Basic Things

In addition to doing research and practicing your answers to common interview

questions, you should be aware of general interview etiquette. Remember the following
points when preparing for an interview:

Review your resume, and make sure that you can explain everything on it. Arrive at the
interview ten minutes early to give yourself an opportunity to collect your thoughts and
relax. Be aware that many employers will have their receptionists record the time you
came in. If you rush in at the last minute, an employer may have serious concerns about
your ability to arrive on time for a normal day at work.

Get a good night's sleep before your interview. You will think more effectively in the
interview if you are rested. Also, yawning will not impress anyone. Eat something before
the interview. If you are worried about your stomach growling, you will not be able to
concentrate on the questions.

Dress appropriately for the position that you are applying to. Try to dress like the people
who work there would dress if they were representing their organization at some
function. If you are unsure about what to wear, always err on the side of being too
dressed up.

Make sure that you are clean, neat, and well-groomed. Interviewers do notice your
appearance, and first impressions are critical in an interview situation.

Take a copy of your resume, transcript, references and perhaps a portfolio or work
samples with you. Also take a pen and paper, as you may wan to record some important
information.

The Interview

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather information.
The employer wants to know if you, the applicant, have the skills, knowledge, self-
confidence, and motivation necessary for the job. At this point you can be confident that
the employer saw something of interest in your resume. He or she also wants to
determine whether or not you will fit in with the organization's current employees and
philosophy. Similarly, you will want to evaluate the position and the organization, and
determine if they will fit into your career plans. The interview is a two-way exchange of
information. It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselves. The employer is
selling the organization to you, and you are marketing your skills, knowledge, and
personality to the employer.

Interview Preparation
Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview. If you haven't done your
homework, it is going to be obvious. Spend time researching and thinking about yourself,
the occupation, the organization, and questions you might ask at the end of the interview.

Step 1: Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer. It is very important to develop a
complete inventory of skills, experience, and personal attributes that you can use to
market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process. In developing this
inventory, it is easiest to start with experience. Once you have a detailed list of activities
that you have done (past jobs, extra-curricular involvements, volunteer work, school
projects, etc.), it is fairly easy to identify your skills.

Simply go through the list, and for each item ask yourself "What could I have learned by
doing this?" "What skills did I develop?" "What issues/circumstances have I learned to
deal with?" Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic.
Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job. For a laboratory assistant,
technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures, slide preparation,
and scientific report writing. For an outreach worker, technical skills might include
counseling skills, case management skills, or program design and evaluation skills.
Generic skills are those which are transferable to many work settings. Following is a list
of the ten most marketable skills. You will notice that they are all generic.

Analytical/Problem Solving

Flexibility/Versatility

Interpersonal

Oral/Written Communication

Organization/Planning

Time Management

Motivation

Leadership

Self-Starter/Initiative

Team Player

Often when people think of skills, they tend to think of those they have developed in the
workplace. However, skills are developed in a variety of settings. If you have ever
researched and written a paper for a course, you probably have written communication
skills. Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of a
team player and leader. Don't overlook any abilities you may have When doing the
research on yourself, identifying your experience and skills is important, but it is not all
that you need to know. Consider the answers to other questions such as:

How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position?

What are my strong points and weak points?

What are my short term and long term goals?

What can I offer this particular employer?

What kind of environment do I like? (i.e. How do I like to be supervised? Do I like a fast
pace?)

What do I like doing?

Apart from my skills and experience, what can I bring to this job?

Step 2: Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation. This is
necessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the experience
and skills required for that occupation, you must first know what those requirements and
duties are. With this information uncovered, you can then match the skills you have
(using the complete skills/experience inventory you have just prepared) with the skills
you know people in that occupational field need. The resulting "shortlist" will be the one
that you need to emphasize during the interview.
It is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position,
or those similar. There are several ways to find out about an occupation:

Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

Resources/Personnel) or check with Student Employment Services. If you are responding

to an advertisement, this may also supply some details.

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations.
Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupation.
If you belong to a professional association related to the occupation, use its resources.
These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars. It is also
a good way to meet people working in the field. Conduct information interviews with
people working in the field. Read articles about people in the occupation, and articles
written by people in the occupation. Sources include newspapers, magazines and the
internet. Find out what the future trends are in the area. Is technology changing the job?
 Step 3: Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization, the better prepared you will be to discuss how
you can meet its needs. Some of the characteristics that you should know about an
organization are:

Where is it located?

How big is it?

What are its products and who does it serve?

How is the organization structured?

What is its history?

Have there been any recent changes, new developments?

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information. Most medium- to
large-sized organizations publish information about themselves. You can access this a
number of ways:

On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and business

directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with information on over
5000 Canadian companies and business directories

Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by searching by
industry and company name

Finally, you can visit or phone the organization and request some information on their
products, services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small, or fairly new, there may not be much information
published. In this case, it will be necessary to do an information interview. Contact
someone within the organization, introduce yourself, explain that you are considering
moving into the field, and ask if it would be possible to meet with him/her to inquire
about the company/organization and about what exactly the position would involve.

Step 4: Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research, you are now ready to prepare questions to
ask the interviewer(s). Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily
available in company literature. Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate
your genuine interest in the position. Be careful how many questions you ask, however,
as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run. Pick your
questions with care - this is your chance to gather information, so ask about what you
really want to know. Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you
may have discovered. This is one of the most effective ways to compare different
employers, so for issues of particular importance to you (for example, whether they
support staff upgrading), you should ask the same questions of each employer. Some
sample questions are:

What are the most significant factors affecting your business today? How have changes
in technology most affected your business today?

How has your business/industry been affected by the recession?

How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years?

What future direction do you see the company taking?

Where is the greatest demand for your services or product?

Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company?

Which department feels it the most?

How do you differ from your competitors?

How much responsibility will I be given in this position?

What do you like about working with this organization?

Can you tell me more about the training program?

Have any new product lines been introduced recently?

How much travel is normally expected?

What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance?

Will I work independently or as part of a team?

How did you advance to your position?

What are the career paths available in this organization?

When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position?

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals
who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to
demonstrate interest on your part. Exercise judgment when asking questions to an
employer. When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile, one would
not ask the question "What is the history of your company and how was your company
started?" You can find the answer to this question in the company's annual report or
articles in magazines/newspapers. However, small- and medium-sized companies do not
always produce publicly available annual reports and it may be difficult to access
information on the company and its role in the industry. This question is appropriate if
you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer.

Walkins & Off Campus Interviews By MNC's

Walkins & Off Campus Interviews By MNC's
Posted by: HR Posted On: -2007-May-06

Job Post Details

Job Description 18 Off Campus Drives for Freshers Graduating in Year 2007

--------------------------

B.E/B.Tech/M.E/M.Tech/M.Sc/M.C.A or B.Sc/B.C.A/B.E.S

Send in your Resumes at the earliest to jobs_freshers_resumesyahoo.com

Job Function Software Trainee

Education UG - Any Graduate - Any Specialization
PG - Any PG Course - Any Specialization
Company Details
Company Name Walkins & Off Campus Interviews By MNC's
Candidate Details
Desired profile Freshers 2007 - Get alerted with all Off Campuses / Walkins
Happening this month
Experience freshers
Location Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad / Secunderabad, Pune
Deadline
Contact Information
Apply Email jobs_freshers_resumesyahoo.com

Category
Location Location -> Bangalore
Job Type Job Type -> Full-time
Industry Type
Classification Job Classification -> Premium Fresher Openings & Walk-ins
End Details

Preparations

Let's say you are going for an interview tomorrow. You have prepared yourself well for
the occasion - anticipating the questions and getting ready the answers - but have you
given a thought to what you will wear?

