Important questions to prepare before an interview

It is obvious to be nervous at an interview but one can switch the negative energy into positive by getting ready before the big day. I suggest any job seeker to attend as many interviews as possible this will not only help to reduce anxiety & build confidence but you can also get valuable tips from industry experts. Below I have mentioned some important questions which you should prepare before attending any interview:

1.      Tell me about yourself? Or tell me about your experience? (make a 2 minute presentation to sell yourself to the organization)

2.      What are your greatest strengths & weaknesses? (List out your positives and be aware not to mention any of your work related limitations).

3.      Tell me about something in the past you failed to do & if given a chance would like to rectify now. Do not mention any major work related drawback.

4.      Why did you leave your last job? Stay positive & never blame your ex-employer.

5.      What do you know about this organization? Prepare before the interview from diff. sources like   websites, current or ex-employees etc.

6.      Are you applying for other jobs? Be honest

7.      Why do you want to work for this organization?

8.      How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

9.      Explain how you would be an asset to this organization

10.   Why should we hire you?

11.   List out how you relate to the position applied for.

12.  Tell me about your dream job? Don’t make up fancy stories, stick to practical.

13.  What is more important to you: the money or the work?

14.  What qualities do you look for in a boss?

15.  What is your salary expectation?

16.  Do you have any questions for me?

17.  Do you know anyone who works for us? Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.

   Stay focused & prepare well before the interview schedule.

   All the best!

MAJOR ERRORS RESULTING IN FAILURE DURING AN INTERVIEW.

 This article will help you in checking the common errors before they occur, as small mistakes may lead to lose of affluent opportunities.  There is a lot to mention but I have tried to compile the important points. Below are some of the common mistakes applicants make:

Ø  Arriving late for the interview.

Ø  Shabby looks & cluttered dress-up.

Ø  Bad posture during the interview.

Ø  Lack of eye-contact with the interviewer or scaring the interview with fixed gaze.

Ø  Not having the appropriate information about the prospective organization.

Ø  Unable to make connection between your skills, capabilities & potential with the job requirement.

Ø  Cooking stories & exaggerating personal facts. Please understand the interviewer is much smarter than you.

Ø  Answering the interviewer in an unfocused, disorganisd & confused manner.

Ø  Display of lack of enthusiasm for the job & the organization.

Ø  Close ended answers (simple “yes” or “no” without elaboration).

Ø  Appear desperate for job, showing in excess of excitement.

Ø  Criticize your current or former bosses & colleagues.

Ø  Negativity in answering the interviewer. Pessimistic response

There are some questions which you should never ask the interviewer, unless asked for.

v  What is my salary? You may die to know the salary but keep it secret till the interviewer raises the question.

v  How much earned leave & sick leave will I get? Before starting the job you cannot plan for holidays. Instead ask for a copy of personnel manual or discussion with another employee.

v  Questions regarding the office size rather than the elements of job.

v  When will I be promoted? Promotion depends upon the performance, openings available, etc so you can ask for career prospects but not a commitment.

v  Am I selected? If you are selected definitely the employer will be happy inform you.

DRESSING RIGHT FOR THE INTERVIEW

Interview Attire for Men

Interviewers will make judgement about you within 4-5 minutes of an interview. If you appear clean, neat & polished, you will make a good impression. Solid or pinstriped grey or navy-blue suit is always a good investment, specially for senior level positions. However, if your budget does not allow you can wear a navy blue, grey or white shirt with black or grey trousers & black shoes. Bright, flashy & printed shirts are a complete no. If you area fresh graduate & have your institute's blazer, it is good combination with white shirt & grey trousers.
      Remember to wear cotton vest or undershirt with shirt even in hot weather, since it makes the shirt look white. Put a fresh & clean shirt, well ironed & make sure your shoes are well polished. Man should never wear any ornaments (ear rings, metal chain, etc) for an interview. as for tie, it should be of silk, stripped or have small pattern such as dots. Avoid large, elaborate patterns or ties with too many colours. Don't you strong perfume or body spray to suffocate the interviewer. On no account Jeans & T-shirt should be worn.

Interview Attire for women
Women probably dress in sari, salwar kameez or business suit. Choose silk in colder weather & cotton or polyester-cotton in warmer weather. Classic pattern in sober colours is generally preferred. On no account Jeans & T-shirt should be worn. Never wear miniskirts & skirts with high slits unless joining the fashion industry.
Remember that one's dress & grooming send out powerful messages to a prospective employer. Clinging, tight clothes, purple or glittery nail paints, chipped nails, strong perfume & dangling earrings are inappropriate for an interview.Wear limited & simple jewelry, like a gold chain or pearl set. Do not carry a casual shoulder bag or shopping bag to an interview. Wear any formal in which you feel comfortable & can carry well. Plus light make & neatly tight hair is more than enough.

Note: Don't forget to wear confidence in an interview.

BASIC INTERVIEW STRATEGY

Basic interview strategy will allow you to confidently adjust to any type of interview & ensure you are able to discuss your experience, past performance, educational & professional qualifications in an effective manner.

     Here are some tips for formulating a basic interview response strategy:

1. Adapt the style & behaviour of your interviewer. If he/she is friendly & casual try to be the same. On the other hand, if he or she is formal & uses rapid fire questions, respond in the same way.
2. Do not try to predict questions & do not interrupt the interviewer.
3. Maintain eye contact,but do not stare the interviewer down.
4. Display enthusiasm & warmth, but do not get over friendly.
5. Use natural gestures & avoid nervous fidgeting.
6. Ensure that you speak clearly.

ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND- Feel relaxed & have confidence during an interview.  After all, just as you need a job, the employer also needs a good employee.

    Very soon I will come with an article on "Right dressing for an interview"

Viewer your comment is valuable.

Some tips for good starter in an Interview Menu

There are some basic tips to help you prepare with facts & to ready your mind for the interview. The objective of the interview is to convince the interviewer that you are the most qualified & appropriate potential team member for them. 

• Prepare a profile of yourself & present it in less than two minutes. It is like a two-minute commercial.
• Show interest in the particular job, company & especially the interviewer.
• Prove you are capable of performing rather than merely describing. Provide solid examples illustrating you success & achievement.
• Be positive, polite, patient & personable.
• Do not fake, guess or generalize as the interviewer can easily find out. Do not get involved in any debate with the interviewer .