Even after months of preparation, some candidates do not perform well inside the interview room.
The trick is to follow the below commandments practice them during mock interview sessions diligently. You are sure to crack the personal interview.
1. Whenever the interviewer asks any questions, listen carefully. Do not interrupt him midway. Ask for a clarification if the question is not clear. Wait a second or two before you answer. And don't dive into the answer!
2. Speak clearly. Don't speak very slowly. Be loud enough so that the interviewers don't have to strain their ears.
3. Brevity is the hallmark of a good communicator. An over-talkative or verbose person is disliked and misjudged instantly, so keep it short.
4. If you don't know an answer, be honest. The interviewer will respect your integrity and honesty. Never exaggerate.
5. Never boast about your achievements. Don't be overconfident -- it is often misinterpreted by interviewers for arrogance.
6. Don't get into an argument with the interviewer on any topic. Restrain yourself, please!
7. Remember your manners. Project an air of humility and be polite.
8. Project enthusiasm. The interviewer usually pays more attention if you display enthusiasm in whatever you say.
9. Maintain a cheerful disposition throughout the interview, because a pleasant countenance holds the interviewers' interest.
10. Maintain perfect eye contact with all panel members; make sure you address them all. This shows your self-confidence and honesty.
11. Avoid using slang. It may not be understood and will certainly not be appreciated.
12. Avoid frequent use of words and phrases like, 'I mean'; 'You know'; 'I know'; 'Well'; 'As such'; 'Fine'; 'Basically', etc.
13. When questions are asked in English, reply in English only.
14. Feel free to ask questions if necessary. It is quite in order and much appreciated by interviewers.
15. Last but not the least, be natural. Many interviewees adopt a stance that is not their natural self. Interviewers find it amusing when a candidate launches into a new accent that s/he cannot sustain consistently through the interview or adopts a mannerism that is inconsistent with their own personality.
It is best to talk naturally. You come across as genuine.
Post interview etiquette
1. Make sure you thank the interviewers as a mark of respect for the time they have spared for you.
2. As you rise and are about to leave, make sure you collect up your pen/ pencil/ all other stationery.
3. After getting up, place your chair in its original position.
The last word
1. Some institutes (like the Faculty of Management Studies) ask you to deliver an extempore speech suddenly while the interview is going on. Be mentally prepared for the same.
2. Competition will be very tough. Every mistake you commit will turn into an advantage for the other candidates. Hence, be very particular about your preparation. Do not leave anything to chance or the last minute.
3. Remember you have to sell yourself in an interview.
4. Be very particular about what you write in your resume. Check and re-check your resume for facts, spelling errors, etc. Ensure that there are no grammatical errors in the descriptive type questions in the sheet.
Thanks to: "Shenoy, Sheshagiri" sheshagiri.shenoy@veco.com
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Largest Collection of Interview Questions
1. 8085 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=91
2. BLUETOOTH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=90
3. DATA WAREHOUSING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=1
1. Abinitio Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=14
2. Business Intelligence Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=15
3. ETL Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=16
4. General Datawarehousing Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=17
! 5. Informatica Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=18
4. DATABASE INTERVIEW QUESTIONSSQL
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=2
1. Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=19
5. GENERAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=13
1. Career Goals Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=20
2. Company Knowledge Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=84
3. Creativity Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=21
4. Decisiveness Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=22
5. Flexibility Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=23
6. Interests Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=24
7. Job Peformance Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=25
8. Leadership Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=26
9. Motivation Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=27
10.Salary Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=85
11.Self Assessment Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=28
12.SELF WORTHINESS Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=86
13.Skills Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=29
14.Tough Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=87
15.Warm-up Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=30
16.Work-History Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=31
6. GENERAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=104
7. HARDWARE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=88
8. 8086 Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=89
1. A+ ! and Basic PC Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=94
2. Computer Architecture and Design Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=96
3. Embedded Systems Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=97
4. Hardware and Software Design Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=95
5. Hardware Design Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=98
6. Intel Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=93
7. X86 Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=92
9. J2EE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=4
1. EJB Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=32
2. Java Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=33
3. JDBC Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=34
4. JMS Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=35
5. JSP Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=36
6. Servlet Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=37
7. Struts Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=38
10. LANGUAGES INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=5
1. C Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=40
2. C++ Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=41
11. LOGICAL & APTITUDE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=103
12. MICROSOFT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=3
1. ASP Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=42
2. Csharp Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=43
3. DotNet Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=44
4. Mixed Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=45
5. Visual Basic Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=46
13. NETWORKING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=6
1. Client-Server Computing Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=47
2. Computer Networks Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=48
14. OPERATING SYSTEMS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=7
1. Linux Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=83
2. Unix Commands Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=49
3. Windows and Unix Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=50
15. ORACLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=8
1. Backup and Recovery Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=51
2. Concepts and Architecture Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=52
3. Data Access Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=53
4. Database Administration Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=54
5. Database Security Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=55
6. Distributed Processing Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=56
7. General Oracle Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=57
8. Memory Management Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=58
9. Oracle Forms 3.0 Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=59
10.Oracle Forms 4.0 Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=60
11.PL-SQL Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=61
12.Programmatic Constructs Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=62
13.Scenarios Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=63
14.SQL In Oracle Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=65
15.SQL Plus Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=64
16. ORACLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=8
17. PEOPLESOFT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=9
