Interview skills- A ready reckoner

10/11/2017 08:28:00 am 3 Comments


Cracking Interview is not like cracking the code of the Human genome !!!

 I guess, it is much simpler...more personalised and quite possible with a clear understanding of one’s own self and surroundings.
One can be interview-ready when he/she knows the process with clarity, gauzes the expectations of the interviewer by analyzing expected situations/scenarios /questions.
Questions hide the intention and expectation of the interviewer. Hence, it is not advisable to only focus on questions while preparing. More than an answer, it is the response that is more significant. In fact, the primary purpose of any Personal Interview is to find out how a candidate manages/conducts himself in an interaction, including how he/she handles the stress.
So, it is critical to present ideas analytically, clearly, confidently and imaginatively.
Points to remember:
1.   Interview is not just a Question-answer session, rather an interaction to find out how suitable/fit a candidate is to an expected job/role.
2. It’s more or, less an interactive process. Hence, one must enjoy
the conversation.
2.   Since, the candidate is the main player in the interview process, it is important to make it personalised and unique by focusing on the achievements, activities, roles & responsibilities, strengths etc.
3.  Words, actions and behaviour of the candidate must look natural, rather than being looked as that of a Programmed Robot.

Hence, we suggest the following ideas/techniques/suggestions to be used as just inputs, not answers.
Remember, there is no answer that is the best or worst.
Answer on your own, by analyzing the question and keeping in view the expectation of the Interviewer.
Showcase that little’ Extra thing’ that makes you different from others.
Your responses must reflect the uniqueness, personal beliefs, focus, passion, values and hence, avoid giving stereotyped answers.
It must focus on showcasing your skills, demonstrating your strengths and displaying your Attitude. When these 3 aspects combine, you win the interviewer’s heart &mind.

1. Tell me about yourself/introduce yourself
Tips:
·          Always begin with your name and present status/designation ( It should be your name and present year and place of your study)
·         In case, the Interviewer already has addressed by your name, then skip your name.
·         Then, talk about your academic credentials, including your achievements (Your marks/grades/courses/activities/certification)
·         Then, mention your co-curricular and extra- curricular accomplishments (Projects/paper presentations or publications/Internship etc.)
·         Then, talk about your strengths, followed by hobbies/interests
·         Mention your vision/ambition (Keep it restricted to Software sector, if you are appearing for such a company)
·         And, finally close by saying that with the above skillset and accomplishments , you think yourself as suitable for the Job
Points to remember:
·         Don’t mention your weaknesses unless you are specifically asked.
·         Minimize references to personal details (family,siblings etc.)
·         You must always try to be different from others
2.   Your favourite subject     (Expected in TR /HR)
Tips:
·         Always answer spontaneously, without any delay.
·          Name a subject of your interest and say why it is relevant or its’ significance in your Engineering discipline or in general.
·         Be analytical while answering this one.
·         You could refer to its interesting nature or scope for further studies/ research/application or any other reason that may demonstrate your ability to analyze, see future opportunities and your research interest/aptitude etc.
3. Why IT/software Industry?
Tips:
Mention reasons such as huge opportunities, challenging jobs, fast growing sector
·         Say that, It is the largest employer in the service sector
·         Say that, It offers a wide spectrum of technology platforms to work on,
·        Mention that it offers platforms having growth potential like cloud or IOT or Machine learning or robotics etc.
·         That, it does not make any distinction between an IT graduate and a non-IT graduate
·         That you have the required skillsets to match the requirements, starting with Programming (such as C or Java)
·         For Non IT/CSE students, add that your specialisation in your respective engineering disciplines could add value, specifically to related projects/consultancy services.
4. Are u ready to work anywhere or any specific place?
Tips:
·         Give a categorically positive answer that you have no specific place in mind, any place will do...
·          Rather,  say that right now, your focus is on getting an opportunity to work in reputed company like the one you are attending.
·         If the Interviewer insists that you name any place of work, do so by choosing a place away from your present place or your state or your comfort zone. Choose a place outside your state. By doing so, you may be able showcase your risk-taking ability, that you love facing challenges, that you would like to work with people from unfamiliar cultures, languages and habits.
5. Your plans for Higher studies?
Tips:
·         Say that you are open to higher studies so that you get better as a software professional, but quickly add that only if the company permits to do so while still working.
·         This will demonstrate your willingness to learn
·         Say that you would like to go for higher study to gain knowledge about newer technologies, any challenging course, related to software field...
·         Don’t say that you would like to a course in fashion design or Law or music.

