Interview Tips and Tricks

Aravind .T.S www.maxtrainer.in

The interview is your opportunity to convince an employer that you are the right person for the job

As the interviewee

• Communicate information about yourself, your experience and your abilities

• Seek further information about the position and the organization

• Evaluate the match between your needs and what the job offers

For the interviewer

• Interview preparation - interest in and knowledge of the industry, the position and the organization

• Communication skills - oral presentation skills and the ability to interact with others

• Qualifications - academic, work, volunteer and other experience

• Leadership potential and teamwork - demonstrated ability to work with others and to get others to work together

For the interviewer • Clear and realistic career goals - future plans and

awareness of career paths• Self awareness - realistic appraisal of self• Motivation and success potential - enthusiasm for the

position; demonstrated patterns of accomplishment• Work ethic - acceptance of responsibility, ability to

keep commitments and attitude of the importance of work

Types of Interviews

Interviews can take a variety of formats. 

Familiarize yourself with all of them

Screening Interview

These are usually short interviews used to screen for specific experience, skills and/or education.

Job offers do not come as a result of this interaction. 

Telephone Interview

• This type of interview can happen unexpectedly or be planned.

• No matter how it occurs, you must answer the questions effectively in order to move to the next stage

Guidelines for a telephone interview:

1. If it is scheduled, make it for a time when you can give 100% of your attention.

2. If it is not scheduled, and the timing is not convenient, let the employer know. Ask if you can call back at a more convenient time.

3. Take the call in a quiet place.4. Jot down key points you want to make and questions you

want to ask ahead of time.5. Keep a copy of your resume and the job description

nearby.

One-on-One interview

• You and one interviewer. • You may have individual interviews with

several members of an organization.

Sequential Interviews

• You may be passed from one department or manager to another.

• one-on-one interview taking place at each step

Panel Interview

• You are interviewed by a committee• two to six members from several different

departments who have varying levels of responsibility

• It is important to make eye contact with each panel member

Group Interview

• you and other interviewees are interviewed simultaneously.

• It gives the interviewer the opportunity to screen many applicants at one time and also provides an opportunity to observe group interactions.

Preparing for the Interview

• verbal and nonverbal behaviors• Self-expression• self-confidence• Enthusiasm• knowledge of the organization ,and • your ability to relate to the interviewer will

create a positive impression.

Know yourself Talking about your strengths and

accomplishments in a straightforward, enthusiastic manner

Know the opportunity Mission, customers, programs, staffing, new

products and services, acquisitions.

*organization’s website is a potential source for this information

Organization and Position Research

1. What are the responsibilities of the position?2. What skills are required?3. What is the organizational structure of the department/division to

which the person in the position will report?4. What products or services does it provide?5. What population does it serve?6. Who is the competition?7. What are trends in this industry?8. What is the future of the organization?9. Are any new initiatives planned?10. Have any new products or services been introduced recently?

Prepare for interview questions

Standard Interview Questions

– Tell me/us about yourself.– Why did you apply for this position?– What are your major strengths?– What are your weaknesses? – What accomplishments are you most proud of in

your career? – Do you have any questions?

Behavioral Interview Questions

• One of the most reliable ways for an interviewer to predict how you will perform in the future

Is to hear about how you have performed in

the past.

common behavioral interview questions

• Tell me about a time when you demonstrated your ability to……

– Work effectively under pressure. – Handle a difficult situation with a co-worker. – Make an unpopular decision.– Be tolerant of an opinion that was different from yours. – Gain support for a new program.– Worked with others to complete a project.– overcome a major obstacle.– Prioritize the elements of a complicated project.

Situational Interview Questions

A marketing manager might be asked: “How would you plan a new product or service

launch on campus?”The interviewer may also present a hypothetical

situation for you to try and solve

The best way to prepare

• Thoroughly research the position and try to anticipate interview questions.

• Review past experiences that reflect positively on your behavior.

• Jot down ideas about each experience and examine your role

• Select some challenging experiences

What maks you to crack the Interview

PracticePracticePractice

Before the interview

Dress appropriatelyChoose industry-appropriate clothing in a classic

style.

Know where the interview is located and how long it will take to get there

Allow time for traffic, parking and last minute distractions. Arrive at least 15 minutes early

Take two or three copies of your resume and

Turn off your cell phone!

RelaxBe Yourself

During the interview

Be professional• Remember, your interview starts when you

enter the building. • When you shake hands, include eye contact

and a smile. • Handshakes should be firm but not aggressive;

try matching the grip of the interviewer.

Anticipate the unexpectedYou may be asked an unexpected question; try

to determine why it is being asked.“That’s a good question; I would like to take a

moment to think about it.”

Always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job

Be aware of your non-verbal behavior

After the Interview

It is time to evaluate your interview and send a follow-up thank you.

Evaluate your interview

• What questions were asked?• What questions did you wish you had answered

differently?• Did you present your qualifications in the best manner

possible, giving appropriate examples as evidence?• Did you emphasize how your skills are related to the role?• Did you talk too much? Too little?• What questions do you wish you had asked the

interviewer?• What changes can you make for your next interview?

“Is this the right job for me?”

Follow-up

In today’s competitive job market, little things such as writing thank you letters

can make a Big difference. 

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