1. Component Interface Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=66
2. PeopleCode Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=67
3. PeopleTools Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=68
4. PS Admin Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=69
5. PS Mixed Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=70
6. SQR Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=71
18. QUANTITATIVE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=106
19. SAP R-3 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=10
1. ABAP Interview Questions
&nb! sp; http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=72
2. BDC Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=73
3. Database Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=74
4. Internal Tables Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=75
5. Modules Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=76
6. Reports Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=77
20. SIEBEL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=11
1.Siebel General Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=78
2.TELECOMMUNICATIONS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=99
3.Telecom Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=100
21. TESTING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=12
1. Load Testing Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=79
2. Test Automation Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=80
3. Testing - General Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=81
4. Winrunner Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=82
Thanks to: "Shenoy, Sheshagiri" sheshagiri.shenoy@veco.com
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=91
2. BLUETOOTH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=90
3. DATA WAREHOUSING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=1
1. Abinitio Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=14
2. Business Intelligence Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=15
3. ETL Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=16
4. General Datawarehousing Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=17
! 5. Informatica Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=18
4. DATABASE INTERVIEW QUESTIONSSQL
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=2
1. Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=19
5. GENERAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=13
1. Career Goals Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=20
2. Company Knowledge Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=84
3. Creativity Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=21
4. Decisiveness Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=22
5. Flexibility Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=23
6. Interests Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=24
7. Job Peformance Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=25
8. Leadership Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=26
9. Motivation Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=27
10.Salary Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=85
11.Self Assessment Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=28
12.SELF WORTHINESS Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=86
13.Skills Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=29
14.Tough Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=87
15.Warm-up Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=30
16.Work-History Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=31
6. GENERAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=104
7. HARDWARE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=88
8. 8086 Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=89
1. A+ ! and Basic PC Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=94
2. Computer Architecture and Design Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=96
3. Embedded Systems Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=97
4. Hardware and Software Design Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=95
5. Hardware Design Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=98
6. Intel Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=93
7. X86 Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=92
9. J2EE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=4
1. EJB Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=32
2. Java Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=33
3. JDBC Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=34
4. JMS Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=35
5. JSP Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=36
6. Servlet Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=37
7. Struts Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=38
10. LANGUAGES INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=5
1. C Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=40
2. C++ Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=41
11. LOGICAL & APTITUDE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=103
12. MICROSOFT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=3
1. ASP Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=42
2. Csharp Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=43
3. DotNet Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=44
4. Mixed Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=45
5. Visual Basic Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=46
13. NETWORKING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=6
1. Client-Server Computing Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=47
2. Computer Networks Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=48
14. OPERATING SYSTEMS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=7
1. Linux Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=83
2. Unix Commands Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=49
3. Windows and Unix Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=50
15. ORACLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=8
1. Backup and Recovery Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=51
2. Concepts and Architecture Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=52
3. Data Access Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=53
4. Database Administration Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=54
5. Database Security Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=55
6. Distributed Processing Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=56
7. General Oracle Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=57
8. Memory Management Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=58
9. Oracle Forms 3.0 Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=59
10.Oracle Forms 4.0 Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=60
11.PL-SQL Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=61
12.Programmatic Constructs Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=62
13.Scenarios Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=63
14.SQL In Oracle Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=65
15.SQL Plus Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=64
16. ORACLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=8
17. PEOPLESOFT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=9
1. Component Interface Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=66
2. PeopleCode Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=67
3. PeopleTools Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=68
4. PS Admin Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=69
5. PS Mixed Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=70
6. SQR Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=71
18. QUANTITATIVE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=106
19. SAP R-3 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=10
1. ABAP Interview Questions
&nb! sp; http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=72
2. BDC Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=73
3. Database Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=74
4. Internal Tables Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=75
5. Modules Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=76
6. Reports Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=77
20. SIEBEL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=11
1.Siebel General Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=78
2.TELECOMMUNICATIONS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=99
3.Telecom Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=100
21. TESTING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=12
1. Load Testing Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=79
2. Test Automation Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=80
3. Testing - General Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=81
4. Winrunner Interview Questions
http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=82
Thanks to: "Shenoy, Sheshagiri" sheshagiri.shenoy@veco.com
Do you have any questions?