6. Tell me about your project?
Tips:
·         You could start with the title of the project; mention the broad area and most importantly, why you made it your project.
·         Then, mention the platform /technology used
·         Mention the objective/purpose
·         You could then talk about the results/findings or intended applications (preferably in realtime)
·         May also include your experiences including challenges, hurdles, or learning opportunities
7. What are your future plans?
Tips:
·         Always say that you want to be software professional, strictly not any other job.
·         Mention any specific area of interest/ technology platform on which you want to work (choose an area that might be relevant/available @ the company)
·         Say that you would like to go for positions within the organization with independent responsibilities or, Leadership roles.
·         Anything that sounds achievable and credible (Don’t announce grandiose plans)
·         Be tactful, not truthful
·         You may have your real plans for the future, But it is not the right time to discuss that.
·         Even if the Interviewer insists that you are good and suggests you to look beyond software, say a polite thanks for complimenting you, but say firmly that it’s only that company that you are looking at.

 8.      Why do you want to join The company?
Tips:
·         Say that it’s respectable employer, good portfolio of service areas, exciting projects, world-wide presence,
·         That it provides opportunities for aspirants from all places, urban or rural
·         Mention the sectors or one or two new technology platforms they are present in.
·         That it rewards meritocracy and allows employees equal opportunities for growth.
·         Most importantly , mention any project /Technology /sector that you  are  interested to work in and why ?
9.      What is the most challenging thing you achieved till today?
  Tips:
·         Sound credible, believable.
·         Mention a real life incident that is related to your professional area, that is in fact a learning experience.
·         Say why it was challenging and how did you face it.(Here you need to analyze and find out skills/qualities that you might have used in tackling the situation)
     10. Where can we see you in 5 years?
Tips:
·         Say that you would preferably be in a more professionally challenging assignment, such as a Team lead or a Project leader or on an abroad assignment within the company.
·         Say one that is achievable, measurable and credible.
·         Never exaggerate or mention unrealistic goals
11.     Are u aware of the bond?(Don’t worry, not all companies have it)
Tips:
·         Say yes. That you have no objection to it.
·         If they ask you why you sign this, say that an opportunity to be a part of their reputed company is good enough a reason for signing the bond.
·         And that you believe that the company is going to provide you the best possible professional growth opportunities.                                                                                                                      
 12.      What about salary?            
Tips:
·         Say that you have knowledge of the fact that you are entitled to a fixed, pre-determined pay and one that you find acceptable and attractive.
·         Quote the exact figure as is indicated in the notification from Placement cell.
·         In addition, say that right now your focus is on the job and to get an opportunity to be a part of the company.
13. Would you like to be manager or  a Leader
Tips:
·         May say that you would like to be both. Because, as a manager you will get opportunity to control a group or a set of entities to accomplish a goal while as a Leader you can influence, motivate, and enable others to contribute towards organizational success.
·          Say that managers can display leadership qualities. Conversely, leaders can be good managers.

14. Would you prefer to be a Team player or a Leader ?
Tips:
·         Always say both. But one after the other.
·         It means, say that you want to be a team player first, learn to know the team and the expectations of others, know the required interpersonal skills and then readily accept leadership position as and when offered.
·          Tell that you believe that a good team player will always make a better leader.

