Job Interview

P N Rao

Part 1

PreludeFacing interview is a challenge. Apart from knowledge and

skills, attitude counts much. Knowledge and skills can be developed through training and counseling, even after inducting them in job, but changing attitude is not a fully guaranteed task. Personality development is the most important aspect along with knowledge and procedures. Importance is given in the Academic institutions mostly to the academic and professional education only. Knowledge on Personality development and communication skills is normally imparted to technical students only. Candidates must be fully aware of personality development and the pre interview procedures to face interviews. Interviews may be personal, on phone or panel interviews. Since attitude counts much in the interview so candidates must be fully aware of their attitude. About ¾ of the interview is for testing attitude and rest is for testing knowledge.

INDEXS.No. Topic Slide no.

1. Types/styles of interview 52. Customer interview 63. Pre interview preparation Job profile 84. Your ability/skills 95. Documentation , fields 106. Resume : Objective 117. Points to be covered 128. Project work experience 139. Page setting 14

10. Interview phase: Body language 1611. Shake hand etiquette 17,12. Dress code 1813. Presenting Resume 1914. Questions asked and probable answers 23-2915. Dos , Don’ts 30, 3116. Acknowledgement, references 33

Types/styles of interview• Meandering style: to lead discussion• Directive style: strong and determined type• Behavioral interview • Stress interview • Group interview • Telephonic interview • Lunch/dinner interview • Video interview • Audition • Sequential interviews: series of interviews at a time.

Reactions Anxiety:• Pounding heart• Sweating forehead, hands, palms and legs• Aching legs• Facial tics• Grieving voice• Flushed or pale face• Knees weak• Dry mouth• Racing thoughts• Nausea Excitement:• Overenthusiastic• Impatient• Speaking more• Futile discussionFear:• Nervousness• Trembling• Negative thoughts

You should:• Breath slowly and consistently• Drink little water• Laughing or joking reduces stressBody language• Wide gesture.• Hands free of your sides s.a. out of pockets. Indicates

you are comfortable.• Open handed gestures indicates that you have

nothing to hide. Good signal.• Don’t cross arms across the body• Avoid half hug i.e. putting your hand on shoulder at

other side. It indicates that you want support. Bad signal.

• Don’t show pointing finger towards members of panel

• Avoid anger • Avoid exciment

Pre Interview / preparation stage

Job profile• Job profile of job you want to seek • Search for company details. • Status/position amongst other companies in the market. • Major products of the company, location, company’s competitors,

company’s culture and recent changes and development in the company.

• Annual turnover and viability• Gains/losses in the last financial year• Work place environment• Risk factors in the company• Work culture prevalent inside the company.• Focus on your career, objective and goal. • Research your professional skills, personal skills, leadership

abilities, progress scope, and responsibility of the position and job.

• Analysis your knowledge, experience, qualities, employer’s requirement,

• Know your strength to articulate skills, accomplishments, career goals, and strength.

Your ability • Your ability for the job,• Confidence in growth,• Willingness to articulate, accomplish skills,• Ability to shoulder responsibility and, • Goal settingKnow your skills• Creative skills : inventing, designing, developing, acting• Helping skills: clarification, expedition• Technical skills: assembling, building, fault rectification• Teaching skills: adept, advice.• Management skills: evaluation, delegation• Communication skills: enlisting, directing• Research skills: collecting, diagnosing• Administrative skills: arranging , approving, monitoring

Ability determines your capability.Motivation determines what you do.Attitude determine how well you do.

Documentation• Sufficient copies of resume, references and other letters, • Portfolios, pens, • Palm pilot/organizer,• Original marks sheets with sufficient duly attested photo

copies,• Business card if any,• Note pad, • Roadmap.Park your vehicle at designated place/ in parking

Resume

Resume• Resume is a self- marketing tool.• It should be of one to two pages along with bio-data.• It guides interviewer and reminds interviewee of the

professional qualification, experience and achievements of past.

• Curriculum vitae (CV) is the detailed account of accomplishments, work done in past and experience may be of 4-5 pages. This is normally presented in research based tasks.

Objective:• To present a targeted statement clearly stating the job

you like to seek. • Specific and concise resume presented focuses

credibility and direction.