Do you have any questions? Can you think of anything else you'd like to add?
Don't say "no," or that everything has been thoroughly discussed.
By saying you don't have any questions, the interviewer also may assume you're not interested in the job.
Have some intelligent questions ready that show you're knowledgeable about the company and the opening. This presumes that you've done your homework.
Thanks to Payal Sharma
Don't say "no," or that everything has been thoroughly discussed.
By saying you don't have any questions, the interviewer also may assume you're not interested in the job.
Have some intelligent questions ready that show you're knowledgeable about the company and the opening. This presumes that you've done your homework.
Thanks to Payal Sharma
Are you applying for any other jobs?
Hardly anyone expects you to say "no" to this question in today's job market. If you do, the interviewer may think you're either naive about business conditions or not serious about job hunting. Instead, say you're exploring several openings that might fit your talents and potential.
Don't say that you're already weighing job offers, however. You may be viewed as uninterested in the job
Thanks to Payal Sharma
Don't say that you're already weighing job offers, however. You may be viewed as uninterested in the job
Thanks to Payal Sharma
Tell us about your Present Job
What do you like most and least about your present job?
This question allows the interviewer to gather clues about the type of environment or corporate culture that suits you. Concentrate your answer on areas that are relevant to the position and be specific.
When discussing least-liked aspects of your present or previous job, try to mention an area of responsibility that's far removed from the functions of the job you're seeking. This shows that you stick with tasks that don't particularly interest you.
Thanks to Payal Sharma
This question allows the interviewer to gather clues about the type of environment or corporate culture that suits you. Concentrate your answer on areas that are relevant to the position and be specific.
When discussing least-liked aspects of your present or previous job, try to mention an area of responsibility that's far removed from the functions of the job you're seeking. This shows that you stick with tasks that don't particularly interest you.
Thanks to Payal Sharma
What salary you expect?
What type of salary do you have in mind?
Interviewers usually ask this question to determine whether the company can afford you. If possible, defer your answer until the end of the interview when you'll know if you're a serious candidate. By answering too quickly and stating a salary that's too high or too low, you may be disqualified from consideration.
If the interviewer still insists that you name a figure, ask about the position's salary range. If you don't receive a satisfactory answer and you can't stall further, cite a figure that meets your requirements and the standards within the industry. It's better to err a little on the high side since the final offer is invariably going to be lower than you requested. Then, say that it's the job, not the salary, that interests you.
Be honest if the interviewer asks what you're currently earning, or earned previously, because the amount can be verified.
Thanks to Payal Sharma
Interviewers usually ask this question to determine whether the company can afford you. If possible, defer your answer until the end of the interview when you'll know if you're a serious candidate. By answering too quickly and stating a salary that's too high or too low, you may be disqualified from consideration.
If the interviewer still insists that you name a figure, ask about the position's salary range. If you don't receive a satisfactory answer and you can't stall further, cite a figure that meets your requirements and the standards within the industry. It's better to err a little on the high side since the final offer is invariably going to be lower than you requested. Then, say that it's the job, not the salary, that interests you.
