INTERVIEW HELP

Questions & Answers

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:53:00 +0000

Tell me about yourself.

Use “Picture Frame Approach”
Answer in about two minutes. Avoid details, don’t ramble. Touch on these four areas: How many years, doing what function Education – credentials Major responsibility and accomplishments Personal summary of work style (plus career goals if applicable)

Prepare in advance using this formula:

“My name is…” “I’ve worked for X years as a [title]“ “Currently, I’m a [title] at [company]“ “Before that, I was a [title] at [company]“ “I love the challenge of my work, especially the major strengths it allows me to offer, including [A, B, and C]“. Second, help the interviewer by focusing the question with a question of your own: “What about me would be most relevant to you and what this company needs?”

What do you know about our organization?

Research the target company before the interview. Basic research is the only way to prepare for this question. Do your homework, and you’ll score big on this question. Talk about products, services, history and people, especially any friends that work there. “But I would love to know more, particularly from your point of view. Do we have time to cover that now?

In your current or last position, what features did you like most? Least?
Refer to your satisfiers for likes. Be careful with dislikes, give only one (if any) and make it brief. Refuse to answer negatively. Respond that you “like everything about my current position and have acquired and developed a great many skills, but I’m now ready for a new set of challenges and greater responsibilities.”

How long would you stay with us?

As long as I feel that I’m contributing, and that my contribution is recognized. I’m looking to make a long term commitment.”

Why do you want to become a supervisor?

To grow and develop professionally, to help others develop, to build a team and to share what I have learned.”

You’ve been with your current employer quite a while. Why haven’t you advanced with him

Let’s assume the interviewer has a point here. That doesn’t mean you have to agree with the negative terms of the question. Answer: “What I like about my present position is that it’s both stable and challenging. But it’s true that I’ve grown about as much as I can in my current position. (This response also turns the issue of salary on its head, transforming it from What more can I get? to What more can I offer?)

Why are you leaving your present position?

Never answer with negative reasons, even if they are true. However, some companies have financial problems which may preclude you from staying with them. Frame your answer positively by answering why you want to move to the target company instead of why you left or want to leave your most recent job. For example, instead of answering, “I don’t get enough challenges at [company],” respond, “I am eager to take on more challenges, and I believe I will find them at [hiring company]. ”I’m not unhappy (at my present employer). However, this opportunity seems to be particularly interesting and I am interested in pursuing it further. Never personalize or be negative. Keep it short, give a “group” answer (e.g. our office is closing, the whole organization is being reduced in size). Stick to one response; don’t change answers during the interview.

Why do you want to work for us?

You feel you can help achieve the companies objectives, especially in the short run. You like what you’ve learned about the company, its policies, goals and management: “I’ve researched the company and people tell me it’s a good place to work.”

You may be over-qualified or too experienced for the position we have to offer.
“A strong company needs a strong person.” An employer will get faster return on investment because you have more experience than required.

How to Prepare and Face an Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:02:00 +0000

An interview can be defined as a face to face oral communication between the interviewer and the interviewee in order to assess the views, attitudes and ideas of the interviewee. However the interview process also enables the interviewee and observers to assess the skill and ability of the interviewer. Thus, an interview is a test of both the communicants and parties engaged in the interaction.

Intelligence, knowledge, personal qualities and character are revealed and both parties are required to be well prepared. The process allows everyone involved to make some important decisions. The candidate decides whether he should accept the position and the interviewer decides whether the candidate should be appointed; this decision may affect the organizational interests.

The following suggestions are advisable when faced with an interview:

1) Dress appropriately – A well dressed and groomed appearance can do wonders for that first impression. Now is not exactly the time to make a fashion statement so a tastefully chosen professional outfit, with suitable accessories like a hand-bag or brief case should be fine.

2) Posture and Carriage - The way in which the candidate carries himself while walking and sitting tells the interviewer about your confidence. Good “carriage” and posture have to be developed over a period of time and are essential in distinguishing a shoddy and careless attitude from a sharp and alert one.

3) Be confident - Self confidence, or the lack of it, is observed through your behavior, right from the way you sit to how you speak. Good manners and proper behavior are obviously necessary. Suitable greetings for the time of the day and other formalities must be known to the interviewee; for example, sit down only after being told to; elbows must not be put on the table; the brief case or bag should be kept on the floor beside the chair and do not play with any of your accessories or clothes. Nervous movements betray show a lack of confidence and concentration.

4) Mental Preparation - The candidate should be well informed about current events, domestic and international, and topics of general interest. Regular reading of newspapers, listening to radio and TV discussions, participating in group discussions and general reading habits are helpful activities in developing the required mental status for an interview.

Information about the organization, its directors, turnover, share capital and other relevant information which are available in its annual report, is expected of candidates by public limited companies. A candidate must know as much as possible about the prospective employer company.

5) Go back to the books - The candidate should also possess adequate knowledge in the subjects studied during graduation and professional examinations. A reasonable revision of the subjects can solve the purpose. Several general questions and biographical questions are usually asked by the interviewers and candidates should be well prepared to answer them.

6) No guessing games - In situations where the candidate does not know the answer to a question it is always better to state ones inability to answer than to make a guess. No one is expected to know everything; admitting that one does not know the answer reflects honesty.

7) Be clear - A candidate must have clarity of purpose and determination enough to want to know his prospects in the organization. He/she must be able to ask questions about the nature of duties, employee benefits, future prospects and other things which he may want to know about the organization before taking any decision.

8) Know your own worth - It is advisable to talk about salary without appearing to be bargaining and without being driven or defeated. This requires careful prior thinking; if possible this topic should be discussed with the family and with experienced elders or friends. It is useful to assess ones training, experience, proved ability, as well as needs, in order to quantify ones worth. It is, of course, necessary to know the payments made for similar positions or work in other companies.

9) At the end, candidate’s are usually not sure when to leave. If the interviewers indicate that the interview is over, collect your bag, wish them and thank them for their friendly attitude and leave. Some candidates, due to nervousness, seem to be in a hurry to leave and forget to wish or thank the interviewers. Always remember that your parting movements are also closely observed so hurried and frantic movements may betray an earlier composed attitude.

In order to succeed in an interview each individual must make an honest self-assessment and find out one’s areas of strength and weakness. Knowledge of one’s deficiencies is useful in overcoming weaknesses and unconscious bad habits of posture or speech can be improved by effort. Shortcomings which cannot be overcome can be accepted and acknowledged so that they do not lead to depression and embarrassment when others notice them. Therefore, coming to terms with oneself and knowing how to deal with one’s faults, and how to make the best use of one’s knowledge and skills, is another vital element in preparing for an interview.

Job Interview Bloopers

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:23:00 +0000

I'm sure you've sat through movie or TV "bloopers" at the end of shows and laughed at the mistakes the actors made during the filming of the show. If I could put together a film with bloopers that people make in interviews it might seem funny as well - but not when it happens in real life - to you!

How do you avoid bloopers? First you become aware of what some of the pitfalls of interviewing are and then you prepare and practice so that it won't happen to you.

Here are 10 of those very pitfalls to watch for.

1. Poor Non-Verbal Communication - Slouching - Fidgeting - Lack of Eye Contact

It's about demonstrating confidence - standing straight, making eye contact, and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be a great beginning, or a quick ending to your interview.

2. Not Dressing for the Job or Company - "Over Casual"

Today's casual dress codes in the office do not give you permission to dress as "they" do when you interview. It is important to look professional and well groomed, above all. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call and find out what the company dress code is before the interview.

3. Not Listening - Only Worrying about What You Are Going to Say

From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not listening - turning up your intuitive - you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what they said. Observe your interviewer and match that style and pace.

4. Talking Too Much - Telling It All - Even if It's Not Relevant

Telling the interviewer more than they need to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time you may tend to ramble, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the Job Posting; matching your skills with the requirements of the position, and relating only that information.

5. Being Over-Familiar - Your New Best Friend Is NOT the Interviewer

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. The level of familiarity should mimic the demeanor of the interviewer. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview, and to ask questions, but not to over-step your place as a candidate looking for a job.

6. Using Inappropriate Language - You "Guys" Know What I Mean

It's a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics, or sexual preferences - these topics could get the door slammed very quickly.

