pages or ask your friend or family member/relative who are familiar about organization or you can collect information through newspapers and websites.

Prepare answers to typical questions. Practice your answer and never rote learn it.Here are few of the sampling questions, which you can practice in advance.

1. What do you feel about our organization?

2. What are your weaknesses?

3. Why do you want to become a part of our organization?

4. Tell me about your self and about your hobbies.

5. Who is your role model and why?

Decide what to wear :-

Remember to Dress simply but elegantly. Dress should be well ironed without crease. Wear comfortable shoes. remember to wear basic hosiery. You can even check what management wears and dress similarly without over kill. Do not Dress casual or wear Athletic Shoes. Do not spray lots of cologne or wear lots of jewellery.Do not wear wrinkled attire or flashing tie. Prepare your file having your portfolio, educational degree copies and extra copies of your resume. Find proper address in advance, that where are you going in the morning. Last but not the least; get a good night sleep.

ON THE DAY OF INTERVIEW :-

Take a bath. Do not apply heavy makeup. Always carry a purse or a small handy briefcase with you.Do carry your portfolio file. Dress effectively. Do not eat anything containing garlic or onion in your breakfast. Arrive 15 minutes earlier to show your prompt and seriousness.

Start it off winner. Offer your hand and give a firm shake, else greet them with your pleasant smile.Take a permission to sit on a chair. Show a positive confident attitude and introduce yourself. Don’t get tense. Be comfortable and face the interviewer effectively. Listen to their questions effectively and answer it genuinely. Answer every question with confidence. Have a proper eye contact towards your interviewer. Remember that the interviewer might be more than one, so keep your eye contact with every individual.

interviewer to make them feel unique. Whatever you want to answer, speak clearly with a normal tempo voice. Do not shout. Show your confidence level at every moment of an interview. Show your certifications or achievements only when they ask you to show. Always sit straight. It might help them to analyze your personality and your traits. Use the medium of answer, in which you feel comfortable. Remember to use good grammar and strong vocabulary with neutral accent. Always clarify your answer. Do not say Yes or No. Never complain about your past organization or employees. While giving effective answers. Do not argue and always give respect to your interviewer. Always keep neutral thinking and try to mould your answer according to your interviewer personality. Do not eat chewing gum, while answering questions.

Few of the traditional interview questions, which an organization might ask are

1. Tell me about yourself (in two minutes). 2. Why do you feel that you will be successful in ...? 3. Why did you decide to interview with our organization? 4. Are you willing to relocate? 5. Tell me about your scholastic record. 6. Tell me about your extra-curricular activities and interests. 7. What are your strengths and weaknesses? 8. Why should we hire you? 9. Why did you choose to become a teacher, nurse,...? 10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 11. Why do you want to leave your current job?

With a pleasing smile, say thanks and ask about the next step in the process. Follow up. Call them if you do not get a call within a given time frame and don’t forget to write a thank you letter to an organization for taking out their precious time for your interview.

• Might be you lack oral communication skills or writing skills.• Your inappropriate attitude could also let you down in your interview. • Lack of knowledge about the working world.• Lack of confidence.• Inappropriate/fake degree.• Lack of experience.• Lack of motivation.