Be honest if the interviewer asks what you're currently earning, or earned previously, because the amount can be verified.
Thanks to Payal Sharma
Tell us about yourself
Undoubtedly the most frequently asked interview question, and one that interviewees have the most difficulty answering. Your answer should be in alignment with your career objective, which means you shouldn't respond with comments about your hobbies, spouse or extra-curricular activities.
1. Start with a brief introduction. Talk about skills that are key to the position applied for.
Sample: 'During my 2 years of experience as a sales executive, I have mastered the ability to prospect, generate business leads, and motivate my team members to reach targets.'
2. Provide a summary of your recent work history. Keep your response limited to your current experience. Don't go back more than 2 years.
Sample: 'Most recently, at The XYZ Corporation, I was challenged with turning around a stagnant territory that ranked last in sales. I developed an aggressive sales campaign that focused on winning new accounts and nurturing the existing client base. Within six months, my sales team and I were able to increase sales by 40 per cent.'
3. Tie your response to the needs of the organization. Demonstrate how your experience and skills are transferable to the open position.
Sample: 'I have learnt about the challenges your IT department is facing and my background in developing software for leading companies will add value.'
4. Ask an engaging question. By asking a question, you gain control of the interview. Doing so will alleviate the stress you may feel to perform.
Sample: 'What strategies are currently underway to reduce the employee turnover and improve morale?'
Thanks to: Hasan Ali
Another Input:
1. Could you tell me a little about yourself?
This seemingly innocuous, open-ended question can be intimidating. If you aren't prepared, you won't know what to say or how long to talk, especially since the interview is just beginning.
Don't launch into a mini-speech about your childhood, schooling, hobbies, early career and personal likes and dislikes. Instead, cite recent personal and professional work experiences that relate to the position you're seeking and that support your resume credentials.
"Everything you say about yourself should fit together to form a cohesive pattern that conveys the message: I have unique qualities that make me the right person to fill this position,"
One caution: This question is a great opportunity to sell yourself. At this stage of the interview, however, it's best to remain concise and low-key.
Thanks to:"payal sharma" payal3686@yahoo.com
1. Start with a brief introduction. Talk about skills that are key to the position applied for.
Sample: 'During my 2 years of experience as a sales executive, I have mastered the ability to prospect, generate business leads, and motivate my team members to reach targets.'
2. Provide a summary of your recent work history. Keep your response limited to your current experience. Don't go back more than 2 years.
Sample: 'Most recently, at The XYZ Corporation, I was challenged with turning around a stagnant territory that ranked last in sales. I developed an aggressive sales campaign that focused on winning new accounts and nurturing the existing client base. Within six months, my sales team and I were able to increase sales by 40 per cent.'
3. Tie your response to the needs of the organization. Demonstrate how your experience and skills are transferable to the open position.
Sample: 'I have learnt about the challenges your IT department is facing and my background in developing software for leading companies will add value.'
4. Ask an engaging question. By asking a question, you gain control of the interview. Doing so will alleviate the stress you may feel to perform.
Sample: 'What strategies are currently underway to reduce the employee turnover and improve morale?'
Thanks to: Hasan Ali
Another Input:
1. Could you tell me a little about yourself?
This seemingly innocuous, open-ended question can be intimidating. If you aren't prepared, you won't know what to say or how long to talk, especially since the interview is just beginning.
Don't launch into a mini-speech about your childhood, schooling, hobbies, early career and personal likes and dislikes. Instead, cite recent personal and professional work experiences that relate to the position you're seeking and that support your resume credentials.
"Everything you say about yourself should fit together to form a cohesive pattern that conveys the message: I have unique qualities that make me the right person to fill this position,"
One caution: This question is a great opportunity to sell yourself. At this stage of the interview, however, it's best to remain concise and low-key.
Thanks to:"payal sharma" payal3686@yahoo.com
What are your strengths and Weaknesses?
Highlighting strengths and accomplishments: Use specific examples to highlight your accomplishments -- explicit numbers, results and outcomes. Generic words are meaningless unless backed by data. For example, instead of using the word 'significant' , use a number or percentage instead.