Points to be covered in resume -• Name• Residential address details with postal pin code.• Contact telephone number/Mobile phone number.• E-mail number. Better to create a new one.• Educational Qualification : Professional Academic• List highest degree first followed by other• Degrees/diplomas in reverse order; highest to lowest order • Abbreviations should not be used.• Degree, full name of uniersity and college be mentioned.

• Additional qualification• Extra curriculum activities, hobbies etc.

Project/work experience• Project title• Company name• Projects highlighting skills and knowledge relevant to the

job seeking for.• Well written resume helps employer to focus on your

strength.• Projects should be listed in reverse chronological order.• Different projects and roles show your multi skilling ability.• Other details as needed.• Fancy fonts, clip art should not be used in resume.• Taylor the resume to highlight your excellent skills and also

to suit the panel to checks your ability.

Page settingMargins:• 1” indenting on all sides• If needed upper and lower margins can be reduced.• In no way side margins be reduced since these margins are used

for giving remarks by interviewer.• Boarders and title should not be used.Font and margins tips• Font size: Times Roman 12 or Ariel • Heading (Name, address, qualification, achievements and

project in bold. Times Roman 12, Only name in bold Times Roman 14, Same fonts should be used through the resume.

• Left justification• Short but full resume should be submitted.Paper:• A4 size bond paper should be used.• Paper used should be of Professional quality white colour only • No dark or coloured paper be used. ( since paper may be

required to photo copied.) Print: Preferably Lazar print with proper spell check including manual check .

Interview phase

Dress codeMen • Formal , comfortable and used to dress • Suit: sleeve 1.5 inches below wrist touching the base of the thumb.• When you sit on chair, un button the blazer. • Shirt: solid plain coloured, long sleeved with appropriate fittings.• Tie: 100% silk, suiting shirt a preferably solid coloured, on stripped shirt plain tie. • Tie to reach buckle of the belt + /- 1”• Collor button should always be closed while wearing tie. • Trouser: dark coloured, preferably black.• Belt: match with colour of shoes.• Socks: dark coloured or matching the suit. • Shoes: brown or preferably black • Avoid earrings, bracelets, chain and piercing the body.• Finger ring: Wedding ring is only permitted.• Hair: properly groomed and should not be longer than shirt color.• Appropriate deodorant / colognes only• Mouth freshener: as required , only before entering the roomWomen• Indian style : saree /suit with neutral colours. • No embroidery work or laces on upper garments.• Western style: trouser or skirts below knees and upper garments with appropriate

colours without lace. • Shoes with 1-2” heel, no striped sandles

• Don’t roam in veranda • Properly groomed hair• Neat and tidy dress• Nails should be properly cut• Ask permission before entering interview room• Quietly close the room after entering the room.• Proper walk• Wish the interview panel members properly• Have proper posture• Maintain eye contact• Firm shake hand if extended• Have brilliant smile• Wait till seat is offered• Quietly pull the chair before sitting. • Thank for offering seat• Sit straight in comfortable posture • Gesture with open hands impresses• Don’t lean on the table.

Sitting posture• If you’re wide open while sitting, your posture is similar to

Abe Lincoln’s in the Lincoln Memorial. • Your feet are flat on the floor. Your hands are relaxed, not

clenching anything. • And, you’re not holding a drink in front of yourself as a

symbolic barrier. Standing• While standing, you’re open when your hands are not in

your pockets. • You are not leaning against anything. • Your feet are flat on the floor. And, your drink is not in front

of you. R Don Steele, on ‘Body language’

