Hyundai Interviews- A ready reckoner

Dear aspirants

Cracking an interview is not at all tough, if one is well prepared and clear in his head. In fact, in any communicative task, we must follow the following steps, in general:

 Visualize

  Analyze

 Organize

  Present

Simply put, we must  pre-guess the interviewer's expectations…and ask ourselves a basic question if I were the interviewer, what would I expect from a candidate?

Behind every question, there is a hidden intention or agenda or a motive…

And, the interviewer certainly does not expect just information or data in your response. In fact, more than an answer, he wants to see how you think and respond to an intended scenario or situation and are able to handle it.

Hence, its mind management, more than skills or knowledge. Be tactful, not necessarily factual or truthful.

Just apply common sense …critically analyze every aspect…and respond positively and constructively.

Remember, our goal is not show perfection in what we say or do… but, to show a progressive attitude…growth mindset.

Just enjoy talking about yourself…the interviewer will support.

     Add common sense, intuitive thinking and clear and imaginative analysis.

      Focus on articulation of your ideas, opinions and perspectives

Here, we have analyzed some common questions, in other words, scenarios for helping you think, analyze, organize and communicate better. 

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 curricular and extra- curricular accomplishments (Projects/paper presentations or publications/Internship etc.)

·         Then, talk about your strengths, followed by hobbies/interests

·         Mention your goals (Keep it restricted to Software sector, if you are appearing for a company like Hyundai)

·         And, finally close by saying that with the above skillset and accomplishments, you think that you are a suitable candidate for the Job.

Points to remember:

·         Don’t mention your weaknesses unless you are specifically asked.

·         Do not mention too much about personal details (family, parents, siblings etc.). Keep them to the bare minimum.

·         Again, the golden rule: make it specific to your key skills, experiences and strengths and make it different from others.

2.   Your favourite subject     (Expected in TR /HR)

Tips:

·         Always answer this question with spontaneity, without much delay. Have a glint in your eyes…means show some excitement on your face

·         Name a subject of your interest and say why it is relevant or its’ significance in your Engineering discipline or in general ( choose any engineering subject)      

     What steps are you taking to get better in this subject ( like mention courses, workshops, seminars etc., in this subject) 

Show some application of this subject ( in projects or Apps etc.)

·         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 Hyundai ?

Tips:

Mention reasons such as a global company, challenging roles, fast growing sector, scope for innovation etc…

·         Say that, it is a big player in the automotive and smart mobility sector...2nd largest automotive company in India....largest exporter of cars  

       It’s a leader in electric engines and hybrid models

·         Say that, it offers a wide range of smart technology platforms to work on…design opportunities…coding….etc..

     Show enthusiasm about new technologies like electric engines, hybrid etc.

·        That, it offers opportunities to utilize multiple skillsets, both core and digital

·         That you have the required skillsets to match the expectations, starting with design tools like Catia, Ansys or even programming such as C , Python or Java or knowledge of digital systems, VLSI or embedded systems or microprocessors and communication systems.

·          Highlight your project & internship work to show relevance

4. What do you know about Hyundai?

Tips:

·         Give a pleasing description about the company…say that it is a global automotive giant…India’s largest car exporter… India’s 2^nd largest automotive company….some more milestones …. Add some car models….your favourite car etc… (Check the factsheet ) 

5. Your favourite Automotive Company?

Tips:

·         Say its’s Hyundai… and mention all that you like about it….its models…innovation…great designs….efficiency of its vehicles…network…etc…

      **** Never mention any other company’s name as your favourite

6. Your favourite model in Hyundai?

Tips:

·         Choose a relatively latest model or a popular one….analyze its features, including digital ones…design & style aspects...innovation… market appeal etc… ( They want to see how you understand a vehicle as an engineer and focus on its critical aspects) 

7. Are u ready to work anywhere or any specific place?

Tips:

·         Give a 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( TCS if you are attending its interview).

·         If the Interviewer insists that you name any place, choose a place away from your own place or your state or your comfort zone. 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. 

8. What is your opinion on work from Home? Is it better than Working in Office?

Answer positively…say, it is okay for you …Give your own example…say that you have been learning from home and doing all your academic activities from home in the past year and half during Covid.

Give a balanced answer...say that you are okay with both scenarios

 Say, it has advantages….saves time…saves life and health

You are able to me more productive with more time in hand

 Getting tome to spend with family and learning as well.

 But, also support working at Office…say that it will enhance team work…collaboration…people will stay active etc…

Basically, as a future techie, you must support use of Technology.

9. Why Automotive Industry?

•       Mention reasons such as huge opportunities, challenging jobs, fast growing sector

•       Say that, it is big job provider and making impact on the world with cutting edge innovations, including automation and digitalization

•        That, it does not make any distinction between a core engineering graduate and an IT graduate

•       That you have the required skillsets to match the expectations, including Programming (such as C , Python or Java) or tools like ansys or catia or Autodesk etc.

•       For Non-IT/CSE students, say that your specialisation in your respective engineering disciplines could add value, specifically in related projects/consultancy services/ industries.

•       An ECE student may say that his knowledge of digital systems, VLSI or embedded systems or microprocessors and communication systems could be useful while working on new age technologies like IOT or automation etc.

 10.Your plans for Higher studies?

Tips:

·         Say that you are open to higher studies to get better , but quickly add that only if, the company permits to do so while working.

·         This will demonstrate your willingness to learn...

·         Say that you would like to pursue any challenging course to gain knowledge about emerging technologies..

·         Don’t say that you would like to a course in fashion design or Law or music as such courses could be interpreted as they are not technology-oriented and are viewed as odd courses for an engineering graduate. 

11. Tell me about your project?

Tips:

•      You could start with the title of the project; mention the broad area and most importantly, why did you choose this project/topic.

•      Then, mention the platform /technology used

•      Mention the objective/purpose

•      You could then talk about the results/findings or intended applications (preferably in real time)

•      May also include your experiences including challenges, hurdles, or learning opportunities

12. What are your future plans?( Long term & Short term goals)

Tips:

·         Always say that you want to be part of Hyundai, strictly not any other job.

Say that your short term goal is to be a part of this company and stick to this by showing how your current interests, passion or skills have a direct link with the jobs offered by Hyundai.

Also, your long term goals can at best be an extension of your short term goal.( Not any other thing, however big or fancied it might be)

Resist the temptation to bare your heart before the interviewer.

·         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 that you must look beyond software, say a polite thanks for complimenting you, but say firmly that it’s only that company that you are looking at.

 13.      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)

14. 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. You can mention a technology platform of your choice or may say working in multicultural teams or on abroad assignments, But all within the same company.

(You can’t be the CEO of a company like Hyundai in 5 years time. So, avoid such exaggerated answers)

·         Say one that is achievable, measurable and credible.

·         Never exaggerate or mention unrealistic goals

15. 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.                                                                                                                      

 16.      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, quickly divert the talk away from money and say that right now your focus is on the job and to get an opportunity to be a part of this company and how much you desire to be in such a company.

17. 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. 

18. 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 their expectations know the required interpersonal skills and then readily accept leadership position as and when offered.

·          Say that you believe that a good team player will always make a better leader.

 19. 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.

20. What is the best thing/compliment you have received or, the worst criticism?

·         Regarding best thing/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. Do not express any negative emotion. Mention how you handled the criticism in a positive way or as a learning opportunity.

 21. Tell me about the biggest mistake you have made in your life?

Tips: 

·         Admit a mistake , say that yes, 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

22. 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 feelings.

·         Always use practical and believable steps while justifying how you handled the challenge

23. 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.