If you have not peeked into your wardrobe yet, it's time to take a real hard look now.
Your application's fate depends not just on how well you answer the interview questions,
but also on how well you project yourself physically. The first impression your
interviewer makes about you is based on the way you look, and you know what they say
about first impressions. According to Joe Hodowanes, J.M. Wanes and Associates career
strategy advisor, "The way a person dresses is the single biggest non-verbal
communication you make about yourself." The right dressing is a measure of the
seriousness that you place on the position, as a person normally spends time on his looks
if he considers an event important enough.

"Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job, a poor dress sense may
exclude you from further consideration," warns Gerry Ditching, managing partner of
Filgifts.com. Besides, given two equally good applicants, the compan y may choose to
hire the person who is dressed more professionally. Here are some tips to give you a
headstart.

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks. White is still the safest and the best color for shirts.
The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather. Also acceptable: pale shades such
as beige, blue, and other pastels.

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves. Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an
interview or any business purpose. Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your
executive image.
Ties Optional. But if you do wear one, choose a conservative pattern. Solids, small polka
dots, diagonal stripes, small repeating shapes, subtle plaids and paisleys are all
acceptable.

Belts Belts should match your shoes. Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look
more professional.

Socks Black socks are the best, followed by blue or gray, depending on your attire. Never
wear white socks! Check your sock length, too--no skin should show when you sit down
or cross your legs. Shoes. Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them, because
tassel loafers are very casual. Other suitable colors are brown, cordovan and navy.

Hair. Keep neat, short and preferably parted on the side. And shave off all those facial
hair.

Jewellery. Wear no or little jewellery. The watch and wedding ring are the only
acceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire. Thin gold or leather-strapped
watches look professional but not digital watches. Also, avoid political or religious
insignias, necklaces or bracelets. Definitely Accessories. As much as possible, use leather
briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume. Use narrow briefcases and avoid
plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place.

Women

Three-piece business suits, blouse and skirt or slacks, and cardigan twin-sets. Sleeveless
shirts should be rejected. Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have
features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like look.
Skirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or
short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee. Nothing too revealing,
please!

Panty-hose or stockings. A must for professional grooming, but nothing with overly fussy
patterns. Bring an extra pair, just in case the ones you are wearing run.

Shoes. Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1½-inch heels suggest a more professional
look. Dark colors are best.

Hair. Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back. Don't let it fall
in front of your face and don't keep trying to fix it during the interview. Avoid large hair
ornaments and trendy hairstyles.

Make-up. Be subtle; natural is the key word. Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish
are recommended.
Jewellery. Be conservative. Studs of gold, silver or pearls are best. Do away with gaudy
fashion jewelers, and those that clank and make noise when one moves.

Accessories. Folders and bags should blend well with the total professional look. Women
should match their purse with their shoe colour.

Go for a mock exercise before the real talk at the job table

Hone your interview etiquette................ Churn the right mix of deportment, attitude and
dressing skills for a great job talk !

Never make the big mistake of treating an interview lightly. It's not an impromptu thing
where you depend on your improvisation skills. An interview requires careful thought
and planning before you take it. Keeping in mind some basic attitudes and presentation
techniques will help you sail through it with panache.

So if you thought that going for an interview just meant pulling your best suit out of the
wardrobe and updating your resume, please think again. You are forgetting the other
essentials: body language, basic etiquette and attitude.

Remember that you are actually selling an entire package and the packaging, in this case,
is as relevant as the product inside. Ultimately you are presenting yourself as a valuable
professional to a new job environment. And you can't do that without minding the basic
interview etiquette to get you ahead of the rest of the pack.

An interview is the sum total of many parts. It's not just what you say but how you say it
that matters equally. So it's good to brush up on more than just your training skills when
you do go in for an interview.

ATTIRE

How you dress for an interview is perhaps as relevant as the way you lay out your
resume. Says Nina Kochar of Upgrade Management Services, an organization which
coaches' executives in the basic rules of corporate etiquette: "A person who is sloppy in
appearance shows a sloppy personality, so you have to be decently dressed." Of course,
decently dressed does not necessarily mean being dressed to the gills. In most cases, this
would mean you would wear long sleeved shirts and a pair of formal trousers. In fact,
Nina Kochar does not recommend suits, especially for younger people. "A lot of young
people do not have the money to invest in suits, consequently, they wear ill-fitting or
borrowed suits and that looks even worse. A tie, shirt and pant should do the trick for
most junior level positions."
Most HR experts would also tell you to mind the accessories like ties, belts and shoes. To
be sure, badly matched shoes and ties can have a jarring effect on an interviewer.
Similarly, please avoid heavy Jewellery or personal accessories as they would look
incongruous on you.

ENTRANCE AND INTRODUCTION

Even though most of us are primed for the basic grilling that we would face during the
interview, we seldom pay attention to the way we enter an interview room or how we
introduce ourselves. Says Subhashish Mitra, deputy manager, Essar Cellphones: "A lot of
people do not think it important to knock properly while entering the interview room.
They assume that as an interview is taking place, the panel will be expecting them. To my
mind this is a very major faux pas which really jars."

In fact, the best way to enter an interview is to knock, ask for permission to enter and
then wait for a while before you actually sit down. Few interviewees know this but the
interview panel needs a little quiet time to discuss the previous candidate before they get
around to the next one. So your silence till you actually get seated would be very
valuable. Try and keep a bag with you for all your papers and certificates; make sure this
bag is an unobtrusive as possible.

ATTITUDE AND RESPONSE

This is a grey area for most interview candidates. While dressing up and resume writing
are skills you can Go for a mock exercise before the real talk at the job table handle with
a little practice, cultivating the right attitude as an interviewee requires a lot of patience
and reading between the lines. The usual complaint of most interviewers is that few
interviewees are able to stri perhaps the best thing you can do for getting your answer
right. Most interviewers like to give a lead to the candidate in the way they ask the
question, so it's entirely up to you to note facial expressions and the tone of the words.

Do you show your certificates immediately to the interview panel?

Not till you are asked actually. You might already have sent in your resume, so you
shouldn't try and offload all your achievements and skills onto the panel till a turn in the
interview leads to such a situation.

Try and take cues form the tonal variations, facial expressions and thrust of questions
from the interview panel. That in itself will give you a clue as to where this interview is
heading.

TEN THINGS THAT AN INTERVIEWER LOOKS IN YOU!