Strengths that interviewers are looking for include:
1) Committed:
Talk about the times you may have sacrificed a vacation to complete an important project.
2) Action-oriented:
Quote an example from a past job where you drove the meeting, committee or project that was languishing. Or, when a deadline loomed and you came up with a way to reach the goal.
3) Inquisitive/ Curious:
Show how curiosity has served you well in the last job. For example, when was the last time you knew there had to be a better way of performing a task, closing a particular deal or making a sale to a difficult client? How did your questioning of the situation find a solution?
4) Long term approach:
Talk about how you were able to see the broader consequences of a decision in your previous company. Your contribution provided a viewpoint that others had overlooked.
The one question candidates love to avoid is,
"What is your greatest weakness?"
Do not give superficial answers like "I'm a workaholic" or "I'm a perfectionist. " These are boring and predictable. Interviewers can even reply to them with, "That doesn't sound like a weakness. Now why don't you tell me about a real weakness?" So, state a true weakness that doesn't have a major impact on your ability to do the job.
Sample -- If you are applying for a non-managerial role: '
In the past, I've had some trouble sharing responsibilities with others. I felt I could do things better and faster myself. This sometimes backfired because I'd end up with more than I could handle and the quality of my work would suffer. But I plan to take courses in time management and effective delegation.'
Or, 'I am weak in accounts and had a tough time when I was asked to work on a project with the finance team. I have enrolled in an online program on basic finance to overcome this.' (NOTE: You would not want to use this example for an accounting or finance position.)
Thanks to Hasan Ali
Another Input:
What are your greatest strengths?
This question allows you to describe your strongest attributes and skills. Be sure to mention assets that are directly related to the responsibilities of the open job. Briefly summarize your work experience and your strongest qualities and achievements.
Expert advises job seekers to include four specific skills that employers value highly: self-motivation, initiative, the ability to work in a team and a willingness to work long hours. Additional qualities employers admire include good communication skills, loyalty, reliability, integrity, promptness and self-confidence.
What are your weaknesses?
This question is potentially more harmful than helpful and can also intimidate applicants. Realize that most interviewers don't expect you to be perfect or reveal your true weaknesses. They're just probing for soft spots.
If you give a flip answer, or respond with, "Well, I don't really have any weaknesses," you may be perceived as arrogant or lacking in candor or self-knowledge.
Most career advisers recommend turning this question around and presenting a personal weakness as a professional strength.
You can turn these weaknesses around by saying that you're very meticulous and remain involved in projects until you've ironed out all the problems, even if it means working overtime. This way you've cast your weaknesses into positives most bosses would find irresistible.
Thanks to Payal Sharma
Strengths that interviewers are looking for include:
1) Committed:
Talk about the times you may have sacrificed a vacation to complete an important project.
2) Action-oriented:
Quote an example from a past job where you drove the meeting, committee or project that was languishing. Or, when a deadline loomed and you came up with a way to reach the goal.
3) Inquisitive/ Curious:
Show how curiosity has served you well in the last job. For example, when was the last time you knew there had to be a better way of performing a task, closing a particular deal or making a sale to a difficult client? How did your questioning of the situation find a solution?
4) Long term approach:
Talk about how you were able to see the broader consequences of a decision in your previous company. Your contribution provided a viewpoint that others had overlooked.
The one question candidates love to avoid is,
"What is your greatest weakness?"
Do not give superficial answers like "I'm a workaholic" or "I'm a perfectionist. " These are boring and predictable. Interviewers can even reply to them with, "That doesn't sound like a weakness. Now why don't you tell me about a real weakness?" So, state a true weakness that doesn't have a major impact on your ability to do the job.
Sample -- If you are applying for a non-managerial role: '
In the past, I've had some trouble sharing responsibilities with others. I felt I could do things better and faster myself. This sometimes backfired because I'd end up with more than I could handle and the quality of my work would suffer. But I plan to take courses in time management and effective delegation.'