7. Acting Cocky - Being Overconfident - "King of the Hill"

Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism, and modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, over-doing is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

8. Not Answering the Question Asked - "Jumping in Without Thinking"

When an interviewer asks for an "example of a time" you did something, he is seeking a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a "specific" example, you not only don't answer the question, but you miss an opportunity to prove your ability and tell about your skills.

9. Not Asking Questions - a Missed Opportunity You Will Live to Regret

When asked if they have any questions, the majority of candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer! It is extremely important to ask questions. It demonstrates an interest in what goes on in the company. It also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what is asked during the interview, and asking for additional information.

10. Appearing Desperate - "Please, Please Hire Me!"

It's a tough job market, and you need a job! But, when you interview with the "Please, please, hire me" approach, you appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three "C's" during the interview: Cool, Calm, and Confident! You know you can do the job. Now, make sure the interviewer believes you can too.

Everybody makes mistakes - that's what makes us human. We can laugh at ourselves a great deal of the time when we get tongue-tied or forget someone's name - even our spouse's. But in the interview you want to be as prepared and polished as possible. If you do make a mistake, consider it a human error and learn from the experience. In the meantime, do your homework and get prepared.

Article excerpted from workbloom.com

Common Interview Questions & Answers

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:48:00 +0000

Tell me about yourself.
Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don’t run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don’t waste your best points on it.

What do you know about our organization?
You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don’t act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don’t overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more.

You might start your answer in this manner: “In my job search, I’ve investigated a number of companies.

Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons…”

Give your answer a positive tone. Don’t say, “Well, everyone tells me that you’re in all sorts of trouble, and that’s why I’m here”, even if that is why you’re there.

What Are Your Goals?
Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility."

Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job?
If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: "I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me."

If Interviewer asks a question and if i dont know the answer,what i have to do? Can I tell him a wrong answer?
If you don’t know the answer fo the question asked by the interviwer , never say wrong answer.Tak atleast few seconds and say , i am sorry sir/madam , at this moment i haven’t able to answer you , i will make sure that i will update my knowledge soon. The above points makes you to present your frankness and your presentation abilities.

When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?
The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me."

What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't?
What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly."

What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You? It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor."

What to answer and what not to answer for "Tell me something about you"?
This kind of questions are best answered by focusing on 5 to 6 strong selling points of yours. when asking this question, the interview is not looking for your history of school work and employment but kind of giving you a chance to sell yourself in about 60 seconds.Why 60 seconds? Try to limit your answers to 60 seconds as far as possible because if you go on talking about your past at length then the interviewer might loose interest in you and the interview might end at that very point.

The answer should include your achievements,skills and talents that would enable you to succeed in the position that is being discussed.Make a short, organized statement of your education and professional achievements and professional goals. Then, briefly describe your qualifications for the job and the contributions you could make to the organization.

Would you be willing to relocate if required?
If I get a better learning oppurtunity & growth, then certainly yes. Otherwise, I have to think how much it is feasible from organization's point of view.

What if we don't hire you?
Well, your current position will still remain open and you have to interview atleast one more person.It may be difficult for you to find a more dedicated and knowledgable person than myself.As for me, I have to continue my search for excellent and best in class company where I can get challenging and rewarding work experiance. I thought we had win-win situation.

If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
In my point of view I would recommend the following things:

Required skills for the role.
Can work in team
Pro-activeness
Loyalty to the work.

How long would you stay with us?
Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, “As long as we both feel achievement-oriented.”

How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.

Tell me about a time when u tried but failed.
Has this ever happened to you? No one expects perfection actually, employers are more interested in your ability to cope, to learn from mistakes, and to deal with others who are less than perfect. If you have an example, certainly pick one that happened a while back, was not earth shattering in the results, and one which you learned and applied this knowledge recently. This is a version of ‘damning with faint praise’ by picking an incident that was minor in scope but, since you are so wise and are always willing to learn, has taught you a valuable lesson.

Why do you want to work for us?
Throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company’s needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it’s doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development, emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.

If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn’t interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn’t be considering a job with that organization.

Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn’t be able -or wouldn’t want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it’s difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don’t really want.

What do you feel this position should pay?
Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for as long as you can do so politely. You might say, “I understand that the range for this job is between $______ and $______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it.” You might answer the question with a question: “Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organization?”

If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to know more about the position’s responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search executive (if one is involved), or in research done as part of your homework, you can try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you.

If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, “You know that I’m making $______ now. Like everyone else, I’d like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself.” Remember that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make you worth more money.

If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary question. He or she may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells you what the position pays, and you tell him that you are earning that amount now and would Like to do a bit better, he might go back to the employer and propose that you be offered an additional 10%.

If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will have to restpond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it does not really matter, that you’ll accept whatever is offered. If you’ve been making $80,000 a year, you can’t say that a $35,000 figure would be fine without sounding as if you’ve given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career change, however, this kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.)

Don’t sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don’t leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself.

But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the “final” stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.

Present Yourself to Advantage

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:25:00 +0000

When going on an interview, you want to present yourself to your best advantage. This is your chance to let the people interviewing you learn about your skills, knowledge, and strengths as you put your best foot forward. How do you do this?

First Impressions

Appearance counts, and is the basis for forming first impressions of a person. A neat, well-groomed appearance in an appropriate business suit comes across much better than casual clothes, or inappropriate makeup and jewelry. Friendly, open people are also perceived more positively. When first meeting the employer, greet them with a firm handshake, a smile, and look them in the eyes. Listen attentively and don't interrupt.

Be On Time

Being late does not impress interviewers, and creates the impression that you would arrive late to work. So try to get to the interview on time, or even a few minutes early. This will give you a chance to do a last minute check on your appearance in the restroom, and to fill out any paperwork.

How you fill out your application paperwork will also reflect on you. Take your time, and make sure that it is filled in neatly, with correct spelling. You can write "negotiable" under the salary box, since you will want an opportunity to discuss this with the manager you are interviewing with.

Do Your Homework

One thing that will positively impress not only the recruiter, but also managers who may interview you, is knowledgeable about their company. Take the time to research the company, and be familiar with terms used in the industry that you are interviewing for. Being familiar with the company products, the services that they offer, and who their major competitors are will show that you have a real interest in the company.

Sources of information can include friends who work in the industry, a company's annual report, web sites, articles, trade journals, or visiting professional meetings. This will also allow you to begin networking with people who can answer your questions and who may have helpful advice.

Bring several copies of your resume (2 or 3) in a folder or portfolio since you may meet with several people during the interview. A cover sheet with personal references should accompany it. The resumes should be on the best quality paper that you can afford, and be professionally printed. Remember, they reflect on you, and the interviewers will be looking at them later, so they should leave an impression of professionalism.
Do your homework BEFORE the interview. This will make sure that you can:

Answer Their Questions Well

During an interview, you will present yourself well if you answer the questions completely and concisely (nodding or grunting "yes" and "no" to questions, or rambling for a half hour when asked about your experience are both equally bad). Instead, well thought out answers that demonstrate your skill and strengths as they relate to the position you are interviewing for will come across much more favorably.

Be as positive as possible during the interview. Do NOT speak negatively of a former employer, even if they are the worst possible, since this will be considered a problem area with you, or a bad attitude.

Use concrete examples of problem -solving and strengths when answering questions (see article on "Know Your Strengths" for more information). Highlight these strengths in the interview.

The interviewers will be asking specific questions about your abilities, knowledge, and skills. Try to answer each question, sharing your strengths that would be useful for the position being considered. If you are unsure of the answer let the recruiter or employer know how you would go about finding the answer (this could demonstrate your problem solving skills).

Be honest, and NEVER lie or try to avoid answering. Do NOT say, "You can find that on my resume" since they are interested in YOU and how you interact with others, and your personal knowledge base. They can read the resume later. But do make sure that all information on your resume is correct, since the company will check on references, dates and job information.

Ask Intelligent Questions

After answering their questions, asking good (i.e. relevant) questions of your own will also create a good impression.
You might ask the employer to describe the job in more detail. You should also have several questions written down to refer to, based on the background research you have already done to prepare for the interview.

Ask the employer what he or she is looking for in an employee, or the three most important things they are looking for in the person they hire. Then, listen attentively to the answers. Find out why the position is open (has there been a large turnover? A new position created because of growth? A problem that needed solving? ) This is your chance to find out what the job entails, and to discover what you are getting into when you work there.