1. Family Background

2. Education
3. Experience

4. Stability

5. Initiative

6. General Ability

7. Interpersonal Skills

8. Confidence

9. Aptitude

10. Pleasant Looks

How one wished that an interview were a simple meeting of minds and hearts. Just one
casual meeting where an employee's future gets sealed. Unfortunately, it's not something
as pre-ordained as you would like it to be; it's a pre-meditated exercise which fetches you
dividends only if your homework is done right.

Your Resume is the First Interface with Your Employer

Your resume is the first interface you have with your employer. Make the most of this
opportunity............. The employment market is changing all the time and so have
resumes, evolving from a one-size-fits-all standard. Here are our tips to convert your
resume into a catching one.

Follow These Basic Standards....

Don't overcrowd your resume; allow for plenty of white space.

Keep your resume to one page whenever possible.

Keep the number of fonts you use to a minimum -- two at the most.

Use a font that is easy to read. Times Roman works well.

Do not justify the lines of type on your resume. Allow the right side of the page to "rag."

Do not overuse capitalization, italics, underlines, or other emphasizing features.

Make sure your name, address, and a phone number appear on your resume and all
correspondence, preferably at the top of the page.

Print your resume on white or cream paper using a good-quality printer.

Second- and third-generation photocopies must be avoided

Print on one side of the paper only.

Avoid Mistakes:

Spelling Mistakes:

To avoid spelling mistakes:

Don't use words with which you aren't familiar.

Use a dictionary as you write.

Perform a spell check on your finished resume.

Carefully read every word in your resume.

Have a friend or two proof read your resume for you.

Punctuation Mistakes:

Things to look for:

Periods at the end of all full sentences.

Be consistent in your use of punctuation.

Always put periods and commas within quotation marks.

Avoid using exclamation points.

Grammatical Mistakes:

Grammar hang-ups to watch for:

Do not switch tenses within your resume.

The duties you currently perform should be in present tense (i.e., write reports)

Duties you may have performed at past jobs should be in past tense (i.e., wrote reports).
Capitalize all proper nouns.

When expressing numbers, write out all numbers between one and nine (i.e., one, five,
seven), but

use numerals for all numbers 10 and above (i.e., 10, 25, 108).

If you begin a sentence with a numeral, spell out that numeral (e.g. Eleven service awards
won while employed.).

Make sure your date formats are consistent (i.e.11/22/01 or Nov. 22, 2001, or 11.22.01.
Choose one and stick with it.).

Choose Your Words Carefully:

Phrase yourself well:

Be on the lookout for the following easily confused words:

accept (to receive), except (to exclude)

all right (correct), alright (this is not a word)

affect (to bring about change), effect (result)

personal (private), personnel (staff members)

role (a character assigned or a function), roll (to revolve).

Use action words (i.e., wrote reports, increased revenues, directed staff).

References:
In most instances it is not necessary to include names and address of references on the
resume. If you include a reference, make it sure that the referenced person knows very
well about you. It is also advisable to add the persons as references, whom the employer
can contact easily. If possible add the phone number and e-mail ID of the reference.
Never add a person as a reference, about whom you know nothing

STICK TO THE POINT

Employers have a busy schedule, so don't expect them to read through a long resume.
Ideally, resumes should be of one page, or of two pages only if absolutely necessary, to
describe relevant work experience.

WORDS COUNT
Use of language is extremely important; you need to sell yourself to an employer quickly
and efficiently. Address your potential employer's needs with a clearly written,
compelling resume. Avoid large paragraphs (five or six lines). If you provide small,
digestible pieces of information, your resume will be read. Use action verbs. Verbs such
as "developed", "managed", and "designed" emphasise your accomplishments. Don't use
declarative sentences like "I developed the ..." or "I assisted in ...", leave out the "I".
Avoid passive constructions, such as "was responsible for managing". Just say,
"managed": that sounds stronger and more active.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE

Employers need to know what you have accomplished to have an idea of what you can do
for them. Don't be vague. Telling someone that you "improved the company's efficiency"
doesn't say much. But if you say that you "cut overhead costs by 20 per cent and saved
the company Rs 20 lakh during the last fiscal year", you are more specific.

HONESTY IS A GOOD POLICY

Employers will feel more comfortable hiring you if they can verify your
accomplishments. There is a difference between making the most of your experience and
exaggerating or falsifying it. A falsified resume can cost you the job later.

DOUBLE-CHECK FOR MISTAKES

Check your resume for correct grammar and spelling - evidence of good communication
skills and attention to detail. Nothing can ruin your chances of getting a job faster than
submitting a resume filled with preventable mistakes. Make your resume easy on the eye.
Use normal margins (1" on the top and bottom, 1.25" on the sides) and don't cram your
text on the page. Allow for some space between the different sections. Avoid unusual or
exotic fonts. Preferred fonts: Arial and Times Roman.

For More Details on Resume Preparation Check Out the Resume Section.

How to write that Winning Resume for your Dream job

Important Tips on Emailing Resumes : Find out how to get more calls from each of your
applications.. !!

If you are a new entrant in the job market, you need to perfect your resume before
applying for your 1st job
Since you are fresh out of college, use your education as your strong point. Aggregate %,
CGPA, accolades, club participation, etc. will be your focus.

"Do I really need a resume? What should I write in my resume?"

These are questions which worry every college graduate looking for his/her first job.
Welcome to the real world! Yes you really need to make your resume and how you
present yourself in that resume will go a long way towards getting you your first job.
It's a myth that resumes of entry-level graduates are unimportant because they lack the
'pull' of experience. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only is a well-made
resume important for every job seeker, it is more critical for entry level graduates. A
resume is a mirror of your professional identity. A well-defined resume impresses a
recruiter. A sloppy resume immediately proclaims the candidate to be sloppy.

Here are some do's and don'ts on what makes a great resume for graduates seeking entry-
level positions in industry.

OBJECTIVE
One of the most frequently heard complaints made by recruiters about entry-level
resumes is that they lack a specific objective. Resumes of fresh graduates have fuzzy,
general objectives or no objective at all. Mentioning a specific objective is by far the
most important feature of an entry- level resume. Without goal clarity you are bound to
drown in the sea of mediocrity.

The only thing worse than the absence of an objective is a vague objective. Something
like "My objective is to work with a dynamic company which will fully utilise my
talents…" is a complete no-no! This objective is worthless because it gives the potential
employer no idea about your goals or your direction.

Your objective should be clear, well-defined and short-not more than 10-12 words.. It
should be aimed towards getting a particular position in a specific industry. Thus your
objective should talk about the following:
1. Position wanted
2. Functional area
3. Industry wanted

Examples of good objectives:

Example 1: "Junior management position wanted in PROGRAMMING/ engineering field
in IT industry.'
Example 2: GET in position in the manufacturing field.
Example 3: Entry level programmer in a software development company.
Example 4: Marketing position in the FMCG segment of a Multinational Company.
Example 5: Multimedia software development position. Open to Relocation.
Example 6: "A position as a Production supervisor with a petro-chemical company."