Job Interview

P N Rao

Dress codeMen • Formal , comfortable and used to dress • Suit: sleeve 1.5 inches below wrist touching the base of the thumb.• When you sit on chair, un button the blazer. • Shirt: solid plain coloured, long sleeved with appropriate fittings.• Tie: 100% silk, suiting shirt a preferably solid coloured, on stripped shirt plain tie. • Tie to reach buckle of the belt + /- 1”• Collor button should always be closed while wearing tie. • Trouser: dark coloured, preferably black.• Belt: match with colour of shoes.• Socks: dark coloured or matching the suit. • Shoes: brown or preferably black • Avoid earrings, bracelets, chain and piercing the body.• Finger ring: Wedding ring is only permitted.• Hair: properly groomed and should not be longer than shirt color.• Appropriate deodorant / colognes only• Mouth freshener: as required , only before entering the roomWomen• Indian style : saree /suit with neutral colours. • No embroidery work or laces on upper garments.• Western style: trouser or skirts below knees and upper garments with appropriate

colours without lace. • Shoes with 1-2” heel, no striped sandles

• Don’t roam in veranda • Properly groomed hair• Neat and tidy dress• Nails should be properly cut• Ask permission before entering interview room• Quietly close the room after entering the room.• Proper walk• Wish the interview panel members properly• Have proper posture• Maintain eye contact• Firm shake hand if extended• Have brilliant smile• Wait till seat is offered• Quietly pull the chair before sitting. • Thank for offering seat• Sit straight in comfortable posture • Gesture with open hands impresses• Don’t lean on the table.

Sitting posture• If you’re wide open while sitting, your posture is similar to

Abe Lincoln’s in the Lincoln Memorial. • Your feet are flat on the floor. Your hands are relaxed, not

clenching anything. • And, you’re not holding a drink in front of yourself as a

symbolic barrier. Standing• While standing, you’re open when your hands are not in

your pockets. • You are not leaning against anything. • Your feet are flat on the floor. And, your drink is not in front

of you. R Don Steele, on ‘Body language’

Shake hand etiquette• Shake hand should not be initiated by juniors but with certain exceptions as

in corporate sector. • Shake hand should not be initiated by male towards ladies under normal

conditions. If lady initiates ‘shake hand’ it can be honored.• Shake hand should be firm but not crumple, with a little pressing of thumb.

It indicates one’s interest in the person.• Firm shake hand indicates interpersonal relation.• If a person shakes hand crushing the hand means he wants to dominate

you.• If a person shakes hands with his palm above yours, shows his victory over

you.• If a person crushes your fingers while shake hand indicates that, he may

harm you.• Loose shake hand indicates dis interest or lack of etiquette.

Presenting Resume• Resume should be taken out of the folder such as to be visible to

members of the panel.• Present the Resume with both hands, neither folded nor crumpled.• Resume presented in person should be pre signed. • Not to title as ‘Resume’ on top of the sheet• Polite language should be used in resume and cover letter.• Paper should not be folded or crumpled.• Staple the paper diagonally; left side top corner.• Envelop should match the size of resume sheets• Cover letter should slide over resume in the envelop.• Cover letter should have your specific introduction, your suitability for

the job, and indicate purpose of your joining the job.• Off line cover letter should precede resume on line.• Cover letter should be sent as an attachment with resume sent in email.

PART 2Interview Questions

Pattern of questions Probable answers

Types of interview questions• Probing questions: deep in subject, explanation and

clarification.• Stress questions: creates stress to check patience• Reflective questions: to confirm the statement• Open ended questions: scope to express opinion, and depth

thinking• Closed ended questions: limited to alternatives given .

Answers in short phrases or with ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ • Loaded questions: response to sensitive questions• Leading questions; to obtain desired response.• Hypothetical questions: imaginary , not relevant to the jobDeveloping rapport:• Mirroring • To Bring to your position and pace• Interviewer listens and judges pitch, speech rate and volume

of answering. • Be subtle. Not to mimic or mock the interviewee• Neuro Linguistic programming (NLP) Interview techniques is Helpful in mirroring. It is the latest technique.

• Common Questions asked • Tell me in brief about your extra curriculum activities at your

college.• Have you initiated in any college events/tours.• Tell me about any project you handled• What is your future thought about your future position in this

company ; say after five years or so.• How you see your career growth in this company .• What is the important characteristic of the job you want to

join.

Pattern:• Answer in brief explain only if asked.• Don’t drag the answers. • Answer to the point.Q. What is your thought about your future position in this company , say after five years or so.Probable answer:• Answer about Your future• initiatives• Justice to responsible position• Utilization of talent• Team workQ. Every body has some major weakness, what about yours and how will you overcome it.Probable answer:You need not disclose all your weaknesses.Disclose such a weakness which doesn't affect you getting the job.