Your questions should focus on the job, the company, and what the employer wants or needs, not salary or benefits at this point. Do NOT ask the interviewer "Why should I work for you?" or "How much will you pay me?" since this puts them on the defensive, and creates the impression that you are only self-serving or mercenary.

Your questions could cover topics such as obstacles that the company has faced (and how they perceive you can help to overcome them), future changes or the direction that the company is moving towards, or what goals they have for the employee they hire. If you are filling a position that was formerly filled by someone else, you may want to ask how you can improve on what the former employee in the position did.

Practice Makes Perfect

It is a good idea to practice an interview before actually going to one. This will give you a chance to work on answering questions, listening, and getting feedback on your body language. See if a friend or co-worker can help you by asking you both standard and "surprise" interview questions that make you think and answer spontaneously. Include some hard ones as well.

Some typical questions

Why do want to work for us? - What is your education? Credentials?- What are your strengths? Your weaknesses?- How do you deal with others? With those who irritate you? - What type of an environment (or supervisor) do you work well in? Poorly?- Have you had supervisory experience? What type? - Why are you changing jobs/careers/looking for a job?- What salary range are you looking at?- What mistakes have you made? How did you handle them? Successes?

Your goal in answering questions is to let the company know that you are a motivated employee with good problem solving skills, and that by hiring you, you will bring strengths and abilities to the job that will help the company. Let them know that if you don't yet have a skill, that you are confident that you can learn the needed skills on the job (most jobs include at least some on the job training).

If possible, videotaping your practice interviews will help you to review your body language and improve. Look for signs of nervousness, such as bouncing feet or legs, clicking pens, fiddling with hair, etc.

Follow-up Is Important

After the interview, send a short thank you note on quality paper. This will bring your name to mind and confirms your continued interest in the position. Stopping by after an appropriate time, or a follow-up call can also be done as long as you don't continuously harass the recruiter or manager.

By using the above ideas, you should be able to create a good impression during your interview, and be further along the road to a good job-the one you want.

Be Prepared For Your Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:41:00 +0000

Let's assume that you've heard of a great opening that fits both your interests and abilities. You dig out the resume, put together a cover letter, and you're ready to fax it over to Human Resources. Right? Or is there something wrong with this picture?

Launch a research campaign

If you are an aware job seeker you will first begin a research campaign designed to significantly improve your chances. Don't send out a cover letter or resume before you know anything about who's going to be reading them and what their needs are. Tailor that letter and that resume to the specific interests of the company, and you have a huge advantage before you even set foot in the door.

What kinds of things are important to learn about the company? First, you will want to find out their "corporate personality", their style. Each firm is different, and these sometimes-subtle differences can have a strong influence on their hiring practices. You might also want to get a handle on their benefit package, salary options, and promotion policies.

It's helpful to get information on your prospective position, too. How long has it been open, why did the last person leave, how much turnover has there been? If it's a new position, you might want to know why it was created, what specific need is being met or problem being solved. Was it a controversial decision to create the opening? This can really influence hiring decisions.

Discover the hiring process

Another area of interest for your research project: what is their hiring process like? You might want to know who will interview you first, how many interviews you are likely to have, and who makes the final decision. Any information you can get about these key players will be incredibly helpful.

Now, having mapped out your agenda, how do you go about getting all this helpful information? A good early step to take is to go to the corporate headquarters. Start by walking around the lobby; buy a magazine or a cup of coffee, read the directories and get a feeling for the atmosphere.See how people are dressed. Do they look stressed out and rushed? Are people relaxed; are they kidding around and greeting each other? Can you see differences in dress and behavior that might correlate to different levels of management?

Be sure to take advantage of any public opportunities such as tours, open houses, workshops, etc. With this legitimate reason to be there, be sure and watch what goes on as carefully as you can. In addition to people watching, observe the office layout; how they divide up their space tells you a lot about a company.

Casually look at bulletin boards or notices. Visit Human Resources and pick up an application, or a brochure on their benefits package. If it's a really big company, you might need to make a few trips before you've soaked up as much as you can from this kind of expedition.

Use the Internet

Next comes information gathering through the Internet and library. Check out their website, follow the links and get a feel for how they use this resource; are they comfortable with the web, do they keep their site up, how sophisticated are they in their approach?

What about the company's history? How long have they been around? Have they been through a growth spurt of rapid expansion that may have had a big impact on their functioning? Who is their primary market? What are their goals and objectives for the future? Do they have a Board of Directors? If so, who's on it? How big are they now, and how big do they want to be?

Many companies have a public information department that can give you material dealing with these issues. If not, it may be on their web site, or in the library. Look through old newspapers or magazines; you can find announcements and articles that flesh out a sketchy summary of who they are and where they came from.

What Employers Want

"Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, 'What's in it for me?'"

What are employers looking for in employees? What traits are considered valuable? And will help the job seeker appear favorably during an interview?Many surveys have been done in the past to determine what employers are looking for in employees. Certain attributes show up consistently in these surveys. The number one trait that employers stated that they wanted in employees was:

A good attitude

In this day of rush and hurry, and impoliteness, good people skills and the ability to communicate well with others is extremely valued in the workplace.

Team players are needed, and employers are looking for those with the ability to work well with others. This means being able to work well with others and being supportive of co-workers, instead of sabotaging them or trying to make others "look bad" (often at the expense of the project or task). It also means respecting the thoughts and opinions of coworkers.
Griping at others, criticizing, blaming, or being known as "difficult" is not okay in today's workplace. Smiling, communicating well, and knowing how to be gracious and flexible is.

Employers consider a positive outlook and enthusiasm for the job important, as well as taking responsibility for one's actions and personal integrity. Employers are looking for employees that they can trust, and whom they believe will do a good job.

Self-esteem and confidence are considered part of a positive outlook. Employees with a good attitude will contribute towards reaching the company's goals, and adapt well to the culture of the workplace. To discover what other traits are also valued by employers in the workplace, read on...

The ability to work hard

This probably comes as no surprise, but the hard working and productive employee is highly valued by employers (and has the best chance of being hired during interviews). This means being willing to do occasional overtime when required, or doing your best work (and not taking frequent breaks or "goofing off") when on the job.
This trait is also related to self-motivation and the desire to succeed. Employers stated in surveys that the self-driven employee who wants to achieve success at work (and takes the necessary steps to ensure it) usually does.

Product knowledge

Employers value the employee who takes an interest in their company, and understands thoroughly the product or expertise that is the basis of company profits. They also consider enthusiasm and a high opinion of the company and the position positive qualities. Learning above and beyond the "minimum", being able to help customers, and actively seeking to increase the company client base are other valued traits according to employers.

The job seeker can demonstrate this enthusiasm and interest in the company by doing "homework" before a job interview, researching the company, its products, its client base, and possibly having ideas on marketing or increasing production.

Goal Setting: The First Step to a New Career

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:34:00 +0000

John is being interviewed for a new job. He is asked, "Why do you want to work here?" He looks surprised, then after a thoughtful pause says, "Because I saw the ad in the paper and thought it would be fun." The interviewer later asks, "Where do you see yourself five years from now?" Again, John thinks for a minute, and then hesitantly answers, "With higher pay?"

Later that day Mary is being interviewed for the same job. When asked her goals, she leans slightly forward, and states, "I have always wanted to work in this industry, which is why I got my degree in a related field. I plan to take the following courses for certification in my field (she briefly lists courses she has taken and is planning to take to increase her credentials). Within five years, I plan to be mentoring others in my area, and to have increased job responsibility at this company because of my credentials and increased skills."

Who do you think will get the job? The above scenario is not as far-fetched as it sounds. A surprisingly large number of people never define what their personal career goals are, or even investigate what type of work is best suited for them personally.

Define Your Goals

The first step in starting any job search is defining your goals. Simply put this means looking at "What do I want to be?" and "What am I qualified to do?" The closer these two are to each other, the greater the chances of getting the job you want (and being happy at it!). This means doing the necessary research and self-evaluation to understand what type of job is a good fit for both your interests and experience. Having well defined goals will assist you in focusing your job search and not wasting time interviewing for jobs that are unsuitable for you.

Self-Assessment: A Key to Setting Career Goals

A self-assessment can help you determine the type of job that would be a good fit for your talents and personality. The following exercises will help you not only in defining personal goals, but will also help when the company interviewer asks you the standard questions, "Why do you want to work for us?" "Where do you see yourself in five years?" and "How do you plan to reach your goals?"

