Successful interviewing in the time of economic downturn : Successful interviewing in the time of economic downturn
An overview of the session : An overview of the session The session will focus on:
What an interviewer is looking for in an ideal candidate
Preparation prior to interview
Facing the interview
What an interviewer is looking for in a fresher : What an interviewer is looking for in a fresher
Interviewer looks for: : Interviewer looks for: Domain
Attitude
Ethics
Good communication
Down to earth person
Person who is willing to stay put in an organization
The winning triangle : The winning triangle Attitude Domain Expertise Communication Skills Ethics
Preparation : Preparation Research about the job
Identify your ideal job
Throw you net wide
Look for smaller organizations
Walk-in to the organizations
Do not worry if organization does not have an open position – still walk-in
Reviewing your resume : Reviewing your resume Typically a resume gets about 30 seconds of any recruiters attention at first glance.
Things to keep in mind:
Resume is a document that should tell about your strengths.
Resume should clearly highlight your education, experience / projects.
Resume should not contain anything that you can not explain well.
Reviewing your resume : Reviewing your resume Presenting your Resume:
Please use non-cursive fonts. Also do not use different kinds of fonts.
Do not use flowery language or unnecessary jargon.
The look and feel of the resume should be professional and mature.
Make sure that it is not giving a cluttered look.
Resume should not be more than 2-3 pages.
Preparing your pitch : Preparing your pitch Answer the following questions for yourself:
Why should you be hired. What is special about you.
What is interesting about you
How would you contribute if you are hired.
What have you learnt in your past jobs that you will bring on table in the next one.
What ‘Professional Qualities’ are you committed to.
Updating yourself on the recent events / news / updates in your field : Updating yourself on the recent events / news / updates in your field Interviewers always favor a candidate who is updated and knows the latest about the field.
Try to be a member of a professional body.
Regularly Google your area of expertise.
Subscribe to professional magazines.
Join online discussion forums in your area of expertise.
Facing the interview : Facing the interview
Managing first impression : Managing first impression First impression must be of a person who is ‘Charming’ not ‘Alarming’.
Wear a pleasant smile.
Repeat ‘Great’ – five times before entering the room.
Walk steadily – no need to hurry.
Keep your papers handy – avoid any fumbling.
Sit straight – no slouch or too relaxed a posture.
Managing first impression : Managing first impression Some opening questions:
hope you did not have to wait too long.
Answer should be short and positive. No one is interested in long answer or your story on how you reached. Every one wants to get down to business.
Key rule maintain the pleasantness of interaction.
The first thing people assess ‘Are you a nice person to work with’
Establishing connection with the interviewer : Establishing connection with the interviewer Rule -1:People hire a person only if they ‘like’ the person.
Rule -2: the most likable person is one you see in the mirror every day.
Rule -3: the next likable person is who is similar to you.
Establishing connection with the interviewer : Establishing connection with the interviewer First connection is the exchange of greetings. Remain sharp but not overpowering.
To start the ball rolling you can appreciate the company reputation and brand
If you are going late in the evening – appreciate the time interviewer has taken out to meet you.
Establishing connection with the interviewer : Establishing connection with the interviewer Your response to opening questions of the interviewer
Classic opening question – ‘tell me something about you’ – This question has two purposes – interviewer needs time to go over your profile, s/he want to know you as a person.
Response should be well rehearsed, it should include the following
Brief information about your native place, family members. Quickly move to:
Your education, your special interest etc.
Make the above information ‘Interesting’
Answering questions : Answering questions Listen and understand the question well before launching the response.
Remain pleasant and interested in the conversation.
Keep the attitude of ‘establishing a rapport’ with the interviewer.
Keep your answer to the point and do not go in circles.
Answering questions : Answering questions In case you do not know the answer, do not fake.
Accept that you do not know and let the interviewer know your area of expertise.
Answer questions with ‘Examples’ from your experience.
Share anecdotes from the past similar situations
Asking questions about the role and company : Asking questions about the role and company Most interviewer ask you ‘do you have any questions?’
Right questions to ask:
About companies future growth plans?
About key challenges in the ‘role’ that you are being interviewed for?
Wrong questions to ask:
Compensation, grade, promotion, benefits etc. – the time for these question is much later and with HR team.
Closing the discussion : Closing the discussion Typical closing statement from interviewer:
“Ok, we will get back to you”.
You must:
Ask ‘before we close, how would you rate me on your requirement?’ This gives you two things:
You get an assessment of how the interview went.
Gives you the opportunity to correct any inappropriate impressions.
Thank the person for the time taken out.
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