SUMMARY
Summary is the second most important factor that is conspicuous by its absence in
resumes of entry-level graduates. It is a good idea to include a summary of your resume
after having mentioned your objective. This sums up your resume in a nutshell and gives
you an opportunity to highlight your strengths. It invites the recruiter to read your
detailed resume. The summary should consist of 4-5 specific points-either bulleted or in
one paragraph.

Sample Summary 1:
B.E (Computer Science) from IIT-Delhi, in 2000.
Course in Computers Database programmes Oracle 8I & VB6 from PENTASOFT in
2005.
Consistently good academic record.
Good analytical and communication skills.
Have worked on a curriculum project "XXX XXXXX XXXX"

Sample Summary 2:
"Masters in Computer Application with specialisation in J2EE/Web Technologies. Great
operational, communication and computer skills. Good academic record throughout.
Among the top three students out of a batch of 120 students. Undergone Industrial
training in a top petrochemical Company.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Most fresher resume doesn't suffer from space constraint . However it is a good idea to
include only those educational and professionals qualifications which are relevant. Put
your qualifications in a reverse chronological order. i.e. the recent ones first followed by
earlier ones. Entry level resume should also mention the names of their school and
college, years in which they passed their board examinations. However, include your
marks only you have shown a good academic performance.

WORK EXPERIENCE
An entry- level resume cannot compete with resumes of experienced workers in the area
of work experience. But don't forget to list internships, voluntary work and summer
training that you have undertaken. How you present these is very important. Make sure
you clearly define your duty and responsibilities during this training.
E.g.: "Worked as a summer trainee in India's largest Oil Refinery. I was working for the
system control department. Wrote quality reports as well as ISO features for the
company." Any projects done for your school or your college should also be mentioned.

DESIGN
Follow a simple design, which gives maximum information in the minimum number of
pages. Use an easy to read and commonly used font like 'Times New Roman' or
'Verdana.' Limit your font size to 10-11. Do not underline heavily.

WORD USAGE
Simple language, lucid expression with good grammar is the thumb rule. Watch your
tenses carefully. Use short and simple sentences. And never-ever make the mistake of
using long words just to impress the recruiter. Flowery words are for speeches, keep them
away from your resume.

OUCH! THE TRUTH HURTS

There are many things we would rather not write in our resumes. And while writing a
resume the strong temptation to stretch the truth (or simply lie through our teeth) can be
quite overpowering. But just stomp on the temptation. Most companies opt for a
reference check during recruitment. Your resume is considered a legal document and
fudging up small details may cause you great embarrassment in your career.
All right! so you've made yor resume. But this is not the time to sit back and relax. There
are some important post-resume do's left.

CHECK, AND RE-CHECK!

The most important post resume step: Read and re-read your resume for any mistakes.
Check the facts, the grammar, the spellings. After you have checked it, get you parents,
friends, teachers to check it for you. One small mistake may cost you your job.

And finally...mom is right you know! Do not procrastinate over anything, specially
making your resume. Most fresh graduates prefer to leave the unappealing task of resume
making till the last minute i.e the day before their first interview. However, remember
that making great resumes take time and effort. And the rewards will last you a lifetime

Check out these sample resumes* to understand the kind of resumes employers are
looking for: Download samples in word format
Exceptional B.Tech
Freshers
aspiring for IT career
Freshers for
Technical Jobs
*These are fictitious but representative resumes. Any resemblance to real people is purely
coincidental.

Type of Questions

Interviewers use five different types of questions - directive, non-directive, hypothetical,

behavior descriptive, and stress. Being aware of the different types can help you in the
preparation stage as you build your skills inventory. It may also help you focus in on
exactly what is being asked and what the employer is looking for in specific questions.

Directive Questions
The interviewer determines the focus of your answer. The information that the
interviewer wants is very clear. If you have completed the research on yourself, this type
of question should be easy to answer.

Example: "What skills do you have that relate to this position?"

"I have very good communication and interpersonal skills that I have refined through
several summer and part-time jobs working with the public. In addition, I am fluent in
both English and French."

Non-Directive Questions

You determine the focus of your answer. The interviewer asks a general question and
does not ask for specific information. The most common non-directive question is

"Tell me about yourself."

When answering the question, keep in mind that the employer is interested in knowing
how your background and personality qualify you for the job. In your answer, you should
cover four areas: your education, related experience, skills and abilities, and personal
attributes. As you talk about these areas, relate them to the job you are seeking. Decide
what your response will be before starting to speak, this helps to keep responses concise.

Example: " Tell me about yourself."

"I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, and have recently completed the course

in Volunteer Management through the Volunteer Center of Winnipeg. These have given
me a strong background in many of the principles of human behavior and the recruitment,
training, and supervision of volunteers. I have experience in working with young adults
in a helping capacity, both through my position as a Peer Advisor at the University of
Manitoba, and as a camp counselor at a camp for behaviorally troubled adolescents. Both
of these positions involved individual counseling, facilitating discussion groups, and
teaching young people about health issues - all of which relate directly to the services
which I would be training volunteers to provide within your organization. In addition, I
thoroughly enjoy working with young people, and can establish rapport with them
easily."

Hypothetical or Scenario Questions

When asking a hypothetical question, the interviewer describes a situation, which you
may encounter in the position and asks how you would react in a similar situation. This is
a good way to test problem-solving abilities. When answering this type of question, try
applying a simple problem solving model to it – gather information, evaluate the
information, priories the information, seek advice, weigh the alternatives, make a
decision, communicate the decision, monitor the results and modify if necessary.
Example: "Suppose you are working your first day in our laboratory, and a fire at a
nearby work station breaks out. What would you do?"

"Before I start working in any laboratory, I always locate the emergency equipment, such
as eye washes, fire blankets and alarms. I would also review the safety protocols. So in
this situation, I would be aware of these. As soon as I noticed the fire, I would shut down
my experiment and if the fire is significant, I would pull the firm alarm and help to
evacuate the lab. In the case of very small flame, I would ask the staff member at the
station what I could do to help, Which would vary with the type of substances involved.”

Behavior Descriptive or Behavioral Questions

This type of question is becoming increasingly popular in interview situations. It asks

what you did in a particular situation rather than what you would do. Situations chosen
usually follow the job description fairly closely. Some employers feel that examples of
past performance will help them to predict future performance in similar situations. There
is no right or wrong answer to this type of question, but keep in mind that you should
relate the answer to the position. If you are interviewing for a research position, talk
about a research project you completed.

Example: "Give me an example of a work situation in which you were proud of your
performance."

"While working as a sales representative for XYZ Company for the summer, I called on
Prospective clients and persuaded them of the ecological and economic benefits of
Recycling. I also followed up on clients to ensure that they were satisfied with the service
They received. This involved both telephone and in-person contacts. I increased sales
34% over the same period in the previous year."

When preparing for this type of questioning, it is crucial that you review the skills and
qualities that the position would require and identify specific examples from your past
which demonstrated those traits.