Skills assessment

Take a piece of paper and make out two columns. In the first, write "skills". Under this heading, you will be listing different skills that you have collected in your lifetime, whether from formal education, college courses, personal interests, or work. Summer jobs, internships, and any jobs that you have held will include skills that should be listed. This is an area to list your greatest strengths and abilities, such as mathematical ability, communication skills, computer expertise, or creative projects completed. Skills can range the gamut from technical to physical, and will vary with a person's individual experiences.

Values/interests Assessment

In the second column, write "Personal values/interests". List the values that are important to you personally, including your ideal working conditions and your "dream job". Everyone has different things that are important to him or her. Do you enjoy security, routine, and detail-oriented work? Or are you a restless, creative, independent type? Invite feedback from others who know you well, such as family, friends, and teachers, or those who have worked with you.

Are you a risk taker? Or perhaps you're a people person? How important is money to you? What about personal prestige? Do you enjoy supervising others, or following orders? Do you enjoy teaching others? Are you a team worker, or do you prefer working alone? What locations are acceptable? Is your dream to live and work in a rural setting, or in a major metropolitan center? How many hours of work per week are acceptable? The answers to these questions will help you to define what type of job you should be seeking.

Get Your Foot In The Door

You've done everything humanly possibly to get your foot in the door but nothing seems to work. You still haven't received a call back on that resume you sent to your dream job. You have all the skills necessary for the position. Your resume is pristine. What could possibly be wrong? There are many things to look at when it seems that you continually get passed over for jobs that you are qualified for. You need to also take action to ensure that next time you present your resume, you get noticed. The following steps will assist you in that process.

Keywords

You've checked your resume for errors and none exist. You are certain you have all of the qualifications for the job.

The next step to take is to make certain that your resume contains keywords that the employer may be looking for. Yes, that is right keywords. Frequently employers scan resumes for "keywords" to quickly weed out those individuals that might not have the experience they are looking for.

Keywords are often items that are included in advertisements for a certain position. They may also be items that are located in the job description for the position. Do your homework, what the employer has posted as a job description for this job, and what advertisements may have been released. Incorporate those words into your resume if you haven't already.

Try something different

An offbeat cover letter was rather funny. It was stated that she was an energetic, exuberant person with a brilliant smile like sunshine on a cloudy day. Sometimes it's nice to see something different. Try it for one or two of the positions for which you are applying. If you know the company you are interested in is looking for someone to fill a dynamic and high-energy position, then reflect high energy in your cover letter. Try a bright paper color. Of course, this can sometimes backfire. It's nice to see creativity every now and again however, and depending on the position you are applying for, it may be worth a shot to add a little creative spark.

Make contact with an insider

You might get overlooked if you send a general resume and letter of interest to the company that you are interested in. If you are serious about a company, take the time to find out who the hiring manager is for the position that your interested in. Write them a personal cover letter explaining your interest in working with the organization. If you are not certain who this is, try looking up the company on the Internet.

Nowadays, most companies post the names of their hiring managers along with any job vacancies that may exist. Take your cover letter one step further and tell the hiring manager that you will follow up with him/her by calling. Set a date and time so the hiring manager knows to expect your call.

Make friends with the receptionist. Find out who some of the key players in the organization are. Learn as much as you can about their background. The company might have a newsletter that you can read. Check their website again for this information, or simply let the receptionist know that you are interested in learning more about the organization. Arm yourself with knowledge.

Common Interview Mistakes

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:01:00 +0000

Most Common Interview Mistakes

All of us have made mistakes during interviews, and most of us hvae walked out of interviews thinking of all the great things we forgot to mention and all the things we shouldnt have said. But the most important thing about mistakes is learning from them-and not repeating them. Here are some common interview mistakes:Failing to express oneself clearly. Often, because of anxiety and wanting to say things perfectly, we try too hard and turn what shoul be simple sentences into convoluted nonsense. Simple language is always the most effective. Avoid trying to sound knowledgeable by using jargon or complex sentences.Not being aware of one's body language.

Many interviewees succeed in alienating the interviewer because they pay little or no attention to their body language. Body language is an extremely powerful comunicator, and failing to use it effectively will almost certainly put you at a significant disadvantage.Eye contact, sitting position and facial expressions are all very important aspects of interviewing, and need to be thought through before the interview.Failing to control those nerves. Sometimes people allow their nerves to get so out of control that they fails to establish a rapport and even forget their answers.

Feeling anxious before and during an interview is common. In fact, a touch of nerves can be good thing. But there is no need to be the victim of debilitating nerves. As you read through this, you'll gradually learn how to lessen your anxiety.Failing to give appropriate examples. Failing to give examples, or giving inappropriate examples, will speel disaster. Before the interview, it is important to think of relevant examples of what you've achieved nad how you went about realizing those achievements. Saying that you achieved something without being able to back it up with specific examples will only get you a rejection letter. Your examples need to be easy to understand, follow a logical sequence and be relevant to the needs of the employer. None of this happens without preparation.Trying to hard to please the interviewer. Whilst building rapport and trust during the interview is critical, few interviewers appreciate interviews interviewwees going overboard with their behaviour.Obsequious behaviours are generally seen as for of deceit and carry little weight-infact, they can undermine your efforts to create trust.

There's nothing wrong with you.

You've probably commited at least some of the mistakes listed above. Its very important to realise that the making such mistakes is common. In other words, there's nothing wrong with you. In the vast majority of cases, performing poorly at an interview happens because of very nature of interviews-its the interview process that is the culprit. So an awareness of the basic nature of interviews is the first strp in a step-by-step process by which you can significantly improve your performance. A great place to start is to ask: 'what does it take to convince the interviewer that you are the best person for the job?'The answer to this question can be summarised in four parts:

1.Correct Preparation;

2.Knowing things that are important to interviewers;

3.Practising your answers;

4.Perseverance;

Correct Preparation:

How well you perform at an interview will largely depend on how well you have prepared for it. Failure to correctly prepare almost certainly means you will not perform at your best. In some cases, it will mean performing quite badly, which may contribute to the erosion of your confidence.Even if you're lucky enough to be the favoured candidate, and are almost certain to win the position by just turning up, you should still take the time to prepare because the better you perform, the greater the likelihood that you will negotiate a better salary-and often the difference in money can be substantial.We've all heard people boast that they've never prepared for an interviewer in their lives and have done all right.

Whilst this boast may not be an idle one, closer inspection will usually reveal that these people were:Lucky-that is, in the right place at the right time;well connected; working in favourable labour market where there was a huge demand for employyes coupled with low supply;applying for jobs well within their comfort zone- that is, not stretching themselves to improve their position; orapplying for jobs internally and competing mainly against external candidates.

The argument for interview preparation becomes compelling when you give some thought to basic nature of interviews. Not only are you expected to sell yourself in a competetive environment, but you're also expected to compress large and often complex pieces of information into neat and highly articulate answers that avoid any negative connotations and contain the information the interviewer wants to hear. Its no wonder people's stress levels increase.

But it does not end there. There are three additional reasons that make the case for interview preparation even more compelling:Interviews are rare events, thus making them unfamiliar and awkward.Many people find it very difficult to sell themselves at interviews they have been conditioned by family and society not to blow their own trumpet. Making simple statements such as I'm very good at selling xyz' can be quite an obstacle to overcome.In most interviews, coming second isnt good enough. Its not just the matter of performing well; its also a matter of beating everyone else.It is unimaginable that you would fails to prepare for an event that is frequent, competetive and requires behaviours not normally used. yet that is what exactly what people do when they walk into an interview without preparation.

What is incorrect preparatiopn ?Incorrect preparatipn is any preparation that will not optimise your performance at an interview. Rote-learning generic answers that someone else has prepared has limited value. At best, they can give you an insight into what may constitute a good answer; at worst, they simply lead you astray. It is important to understand that, in the vast majority of cases, there's no such thing as a single answer to a question. What may constitute a great answer for one employer may be viewed as quite ordinary by another. One of the worst things you can do is learn other peoples responses off by heart and repeat them at an interview. Repeating other peoples so called great answers can make you sound disingenious and make you look a bit ridiculous when asked a probing follow up question. It makes a lot more sense to prepare your own answers.

