JOB INTERVIEWS

Job interviews can be either face-to-face or telephonic.

Face – to – face

Employer’s expectations

Your prospective employer might be looking for the following qualities in you when you
appear for an interview:

 Disposition. Appearance, clothes, facial expressions, gestures, manners, the way

you present yourself, the impression you leave on the employer – all these things
are components of your personality. Therefore, you must ensure that you present
yourself in a manner that leaves a lasting impression.
 Career Objective. The interview panel will be trying to gauge what you want to
pursue in your life. You may also be asked where you want to see yourself after
10 years. The panel will try to evaluate your current occupation, stated objectives,
consistency, and reasons for change. You should be clear about your career
objective and should be able to clearly convey the same to the employer by
linking the priorities in your life with your background and aptitude.
 Subject Knowledge. Every employer expects that the prospective employees are
well versed with the subjects they had pursued in the past or are currently
pursuing. Hence the employer will be interested in assessing the subjects of your
study, which are related to your job. So you must brush up the fundamentals of
your subject/s or any specialization you have pursued. Any shift in terms of area
or subject also needs to be explained.
 General Knowledge. A good general awareness is the primary requisite of a
candidate aspiring for a job today. The employer tries to assess your curiosity
about what’s happening all around you, your analytical ability, your mental level,
and your potential for coherent perception of multiple happenings. The panel may
ask questions ranging from the coup in a country to the announcement of an
award to a film. The way you tackle each question is very important. It is
necessary to feel confident and develop a positive frame of mind.
 Communication Skills. Communicating effectively is vital for both personal and
organizational growth. The employer will try to assess how effective you are in
communicating your ideas to him, both verbally and non-verbally, and how
intensely you can listen and comprehend.
 Mental Agility. The ability to quickly grasp the question and reply appropriately
is a sign of mental alertness. This quality implies quick thinking, presence of
mind, and quick response. The interviewer may judge your mental agility by
asking an odd question or by making a tricky remark. He could also assess you by
the observations you make when he presents you with a practical problem. You
can improve this quality by developing the art of concentration. Playing carrom or
chess, solving puzzles, reading witty and humorous plays and conversing with
intelligent people will help in developing this quality.

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  Consistency. A good candidate has a positive, definite, and well-developed
approach to life. He will stick to his opinion and make judicious decisions. He
will not be moved by emotions and external impressions. The interviewer may ask
the same question in a disguised form later in the interview to check your opinion.
Never contradict yourself.
 Self-confidence. This is the most essential requirement of a good candidate. Self-
confidence means trust in yourself. This generates self-esteem and self-respect.
By possessing will power, socializing, identifying your shortcomings, fighting
fear and nervousness, having a positive approach, and acting as a leader, you can
boost your self-confidence.

Ten Success Factors

Taking the right courses, holding good grades, and having related work experience are all
selection criteria. But they do not matter much if you do not project the qualities that
organizations look for.
The truth is that most interviewers seek individuals who are able to present
themselves well in a face-to-face interview and their selection skills. So most
interviewers naturally gravitate to specific ‘critical success factors’ that have worked for
them consistently.
The following are ten critical success factors nearly every company is looking for:
 Positive attitude towards work
 Proficiency in the field of study
 Communication skills (oral and written)
 Interpersonal skills
 Confidence
 Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
 Flexibility
 Self-motivation
 Leadership
 Teamwork
Show your competence in as many of the above critical success factors as possible and
you will rise above the competition.

Ten Failure Factors

There may be many reasons why you could be turned down for a job. The following are
ten common reasons for a candidate being rejected. Beware of them.
 Arrogance
 Apathy
 Uninhibited nervousness
 Equivocation
 Lack of concentration
 Lack of crispness
 Lack of social skills
 Lack of firmness

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  Inadequate qualitative / quantitative skills
 Unsuitable personality

Preparation

Successful interviews begin with preparation. Read this section again to be fully prepared
before your first interview. Develop a positive attitude. The key to success in an interview
is not your experience, your grades, what classes you took, your extracurricular activities,
or any other basic necessities. Those skills are what got you the interview. The key
element can be summed up in one word: attitude. If you want to rise above others with
better experience, better grades or better skills, you will need to work on developing a
highly positive work attitude. The way most employers differentiate at the entry level is
by the candidates’ attitude towards work. They look for those who have the can do
attitude and are sincerely willing to put forth their very best effort.

Go Through a Mock Interview The mock interview is more than just a chance to work
out your interview jitters. It is an opportunity to practice your interviewing technique and
answers live. It is also a chance to hear constructive feedback from someone who can
guide you towards improving your style and presentation during the real interview. Just
one mock interview will bring about a marked improvement in your interview skills.
Ideally, have the mock interviewer’s and your own. Go through at least one mock
interview. For maximum effectiveness, review your answers and then go through a
second mock interview. This will give you confidence in your first real interview.

Gather Adequate Inside Information The very best thing you can do to prepare for an
interview with a specific company is to interview someone who is already on the inside.
You can use your network to find out any one whom you know. Ideally, this would be an
individual who went straight out of your institution into the company – the more recent,
the better. If this is impossible then gather information on your own. The company
website, annual report newspaper articles, etc. will all provide you with information you
need about it – the company’s unique strength, mission, primary issues of focus within,
profitability, quality control and improvement, global market, important people, interview
process, etc. Note that the depth of information you can collect beforehand is far greater
than what you can get in the course of interview. And it will give you an edge over others
in the interview.