Or, 'I am weak in accounts and had a tough time when I was asked to work on a project with the finance team. I have enrolled in an online program on basic finance to overcome this.' (NOTE: You would not want to use this example for an accounting or finance position.)
Thanks to Hasan Ali
Another Input:
What are your greatest strengths?
This question allows you to describe your strongest attributes and skills. Be sure to mention assets that are directly related to the responsibilities of the open job. Briefly summarize your work experience and your strongest qualities and achievements.
Expert advises job seekers to include four specific skills that employers value highly: self-motivation, initiative, the ability to work in a team and a willingness to work long hours. Additional qualities employers admire include good communication skills, loyalty, reliability, integrity, promptness and self-confidence.
What are your weaknesses?
This question is potentially more harmful than helpful and can also intimidate applicants. Realize that most interviewers don't expect you to be perfect or reveal your true weaknesses. They're just probing for soft spots.
If you give a flip answer, or respond with, "Well, I don't really have any weaknesses," you may be perceived as arrogant or lacking in candor or self-knowledge.
Most career advisers recommend turning this question around and presenting a personal weakness as a professional strength.
You can turn these weaknesses around by saying that you're very meticulous and remain involved in projects until you've ironed out all the problems, even if it means working overtime. This way you've cast your weaknesses into positives most bosses would find irresistible.
Thanks to Payal Sharma
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
The aim of this question is to test your foresightedness and also gauge if you plan for the future. Stick to professional goals and aspirations while answering. The interviewer does not want to hear about a dream vacation you plan to take, or the industry you would like to be in.
Talk about company related objectives. This is an opportunity for you to show that you want to succeed in the company and are keen on creating a career path there.
Sample answer:
As your company has a strong performance- based culture, in five years I see myself playing a key role of Brand Manager, working on your marketing initiatives.
Tip from Abbas Rizvi, Director, Eternity Placements (New Delhi): "I recommend that candidates give some thought to personal and professional aspirations, and then frame the answer accordingly. Aspiring to be the CEO or Director in five years may be unrealistic for an entry level executive. So, while enthusiasm is appreciated, it has to be aligned with the company's growth plans and the candidates' personal goals."
Thanks to: Hassan Ali
Another Input:
Where do you hope to be in five years?
Without saying you want the boss's job, describe where you would like to be in your career in five years, as well as what you hope to have accomplished.
Employers prefer candidates who think in terms of the future and set realistic goals.
Thanks to Payal Sharma
Talk about company related objectives. This is an opportunity for you to show that you want to succeed in the company and are keen on creating a career path there.
Sample answer:
As your company has a strong performance- based culture, in five years I see myself playing a key role of Brand Manager, working on your marketing initiatives.
Tip from Abbas Rizvi, Director, Eternity Placements (New Delhi): "I recommend that candidates give some thought to personal and professional aspirations, and then frame the answer accordingly. Aspiring to be the CEO or Director in five years may be unrealistic for an entry level executive. So, while enthusiasm is appreciated, it has to be aligned with the company's growth plans and the candidates' personal goals."
Thanks to: Hassan Ali
Another Input:
Where do you hope to be in five years?
Without saying you want the boss's job, describe where you would like to be in your career in five years, as well as what you hope to have accomplished.
Employers prefer candidates who think in terms of the future and set realistic goals.
Thanks to Payal Sharma
Why should we hire you?
Being specific and highlighting your strengths versus the competition is the key here. Stay away from generalities like 'I am the best' or 'I am very hard working and dedicated', etc. Talk in quantifiable terms that will make you stand out and pinpoint the qualities you have that are valuable to the company. Give real examples that show them you are best-suited for the job.
Sample answer:
In the past, I have implemented projects on attrition management, helping bring down employee turnover rates by 4 per cent. I believe this experience and knowledge will add value as employee retention is amongst your company's top priorities.
Tip from M S Ramesh, Senior HR Manager, NTPC (Noida): "I like it when candidates have done some research about our revenue, about the challenges we are facing, before telling us how their experience relates to that. I would recommend that they point out things they may have done in their previous companies that could address our current problems."
Thanks to Hassan Ali
Another Input
Why should we hire you?