Stress Questions

Some questions will surprise you and possibly make you feel uncomfortable during an
interview. For

Example:" Which do you prefer, fruits or vegetables?" There are many reasons why an
interviewer might ask such questions. They may want to see how you react in difficult
situations, or they may simply be trying to test your sense of humor. Such questions may
directly challenge an opinion that you have just stated or say something negative about
you or a reference. Sometimes they ask seemingly irrelevant questions such as,

"If you were an animal, what type of animal would you be?"
The best way to deal with this type of question is to recognize what is happening. The
interviewer is trying to elicit a reaction from you. Stay calm, and do not become
defensive. If humour comes naturally to you, you might try using it in your response, but
it is important to respond to the question. What you say is not nearly as important as
maintaining your composure.

Example: "Which do you like better, Lions or Tigers?"

"Oh, lions definitely. They appear so majestic and are very sociable. To be honest, I think
that seeing The Lion King four times has probably contributed to this!"

Way Of Answering
strategies: answering question basic some mind in keep you if effectively respond to
easier it find will asked, are of type what Regardless

You can never predict every question that you will encounter, so approach the interview
with an inventory of important points. Make a list of the points about yourself that you
want the interviewer to know. For example, if you were to apply for a job as a Sales
Representative, you might want to list the products you have sold before, types of
customers (by industry, age, etc.), languages spoken, personal experience in that industry
and related knowledge (perhaps from your academic program).

Consider each question an opportunity to provide some of this information. Don't assume
anything. You will be evaluated on your answers, not your resume. Therefore, ensure you
incorporate the relevant information from your resume in your answers.

Pause a couple of seconds before you respond to each question, even if you know exactly
what you want to say. Take this time to quickly plan your answer, this helps to avoid
misunderstandings and produces much more concise answers.

If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification. This is expected and is preferable
to providing an unsuitable answer. If you need time to collect your thoughts - take it.
When people are nervous they tend either to "draw a blank" or to babble. It is better to
think for a few moments and make sure that your answer is doing you justice and that
there is a point to what you are saying.

Always expand. Never answer a question with a "yes" or "no."

The interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself. Don't be afraid to 'blow your own
horn.' As long as you can back up what you are saying with examples which demonstrate
that what you are saying is true, you are not bragging. Third party observations can also
be mentioned. For example, "My last employer told me that I was promoted because of
how I handled conflicts with clients."

Be very positive. Don't complain about anything - from your former employer to the
weather - and don't apologize for experience that you don't have. Just sell what you do
have and let the employer decide if you have what he/she is looking for. Also, avoid
negative words. For example, you would not say "I have a little experience...," you would
say "I have experience......"

Don't be afraid to repeat important points. In fact, it is a good idea to do this.

Go Through The Process

There are many different types of interviews designed to serve different purposes or
situations. Regardless of the type of interview, most will incorporate the following stages:
establishing rapport, exchanging information, and closing the interview. Pay attention to
the job titles of the interviewer(s). This can help you decide how much technical detail to
provide in your responses.

Establishing Rapport

This is a very important part of the interview because while establishing rapport, first
impressions are made, and the tone of the interview is set. Some people suggest that the
decision to hire is greatly influenced by the first five minutes of the interview. A good
interviewer will introduce him/herself, and take the lead. Follow his or her lead - if they
are chatty, be chatty; if they are formal, be formal. Some employers use what seems to be
casual conversation to get to know you on a more personal level – this may be crucial to a
hiring decision!

Tips:

Smile and maintain eye contact. This is one way of communicating confidence, even if
you don't feel it.

If the interviewer offers his or her hand, shake it firmly. If they don't, it is appropriate to
offer yours.

Wait until the interviewer sits or offers you a seat before sitting down.

If the interviewer is making small talk, participate. Keep your answers short and positive.

Exchange of Information
This is the bulk of the interview. It is your opportunity to let the interviewer know what
you have to offer, and your chance to learn more about the organization.

Tips:

When you answer a question, look the interviewer in the eye.

Be aware of the interviewer's reactions. If he or she looks confused, ask if you can clarify
anything.

Be aware of what your body is saying. Avoid closed postures. Sit upright, but not stiffly.

Try to find a comfortable position as that will make you feel more relaxed.

Control your nervous habits. Don't swing your foot, talk with your hands (to an extreme),
or fiddle with jewelers, buttons, pens, etc.

Show that you are interested in the job by asking questions.

Try not to appear bored or anxious. Don't look at your watch.

Closing the Interview

When the interviewer is done gathering the information that is needed, he or she will ask
if you have anything to add, or if you have any questions. This is your opportunity to
mentally review your inventory of skills and make sure that you have communicated
everything that you wanted to. If any of your questions have not been addressed during
the course of the interview, now is the time to ask them.

Tips:

Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration.

Ask when you can expect to hear from him/her.

If it is not known when a decision will be reached, ask if you can phone in a week's time
to inquire about the progress.

If the interviewer offers his/her hand, shake it firmly. Otherwise, it is fine to offer yours
first.

If not already discussed, you can offer to leave a sample of your work, or portfolio if you
have one.

Think about the following points. Do any of them apply to you?

Oversell
Trying too hard to impress; bragging; acting aggressively. Undersell
Failing to emphasize the fact that you have related skills; discussing
experience using negative qualifiers (i.e. "I have a little experience...").
Body Language
It is easy to create a negative impression without even realizing that you are doing it. Are
you staring at your feet, or talking to the interviewer's shoulder? Be aware of what your
actions say about you.
Lack of Honesty
The slightest stretching of the truth may result in you being screened out.
Negative Attitude
The interview is not an opportunity for you to complain about your current supervisor or
co-workers (or even about 'little' things, such as the weather).
Lack of Preparation You have to know about the organization and the occupation. If you
don't, it will appear as though you are not interested in the position.
Lack of Enthusiasm
If you are not excited about the work at the interview, the employer will not assume that
your attitude will improve when hired.

Six Common Interview Mistakes

AVOID SIX COMMON INTERVIEW MISTAKES

Tip # 1: Don't discuss pay too early

As the manager of a software store for 10 years, I can honestly say that questions about
pay in the first interview from anyone other than a temporary applicant always bothered
me a little. Temp jobs aside, if you are not really out there just for the money, asking this
question right out of the gate is going to make any other questions you ask sound
conniving and insincere. Unless the subject comes up, don't wade into the issue of the pay
in the first interview. You can talk about it after you impress the employer enough for a
second interview.

Tip # 2: Talk tech to techies only

Feel free to discuss what you know, but remember: If you are talking to a nontechnical
manager or human resources representative, you are not going to impress them with talk
about life in the trenches. My previous supervisor was totally unimpressed with anything
to do with technology. A sure way to put the man to sleep was to begin any story that had
to do with computers.
When I interviewed for a previous position, the department manager actually had a
technically savvy person participate in the interview to ask and respond to questions she
would not understand. When I saw this tactic being used, I knew it was not a time to try
to impress with a lot of techno babble.
Answer questions about your work history briefly and keep the tech comments to a
minimum until you know the history of the company and the people involved in the
hiring process. If you have questions about the technology in use at the site, keep your
questions specific and relevant to the position for which you are applying.
Tip # 3: Keep your philosophy to yourself
If you hate Bill Gates, Windows XP, and the whole Office Suite, keep it to yourself.
Ranting about your tech philosophy can ruin your chances at the position.
I once interviewed a young man for a retail sales position in a software store. When I
asked about his opinion of the then-new Windows 98, the applicant ranted about "the
revolution of UNIX" and loosening the grip of Microsoft on the PC market. I am not
exaggerating; the man sounded like he was ready to sign on to a paramilitary group. I
almost didn't have the heart to tell him my company was a Value Added Reseller for
Microsoft.
Chances are, you will work with many people who need your help with one of the
Microsoft products, so you don't want to blast the tools you will likely be using and
supporting. If you are asked about how you feel about a product, be honest, but don't
preach. The interviewer probably just wants to see how you respond to such questions.