You should also take a critical look at the information you have about the job. Just
as you have structured your resume to show your qualifications, skills, and experience in
the best possible light, so too has the company’s advertisement for the job structured it in
the most attractive manner.

Look at it from several angles: are there any hidden snags or unanswered
questions – anything that may lead to regret later if you get the job? Make a list of
questions you want to ask, phrasing them in a non-controversial manner. During the
interview, you will be invited to ask questions. You can use the list at that point. It will
show how carefully you have prepared for the interview and how serious you are about
the job.

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Dress Appropriately Campus fashions and work fashions are two different worlds. You
should be doing the talking; not your clothes. Select conservative, good quality clothes.
they should be neat, clean, and polished. Arrange all your documents systematically in a
briefcase or neat folder and carry it with you.

Br Prepared to Ask Questions Interviewers expect you to come in with a working

knowledge of the company as well as with a list of questions. When you’ve really done
your homework you may not be able to think of any questions because you already have
the company’s history. Still, make up some questions ahead of time to ask during the
interview. They can be based on the job that you are applying for or your prospects in that
job.

Questions which you can ask the interviewer:

 Whom will I report to?

 Whom will I be working with?
 What training opportunities are there?
 What promotional prospects re there?
 When will you be making a final decision?

Memorize your Resume Imagine the embarrassment if your interviewer asks you to
elaborate on the project which you had done during your course of study, and you
fumble. For every item on your resume, try to have a paragraph’s worth of information in
addition to what is already said; even better, try to think of a way in which each item
illustrates one of your particular strengths or weaknesses. If you are too nervous to
remember everything, it is all right to hold a copy of your resume in your hand to jog
your memory. But do not forget to continue making eye contact with your interviewer.

Be Punctual The waiting room is your initial face-to-face connection point with your
potential employer. Always arrive at least ten to fifteen minutes early. This will give you
the time necessary to do a quick mental review before the actual interview. Have a glass
of water to avoid the ‘cottonmouth’ syndrome. Check in with the secretary or
administrator. Ask how long the interview is scheduled for, so you have an idea of how
much time you’ll have.

Relax By the time interview day rolls around, you should be set. Get a good night’s
sleep, eat well, and take a relaxing walk beforehand. And remember, it is just one job. If
you do not get it, it is not the end of the world – it just means that fate may have even a
better opportunity for you waiting around the corner.

Types of Questions Interview questions may either be open-ended or close-ended. There

are basically five types of questions you may face during the course of an interview.

1. Experience Questions
The main purpose of this type of question is to place objective measurements on
features of your background:

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 e.g., What is your C.G.P.A (Cumulative Grade Point Average)? How long were
you at…?
2. Credential Questions
This type of question aims at subjectively evaluating features of your background:
e.g., What did you learn in your network programming class? What were your
responsibilities in that position?
3. Opinion Questions
This type of question aims at analysing subjectively how you would respond in a
series of scenarios:
e.g., What would you do in this situation? What are your strengths and
weaknesses?
4. Dumb Questions
These questions are asked to find out if you are capable of an original thought:
e.g., Can you sell this pen to me in one minute? What kind of animal would you
like to be?
5. Behavioural Questions
The purpose of this type of question is to anticipate future responses based upon
your past behaviour:
e.g., Can you give me a specific example of how you did that? What were the
steps you followed to accomplish that task?
Behavioural questions are gaining greater acceptance by the trained interviewers
because past performance is that most reliable indicator of future results.
6. Difficult Questions
Good interviewers often ask difficult questions. This is because they have to
establish the weaknesses as well as strengths of each candidate.
Look at your CV from the interviewer’s perspective. List out the gaps,
weaknesses, and any problems you can see. If you were the interviewer, what
would you ask? Work out your answer to each question.

Process

Three Basic Steps In its simplest form, an interview consists of three distinct steps:
 Establishing rapport
 Gathering information
 Closing

Understanding and successful completion of these basic steps are critical for you to go
onto the next step in the process, whether that be another interview or the actual job offer.

Establishing Rapport The rapport-establishing step is where the vital first impressions
are formed. Some employers may claim to be able to make a decision about a candidate
in 30 seconds or less. The truth is that you set the tone for the interview through your
physical appearance and initial responses. When you enter the room, look around and
establish eye contact with the people there. Smile warmly and greet them. Shake hands
with a firm grip, if required, and sit when invited to do so.

Interviewers will analyse you in reference to the company culture. Further, your
initial responses will greatly affect how you are perceived in the eyes of the interviewer.
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It is not necessarily the words you say, but how you say them. This is where your positive
attitude and confidence will establish the tone for the interview. And this is the step
during which you may be able to make personal connection with the interviewer.

Information Gathering At this stage, the employers will be asking questions and
matching your answers against the critical success factors we have discussed earlier.
Some may be close-ended while others will be open-ended. Your honesty and sincerity
answering should be evident. Most interviewees are keenly aware of when they are being
snowed. The questions in this step will usually be probing questions which drill deep into
your background, attempting to get past the interview veneer. In fact this is the stage in
which you will need to consolidate the employer’s view. You will be judged on attitude,
work ethic (will you really work hard or are you just looking for a cushy job?),
intelligence, and honesty.