Q. What is your future strategy for further studies?Probable answer:I have learnt from my colleagues that your company promotes further studies.If I study I will utilize my knowledge in developmental activities of the company and also accelerate my growth in the organization.Q. Will you be ready to join job offered elsewhere away from your home town?Probable answer:Say positive, you can decide later after getting the job. This is a trap question to check your home sickness. Q. Were you having any issue to tackle in late hours or holidays?Probable answer:Say yes , I have tackled problems during holidays too.This question is to trap you about your keenness in the task you take in hand.

Q. Why you chose this particular job?Probable answer:This is the field that I believe can take my ideas, knowledge and thoughts to give a concrete shape.Q. What are your strengths?Probable answerProject your strengths as:• Fluency in English and other languages• Tendency of hard working• Good ethics• Ease in working with team• Ready to shoulder responsibility• Good programming ability• Logical thinking• Ability to learn fast and exposure to latest technology• Good marketing skills• Thorough knowledge in the field• Ability in soft skills and communication skills.• Good decision making• Ability to interact with foreign clients too.

Q. What are your hobbies?Probable answer:Give correct account of your hobbies. You may be trapped if grilled further. Q. How you project your personality?Probable answer• Punctual• Positive attitude• Ambitious• Work hard• Ready to work extra hours• Honesty in job• Like planning ahead• Enjoy working under pressure• Systematic working• Comfortable and positive to work in team• Interested in travellingQ. What are your short time and longtime goals?Probable answerTo join your organization and to attain highest position in it.

Q. What about your contribution to college and societyProbable answerGive correct account of the tasks as a leader in the college social functions, outside / village social activities, saving some body from disaster, participation in cleanliness drives or developmental activities. Don’t bluff, you may be trapped if grilled.Q. What is your salary expectation?Probable answerAnswer carefully.Don’t be greedy.Give your expectation as discussed earlier with the persons already working over there.Q. Are you ready to sign bond?Probable answer:Analyze your position and future course of action.Say ‘yes’, you can decide after getting appointment letter.Q. Why you want to join this particular job?Probable answer:Your company is a reputed and technically advanced company. I find my better future in the organization.

Q. Why we should select you when we are already having some more candidates. Why we should hire you?Probable answer:Give account of your strengthsQ. What you can offer to the company which others cannot?Probable answer:• Inter personal skills.• Developing high performance teams.• Passion for new technology• Good communication skills Not to project your negative activities• Dis interest in travelling• Smoking and drinking habits• Short temperament• Your dislike to work in group• Dislike meeting people• Technically sound but weak in communication skills

Dos• Come alone• Reach early• Take light and nourishing diet• Feel energetic• Carry enough copies of resume, references, attested and

original copies of mark sheets, experience certificates etc.• Wear neat and sober dress• Ask permission to enter the room• Maintain decorum• Greet the panel• Thank on offering seat before you seat• Pause and think before answering questions• Clear doubts if any before answering answer• Don’t interrupt before question is finished, if required ask

clarification• Have eye contact• Be polite • Bid courteous farewell

Don’ts• Smoke• Let your breath betray what you ate• Apolize for lack of experience• Ask about salary and days off• Use strong smelling perfume• Discuss personal matters• Take tea or snacks offered, • Criticize former employer• Beg for job• Glance wall papers or displays on walls.• Look at your wrist watch• Act offended if so• Hide facts• Use long sentences• Discuss about job• Linger after interview is over

Post interview stage• Complete all formalities• Check for the documents to be submitted, complete , if any short

fall.• Give your correct address and contact numbers• Be in touch with company and contact,• If delayed enquire from the company• Submit original documents only if necessary• Carefully read agreement if any• Sign bond if compulsory to do .

Acknowledgement and Sources for reference : interview stockphotos wwwthinkstockphotos www.steelballs.com/body_language_secrets.pdf Various interview analyses

by- P N RaoB.Sc.; M A; D R T M; D T E M; AMIRT(LA244)STM Safety (Gaz.) Retd.Rao7sai@yahoo.co.in

Thank you