Tip # 4: Don't climb the advancement ladder in the interview

If you are joining the ranks of a new company, the last thing the interviewer wants to hear
is, "How fast can I get out of this job?" Do not ask about opportunities for advancement
until the second or third interview. If you are joining a company just to advance into
another position, silence is golden. Keep it to yourself unless the interviewer asks or
unless it is somehow already known that you'll be advancing quickly. Remember that
what you say now can come back to haunt you later. You don't want to brag to someone
who might be under your wing after a promotion.
Further, you never know what may happen if you actually get the job. Learn to accept
and adapt and, above all, be happy you have a job. Due to downsizing, a former coworker
of mine did not move into the network administration position she wanted and was
expecting to get. The bitterness fostered by her broken expectations eventually caused her
to resign. In the tight job market of the time-similar to the one now-and with her lack of
certified qualifications, she ended up seeking work at a local restaurant.

Tip # 5: Avoid the dreaded electronic interruption

Cellular phone and pager etiquette might seem a trivial thing to those that are hooked up,
but you can kiss any job opportunity goodbye if you interrupt an interview to take a
telephone call, especially if the human resources representative has a low tolerance for
personal digital devices. Only if you are exchanging information by invitation should you
reveal the fact that you carry a PDA. If you wear it on a belt loop or somewhere that is
exposed, lose it, along with any other electrical device hooks and loops, and store them in
pocket, purse, or briefcase. If you can't spare the time away from the rest of the world to
do an interview, why are you applying for the job?
I have conducted training classes with people who, when asked to turn off their phones
and pagers during class, place their devices in silent mode. When giving a lecture to a
class or holding a discussion, watching a person being silently buzzed is terribly
distracting and also aggravating.
If you think getting rid of electronic communications devices isn't important, just ask any
human resources rep who has had a person answer a cellular phone during a job
interview. Then ask if the person got the job.

Tip # 6: Remember to say thank you

Beyond thanking your interviewers for their time as you leave, it's vital that you follow
up in written form. If the competition for a position is tight, a follow-up thank you note
can mean a lot. If the manager is slow to hire, the arrival of a thank-you note can serve as
a reminder about the candidate who's awaiting the manager's next move.
Just after you've completed the interview, take note of anything specific you discussed
and make a point of referencing it in your thank you letter. Even a nice greeting card is
better than nothing.
It may seem like a small detail, but the experts will tell you that this tried-and-true tactic
really makes an impact. A coworker of mine, who successfully worked as a job coach,
used to keep a stack of generic notes in her desk. When a participant in her program
applied for a job somewhere, she would give the person one of these notes to have them
drop in the mail on the way home.

Great interviews arise from careful groundwork. You can ace your next interview if you:

Enter into a state of relaxed concentration. This is the state from which great basketball
players or Olympic skaters operate. You'll need to quiet the negative self chatter in your
head through meditation or visualization prior to sitting down in the meeting. You'll
focus on the present moment and will be less apt to experience lapses in concentration,
nervousness, self-doubt and self-condemnation.

Act spontaneous, but be well prepared. Be your authentic self, professional yet real.
Engage in true conversation with your interviewer, resting on the preparation you did
prior to coming to the meeting. Conduct several trial runs with another person simulating
the interview before it actually occurs. It's the same as anticipating the questions you'll be
asked on a final exam.

Set goals for the interview. It is your job to leave the meeting feeling secure that the
interviewer knows as much as he or she possibly can about your skills, abilities,
experience and achievements. If you sense there are misconceptions, clear them up before
leaving. If the interviewer doesn't get around to asking you important questions, pose
them yourself (diplomatically) and answer them. Don't leave the meeting without getting
your own questions answered so that you have a clear idea of what you would be getting
yourself into. If possible, try to get further interviews, especially with other key players.

Know the question behind the question. Ultimately, every question boils down to, "Why
should we hire you?" Be sure you answer that completely. If there is a question about
your meeting deadlines, consider whether the interviewer is probing delicately about your
personal life, careful not to ask you whether your family responsibilities will interfere
with your work. Find away to address fears if you sense they are present.

Tips on interviews and Group Discussions

Many companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your
interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people. The GD is
to check how you behave, participate and contribute in a group, how much importance do
you give to the group objective as well as your own, how well do you listen to viewpoints
of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own. The
aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication, non-verbal behaviour,
conformation to norms, decision-making ability and cooperation. You should try to be as
true as possible to these aspects.

1. In a group discussion what should my objectives be and how should I achieve them?
2. Is it wise to take a strong stand either in favor or against the topic right at the start of
a Group Discussion ?
3. Is it a good strategy to try and be the first speaker on the topic in a GD?
4. In an interview how does one handle the question "Tell us about yourself?".
5. Is it better to have a longer selection interview or a shorter one?
6. In the MBA entrance interview how do I justify my decision to pursue the MBA
programme?
In a group discussion what should my objectives be and how should I achieve them?
In order to succeed at any unstructured group discussion, you must define what your
objective in the group is. A good definition of your objective is - to be seen to have
contributed meaningfully in an attempt to achieve the right consensus

The key words in this definition are 'seen', 'meaningfully', and 'attempt'. Let us
understand what each of these imply in terms of action points : The first implication is
that merely making a meaningful contribution in an attempt to achieve consensus is not
enough. You have to be seen by the evaluator to have made a meaningful contribution
in n attempt to build the right consensus.
In other words you must ensure that you are heard by the group. If the group hears you
so will the evaluator. You must get at least some airtime. If you are not a very assertive
person you will have to simply learn to be assertive for those 15 minutes. If you get
cowed down easily in an aggressive group, you can say goodbye to the business school
admission.
Many GD participants often complain that they did not get a chance to speak. The fact
of the matter is that in no GD do you get a chance to speak. You have to make your
chances.
 The second important implication is that making just any sort of contribution is not
enough. Your contribution has to be meaningful. A meaningful contribution suggests
that you have a good knowledge base, are able to structure arguments logically and are a
good communicator. These are qualities that are desired by all evaluators.
Many GD participants feel that the way to succeed in a GD is by speaking frequently,
for a long time and loudly. This is not true. The quality of what you say is more
important than the quantity. Don't be demoralized if you feel you have not spoken
enough. If you have spoken sense and have been heard, even if only for a short time, it
is usually good enough. You must have substance in your arguments.
Therefore, think things through carefully. Always enter the room with a piece of paper
and a pen. In the first two minutes jot down as many ideas as you can. It pays to think
laterally. Everybody else will state the obvious. Can you state something different? Can
you take the group ahead if it is stuck at one point? Can you take it in a fresh and more
relevant direction? You may like to dissect the topic and go into the underlying causes or
into the results.
One way of deciding what sort of contribution is meaningful at what point of time is to
follow two simple rules. First, in times of chaos a person who restores order to the group
is appreciated. Your level of participation in a fish market kind of scenario can be low,
but your degree of influence must never be low. In other words you must make positive
contributions every time you speak and not speak for the sake of speaking. The second
rule is applicable when the group is floundering. In this situation a person who provides
a fresh direction to the group is given credit.
The third implication is that you must be clearly seen to be attempting to build a
consensus. Nobody expects a group of ten people, all with different points of view on a
controversial subject to actually achieve a consensus. But did you make the attempt to
build a consensus?