Closing If your interview was successful, there will usually be an indication of what is
to come next. You may be given further company information which is reserved only for
the select few. No matter what your view of the interview is up to this point, it is
important to personally close the interview by establishing continuity of the process.
Make certain you understand the next step and be prepared to follow up from the side.
Always pursue each interview as if it were your last.

Answering Techniques

1. Behavioural Answering Technique

 Talk about how you had done rather then how you would do.
 Be prepared to use examples from your work, classes, and extracurricular
activities.
 Be ready to offer not just any example, but your own example.

2. Compelling Story Technique

 Expand your answers by developing the specific examples into compelling
stories with personality, flair, and interest.
 Captivate your interviewer by providing the details and nuances that bring
your story to life.
 Do not, however, be tempted into lengthy monologues that will stretch the
interviewer’s time.

3. Personality Matching Technique

 Take your cue from the interviewer in terms of tone and approach. Do not be
too casual, even if the interviewer seems to be. Watch and Learn.
 Bring under control the ‘too much’ area (too loud, too pushy, too cocky, too
egoistical, too stuffy, etc.) in your own personality.

4. Parroting Technique
 Do not assume or make a ‘best guess’ of what the interviewer is looking for.

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  If a question is unclear to you, it is absolutely appropriate to ‘parrot back’
the question in your own words to make sure you have the correct meaning.
 Use it as a temporary stall when you do not have a ready answer.

5. Reframing Technique
 Always attempt to answer the questions as straightforwardly as possible
initially.
 Reframe the original question to illustrate an area of your background that
can further enhance your overall image.

Answering ‘Problem’ Questions

If you are asked an awkward question, you should try to turn this into an advantage. Do
not evade the question or lie. Answer in a straightforward manner, dealing briefly with the
negative aspects and move on, giving more time to detailing the positive aspects of the
situation. Compare these two situations:

A Mr Salim: Ms Tahir, you seem to have worked for just six months at
CompuSoft. Why?
Ms Tahir: They were going through a financial crunch and I was laid off.
Mr Salim: Why?
Ms Tahir: I just told you. They were …
Mr Salim: No, no, I meant why they lay you off, and not someone else?

B Mr Salim: Ms Parveen, you seem to have worked for just six months at
CompuSoft before leaving. Why?
Ms Parveen: They were going through a financial crunch and laid me off. That
gave me time to do a course on web design which came in most
helpful in my next assignment.
Mr Salim: Was that at Worldcom?
Ms Parveen: Yes.
Mr Salim: Tell me more about that.
As you can see, Ms Tahir has painted herself in a bad light, whereas Ms Parveen has
turned a negative point into a positive one by emphasizing the new skill she has acquired.

For example, if you are asked who your favourite professor is, you might give a
short answer about a particular professor, then reframe the question by explaining why
that professor is your favourite. ‘… in fact it was her inspiration that encouraged me to
participate in a two-week internship over the winter break, where I combined my
classroom knowledge with practical experience in the field of … .’ Thus you can use this
technique to your advantage in the interview.

6. Abraham Lincoln Technique

 Point to your strengths instead of making excuses for shortcomings.

 First speak (be it grades, work experience, extracurricular activities, etc.) well
of others when the interviewer asks why you are lacking in a particular area.
 Then establish your own case.
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 Abraham Lincoln, while arguing in the court, would usually argue both sides
of the case to the jury.
He would first take the opponent’s side of the issue and then his client’s side.

Fifty Standard Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What do toy want to do with your life?
3. Do you have any actual work experience?
4. How would you describe your ideal job?
5. Why did you choose this career?
6. When did you decide on this career?
7. What goals do you have in your career?
8. How do you plan to achieve these goals?
9. How do you evaluate success?
10. Describe a situation in which you were successful?
11. What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
12. What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction in your life?
13. f you had to live your life over again, what would you change?
14. Would you rather work with information or with people?
15. Are you a team player?
16. What motivates you?
17. Why should I hire you?
18. Are you a goal-oriented person?
19. Tell me about some your recent goals and what you did to achieve them.
20. What are your short-term goals?
21. What is your long-range objective?
22. What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
23. Where do you want to be ten years from now?
24. Do you handle conflict well?
25. Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How did you resolve
it?
26. What major problem have you had to deal with recently?
27. Do you handle pressure well?
28. What is your greatest strength?
29. What is your greatest weakness?
30. If I were to ask one of your professors to describe you, what would he or she
say?
31. Why did you choose to attend your college?
32. What changes would you make at your college?
33. How has your education prepared you for your career?
34. What were your favourite classes? Why?
35. Do you enjoy doing independent research?
36. Who were your favourite professors? Why?
37. Why is your GPA (Grade Point Average) not higher?
38. Do you have any plans for further education?
39. How mush training do you think you will need to become a productive
employee?
40. What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?

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 41. Why do you want to work in the ___________ industry?
42. What do you know about our company?
43. Why are you interested in our company?
44. Do you have any local preferences?
45. How familiar are you with the community that we are located in?
46. Will you relocate? In the future?
47. Are you willing to travel? How much?
48. Is money important to you?
49. How much money do you need to be happy?
50. What kind of salary are you looking for?

