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Interview Skills
Does an interview take the life out of YOU?
Or, Just the thought of it makes YOU go blue?
In fact, if you perceive it well, it may not
be anything more than a conversation, though a structured one with a
stranger...
Hence, I believe cracking an Interview is not
like cracking the code of the Human genome... In fact, what I mean is that it
is not that difficult as we think.
I believe it is much simpler, attainable and
enjoyable, if we try to own the conversation and make it clear, personal and interesting.
When we understand our own self, our gifts and talents, it becomes easier to
interact with our surroundings, I mean with others.
One can easily
get interview-ready by knowing the interview process with
clarity, predict the expectations of the interviewer by
analyzing the expected situations/scenarios /questions.
In fact,
Interview is more than a Question-Answer session. More than bothering about the
dread of the questions, one must look at the opportunities that such questions
will offer in projecting ones personality, skills, knowledge and attitude. In
reality, questions carry the needs, intention and attitude of the interviewer.
Hence, it is not at all advisable only to focus on questions alone while making
preparation. More than an answer, it is the response (more than how you react
to a given situation) 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 or in a given
scenarios/situations, including how he/she handles the stress.
So, it is
essential that candidates analyze the expected as well as unexpected scenarios
and develop clarity. Then, it becomes easier to communicate ideas clearly,
confidently and imaginatively in an impactful style.
Points to remember:
Points to remember:
1.
Interview is not just a Question-answer session. In reality, it
just an interaction/conversation to find out how suitable/fit a
candidate is for an offered job/role.
2.
Since it is no more than a conversation, one must enjoy making
any conversation with others.
3 As the interview is all about the candidate and his knowledge,
skills, attitude and his personality, he/she is naturally the central actor in
the interview process. Hence, it is important that the candidate makes it
personalized and unique by focusing on his achievements,
activities, roles & responsibilities, strengths etc. Once the
resume sets the agenda of the discussion, he/she must seize the opportunity and
steer the conversation towards his strengths, achievements and his overall suitability.
4 A candidate must act and react
as per the demands of the situation. Though some prior preparation is required,
one must answer using words and expressions in a natural and real time manner.
So, his/her actions and behaviour must look natural, rather than being looked
as that
of a Programmed Robot. Memorized
answers may give you comfort and ease while answering the expected questions,
but, could create a bad impression on the interviewer. Do you know, it is
humanly impossible to predict all questions in any interview? Because, all interviewers
do not think the same way. They are so different. In case, any unexpected question is asked,
then what? So, it is better that we avoid memorizing answers verbatim and focus
on analyzing issues/situations/scenarios/expectations and develop clarity of
understanding.
Hence, I suggest that any idea/technique/suggestion you receive from others, including the ones given out here must used just as inputs, not answers. YOU must create your own answers.
Hence, I suggest that any idea/technique/suggestion you receive from others, including the ones given out here must used just as inputs, not answers. YOU must create your own answers.
Remember,
there is no answer that is the best or worst.
Answer on
your own after 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; hence, avoid giving stereotyped answers, like
others.
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.
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 goals (Keep
it restricted to Software sector, if you are appearing for a company like
TCS)
· 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 minimum.
· Again,
the golden rule: make it different
from others.
2. Your favourite subject (Expected in TR /HR)
Tips:
· Always
answer this question 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.
Also
mention what have you done/ are doing to master this subject ( like papers, presentations
or courses etc.)
· 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 range 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 expectations, starting
with Programming (such as C or Java)
· 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.
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( TCS if you are attending its
interview).
· 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 as such
courses could be interpreted as they are not technology-oriented and are viewed
as odd courses for an engineering graduate.
6. 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
realtime)
· May also
include your experiences including challenges, hurdles, or learning
opportunities
7. What are your future plans?(
Long term & Short term goals)
Tips:
· Always
say that you want to be a software professional, 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 the company.
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.
8. Why do you want to join our 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? (It could be IOT, AI or Cloud etc in case of
TCS)
Do not answer
in random generalizations, say specifically that you are interested in their
products, platforms or technologies in real time.
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. 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 TCS in 5 years time. So, avoid such exaggerated
answers)
· 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 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.
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. 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.
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 feelings.
· 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 fulfil the desirable 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 packages like Catia, Ansys, Autocad, Labview or Matlab and other
software tools or packages have given you understanding of the software field. 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. (Like IOT, Robotics,
Automation etc.)
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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