The reason why an attempt to build a consensus is important is because in most work
situations you will have to work with people in a team, accept joint responsibilities and
take decisions as a group. You must demonstrate the fact that you are capable and
inclined to work as part of a team.
What are the ways that you can try to build consensus? First, you must not just talk,
you should also listen. You must realize that other people also may have valid points to
make. You should not only try to persuade other people to your point of view, but also
come across as a person who has an open mind and appreciates the valid points of others.
You must try and resolve contradictions and arguments of others in the group. You
must synthesize arguments and try and achieve a unified position in the group. Try to
think of the various arguments of yours and others' as parts of a jigsaw puzzle or as
building blocks of a larger argument for or against the topic.
Try and lay down the boundaries or the area of the discussion at the beginning. Discuss
what the group should discuss before actually beginning your discussion. This will at
least ensure that everyone is talking about the same thing.
 Try and summarize the discussion at the end. In the summary do not merely restate
your point of view; also accommodate dissenting viewpoints. If the group did not reach
a consensus, say so in your summary

You must carry people with you. So do not get emotional, shout, invade other people's
private space.
Do not bang your fist on the table except in extreme circumstances. If you have
spoken and you notice that someone else has tried to enter the discussion on a number of
occasions and has not had the chance to do so maybe you could give him a chance the
next time he tries. But do not offer a chance to anyone who is not trying to speak. He may
not have anything to say at that point and you will just end up looking foolish.
The surest way of antagonizing others in the GD as well as the examiner is to appoint
yourself as a de facto chairperson of the group. Do not try to impose a system whereby
everyone gets a chance to speak in turn. A GD is meant to be a free flowing discussion.
Let it proceed naturally. Do not ever try to take a vote on the topic. A vote is no
substitute for discussion.
Do not address only one or two persons when speaking. Maintain eye contact with as
many members of the group as possible. This will involve others in what you are saying
and increase your chances of carrying them with you. Do this even if you are answering a
specific point raised by one person. One last point. You must not agree with another
participant in the group merely for the sake of achieving consensus. If you disagree, say
so. You are not there to attempt to build just any consensus. You have to attempt to build
the right consensus.
Is it wise to take a strong stand either in favour or against the topic right at the start of a
Group Discussion ?
In theory yes. If you believe something why shouldn't you say so? If we are convinced
about something our natural response is to say so emphatically. However in practice what
is likely to happen if you take a very strong and dogged stance right at the beginning of
the interview is that you will antagonize the people in the group who disagree with you
and will be unable to carry them with you and convince them of the validity of your
argument. We therefore recommend that after you hear the topic you think about it for a
minute with an open mind and note down the major issues that come to your mind. Don't
jump to any conclusions. Instead arrive at a stand in your own mind after examining all
the issues in a balanced manner. Only then begin to speak. And when you do so outline
the major issues first and only then state your stand. In other words give the justification
first and the stand later. If you were to state your stand first chances are that the others in
the group who disagree with your stand will interrupt to contradict you before you can
elaborate on the reasons why you have taken that stance. In this situation the evaluator
will only get an impression of what you think and not how you think. Remember you
are being evaluated on how you think and not what you think

Is it a good strategy to try and be the first speaker on the topic in a GD?
 In most GD's the opening speaker is the person who is likely to get the maximum
uninterrupted airtime. The reason is simple - at the start most other participants in the
GD are still trying to understand the basic issues in the topic, or are too nervous to speak
and are waiting for someone else to start. Therefore the evaluators get the best chance to
observe the opening speaker.
Now this is a double edged sword. If the opening speaker talks sense naturally he will get
credit because he opened and took the group in the right direction. If on the other hand
the first speaker doesn't have too much sense to say, he will attract the undivided
attention of the evaluators to his shortcomings. He will be marked as a person who speaks
without thinking merely for the sake of speaking. As someone who leads the group in the
wrong direction and does not make a positive contribution to the group.
So remember speaking first is a high risk high return strategy. It can make or mar your
GD performance depending how you handle it. Speak first only if you have something
sensible to say. Otherwise keep shut and let someone else start.
In an interview how does one handle the question "Tell us about yourself?".
An often asked opening question. Perhaps the most frequently asked question across
interviews. Your opening statement needs to be a summary of your goals, overall
professional capabilities, achievements, background (educational and family), strengths,
professional objectives and anything about your personality that is relevant and
interesting. This question represents an opportunity to lead the interviewer in the
direction you want him to go e.g., your speciality or whatever else you may wish to
highlight.
Your intention should be to try to subtly convince the interviewers that you are a good
candidate, you have proved that in the past, and have a personality that fits the
requirement. Remember that the first impression you create will go a long way in the
ultimate selection. Keep in mind, most candidates who are asked this question just blurt
out their schooling, college, marks and qualifications. All this is already there in the CV.
Why tell the interviewer something he already knows?
A final word on approaching this question. Once you have said what you have to say -
shut up. Don't drone on for the sake of speaking for you just might say something
foolish. Sometimes interviewers don't interrupt in order to give the candidate the
impression that he has not spoken enough. This is just a stress inducing tactic. Don't fall
for it, if you feel you have spoken enough. In case the pause gets too awkward for you
just add something like,

"Is there something specific that you wish to know about me?" Is it better to have a
longer selection interview or a shorter one?

The length of an interview in no way is an indicator of how well an interview went.

This is especially so when there are a number of candidates to be interviewed for
example in the civil services interview or the MBA entrance interview. In the past a
number of candidates have reported varying lengths of interviews. Nothing positive or
negative should be read into this. An interview is only a device whereby the panel seeks
information about the candidate. Information that will help the panel decide whether or
not the candidate should be selected.
If the panel feels that it has gathered enough information about the candidate in 15
minutes of the interview commencing and that it has no further questions to ask the
interview will be terminated in 15 minutes. If on the other hand the panel takes an hour to
gather the information required to take a decision the interview will last for an hour. In
either case the decision could be positive or negative. It is a fallacy to believe that
interview panels take longer interviews of candidates whom they are more interested in.
No panel likes to waste its time. If an interview is lasting longer than usual then it only
means that the panel is seeking more information about the candidate in order to take a
decision.
In the MBA entrance interview how do I justify my decision to pursue the MBA
programme?
When you are asked this for God's sake don't tell the panel that you are looking for a
"challenging job in a good firm with lots of money, status and glamour". That is the first
answer that most candidates think of. Unfortunately it is the last answer that will get you
admission. In the answer to a direct question on this subject you must convey to the
interview panel that you have made a rational and informed decision about your career
choice and your intended course of higher study. There are broadly six areas which your
answer could touch upon :

Career Objectives : You could talk about your career objectives and how the two year
MBA programme will help you achieve them. This implies that you have a clear idea of
what your career objectives are and how you wish to achieve them. For example you may
want to be an entrepreneur and wish to set up your independent enterprise after doing
your MBA and then working for a few years in a professionally managed company. You
could explain to the panel that the MBA programme will provide you with the necessary
inputs to help you run your business enterprise better. But then you must be clear about
what the inputs you will receive in the MBA programme are.