Sample Answers to some FAQs The following answers are provided to give you a new
perspective on how to answer some frequently asked and rather tough interview
questions. You can use them as the basic structure for formulating your own answers.
Answer the questions with specific examples that show clear evidence for what you are
saying about yourself. Always provide information that shows you want to become the
very best … for the company and that you have specifically prepared yourself for that.

Q. Tell me about yourself.

R. My background to date has been centred around preparing myself to become the very
best manager / software professional / scientist / communication engineer … I can
become. Let me tell you specifically how I’ve prepared myself …

Q. Why should we hire you?

R. Because I sincerely believe that I’m the best person for the job. I realize that there are
many other students who have the potential to do this job. I also have the ability. But I
also bring an additional quality that makes me the very best person for the job – my
attitude for excellence. Not just giving lip service to excellence but putting every part of
myself into achieving it.
In … and … I’ve consistently reached for becoming the very best … I can become by
doing the following …

Q. What do you want to be 10 or 15 years from now?

R. Although it is certainly difficult to predict things far into the future, I know what
decision I want to progress towards. Within five years, I would like to become the very
best … your company has. In fact, my personal career mission statement is to become a
world-class … in the … industry. I will work towards becoming the expert that others
rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I will be fully prepared to take on any greater
responsibilities that might be presented in the long run.

Q. What is your greatest weakness?

R. I would say my greatest weakness has been my lack of proper planning in the past. I
would overcommit myself with too much variant tasks, then not be able fully accomplish
each as I would like. However, since I’ve come to recognize that weakness, I’ve taken
steps to correct it. For example, I now carry a planning calendar in my pocket so that I
can plan all of my appointments and “to do” items. Here, let me show how I’ve planned
out this week …

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Q. What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
R. The key quality should be leadership – the ability to be a visionary for the people who
are working under him or her. A manager should be one who can set the right course and
direction for the subordinates. He / she should also be a positive role model for others to
follow. As a leader, he / she should be able to inspire and motivate other to reach the
highest of their abilities. I would like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a
true leader …

Q. If you had to live your life again, what would you change?
R. That is a good question. Realize that it can be very easy to continually look back and
wish that things had been different in the past. But I also realize that things in the past
cannot be changed, that only things in the future can be changed. That is why I always
strive to improve myself each and everyday and am working hard to increase my
knowledge in the … field. That is also the reason why I want to become the very best …
your company has ever had. And all of that is still in the future. So to answer your
question, there is nothing in my past that I would change. I look only to the future to
make changes in my life.
If you are truly interested in the job, one thing you should at the end of the interview is
recap: (i) why you feel you are the best candidate for the job (give two or three of your
strongest attributes and / or qualifications) and (ii) your interest in the position by asking
for the job.
Do not expect the employer to make the first move. Let them know of your interest and
desire to work for them.
When you leave an interview you, should leave the building as gracefully as you
entered it. You are as cordial to people on the way out as you were coming in. Then, as
you decompress, take time to review the interview while it is still fresh in your mind
because an interview is a learning experience to help you in future.

Overcoming Nervousness The interview is your opportunity to be at your best. If you

allow your nervousness to control your presentation, that may be the dominant
impression you have on the interviewer, blocking out any other positive aspects you may
present.
Why do we get nervous? Because of fear of the unknown. We are seeking approval, but
we are unsure of ourselves and how we will be perceived. We are afraid that we will not
get approval, and this fear makes us nervous. And to add to the complexity of the
problem, our increasing nervousness makes it even more difficult to gain that approval,
thereby compounding the basis for our fears. Uncontrolled nervousness can destroy our
ability to perform effectively in the interview.
But it need not be that way. Given in the following box is a simple technique that you
can apply to overcome nervousness in any interviewing situation. This is known as
Rowboat Technique and will help you overcome your fears and successfully meet with
and speak to people you have never met before in the interviewing situation.

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The Rowboat Technique
The Rowboat Technique is a simple contraction of the abdomen in combination with rhythmic
breathing that will allow you to fully overcome your nervousness in any situation. The steps
are as follows:
 Sit forward in a chair, with arms outstretched as if you are grabbing oars in a rowboat.
 Take a deep breath.
 Slowly pull back your arms and contract the abdomen muscles just below the rib cage.
 As you continue to let out air, roll the contraction of the muscle downward, just above
your pelvic region, centering on your naval.
 Keep your muscles tight until all the air has been expelled.
 Count to three (don’t breathe in yet), and then inhale deeply.
 Repeat this 2/3 times.

