| Interview is your first and the most important | | | | in front of the interviewer. Most questions will be based |
| encounter with your prospective employer What you | | | | on what you have written there. So, don’t lie on |
| say, how you dress, how you behave and other such | | | | your resume and be prepared to showcase your skills |
| things can make or mar your chances of getting that | | | | in a positive manner. |
| dream job. Especially for first time job seekers, | | | | Interviewer's Most Frequently Asked Questions |
| interviews can be intimidating. So, a little preparation for | | | | Q: Tell me something about yourself. |
| the same can be really helpful. Given below are a few | | | | A: This is the most commonly question asked in an |
| tips that will help you cruise through your interview | | | | interview. Mention the details about your education, |
| smoothly and perform better with heightened chances | | | | work experience (if any) and your core competencies. |
| of getting hired. | | | | Don't just narrate what is already written in your |
| | | | | resume as it is already in front of the interviewer. Say |
| Try to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the job interview | | | | something extra but relevant to the interviewer, which |
| schedule so that you get time to cool down and get | | | | makes him interested in you and proves your suitability |
| your mind ready for the interview. If you get | | | | for the job. Try not to sound too rehearsed and don't |
| unavoidably delayed, notify the company immediately | | | | talk for longer than five minutes. |
| stating the reason and your estimated time of arrival. | | | | |
| This shows your professionalism and sincerity. | | | | Q: Mention your strengths. |
| The age old adage “First impression is the last | | | | A: Prepare on any key strength such as confidence, |
| impression” still holds true so dress smartly for the | | | | motivation, tenacity, positive attitude etc and explain |
| interview. You should wear a formal dress and make | | | | why these would be valuable for the role you have |
| sure that you look professional. While different | | | | applied for. |
| industries call for different work attire, it is always safe | | | | |
| to stick to formal dressing. Dress according to the | | | | Q: Dwell upon your weaknesses. |
| culture and style of the company that you're | | | | A: Now, this is a tricky question. But you can answer it |
| interviewing with. | | | | in a manner that benefits you. Try to state a |
| Dressing tips for men | | | | weakness that can be considered as strength by the |
| · A neatly ironed long-sleeve working shirt (avoid | | | | employer. For example: "I get impatient and tend to |
| colorful shirts, stick to one solid color such as blue, grey, | | | | lose temper when deadlines are not met.” This |
| white) | | | | shows that you don't like to work with inefficiency and |
| · A tie | | | | are particular about deadlines. |
| · A suit or sports coat | | | | |
| · A pair of neatly-ironed dark-colored formal trousers | | | | Q: Where do you see yourself five years from now? |
| · Conservative colors (avoid bright, flashy colors e.g. | | | | A: This question is asked to see how stable you are |
| bright orange, fuchsia, etc.) | | | | and what is your vision of career growth. The answer |
| · Well-polished dark color shoes | | | | will show your clarity of thought and how you have |
| · Neatly groomed or cleanly shaved beard and/or | | | | planned your future. |
| moustache | | | | |
| Dressing tips for women | | | | Q: Why do you think you are fit for the job? |
| - Conservative blouse (steer clear of low cleavage | | | | A: Answer this question by citing how you have |
| and bare back designs) | | | | learned from your past experience and how the |
| - Business suit | | | | knowledge that you have acquired through your |
| - Conservative colors (keep the colors to a maximum | | | | education can be utilized in accomplishing the objective |
| of three) | | | | of your job. Try to state how you can bring a positive |
| - Properly fitting, non-revealing clothes. Avoid short | | | | difference to the company. If you are a fresher, state |
| skirts. | | | | your strengths. Try to match your analytical skills, your |
| - A salwar-kameez or sari in non-flashy colors | | | | soft skills, your qualities with what is required by the |
| - A conservative hair style; tied-up long hair or set hair | | | | employer and try to convince the employer that you |
| in a neat hairstyle. | | | | are best suited for this post. |
| - Appropriate closed-toe shoes or pumps. | | | | After you have been interviewed, you should also try |
| You need to carry important documents while going | | | | to find out as much as possible about the organization |
| for an interview. Always carry photocopies of your | | | | and the post you have applied for. This will prove to |
| degrees and certificates unless the interviewer has | | | | the employer that you are interested. Ask intelligent |
| specifically asked for originals. Arrange them neatly in | | | | questions and do not concentrate on salary as of now. |
| a file. Carry at least two copies of your resume, mark | | | | That can be negotiated after you have got the job. |
| sheets, photographs etc. | | | | During the last few moments of your job interview, |
| All the above mentioned tips prepare you to meet the | | | | emphasize on your skills and your strengths which |
| interviewer. Now, it is time for the real test- facing the | | | | makes you best suited for the job. This will help the |
| interviewer’s questions. Feel confident and don’t | | | | interviewer to remember your skills and strengths as |
| panic even if you don’t know the correct response | | | | this will be the last thing which the interviewer will hear. |
| to a particular question. If you fumble or look extremely | | | | Restate your interest in the job but don't sound |
| nervous, the interviewer will lose interest in you. | | | | desperate or too anxious. Instead show how |
| Thoroughly go through your resume before appearing | | | | interested you are and how best you fit the job profile. |