Value Addition : That brings us to the second area that your answer should touch upon.
What is the value you will add to yourself during your two year study of management.
Value addition will essentially be in two forms knowledge and skills. Knowledge of the
various areas of management e.g. marketing, finance, systems, HRD etc. and skills of
analysis and communication. You will find it useful to talk to a few people who are either
doing their MBA or have already done it. They will be able to give you a more detailed
idea of what they gained from their MBA.

Background : Remember, there must be no inconsistency between your proposed study

of management and your past subject of study or your past work experience. If you have
studied commerce in college then management is a natural course of higher studies. If
you are an engineer this is a tricky area. You must never say that by pursuing a career in
management you will be wasting your engineering degree. Try and say that the MBA
course and your engineering degree will help you do your job better in the company that
you will join. But then you should be able to justify how your engineering qualification
will help

Opportunities and Rewards : You could also at this stage mention the opportunities that
are opening up in organizations for management graduates. Highlight with examples.
At the end you may mention that while monetary rewards are not everything they are also
important and MBAs do get paid well. You must not mention these reasons as your
primary motivators even if that may be the case.

General Tips

A good level of general awareness will come in handy so that you aren't at a loss of
words on certain issues

Understand the topic and analyze it mentally before speaking

Be clear about the purpose and content of your viewpoint

One should be able to communicate his views in an effective manner to everyone. Be

clear in speech, audible but not too loud and above all remain confident

Remember the six C's of effective communication -- Clarity, Completeness, Conciseness,

Confidence, Correctness and Courtesy

You should maintain eye contact with all others in the group and not focus on a particular
person for he may benefit from that

Be responsive to ideas from other people and seem to be very receptive and open-minded
but don't allow others to change your own viewpoint.

Starting the discussion is considered to be good however it isn't that important; what is
important is that you speak for a period long enough for you to be able to communicate
your viewpoint

Always mantain your calm and never get aggressive. If you haven't been able to talk then
one can cut in saying "Excuse me, but what I think is .........." or something of that sort

Never lose your temper and never attack anyone on a personal front. Your attitude should
be one of cooperation and not one of conflict

Don't lose sight of the goal of the discussion

Listen to any criticisms and give them a thought before trying to defend your views

Move through Question Papers

Facing the technical interview of a company is an uphill task. It all depends on the mood
of the interviewer and to an extent on your appearance. If he is in a bad mood, the
interview can be really tough. Otherwise you might have a slight consideration. Be
prepared for any questions from every section of your skill set. If the interviewer goes to
a part of your skill, which you are not comfortable with, try to divert his attention to some
other part in which you are an expert. Try to explain things in a simple way and be
precise in your answers. If you don't know an answer admit it. DO NOT try to make up
and answer. That might lessen your chances of getting through.

Here are some of the FAQ's that can be asked in the technical interview C- QUESTIONS
JAVA QUESTIONS MICROPROCESSOR QUESTIONS
C++ QUESTIONS Advanced JAVA questions Operating System QUESTIONS
DATA STRUCTURE QUESTIONS ELECTRONICS QUESTIONS

Seven Commandments for Success in Campus Interviews :

Campus Interview … Hmm… is what one looks forward to with enthusiasm, fear and
excitement towards the beginning of the final year .

For some it's a make or break, atleast that's the way it's looked at and for some it's a
matter of pride. The constant thought in one's mind is - what shall make this click! What
is it that the interviewer is looking in me!

Here's what we look for when we visit the various campuses. This by no means is an
exhaustive list but is a good indication of the expectations and the mean s to meet these.
Freshersworld.com present you the 7-Commandments.

1. Know Thyself

Not everyone is good in each and every field. Each one of us has our fortes and
weaknesses too. But that's not a stumbling block! What we look for are people who know
their area of specialization and are an expert in it. Therefore, it pays to be a master in
some fields if not the jack of all.

The most common mistakes many make is to profess knowing a field of which they know
little about. Remember that huge and bulky resumes are as tough to read as they are to
make. So, identify your skill set, and keep your resumes simple and straight. Know your
limits and polish on your strengths.

2. Testing What You Know and NOT What You Don't.

Many interviewers may ask the student the subjects that she/he wishes to be interviewed
upon. Eureka !! Here's a golden opportunity. Answer this wisely! Never end up choosing
a difficult subject that you know only little about, rather choose the one you are most
confident of.
3. Rack Your Brain - Analyze

The interview is not just limited to testing your knowledge base, but we are also
interested in knowing your ability to apply it. Often questions that need to be solved then
and there are asked. Now keep in mind - the right answer is not the only thing being
looked at. The focus area is also the way in which you attack the problem i.e. approach to
problem solving is equally important.

So, remember to put your thinking caps on!

4. Ask for Help!

Murphy chooses to strike at the appropriate time! In spite of the fact that you may know
something very well, it might just slip your mind. After all, heavy preparation does takes
its toll. Who better to ask for help than the poser of the question (of course, don't try this
too often!)!

Remember the interviewer is not there to grill the confidence out of you, but to bring
forth the best in. Just in case you are stuck, ask for a hint. Things might just click. Also,
stay alert for clues.

5. What are your biggest accomplishments

You may like to begin your reply with: "Although I feel my biggest achievements are still
ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with……I made my contribution as part of
that team and learnt a lot in the process".

It will be a good idea to close your answer with also specifying what attributes and
circumstances made you succeed.

6. Be Calm, have Clear Verbal and Sound Non-Verbal Communication

Calmness shows emotional maturity. True, being calm in a job interview is a difficult
proposition, but then that is where it is required! Calmness does not imply being
unenthusiastic or apathetic during the interview, but knowing that you are nervous and
not letting it come in the way. A clear verbal communication implies clarity of the
thought process.

One should also watch out for the impressions made in non-verbal communication. Body
language and facial expressions can assist you in establishing a good rapport with the
interviewer. Pauses, silences and gestures may all indicate what you mean, understand, or
would like to emphasize.

7. Two-Way Exchange Process

The interview process is a two-way exchange of information. Make sure you also
understand about the company, its activities, job requirements. The company is in need
for good candidates and you need a good company to launch your career.

Interview is an opportunity to present yourself and your skills to your best advantage.
Make sure you make the most out of it. And YOU are the best one to do it!!