15. Qualities you like or dislike in others.
Tips:
·         Always focus on qualities or traits, not individuals. Avoid criticising others.
·         You may mention general dislikes such as lethargy, cunningness, being untrustworthy, betrayal,, lack of mannerisms, lack of team play etc. in others,
·         In case of likes, mention qualities that reflect your honest expectation from others  such as simplicity, helping nature, friendliness, time management, sincerity, empathy etc.
16. The best compliment and the worst criticism
·         Regarding compliment, say anything from a real life situation, preferably about a quality you demonstrated. 
·         Be modest while speaking about it, don't sound pompous (don't brag/boast) 
·         About criticism, do not sound cynical. Mention how you handled the criticism in a positive way or as a learning opportunity.

17. Tell me about the biggest mistake you have made in your life?
Tips
·         Admit a mistake , say that you have made one
·         Admit something as a mistake from a real life incident, mostly from a professional point of view(may be related to a skill/ certification/ activity)
·         never say that the mistake relates to your choice of course(In your case, Engineering or your Branch)Take some specific situation and analyze and bring out the mistakes.
·         The Interviewer is trying to find out if you have learnt from your past mistakes or not and if so , how have you corrected them .so give out steps you have taken to rectify the mistake as well as not repeating those.
·         Simply, they want to assess your ability /willingness to learn
18. The biggest challenge you have ever faced so far?
·         This question is intended to test your ability face situations with confidence and strength of character and conviction (belief)
·         Describe a specific technical/interpersonal  challenge you faced and how did you overcame it
·         Don't make generalized statements, but choose specific activity/area/issue.
·         Don't make direct reference to anybody and don't sound negative.just raise an issue that was challenging and not easy handling.say nevertheless you tried and handled it positively ,without any ill feeelings.
·         Always use practical and believable steps while justifying how you handled the challenge
19. About your weakness?
·         Always admit that you have one. But try to put a positive spin onto the weakness by picking up ones that are actually somewhat positive qualities.
Example:
·         I am so particular about details that during an activity/function that I organize along with my friends, I end up demanding a lot from them, that puts lots of pressure on my friends.
·         That I am too straight forward ,that puts me in awkward situations during group interactions. I must learn to diplomatic.
·         While organizing functions /any event, I get so much involved that I neglect other activities including food ,rest and family .
·         That I am so much involved in my work that I neglect my friends and family.

However, the above examples are indicative of positive things being branded and projected skillfully as weaknesses, allowing the candidate the chance of not revealing too much about his weak areas.

20. 
What is your dream job?
·          Stick to the area for which you have applied (in your case, Software or IT or core)
·         Say with some degree of passion that it is your dream job. That you want to be part of a reputed company such as the company we are being interviewed for.
·         But do not go overboard or sound flattering. Simply say that you are honest. Then be a little analytical and find out reasons to support your preference.
·         You may say growth opportunities- to be in leadership position where you can make a lot of change to others lives,
·         You may want to work in a challenging work environment with more responsibilities
·         Be very clear about your long term thinking before answering this question
21. Do you want to ask the Interviewer a question?     
  Sample questions:
·         Sir, what about opportunities for higher education while in the company ?
·            What does the company actually expects from the freshers?
·          What actually happens during the training? and after the training?
·          How about overseas assignments?
·          About career progress and growth

Whatever be your question, it must reflect a genuine interest for the company and  you are sincere and eager to be a part of it. 
Also, you must demonstrate your willingness to learn new things.

 22. You are from Mechanical/ECE/EEE/EIE/CIVIL/Aerospace. Why should we take you in our company that is an IT company?

·          Always say that you deserve to be there as You have fulfil the desired requirements in terms of skills-both technical and Interpersonal.
·         say that you have basic programming skills, logical thinking, analytical skills, problem solving skills etc. to prove your point.
·        Say that some of your packages like Catia, Ansys and others are software tools or packages. So, you have working experience.
·         Then, say that because of your core background, you will bring added value to your work in areas like manufacturing, electronics, telecom, power etc.
·         Again, if you know that the company is involved in any project or area or platform (from your core branch) you may mention so and justify.


Disclaimer: All the above ideas are just for helping you analyze and prepare better and must not be used directly.
You must use your own sentences.


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