Advantages of preparation: Taking the time to correctly prepare for an interview will:improve your confidence levels;assist you in answering questions succinctly, as opposed to taking forever to make a simple point;help you know what to say and how to say it; assist you in handling difficult questions;help you avoid saying things that will make a negative impression;improve your rapport-building skills.

Knowing the things that are important to interviewers:

One of the keys to knowing what to prepare lies in inderstanding the needs of the interviewer. Once you know the things that are important to interviewers, interview preparation suddenly becomes a lot clear and a lot more manageable.The vast majority of interviewers- whether or not they realise it-want to hear three things from you.Can you do the job? In other words, do you have the skills, knowledge, experience or potential to perform well in job?Most interviews will spend the majority of interview probing you on this question. They will want to know what you've done, how you did it and what the outcomes were.

Practising your answers:

Mock Interviews: If you cant get yourself to as many interviews as you would like, its a good idea to set up mock interviews with someone you can work with. The more closely you can simulate a real-life situation, more benefit you will derive. An effective way to conduct mock interviews is to get into role an stay in it for the entire interview. No distractions, no small talk and especially no starting again. If possible, avoid providing the questions to your helpers- let them come up with their own. If your helpers are not in a position to do this, give them lots of questions and ask them to choose thye ones they want.

The important thing for you is to get yourself used to answering unexpected questions. Furthermore, if you feel your helper can provide you with honest feedback on your performance, do not shy away from asking. You never know what you may learn. Often its the small things that make a big difference, But be on you guard for overly positive feedback.

Perseverance:

The worst thing you can do when setting out to improve your interview performance is give up because it all seems too hard. Quitters invariably get nowhere. They certainly dont land great jobs and build great careers. On the other hand, people who persevere very often gain valuable insights simply because they have the stamina to stick it out.The people we admire most are often those who face seemingly insurmountable obstacles yet instead of quitting, quietly resolve to overcome them. On the other side of the coin, the people we generally least respect are forever starting things without finishing them.They tend to be same people who make grandiose claims but end up delivering little or nothing.

One common characterstic that chronic quitters tend to have is low self esteem- they dont really have believe in themselves. And if you dont believe in yourself, others usually dont believe in you either- not a great place to be when you are trying to convince interviewers to believe in you either-not a great place to be when you are trying to convince interviewers to believe in you either-not a great place to be when you are trying to convince interviewers to believe in your abilities. These are people who are often heard saying things such as: 'Thats too hard', 'I cant learn that', 'What will others think', etc. they also tend to be the people who are always complaining about things but never seem to take any action to correct them because there is always an excuse.

Guide to successful Job Interviews

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:45:00 +0000

Handling job interviews is probably the most critical part of the whole job searching process.

The job interview is a time for them to get to know you better. They have already decided that you have the experience and knowledge that they require, that is why they want to meet you in person. What they really want to see at the interview is who you are. Your attitude and personality are going to be the most important factors in the decision making process.

Preparing for job interviews :

Preparing for job interviews is probably the most important aspect. Do this right and you will breeze through it, go unprepared and you will fail miserably. Preparing for a job interview means getting your mind right and feeling confident. Remember you are the best person for the job, you just have to show them that.

Firstly do some research on the company and its products, know who their customers are and what the company's objective is. Once you have this information, then make a list of what skills or knowledge you have that would be valuable to them. You cannot sell yourself to them if you don't know what it is you are selling.

Next thing to prepare is your physical appearance. You have to dress right for job interviews, don't wear anything too flashy, neat and clean are more important than the latest fashion. The aim is to look professional without overdoing it. If you are not comfortable with a shirt and tie, it might be best not to wear one, unless the job will require you to dress this way. It is important that you feel comfortable, the last thing you want is to be worried about your appearance during the interview. It will only make you nervous and you will quickly lose confidence.

Work out what you need to take with you. A copy of your CV, originals (and copies) of your qualification papers, copies of references, samples of your work (if applicable) and anything else that they may want to see. Again make sure everything is well organised and neatly presented. Don't take a pile of paperwork that you have to sift through for ten minutes to find something, that will give them the impression that your are disorganised.

Interviewing Methods:

As the job market becomes more competitive, so do screening methods. Employing a new person is an expensive exercise and companies want to ensure they do it right. When the job market becomes more competitive, new interviewing methods are introduced. It is not uncommon these days to be put through a series of tests and interviews before a company makes the final decision.

Some of the processes that you might experience include:

Aptitude tests: These tests are designed to find your personality traits. They would be looking for a particular type of person and this test will show them if you fit their profile. You can't cheat in these tests, if you attempt to "formulate" your answers, the results of the test will show. Be honest here, you can't hide who you are.

IQ/Thinking tests: These have been prepared to work out your analytical and logical thinking patterns. To some extent general knowledge would be useful, however they are really geared towards finding out how you analyse data and find solutions to problems. Again it is impossible to cheat on these tests, but a little preparation would go a long way. Prepare for this test by doing some logical thinking puzzles. There are lots out there in the bookshops.

General knowledge : Tests in this section include mathematical, grammar, spelling and general knowledge. Preparing to take some of these will include doing a revision of you school work. Forget the calculator and go back to pencil and paper. If you are a wiz at maths, then you should have no problem, but if you are like the rest of us that reaches out for the calculator, then get some practice prior to attending.

Panel Job Interviews : These can be nerve wracking types of interviews, however, most job interviews these days include a panel. The panel might just 2 people or it can be as many as 10. To handle this interview well, you must appear to be confident, don't hesitate too long before you give an answer. Watch your posture and try not to fidget too much. When answering a question make eye contact with one or two of the people. Find a friendly face and use that person for most of your eye contact, it will help in making you feel more relaxed.

One on one job interviews : These type of interviews are easier to handle, they are generally more informal. The best way to handle these type of interviews is to relate to them as a form of conversation. You should ask questions and exchange information as you would during a normal conversation. Offer your own information as needed without waiting to be asked.

Handling job interview questions:

There are various types of questions asked at a job interview. Most job interviews start with chit-chat type of questions, these are designed to break the ice and get the conversation flowing. Questions like "did it take you long to get here", "did you find the place alright", "were you able to find parking". Most of these just require a "yes, no problem" type of response, you can elaborate more if you wish, however ensure that you don't provide information that will give them a bad impression. Saying something like "It took me ages to get here, traffic was so bad, I hate travelling to this side of town.." would not make a good impression. If this is the place where you would be working, they would automatically be worried that you will be late to work everyday.

Most questions will be geared towards finding out a bit more about you. They might be historical questions regarding your previous employment or education, or they may be hypothetical questions "what if...". These are geared to finding out how you would handle a situation or to find out your personal views to certain areas.

Whenever answering a job interview question, give as much information as you can. Tell them why, where, when and how. In other words use samples to prove what you are saying. Make a statement, then qualify it by giving a sample of a situation and how you handled it.

There are times that you will be asked a hard question during a job interview. Don't panic, there is a reason why these questions are asked and that is to see how you handle a difficult situation. Being prepared is always the best policy.

Following are some samples of questions and some advice on how to handle them efficiently.

How would you handle a difficult customer?: Be careful here, don't say that you have never had a difficult customer as anyone who has dealt with customers knows that is impossible. Use a sample to demonstrate how you handle a difficult customer. Talk about an incident at a previous job (where, when), explain the situation, how you handled it, and what the outcome was.

Why should we choose you? : Ask yourself why you applied, what makes you prefect for this position, what can the company gain from hiring you, what have you got to offer, how would you handle this job. This is what they want to know, so go ahead and tell them.

Tell me about yourself: Split your answer into two, the professional and the personal level. Both are just as important, how you move from one to the other depends on what you have to say. The best way to answer this job interview question is to give a brief summary of your life, professional and personal, less emphasis on the early past, more emphasis on the present and the future.

What are your weaknesses?: Don't say 'I don't have any". Everyone has weaknesses and it takes strength to recognise them. Say something relevant but not hugely important to the specific position, and always add a positive. Something like "I haven't had a lot of exposure to on-site maintenance, however I am looking forward to being more involved in dealing with customers directly and learning their needs".