You will find your body completely relaxed. Even if you are not nervous, it is always a
good idea to use this technique as you are waiting to meet your interviewer. If you feel
nervous during the interview, you can still effectively apply this technique. Simply take in
a deep breath through your nose, and then contract your abdomen muscles in the ‘top-to-
bottom roll’ discussed above, as you slowly exhale through slightly parted lips. Hold it at
the bottom, take in a deep breath, and you are ready to go.
If you are overcome by nervousness while answering a question, simply pause, take a
deep breathe, exhale and contract, then continue.
This technique is virtually unnoticeable to anyone nearby. Make it a habit to apply this
technique several times before going on stage or for an interview whether you are feeling
nervous or not. The rationale behind this technique is that the muscle contractions prevent
the introduction of chemical imbalances into your system that can cause nervousness. The
deep breathing helps to dissipate any chemicals that have already been released. It forces
the body to prepare physically for the upcoming task. The body begins to produce
endorphins (hormones that produce feelings of elation), which will be needed for the
anticipated rowing ahead. and this exercise will give your mind the opportunity to focus
positively on the interview.
You can use this technique in a variety of circumstances in which you need to focus
your mind and body: overcoming anxiety, anger, fright, tension, nausea – even a simple
case of butterflies in the stomach. If you have not already done it, give it a try now.

Follow-up

There are two simple steps you can take to make a lasting impression after your
interview, which greatly increase your chances of success.
1. Call the interviewers to thank them for their time. If possible, you may want to add
additional information which was not discussed in the interview. This phone call
should ideally take place the same day. If you are unable to reach the interviewer
directly, leave a voicemail message. But it is a good idea to assess the situation before
you call.

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2. Immediately write the interviewers a short note, thanking them for their time and
restarting your interest in the position. Then do you best to get it to them as quickly as
possible. Fax it, hand-deliver it, e-mail it, whatever. But be sure they have it before
the end of the following day. These simple gestures of a phone call and thanks letter
can make a big difference in distinguishing you from your competitors. It has taken a
great deal of effort to get this far. Take the extra time to make this final impression a
positive one.

Tips for Success

 Be well prepared.
 Brush up your subject and general knowledge.
 Memorize your resume.
 Know about the company.
 Dress appropriately. Unless advised other wise, wear business attire. Limit make up,
perfume / aftershave, and jewellery.
 Be smart, clean and well groomed.
 Carry a briefcase or neat folder containing all relevant papers.
 Show up 10 – 15 minutes early. In case you feel you may get delayed, call up and
inform.
 When you meet your interviewer(s), shake their hands confidently.
 Stay calm, do not fidget or twiddle your thumb.
 Be polite.
 Never chew gum or smoke during the interview.
 Be yourself, be honest.
 Show a real interest in the job.
 Be aware of all the answering techniques.
 Do not answer a question you did not understand; ask for clarification first.
 Speak clearly using positive words / phrases such as enjoy, enthusiastic, positive
attitude, excellence, striving to be my best, etc.
 Appropriately use the top five: non-verbal eye contact (shows interest and
confidence), facial expression (tells about your delight and excitement), posture
(reveals confidence and power potential), gestures, space (shows your respect to the
interviewer and awareness about the organizational culture).
 In the end, restate your interest in the job.
 Smile and say ‘thank you’.
 Tell them how you look forward to seeing them again.
 Shake hands firmly.
 Tell them how much you enjoyed the interview.

Telephone Interviews

The telephone has a great deal of power; as a basic business instrument it has proved to
be very essential. The first contact many people have with you is over the phone. They
will probably form a lasting impression of you on the basis of that conservation.

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Fortunately, with a little tact and attention to what you say and how you say it, you can
use the phone as an effective tool in getting and keeping co-operation, sales, and
goodwill.
Many people do not take telephone interviews as seriously as face-to-face interviews. A
telephone interview is also an interview and not just a phone call, and hence it has to be
treated with all the respect given to a face-to-face interview.
There are three types of telephonic interviews:

1. You initiate a call to the hiring manager and they express interest in your background.
The call from that point forward is an interview.
2. A company calls you based upon a previous contact. You are likely to be unprepared
for the call, but it is still an interview.
3. You have a pre-set time with a company representative to speak further on phone.
This is also an interview.

Preparation

There are several things you can do in preparing for a telephone interview, so that you are
not caught unawares.
 Keep all of your documents within easy reach of the phone so that you can refer to
them. In this respect, you have a major advantage in a phone interview which does
not exist in a face-to-face interview.
 Have a note pad and pen to take notes.
 Keep a mirror nearby. Look in the mirror consistently throughout the phone call and
smile. You will improve your telephone presence by using this simple technique. You
will find yourself coming across much friendlier, more interested, and more alert. If
you feel self-conscious about seeing yourself in the mirror, you can use the mirror as
an occasional checkpoint. But for most of us, seeing our reflection gives us the kind
of feedback necessary to make instant modification towards a more positive presence.
When you try this technique, please ensure that you are alone in the room.
 Always stand up when you are talking with a potential employer on the phone. It gets
your blood flowing, improves your posture, and improves your response time. It helps
give an action perception to your telephone call.
 Try to match your speaking rate and pitch with that of the interviewer. Remember to
stay within your personality range, but venture towards that portion of your range
which most closely matches that of your interviewer.
 Place a ‘Do Not Disturb’ note on your door.
 Turn off your stereo, TV, and any other potential distraction.
 Warm up your voice while waiting for the call. Sing an uplifting song to yourself.
 If your phone interview is at a set time, make sure you answer nature’s call first.
 Have a glass of water handy, since you will not have a chance to take a break during
the call.

