The initial busy job search days have now ceased. There's an interview call letter in your hand - the employer thinks you are suitable for the job. However, this does not give you immunity from the "exam type" feeling you get. The process tests you to the core, and hence, the fear may bring negative feelings to the fore. Look at the bright side - An interview is the best chance to convince the prospective employer that you are suitable for the job! You can do this with preparation. So what should preparing for an interview involve?

Research

• Do not go for an interview without proper company and industry research. Knowledge is power, wield it!
  
• Gather information regarding the company, and industry (ies), it operates in. The data should cover industry trends and statistics, company's products, financials, and other areas related to the company's operations.

Prepare a Checklist

Generally, during interviews, people tend to lose control over what they are talking. They offer unsolicited information and talk too much. To ensure that you do not fall into this trap, make a list of things you do not want to talk about, and stick to it. There is nothing you can do if some pointed questions are asked about something you are not comfortable about, just be honest. Otherwise, just be silent about potentially harmful topics such as your petty habits. Do not also bore the interviewers, talking about the medical history of your entire family.

Keep Your Cool

The idea behind an interview is to check how you act under pressure. Interviewers could deliberately ask you difficult questions with an aim to throw you off your balance. Therefore, just maintain your cool!

What Should Your Answers Reflect?

Your answers to the questions posed by the employer should contain some important attributes. These include honesty, maturity, clarity of thought and purpose, a structured and balanced way of thought, presence of mind, an open mind, good conceptualization skills, and good knowledge of the fundamentals.

Dress Code

The way you dress reflects what kind of a person you are, therefore, the dress code and grooming are very important while attending an interview. Look into the mirror and ensure that you are formally dressed and properly groomed. HR people are very particular about how you present yourself, and expect that you have trimmed hair, and wear polished shoes. This does not mean you should be over-dressed; just strike a balance!

Other Key issues

• Before going for the interview read the newspaper for the day! The interviewer may want to check your knowledge of current affairs.
  
  
• What and how you eat is also important! Have a light meal. Do not skip a meal, it could lead to loss of concentration.
  
  
• Ensure that you have all the required papers such as CV, call letter etc., with you. Arrange and carry them in a folder.
  
  
• Reach the interview destination 10-15 minutes before the interview. Do not, however, be there long before time; it could make you nervous.
  
  
• Do not experiment with your mode of transport, travel in a manner that is comfortable and reliable.

TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1. Tell me about yourself:

The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

2. Why did you leave your last job?

Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers, or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special, or other forward-looking reasons.

3. Why Should We Employ You?

For this question, your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the job. Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers. However, structure them to suit your requirements.

• I have good co-ordination skills
  
• Good analytical skills
  
• I can persuade people to see my point of view, and get the work done
  
• My greatest asset is my ability to motivate people
  
• Even during emergencies, I do not loose my cool
  
• I have good entrepreneurial skills
  
• I have consistently met my deadlines and targets
  
• Can say “no” to people when required to do so!
  
• I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates, and would like to see them grow
  
• I am a good team player
  
• I am very flexible, and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions
  
• I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here, give appropriate details and examples)
  
  

4. Have You Applied to Any Other Company?

This is of course a difficult question to answer. Obviously, you must have applied to other companies if you are looking for a job. Therefore, do not lie that you have not. However, you are on thin ice here! The interviewer could be checking your honesty. On the other hand, he/she may also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly, or is there a well-planned strategy?
Whatever your answer, it should match your career goals.

5. What Is Your Job Profile In the Current Job?

The interviewer is trying to find out if your experience can help the company – if you have the relevant skills or not! While answering this type of a question, give all details about your job profile, and also mention any special skills that you imparted to the job.

6. What Salary Are You Drawing?

The question is not difficult to answer – just be honest and give the figure. In all probability, your next employer may base your salary on this amount. However, the problem arises when you feel you are being underpaid in your current organisation. You may feel tempted to lie, but do not give in, as checks can be easily made and you may be disqualified. In case you are getting additional perks, incentives or commissions, do not forget to mention them, as they are important while negotiating salary.

7. What Salary Are You Expecting?

Try not to get into salary details early in the interview. If pressed, you could say that it all depends on the job, and would like to talk about it after a job offer. Say this in a convincing tone. In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews, give a direct answer. Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind.


SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1. How much do you expect?

If you have done your homework, you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid. Quote the range upfront.

2. How much do you think you are worth?

Work out how much you should be paid, given the market value of the job and your skills. If you can bring some extra skills to the table, do not hesitate to ask for more than the market value.

3. What kind of a culture are you comfortable with?

It is better to be frank about your preferences. Your interviewer will get a clear idea about your expectations.

4. Which is more important to you-salary, perks or growth opportunities?

This one will reveal the real you. So be sure what you are going to say. Above all, be true to yourself. If you think this is a negotiation move, then say clearly that you will never sell yourself short.

5. What do you know about our company?

Do not give your opinions about the company. Stick to reported facts that you have gathered from newspapers and so on. Talk about the product portfolio, size, income, and market perceptions of the company.

6. Why should we choose you over someone else?

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your current workplace and highlight the quality required. For instance, say how by putting systems or buffers in place, you were able to deal with infrastructural problems and reduce inventory pile-up by 40 per cent.

7. Your qualifications are excellent, but you may be overqualified for the position we have to offer?

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback. If you are multi-skilled, then highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people. It needs people within different departments to work together. Also emphasize that the company's future growth will be an exponential function of your experience.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK

Interviewers usually round off by giving you an opportunity to ask questions. Treat it like a welcome opportunity.

You could ask questions like.

a) Tell me about your company.

b) Now that I have outlined my career goals, do you think you can offer me the opportunities I need?

c) What kind of training and learning can I expect in your company?

d) Describe the work culture and the management style of your company?

e) What is the long-term vision of your company?

TIPS FOR DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF INTERVIEWEES

For Freshers, Unemployed And Those Shifting Career

Your current position and status can impact the way you are interviewed. Here are some tips based on the segment you belong to:

Fresh Out of College

• The basis on which you will be judged is your academic background, family background, and interests.
  
  
• If looking for your first job, ensure that your previous experience, even if it is part-time, is noticed.
  
  
• Mention projects or responsibilities you may have undertaken. This will indicate your area of aptitude.
  
  
• You should be willing to put in regular hours, in line with the company's policies. The interviewer needs to know whether you can be punctual and put in full-time work.
  
  
• In case you have applied for the post of management trainee, you should display an ability to adapt, and indicate all-round interests. Moreover, you should have good interpersonal skills.
  
  
• You should be enthusiastic to learn, and show commitment towards the organization, as the company will be spending a lot on your training.

Unemployed

People who have been unemployed or terminated generally suffer from feelings of anger, depression and resentment. All these have to be sidelined before entering the interview room. In case you belong to such a category, you could undertake some confidence building programs. You should go into the room with a positive attitude, after all, you have been given an opportunity to prove your abilities.

• Try to convince the employer that even though you have changed your career, there is still a link between them.
  
  
• You also need to tell the employer why you are looking for a change in your career.
  
  
• In case you are bringing up a family, indicate that the obligation will not hamper you, and you are thoroughly committed. You need to convince that you can be depended on, and can work longer hours if required.
  
• The interviewer will be concerned about how stable you will be in the job, and its up to you to clear such apprehensions. You could indicate that you have settled down, and will put in a reasonable amount of time in the company.

Make sure you write down the time, date and location of the interview, as well as the name of the person you will meet. Ask for concise directions and building numbers if applicable.

Bring with you

• Copies of your resumes
• References and letters of recommendations.
• Portfolio or sample of your work, if appropriate.

First Impressions

There is a common saying that minds are made up within the first 5 minutes of an interview. So keep in mind these important first impression indicators. Walk in the door as if you already work there, carry yourself as though you feel perfectly comfortable with the situation. Arrive on time or a little early. In the waiting area, politely tell the receptionist who you are meeting and in a friendly way, ask where you should sit. Take slow, deep breaths to help you remain calm and focused. When introduced to the interviewer, have a firm, but not painful, handshake. Smile. Have good posture when sitting or standing. Introduce yourself in a relaxed, confident manner. Have a well-groomed, professional appearance. Project a feeling of confidence. Bring extra copies of your resume, some thing to write on and something to write with