This question entices job seekers to really sell themselves.
The interviewer who asks you this is really probing your readiness for the job, your ability to handle it, your willingness to work hard at it and your fitness for the job.
Show your readiness by describing how your experience, career progression, qualities and achievements make you an asset. Highlight your ability by discussing your specific skills and accomplishments.
Thanks to Payal Sharma
Sample answer:
In the past, I have implemented projects on attrition management, helping bring down employee turnover rates by 4 per cent. I believe this experience and knowledge will add value as employee retention is amongst your company's top priorities.
Tip from M S Ramesh, Senior HR Manager, NTPC (Noida): "I like it when candidates have done some research about our revenue, about the challenges we are facing, before telling us how their experience relates to that. I would recommend that they point out things they may have done in their previous companies that could address our current problems."
Thanks to Hassan Ali
Another Input
Why should we hire you?
This question entices job seekers to really sell themselves.
The interviewer who asks you this is really probing your readiness for the job, your ability to handle it, your willingness to work hard at it and your fitness for the job.
Show your readiness by describing how your experience, career progression, qualities and achievements make you an asset. Highlight your ability by discussing your specific skills and accomplishments.
Thanks to Payal Sharma
What would you do if you are not selected?
What if, if you don’t make it in this interview?
This is often used as a stress question to check your spontaneity. The idea is to see if you have a back up plan and how you handle rejection. You need to be assertive and confident while answering this question. You can say you will be disappointed, adding that you will continue to move ahead in your career with the same enthusiasm and vigour.
Sample answer:
I will be disappointed if that happens, but will work on specific feedback and try again when the opportunity presents itself.
Tip from Rohini Seth, psychologist and organisational behaviour consultant (New Delhi): "I would recommend that candidates have a back up plan ready -- like going back to their old jobs or joining some other company in a similar field. It pays to be honest and tell the company your plans. I once heard a candidate respond to this question with 'I will join the competitor as I have an offer from them but was keen on working with your brand. We appreciated his honesty and hired him."
Thanks to Hassan Ali
This is often used as a stress question to check your spontaneity. The idea is to see if you have a back up plan and how you handle rejection. You need to be assertive and confident while answering this question. You can say you will be disappointed, adding that you will continue to move ahead in your career with the same enthusiasm and vigour.
Sample answer:
I will be disappointed if that happens, but will work on specific feedback and try again when the opportunity presents itself.
Tip from Rohini Seth, psychologist and organisational behaviour consultant (New Delhi): "I would recommend that candidates have a back up plan ready -- like going back to their old jobs or joining some other company in a similar field. It pays to be honest and tell the company your plans. I once heard a candidate respond to this question with 'I will join the competitor as I have an offer from them but was keen on working with your brand. We appreciated his honesty and hired him."
Thanks to Hassan Ali
Why have you chosen this career?
Question: Why do you want to make a career in ... (Sales, IT, HR, etc)?
The interviewer wants to learn what you know about the chosen career. Knowledge about the domain and the job shows the interviewer you are interested and demonstrates initiative on your part.
Sample answer:
I have always been a people's person and counselling is a skill that comes naturally to me. Armed with a Master's degree in HR, I believe a job as an HR executive will give me an opportunity to put my natural skill sets and education to practice.
Tip from Prabh Sharan, Training Manager, Kingfisher Airlines (Mumbai): "I would recommend that candidates present their interest and education as strong reasons for choosing a certain career. If you are making a career shift, then explaining the rational for such a move is also expected. Being honest helps.
I interviewed a candidate who said she would like to take up a job that pays her the most and the job we offered fitted that bill as she had some financial responsibilities in the family. She came across as sincere and dedicated, and we offered her the job."
As we said earlier, it's all about the answers.
Thanks to Hassan Ali
The interviewer wants to learn what you know about the chosen career. Knowledge about the domain and the job shows the interviewer you are interested and demonstrates initiative on your part.
Sample answer:
I have always been a people's person and counselling is a skill that comes naturally to me. Armed with a Master's degree in HR, I believe a job as an HR executive will give me an opportunity to put my natural skill sets and education to practice.