Guidelines

When you answer, identify yourself. A ‘hello’ is not sufficient; give your name and
department. By saying ‘Nasir Ali, Quality Control’, you give callers the information they
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need, and you also prompt them to identify themselves in return. This also shows that you
are businesslike and ready to be of service. Apply this rule even when picking up the
phone for someone else.
Organize yourself well before you face a telephonic interview. You will hardly have any
time to prepare, from the time the interview is fixed and till the time you will actually get
the call. You cannot anticipate when you will get the call. Usually the call comes at the
worst of times, such as early morning or late evening. Avoid being caught completely off-
guard by keeping your resume and a note pad by the telephone.
The most obvious (and often most neglected) point to remember is this: during the
interview, the interviewer has only ears to judge you with, and that is something you must
exploit. Here are some tips.

Take a Surprise Call in Your Stride If you receive a call as a result of a mailed resume
or a telephone message you left, and you are unprepared, be calm. Sound positive,
friendly, and collected: ‘Thank you for calling, Pranay. Would you wait just a moment
while I close the door?’ Put the phone down, take three deep breaths to slow your heart
down, pull out your resume and a scratch pad to take notes on, put a smile on your face,
and pick up the phone again. Now you are in control of yourself and the situation.

Always Refer to the Interviewer by the First Name This is especially valid for
interviewers from USA. During the start of the interview, when normal pleasantries are
exchanged, greet the interviewer enthusiastically. Make a conscious effort to infuse
enthusiasm and pep in your voice. Allow the company representative to do most of the
talking. Keep up your end of conversation and be sure to ask a few questions of your own
that will reveal you as an intelligent person and provide you the opportunity to promote
your candidacy. For example, ask what immediate projects the interviewer’s department
is involved in. When the interviewer answers your question, you will either have a clear
picture of how to sell yourself, or you will ask a follow-up question for clarification. For
example: ‘What specific skills and personality traits do you think are necessary for a
person to succeed with those challenges?’

Beware of Giving Yes/No Answers They give no real information about your abilities.
Also, try giving answers which give details about you to the interviewers that he or she
can ask you more questions. Be factual in your answers. If a situation arises where you
are forced to say, ‘I do not know’, do so gracefully and try and cover up your
shortcomings with your strengths by saying, ‘I do not know, but I can study that and I am
confident that given the opportunity, I can master it in a short span of time.’ Do not try to
hide your shortcomings, but every time you acknowledge your shortcoming, do it in a
positive manner.

Speak Directly into the Telephone Keep the mouthpiece about one inch from your
mouth. do not smoke or eat while talking on the phone.

Take Notes They will be invaluable. Towards the end of the interview you will get an
opportunity where the interviewer will invite you to ask questions, if any. You can make
good use of your notes here. If, for any reason, the interview is interrupted, jot down the
topic under discussion. when he or she gets back on the line, you can helpfully recap:

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‘We were just discussing …’. That will be appreciated and will set you apart for the
others.
The interviewer may talk about the corporation. A little flattery goes a long way (but do
not overdo it): admire the company’s achievements and you are, in fact, admiring the
interviewer. Likewise, if any areas of common interest arise, comment on them, and
agree with the interviewer when possible – people hire people like themselves. If the
interviewer does not give you the openings you need to sell yourself, be ready to salvage
the situation and turn it to your advantage.
The telephone interview has come to an end when you are asked whether you have any
questions. Ask any questions that will improve your understanding of the job
requirements. If you have not asked before, now is the time to establish what projects you
would be working on in the first six months.
‘It sounds like a very interesting opportunity, Pranay, and a situation where I could
definitely make a contribution. I am very excited about the project that you just
described. I just can’t wait to get the good news from you.’ (Note: Even though the
emphasis throughout has been on putting things in your own words, do not use ‘make a
contribution’. It shows pride in your work – a key personal trait.)
Once the details are confirmed, finish with this request: ‘If I need any additional
information, can I gat back to you?’ The company representative will naturally agree. No
matter how many questions you get answered in the initial conversation, there will
always be something you forgot. This allows you to call again to satisfy any curiosity – it
will also enable you to increase rapport. Do not take too much advantage of it, though –
one well-placed phone call that contains two or three considered questions will be
appreciated; four or five phone calls will not.

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 SUCCESS IN AN INTERVIEW

Many factors contribute towards success in an interview. Some of these, are enumerated
below.

Manners, Meals and Interviews

Interviews are often stressful – even for job seekers who have been interviewed many
times. Interviewing can be even more stressful when you are expected to eat and talk at
the same time. One of the reasons employers take job candidates out to lunch or dinner is
to evaluate your social skills and to see if you can handle yourself gracefully under
pressure. Dining a prospective employee allows employers allows employers to review
your communication and inter-personal skills, as well as your table manners, in a more
relaxed (for them) environment. Table manners do matter. Good manners may give you
edge over another candidate: so, take some time to brush up your dining etiquette skills.

Dressing for the Interview

Appearance is very important and good grooming is essential. Your hair should be neat
and stylish. Your nails should be well manicured and clean. Men’s nails should be short.
Women’s nails should be of a reasonable length and polished in a neutral colour. Also for
women, the make-up should not be heavy. Perfume or cologne should be avoided as some
people find certain scents offensive.