What are your strengths?: Customise your answer to meet the position requirements, remember the things they asked for in the advertisement? Tell them your strengths but also demonstrate them and show them how they would apply to this job. Use samples of how your strengths were valuable, use the "why, where, when, how" demonstrate and prove your strengths.

Job interviews are not that bad, so long as you are prepared. Maintain good eye contact and ensure that you have some questions to ask. job interviews are a two way process, a conversation where they want to get to know you better and you want to find out more about the position.

Above all, try and keep calm, smile and show professionalism.

Overview - Ten-Minute Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:38:00 +0000

Your aim is to convince the interviewer that:

You would be able to do the job
You can bring benefits to the company
You are the best candidate on both counts

Preparation:

You need to do a mini self-assessment of your profile, for example your work experience so far, the qualifications you have gained, and where you want your career to go. Consider your strengths and weaknesses, so that you have an idea of what to say in the interview. Some points to consider are:

Leadership
Self-confidence
Commitment and determination
Enthusiasm and Stamina
Competitiveness
Good judgement and decision making
Responsibility
Initiative and creativity
Organisation

Ask yourself:

Which areas could I improve
What are the tasks and situations that I have had the most problems with
In which instances did my colleagues react negatively towards me

Questions:

Why do you want this job? Talk about the positive aspects of the job, not that it's the only one you have had an interview for.

What qualities do you think will be required for this job? Talk about points that were in the job description but also other qualities such as: communications, interpersonal skills etc

What can you contribute? Your chance to shine. Tell them about your achievements in previous positions or at University etc

Why do you want to work for this company? Talk about why you like the company, mission statement, ethics, international etc

What do you know about this company? Give a run down of their products/services, sales figures, accomplishments etc

What interest you about our product/service? This can link to the previous question

How would you describe yourself? Pick your best attributes

What has been your greatest success? How did you achieve it? Pick an achievement related to the companies/jobs needs

What has been your biggest failure? Pick something that you were able to correct or that wasn't that important

How could you improve yourself? Pick on positive aspects of your personality or a strength/weakness scenario where you are improving

How do you handle criticism? Say that you take on board criticism and that it is part of your development so that you can improve certain areas.

Do you work well with others? Give examples of a good working relationship

Are you self motivated? Give an example of where you have been pro-active

Can you act on your own initiative? This can link into the previous question

What motivates you? Opportunities to learn new skills

Do you work well under pressure? Answer positively

What are your career goals?

COVERING LETTER

The covering letter is your chance to expand on the CV, your time to show the prospective employer what skills you have gained, how and where you gained them. Also showing how these skills will be of benefit within the sector that you are applying to. However, when writing a covering letter many people have the tendency to waffle. You need to be clear and concise and match your skills to the job requirements. This is your chance to shine and show the employer exactly what you are capable of. It is very unlikely that you have done the exact same job before as what you will go into, and even if you have each company has there own way of doing things. It is therefore important to show the skills that you have ascertained and they show proof of how you have adapted such attributes to various aspects of work.

5 Points:
Should be one side of A4
Do not just repeat information from your CV, but tie the two together, for example: as you will see from my CV, I have extensive experience in...
Be positive
Handwritten or typed covering letters are acceptable
Never photocopy a covering letter for another employer/job.

First paragraph

This is a general introduction to who you are, what you are doing, and what you want. For example: you are a student, studying for a degree in your chosen subject, and you are looking for a work placement. You should also write what postion you are applying for and a brief description of why you are applying for work within that chosen company.

Bulk of the letter

These couple of paragraphs should highlight experiences and skills you have gained that are relevant to the employment you are seeking. Topics of interest could include, previous employment, voluntary activities, and University coursework/presentations. For example, during a University presentation you may use the following skills: teamwork, communication, negotiation, time management, research using various research tools such as the internet, media, library resources; plus the presentation may have involved using computer programmes such as power point.

Final paragraph

This is a closing paragraph to thank them for their time and that you shall look forward to hearing from them shortly.Yours sincerely/faithfully and then your name.

First Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:17:00 +0000

Most people make an initial opinion of a stranger within the first five minutes of meeting them. According to research employers' impressions are made up of the following:

Body Language and image (70%)
Tone of voice (20%)
What you say (10%)

As soon as you enter the building you need to be polite to everyone you meet. You need to remain calm and confident, give a firm handshake, and remember to make eye contact. You need to put both yourself and the interviewer at ease by being down-to-earth whilst remaining business-like, it is often quite a good idea to have a few conversation openers, especially if the interviewer takes you to the interview room, it helps break the silence.

The Interview Preparation

You need to prepare well for the interview, finding out about the history of the company, its structure, market position and management style, along with details such as: how big the company is, how long have they been operating, what are their key income revenues and core areas of business, who are their major competitors, and have they had any major upheavals or successes. The easiest place to start the research is the website, or calling the marketing department and asking for a company profile or press kit. This will not only help you show your enthusiasm to the company but also enable you to be more relaxed about the questions asked. If you are preparing for a specific job interview, you will need to familiarise yourself with the job description, so matching your attributes to their requested skills.

You will also need to prepare information about yourself by building up a personal profile to enable you to answer questions both quickly and accurately. The profile will comprise of both personal and business information. For example:

Personal: 'I am an ambitious, organised and highly-motivated individual who is goal driven and excels at building long-term customer relationships.'

Business: 'I am an experienced sales professional with five years specific experience in the automotive industry'... go into further details.

Be positive, if you are negative the employers will not believe in you. You need to remember that you have been short-listed, and therefore must stand a good chance. It is good to feel a bit nervous before the interview as it shows that you want the job.

Interview Techniques

The interview is not only a chance for the interviewer to assess if you are the right person for the job, but it is also an opportunity for you to see if the job and the company are suitable for you.
During the interview you need to look for opportunities to be proactive and ask your own questions or try to lead the discussion where appropriate. Questions should reflect your keenness to work for the company. Generally you should limit yourself to just a couple of significant questions such as:

What are the key tasks and responsibilities of the job
What support and guidance is available
What training will be available

Other aspects to talk about are:

Structure of the organisation
Success of the organisation, it's profitability and product portfolio
Future strategies and development

Keep your concentration levels up during the interview and make sure you listen to the responses the interviewer gives you. The worst mistakes happen when people end up asking questions about topics that have already been covered, or don't hear or understand what the interviewer has said.

Key points:
Make sure you give the interviewer your full attention
Wait for them to finish speaking, before you answer the question
Make sure you ask open questions, to ensure you get full answers
Check you understand everything that has been said

At the end of the interview find out what will happen next:
When will I hear from you
How will I be informed
Do you need any more information from me

Candidates can easily find themselves on the defensive, trying to justify themselves, rather than sell their attributes. A good interviewer will often throw all sorts of challenging questions at you, in order to see if you are suitable for the job.

To help you cope with these it is best to know the possible questions that you might get asked, these can be divided up into sections:

Selling yourself (mention your strengths)
What experience do you have to benefit this job?
Can you work well under pressure?
What is your greatest strength?
What interests you most about this job?
Why should I hire you?
Do you have any questions?

Questions could include: what your first assignment would be, what type of training is required or given, requesting to see a job description, and who the company's major competitors are.

Information giving (information on your experience and skills set)
Do you consider yourself to be a natural leader? The interviewer will be interested in your ability to lead when necessary .

Tell me about yourself. This is an open question, and is a good opportunity for you to reveal the strengths that you mentioned in your personal profile. This is also your chance to reveal your personality, so just be yourself.

What are your biggest accomplishments? This should be job related, and is a chance to show your competency
Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Dealing with objections

How do you handle criticism? Try to portray the attitude that all criticism has a benefit, providing an opportunity for improvement. Also elaborate by giving an example of a poor idea that has been criticised rather than a substandard piece of work.

How will you cope with a change in environment? Talk about how you can adapt and learn quickly.

Turning negatives into positives (change your weaknesses into strengths)
What can you do for us that someone else can't? If you have understood the details of the job then try to answer this with a combination of your skills/experience which others are unlikely to have.
Describe a difficult problem you've had to deal with. Clearly explain how you have approached a problem, the result and how the difficult outcome was averted. This will show that you have a positive attitude to all challenges, and you were not discouraged or intimidated by the situation.

What is your greatest weakness? This is your chance to show that you have identified and are working on reducing your weaknesses. Turn your weakness into strength.

How do you handle tension/stress? Explain how you avoid stressful situations, and if not how you deal with it, for example: exercising and going to the gym.