Tip from Prabh Sharan, Training Manager, Kingfisher Airlines (Mumbai): "I would recommend that candidates present their interest and education as strong reasons for choosing a certain career. If you are making a career shift, then explaining the rational for such a move is also expected. Being honest helps.
I interviewed a candidate who said she would like to take up a job that pays her the most and the job we offered fitted that bill as she had some financial responsibilities in the family. She came across as sincere and dedicated, and we offered her the job."
As we said earlier, it's all about the answers.
Thanks to Hassan Ali
How would you solve this problem?
How would you....? (Problem solving question):
The interviewers aren't looking for a 'right' or 'wrong' answer to this one. They are more interested in understanding your thought process. Show your ability to think logically and demonstrate problem-solving capabilities by:
.Asking questions to confirm exactly what the interviewer is looking for.
Explaining how you would collect the information and data required to develop a solution.
Telling them how you'd use the information you gathered to develop and analyse alternative courses of action.
Sharing your solution or recommendation, explaining how you feel it's the best option based on the information you were given.
So, go ahead and create a smashing impression. It's all about the right answers.
The interviewers aren't looking for a 'right' or 'wrong' answer to this one. They are more interested in understanding your thought process. Show your ability to think logically and demonstrate problem-solving capabilities by:
.Asking questions to confirm exactly what the interviewer is looking for.
Explaining how you would collect the information and data required to develop a solution.
Telling them how you'd use the information you gathered to develop and analyse alternative courses of action.
Sharing your solution or recommendation, explaining how you feel it's the best option based on the information you were given.
So, go ahead and create a smashing impression. It's all about the right answers.
Why did you leave your last job?
If you left your last job under less-than-ideal circumstances, you probably dread this question. Here's how to handle it. Never lie. If you were fired, don't say you quit. A background check will reveal this lie easily. Don't say anything negative about your former boss, co-workers or company. Any negativity, frustration or anger will only reflect negatively on you.
Sample -- If you were fired for not adhering to a company policy: '
I was asked to leave for violating a company policy that I feel wasn't communicated to me clearly. I should have taken the responsibility to read all of the company policies and ask questions about those I didn't fully understand. That will be the first thing I do in my next job.'
Any employer would love to hear stories about how employees take responsibility for their actions and learn from their mistakes. Make sure they understand that what happened to cause you to leave your last job was the exception, not the rule. Provide references or letters of recommendation to verify that your job performance is above par.
Thanks to Hasan Ali
Another Input:
2. Why did you leave your previous employer, or why are you leaving your present job?
Don't be defensive, especially if you left due to problems with your boss or co-workers. Career experts agree that it isn't wise to air your frustrations about a previous or current job or co-workers during interviews. You may be perceived as a chronic malcontent or difficult to work with.
Perhaps the best answer is that you're seeking greater opportunity, challenges or responsibility. Don't use "more money" as a reason. It's usually obvious that if you're changing jobs, you hope to obtain a better salary.
Thanks to: Payal Sharma
Sample -- If you were fired for not adhering to a company policy: '
I was asked to leave for violating a company policy that I feel wasn't communicated to me clearly. I should have taken the responsibility to read all of the company policies and ask questions about those I didn't fully understand. That will be the first thing I do in my next job.'
Any employer would love to hear stories about how employees take responsibility for their actions and learn from their mistakes. Make sure they understand that what happened to cause you to leave your last job was the exception, not the rule. Provide references or letters of recommendation to verify that your job performance is above par.
Thanks to Hasan Ali
Another Input:
2. Why did you leave your previous employer, or why are you leaving your present job?
Don't be defensive, especially if you left due to problems with your boss or co-workers. Career experts agree that it isn't wise to air your frustrations about a previous or current job or co-workers during interviews. You may be perceived as a chronic malcontent or difficult to work with.
Perhaps the best answer is that you're seeking greater opportunity, challenges or responsibility. Don't use "more money" as a reason. It's usually obvious that if you're changing jobs, you hope to obtain a better salary.
Thanks to: Payal Sharma
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)