Establishing Rapport

Since the interviewer’s job is to make sure that not only your skill but your personality as
well is a good match, you must establish rapport with the person or persons interviewing
you. That begins the instant you walk in to the door. Let the interviewer set the tone.
Nothing is as awkward as offering your hand and having the gesture not returned by the
other person. Therefore, you should wait for the interviewer to offer his/her hand first, but
be ready to offer your hand immediately. Some experts suggest talking at the same rate
and tone as the interviewer. For example, if the interviewer is speaking softly, so should
you.

Body Language

Body language gives more away about us than speech. Eye contact is very important but
make sure it looks natural. A smiling, relaxed face is always inviting. Hands resting
casually in your lap rather than arms folded across your chest also are more inviting. If
you normally move your hands around a lot when you speak, tone it down some. You do
not want to look too stiff, but you do want to look like you are a bundle of nervous
energy.

Answering Questions

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Speak slowly and clearly. Pause before you answer a question. Your answers will seem
less rehearsed and it will give you a chance to collect your thoughts. Keep in mind that a
very brief pause may seem like an eternity to you. It is not. Prepare answers to some
basic questions. Do not memorize the actual answers, but become familiar with how you
will answer the questions.

Asking Questions

Usually towards the end of the interview, the person conducting it will ask you if you
have any questions. You should have some. You should ask about what a typical day
would entail. You could also ask what special projects you would be working on. As in
every other aspect of the job search, you are trying to show the employer how you can fill
the needs. By asking about a typical day on the job or special projects, you are putting
yourself in the job and showing the employer how you will satisfy the employer’s needs.
Do not ask about salary, benefits, or vacations, as those all imply ‘what will you, the
employer, do for me?’

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 TYPES OF INTERVIEWING QUESTIONS

Skilled interviewers use a variety of types of questions to draw the most information from
the candidate. These are listed below in the approximate order in which they might be
asked.

Permission Questions Permission questions demonstrate concern for the order party.
They are used at the beginning of the interview to put the other person at ease. Examples
include:
 Are there any questions you have about the process before we begin the
interview?
 Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable before we begin?
 Okay, should we start with question one?

Factual Questions Factual questions are lo-risk attempts to obtain objective data about
the applicant. They are intended to give you a picture of the status of the other party.
These questions can be used to help make the applicant feel comfortable and are good to
use at the beginning of the interview and after a particularly difficult or threatening
question. Examples include:
 What do you do in your present job?
 How long have you worked there?
 What attracted you to our company?

‘Tell me About’ Questions These questions are the most important during a hiring
interview. They ask the candidate to describe their past experience. Examples include:
 Tell me more about a recent important decision you made and how you went
about it.
 Walk me through the first and last half hour of your most recent normal workday.
What did you do first, second, etc?
 Tell me about a recent work assignment that made you look forward to going to
work.

Feeling Questions Feeling questions are designed to obtain subjective data on the other
party’s feelings, values and beliefs. They are useful as follow-ups to ‘tell me about’ or
factual questions. Make sure that the applicant responds by describing an emotional state,
not by describing what they thought. Examples include:
 How did you feel about that reaction?
 What do you like best (least) about your present job?
 How would you feel it this were to occur?

Checking Questions Checking questions allow you to make sure you have understood
the other person’s answer. They are useful at any point in the interview, but most useful at
the end to help you check any assumptions you have made about the applicant. Examples
include:
 Is this what you mean?
 As I understand it, your plan of action is this, Am I right?
 Are you saying that was a negative experience?

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 IMPORTANT NON-VERBAL ASPECTS

Many interviews fail because of lack of proper communication. Communication is more

than just what you say. Often it is the non-verbal communication that we are least aware
of, yet it speaks the loudest. Following are the top five non-verbal signals ranked in order
of importance, when it comes to interviewing:

 Eye Contact. If you have a habit of looking away while listening, it shows lack of
interest and a short attention span. If you fail to maintain eye contact while
speaking it shoes lack of confidence in what you are saying. It may also a send the
subtle indication that you may be lying. Do not just assume you have good eye
contact. Ask. Watch. Then practice. Ask others if you ever lack proper eye
contact. If they respond that they have noticed, ask if it is during speaking or
listening. Take note. Then sit down with a friend and practice until you are
comfortable maintaining sincere, continuous eye contact.

 Facial Expressions. Take a good, long, and hard look at yourself in the mirror.
Look at yourself as others would. Then modify your facial expressions. First
eliminate any negative overall characteristics that might exist, then add a simple
feature that nearly every interviewee forgets – a smile, a true and genuine smile
that says that you are a happy person and delighted to be interviewed by the
company.

 Posture. Posture sends the signal of your confidence and power potential. Stand
tall, walk tall, and most of all, sit tall. This is not said to offend short people.
Height is not what is important, posture is. When you are seated, make sure you
sit at the front edge of the chair, slightly leaned forward, intent on the subject at
hand. Your best posture is to always be leaning forward slightly.

 Gestures. Contrary to popular belief, gestures should be very limited during an

interview. So, do not use artificial gestures to supposedly heighten the importance
of the issue at hand. It will merely come off as theatrical. When you do use
gestures, make sure they are sincere and meaningful.

 Space. Recognize the boundaries of your personal space and that of others. For
most Americans, it ranges between 30-36 inches. For most of us, merely the
awareness of our personal space in enough to consciously prompt us to stand firm.
If you have a smaller than average personal space, make sure you keep your
distance so that you do not intimidate someone who possesses a larger personal
space.