How do you take direction? Show by giving examples of how you can be briefed and finish the task without unnecessary disagreements/complications

Do you prefer working with others or alone? Explain how you can work well in both situations.

How do you handle rejection? Much of today's business is commercially orientated, therefore a good answer would tend to be that you move on but take on board what has happened and use it to benefit you in the future.

Always speak clearly in a controlled range of tones. Do not speak in monotone and always pause before speaking, this avoids instinctively reacting and saying the wrong thing.

Help with your Interview/CV

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 17:19:00 +0000

Help with your Interview

Below are some notes that you should find useful, when preparing for an interview.

Research the company, its group, and subsidiaries. Make full use of the web, financial rating companies, and retail news.

Always be positive regarding your current employer and prior companies and the people to whom you reported. These are positive building blocks that helped to prepare you for the current opportunity.

Get the interviewer to describe the position and responsibilities early in the conversation so you can relate your skills and background to the position throughout the interview.

Prepare a list of probing questions pertaining to the job responsibilities of the position, division and company goals, company culture, etc.

Energy, Drive, Initiative. The key to personal success is to do more than you have to. Give the interviewer several examples of your initiative and personal successes and extra efforts.

Management and Organisation. Let the interviewer know that you have the ability to persuade and motivate others. Team leadership is a component of both management and personality. Share management ability and style, and organisational skills.

Character: Values, Commitment and Goals - Summarise your integrity, honesty, responsibility, openness and fairness in dealing with others.

Watch your body language. Maintain good posture, leaning slightly forward indicates interest. Maintain eye contact.

Prepare a list of your strengths and why you are perfect for the position. One of the toughest interview questions that you can be asked is "Tell me about yourself". Rather than guess where the interviewer wants you to begin, use this very simple response: "I'd be happy to. Where would you like me to begin?"

Do you bring value beyond the technical job description? Demonstrate your ownership of the company's strategic goals. Provide everyday examples of your commitment to delivering peak performance and team building. Communicate your success in solving problems, seeking out new products and services that will benefit clients. Demonstrate your abilities to help foster collaborative decision-making.

Make sure you answer the following two questions: "Why are you interested in the company?" and "What can you offer?".

If you are interested in the position - tell the client! At the conclusion of the interview, state that you are very interested in pursuing this position, and then ask, "Where do we go from here?" or "What is the next step?"

Do not discuss salary on the first interview. Complete the application and answer all of the questions, including current base salary and OTE, if applicable. If the application or interviewer asks you for salary expectations, leave the application blank. Responding to a direct question, tell the interviewer that you are relatively open and negotiable. Explain that money is not driving your decision to interview for a new job. The reason for interviewing is to explore the company's culture, career path, training, opportunities to advance, exposure to decision.

Help with your C.V.

Make sure you set the CV out in a easy to read format, clearly indicating the dates of your employment, the name of the employer, and the position you held
You should make it clear the actual full dates (month and year) that you worked in a job, rather than simply writing the years.

Examples
2003 –2007 : (incorrect)
July 2003 – October 2007 : (correct)
You should separate your duties and responsibilities in each of your roles, and aim to have a comprehensive list of these in each of your most recent roles
The further back your CV goes, the less information you need. Try to have fairly comprehensive details in your two most recent roles, then gradually make the information shorter and more concise as you go back

A CV should be typed on more than two pages, and in an easy to read font and size
You don’t need to include personal details like your date of birth on a CV. Try to keep the information as based around skills and experience as you possibly can
Don’t assume anything on your CV! Assume the person reading it knows nothing about the job you’ve done before, making sure you include all the key details
Try to avoid writing in long sentences. Use short, concise sentences in bullet point form .

A word about Equal Opportunities

Discrimination on the basis of race, marital status, colour, sex, religion, national origin or disability is not legal. Although very rare, it is possible that you may be faced with a question which is discriminatory particularly from inexperienced interviewers. In these situations the best thing to do is to address the bias behind the question without confronting the interviewer, for example:

Are you planning to start a family?

Are you asking if I am able to work overtime? Are you asking if I would have commitment to this position?

How old are you?

Are you asking how many years of experience I have?

Are you married?

Are you asking if I am able to work overtime?
If you are concerned that the interview you attended was discriminatory, please do not hesitate to contact your consultant and be prepared to discuss your thoughts and experiences.

Interview Guide II

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Tue, 20 May 2008 05:09:00 +0000

Tell-Me-About-Yourself Questions

Answer these questions in terms of the qualifications required of the job being filled and your business background.
Keep responses concise and brief.
Avoid being derogatory and/or negative when asked about previous jobs and bosses.
"Tell-me-about-yourself" means, Tell me about your qualifications.
Prepare ahead of time a five to ten minute discussion of your qualifications.
Discuss your experiences.
Tell how well you performed (resulting in raises, promotions, innovative designs, sales volume, increased profits, etc.)

Your Personality Questions

Always answer in terms of your qualifications.
Support your claims by sharing experiences.
Answer personality questions in terms of ACCURATE ANSWERS supported by past experience.

Salary Questions

Avoid talking salary until the job has been offered.
Negotiate salary from strength.
Your present earnings will be on the company application you fill in. Mark the "expected earnings" portion of the application, "Open or Negotiable."
If unemployed, seek a salary equivalent to your last earnings.
On the initial interview, you should NOT directly discuss:
MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
FRINGE BENEFITS
VACATIONS/MONEY

Asking Questions When Interviewing For A Job

Interest Questions

Ask yourself are they related to the job, the company, its products, services and people? An interview is a two-way street. These questions should communicate your interest in the position.

Don't cross-examine the employer.
Ask questions requiring an explanation. Questions which can be answered with a "yes" or "no" are conversation stoppers.
Don't interrupt when the employer is answering YOUR question.
Ask job-relevant questions. Focus on the job, the company, products, services, and people.
Prior to the interview, write your list of Interest Questions and take them with you.
Ask about your potential peers, subordinates, and superiors. Take notes.
Ask the employer how he/she got where they are today.

Job Satisfaction Questions

Do they pertain to the importance of the job, does the authority you'll have match to the responsibility, the reward for a job well done, and the long-range career opportunities?

Don't ask salary questions or about fringe benefits, retirement, or vacations.
Don't go overboard, four to eight questions of this type should be plenty.
Do ask about long-range career opportunities.

Past Performance Questions

Ask questions like:

How many people have held this position in the past several years?
Where are these people now?
Were they promoted or did they leave the company?

Sale Questions

Ask what the employer wants in a candidates, what experience, educational background, and performance.
Always ask what personality characteristics the employer desires.
Make a sales statement based on the employer's prerequisites or desires. (If you lack an asset, sell a compensating asset.)

Ask For The Job

"I can perform the job you want. I've done it before and I've done it well."
"I'd like to work for you. What else do you need to know to make this happen?"

IF YOU MAINTAIN A "QUESTIONING AWARENESS" YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY ASK THE "RIGHT" QUESTIONS, GIVING YOU A CONSIDERABLE ADVANTAGE WHEN INTERVIEWING.

Close

Assume that you are the right person for the position.
Summarize all points of agreement.
Tell the person you want the opportunity and you are sure you could work well with him personally from your initial meeting.
Close after summary. As an example: "Jim, do you make the final decision?" "Fine, I'm ready to pursue the next step in the interviewing process. Can we see Susan tomorrow?" If the interviewer says they would like to see you again or that the interviewer will be in touch with recruiter, summarize and close again. Tell the person you are ready to pursue the next step and ask for a day's notice that you might coordinate your schedule.
On Your Way Out

1. Thank the person for the time.

2. Shake his hand firmly and look the person in the eyes.

3. Tell the interviewer you look forward to the next interview.

4. Say good-bye to the secretary.

Follow Up

Send a handwritten letter, fax, telegram, or e-mail thanking the interviewer for the opportunity of interviewing with the company and 3 or 4 good reasons to consider you. If this doesn't go out the day of the interview or the next day it won't be worth the paper it's written on.
If you do not have an answering service or recording device, buy one, or as an alternative, use the number of a friend who has one.

Interview Guide I

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Tue, 20 May 2008 04:57:00 +0000

Whether you're looking for your first job or your fifth, you're after an entry level sales position or top management spot, there are some universal rules to be successful.