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 TYPES OF INTERVIEWS

A job interview is your chance to show an employer what he/she will get if you are hired.
That is why it is essential to be well prepared for the job interview. Preparing means
knowing about the industry, the employer, and yourself. It means paying attention to
details like personal appearance, punctuality, and demeanour. Knowledge is your best
weapon. Before you research the industry and the company and even before you practice
answering the questions you might be asked, you should have some general information
about job interviews. Let us start by going over the different types of interviews you
might face.

Screening Interview Your first interview with a particular employer will often be the
screening interview. This is usually an interview with someone in human resources. It
may take place in person or on the telephone. He / she will have a copy of your resume in
hand and will try to verify the information on it. The human resources representative will
want to find out if you meet the minimum qualifications for the job and, if you do, you
will be passed on to the next step.

Selection Interview The selection interview is the step in the process that makes people
the most anxious. The employer knows you are qualified to do the job. While you may
have the skills to perform the tasks that are required by the job in question, the employer
needs to know if you have the personality necessary to ‘fit in’. Someone who cannot
interact well with the management and co-workers may disrupt the functioning of an
entire department. This can ultimately affect the company’s bottomline. Many experts
feel that this can be determined within the first several minutes of the interview.
However, more than one person being interviewed for a single opening may appear to fit
in. Often, job candidates are invited back for several interviews with different people
before a final decision id made.

Group Interview In a group interview, several job candidates are interviewed at once.
The interviewer or interviewees are trying to separate the leaders from the followers. The
interviewer may also be trying to find out if you are a team player. The type of
personality the employer is looking for determines the outcome of this interview. There is
nothing more to do than act naturally. Acting like a leader if you are not one may put you
into a job for which you are not appropriate.

Panel Interview In a penal interview, the candidate is interviewed by several people at

once. It can be quite intimidating as questions are fired at you. You should try to remain
calm and establish rapport with each member of the panel. Make eye contact with each
member of the panel as you answer his/her question.

Stress Interview The stress interview is not a very pleasant way to be introduced to the
company that may end up being your future employer. It is, however, a technique
sometimes used to weed out those who cannot handle adversity. The interviewer may try
to artificially introduce stress into the interview by asking questions so quickly that the
candidate does not have time to answer each one. Another interviewer trying to introduce
stress may respond to the candidates answer with silence. The interviewer may also ask

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offbeat questions, not to determine what the job candidate answers, but how he/she
answers.

STYLES OF INTERVIEWING

The two styles of interviewing used by companies today are the traditional job interview
and the behavioural job interview.

Traditional Job Interview The traditional job interview uses broad-based questions,
such as, ‘why do you want to work for this company’ and ‘tell me about your strengths
and weaknesses’. Interviewing success or failure is more often based on the ability of the
job-seeker to communicate than on the truthfulness or content of his/her answers.
Employers are looking for the answer to three questions: does the job-seeker have the
skills and abilities to perform the job, does the job-seeker possess the enthusiasm and
work ethic that the employer expects, and will the job seeker be a team player and fit into
the organization.

Behavioural Job Interview The behavioural job interview is based on the theory that
past performance is the best indicator of future behaviour, and uses questions that probe
specific past behaviour, such as, ‘tell me about a time where you confronted an
unexpected problem’, ‘tell me about an experience where you failed to achieve a goal’,
and ‘give me a specific example of a time when you managed several projects at once’.
Job-seekers need to prepare for these interviews by recalling scenarios that fir the various
types of behavioural interviewing questions. Expect interviewers to have several follow-
up questions and probe for details that explore all aspects of a given situation or
experience. Recent college graduates with little work experience should focus on class
projects and group situations that might lend themselves to these types of questions. Job-
seekers should frame their answers based on a four-part outline: (i) describe the situation,
(ii) discuss the actions you took, (iii) relate the outcomes, and (iv) specify what you
learned from it.

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 JOB INTERVIEWING DO’S AND DON’TS

By following the simple rules provided below, you should be able to achieve success in
this important phase of job hunting.

 Do take a practice run to the location where you are having the interview – or be
sure you know exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there.
 Do your research and know the type of job interview you will be encountering.
Do prepare and practice for the interview, but don’t memorize or over-rehearse
your answers.
 Do dress the part for the job, the company, and the industry. And do err on the
side of conservatism.
 Do plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never
excusable.
 If presented with a job application, do fill it out neatly, completely, and accurately.
 Do bring an extra copy of your resume to the interview.
 Do greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms, Mr, Dr, etc) and last name if you are sure
of the pronunciation. If you are not sure, do ask the receptionist about the
pronunciation before going into the interview.
 Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).
 Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
 Don’t be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence.
 Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don’t be overly aggressive.
 Don’t say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers.
 Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual
and sincere manner.
 Do stress your achievements. Don’t offer any negative information about
yourself.
 Do remember that the interview is also an important time for you to evaluate the
interviewer and the company she represents.
 Don’t inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other benefits until
after you have received an offer.
 Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job and
asking about the next step in the process. (Some experts even say you should
close the interview by asking for the job.)
 Do immediately take down notes after the interview concludes so you don’t
forget crucial details.

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