Pre-Interview : Go to the library or use the Web and research the company. Find things to discuss during the interview. This impresses the interviewer.
Know the five year growth of the company and future direction.
Know the company's financial position, i.e. net worth, stock price etc.
Know the competitors.
Know the product line.
You should call on at least three possible customers to get their opinion of the company and the product. Let the interviewer know this. Tell the interviewer with whom and where you investigated their company.

Attire : Employers reject improperly dressed candidates. Accept the fact that many employers have an unwritten dress code and like to hire properly dressed candidates. Forget your own personal preference. You should dress according to the impression you want to create, i.e., successful, conservative, and business-like.
Men--Conservative blue or gray suit, white starched shirt, conservative tie with contrasting colors, shined shoes dark socks over calf, avoid aftershave.
Women--Skirted suit or tailored dress, dress feminine not sexy, avoid excessive make-up and perfumes.
Hairstyles for both men and women should be modest.
Men, Facial hair, if any, should be modest and neatly trimmed.
Your attire/appearance WON'T get the job, but it CAN certainly rob you of it.
No sports jacket for men.
No pantsuits for women.
Dress for your boss's job.
You can't be TOO conservative.

Timing : Get exact directions to the interview site at least one day ahead of time.
Be 15 minutes early.
Be courteous to the staff…especially the secretary. An employer is always influenced by opinions of other employees.

Resume : Take a resume with you even if the interviewer has one.
Do not fold it!
Offer the resume to the person in a new file folder.
References
Take your "that a boy" letters and offer them at the appropriate time.
When requested, provide a typed list of names, addresses, phone numbers, and letters of personal and professional references.

Introduction : Example: "Good morning, Larry. I am…"
Shake hands firmly and look the person in the interviewer eyes. Maintain good eye contact during the interview.
Maintain high energy level.
Sit up.
Back straight.
No coffee, (to spill).
No smoking.

The Site : Motel room: Position yourself for good eye contact, (Don't be afraid to move a chair; it shows positive traits. i.e., control.
Employer's office: If there is more than one chair, take the one closest to the side of the interviewers desk. The desk is the barrier!
Bar/Restaurant: Sit across from the person and wait for the interviewer to order drinks before you do. Do not feel compelled to drink if you normally don't drink.

Style : Eye contact! Look directly at the interviewer.
Listen! Give the person the opportunity to talk. Do not touch anything on the interviewer's desk. Do not fidget with anything you have, such as a pen, tie, etc.
Relax and be confident (do deep breathing to relax).
Be enthusiastic-use your eyes, hands, and voice inflection to show support.

Be Succinct - Keep your answers brief, concise, and to the point. Everyone gets nervous in an interview, but some try to disguise it by talking-excessively. The more nervous you get, the more you talk. The more you talk, the more you convince the interviewer that you are not right for the position. Avoid negatives by returning to a positive and stress that positive. As an example: "Well, Susan you have had three jobs in five years. Answer: Mary, I made a mistake on that Acme job by not checking their financial situation closely. I have been with U.S. Surgical for two years now and, as you can see, I've done a fine job. I'm seeking a career opportunity that offers greater stability and that's why I'm here."

Be Specific - If you're explaining your accomplishments, try to support your claims by citing figures or specific accomplishments. Ranked #2 out of 10 people in my region; I was $75,000 over quota last year; my W2 has increased x thousands of dollars over the last 2 years. If you're discussing skills or talents that you can bring to the job, give clear examples of how you've demonstrated these abilities in other relevant situations.

Sell Yourself - Now is not the time for humility. It is not bragging, and no one will find it offensive if you cite your achievements or awards or describe unique business programs that you have devised. It's an accepted and expected part of the interview process. Make sure that the interviewer knows about your accomplishments or special experiences. If the interviewer doesn't ask, find a way to bring them into the conversation. Be sure to mention any that aren't listed on your resume. No one else is going to sing your praises, and you usually don't get a second chance in these situations. Now is the time to bring out your ‘that a boy' file and show written rankings or letters.

Note: Translate your achievements, accomplishments, and personal qualities into benefits to the employer.

Maintain Credibility - and don't over inflate your responsibility. Don't try to make a low-level position sound as if you were actually the CEO's right-hand man or woman. Most interviewers have a good idea of the responsibilities that accompanied your previous job-especially if you're interviewing in the same industry. If you inflate your position, you'll undermine your entire credibility, and the interviewer will doubt all your other real achievements. Once you're considered deceptive, you won't have any chance at being hired. Always be honest.

Maintain Your Composure - Regardless of what happens in the interview keep calm, poised, and professional. If the interviewer seems to ignore you, don't get flustered. If the interviewer looks unimpressed, don't assume you have lost. If the individual contradicts something you say, explain your position but don't lose our temper or let the interviewer goad you into an argument. Don't become defensive if the interviewer seems to question certain responsibilities or achievements that you claim. It's all part of the game. Your composure may well be tested during the interview.

Pay Attention - Sometimes people are so "charged-up" that they try to anticipate where the interviewer is going. They just jump in with the answer before the interviewer has completed the question. Let the person finish the questions and make sure you know what is being asked. If you're not sure, ask the interviewer to clarify the question. The last thing you want to do is plunge headlong into a story that doesn't give the interviewer the information he's seeking. You'll come across as rattled and confused-not exactly the stuff employer's dreams are made of.

Interview Preparation Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Tue, 20 May 2008 04:48:00 +0000

Here are some suggestions to help in preparation for your interviews.

The Five “P’s”:
For successful career development, always be:

Punctual
Polite
Professional
Positive
Pro-Active

Telephone Interviews:

Telephone interviews help the employer to determine who they should take their time to sit down with at length, but if you're local to the job, you should attempt to schedule personal interviews to give a better first impression than they can possibly get from talking to you over the phone.

A telephone interview is similar to an open book test. Notes are mandatory, not optional. In order to do a good telephone interview, six things are required:

A resume or a written data sheet on yourself (including key accomplishments
and achievements)
A list of your strengths
A list of your weaknesses
A list of your specific qualifications for THE POSITION being discussed
A list of questions about the interviewer, the interview process, and the
company
A written-down closing statement

The resume or data sheet is important so you have a chronological listing of all of employment data, including specific job duties in front of you. Under pressure, people have even forgotten their own names! Luckily, it's right on the resume! Key accomplishments are past achievements which single you out, such as: employee of the month, scholarship, high school/college honors, a significant work project you completed, etc. Write them down! Write down your top five strengths. If the hiring authority only asks for three, that's okay, but you are prepared if he asks for five.

Write down your weaknesses. If asked, your weaknesses should be stated like this, "I feel the areas that I would like to improve on are..." Prepare a list of 5 to 10 specific qualifications you have for the particular position being discussed. Do a comparative analysis of your background and THIS position’s job description. Prepare a few questions to ask the hiring authority regarding the company. Write down things that are important to you, i.e., the size of the company, growth potential, future opportunity, how long your potential boss has been with the company, where his or her next step is and why he or she likes the company, etc. Do not discuss salary. Do not bring up benefits.

If salary is brought up by the interviewer, state that you are willing to entertain their best offer. Closing Statements. This is very important. Have something written down so if the telephone interviewer says something in closing that catches you off guard you can close out your interview with a positive ending, such as: “Thanks for giving me the opportunity to discuss this position with you. What’s the next step in the interview process?” “I am very interested in joining your team in this position. Do you need any additional information from me or from Custom Staffing?” “I know I can do a good job for you. Is it possible to discuss this in person soon?"

Before The Face-To-Face Interview:

Do the following ahead of time:

Determine your long term career goals (2/5/10 years)
Research the company by visiting their website, going to the library, etc.
Prepare your QUALIFICATION list of 5 to 10 specific qualifications you have for
the position being discussed. Do a comparative analysis of your background
and THIS position.
Prepare your business clothes the night before
Prepare a folder with copies of your current resume and your professional
reference list (including daytime phone numbers) the day before the interview
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never
excusable

Here are some topics that you might consider addressing during the interview:

A detailed description of the position
The reason the position is available
Anticipated indoctrination and training programs
Advanced training programs available for those who demonstrate outstanding
abilities
Company growth plans
Your potential career path within the company

The Face-To-Face Interview:

Arrive 15 minutes early. Observe the company’s “personality” while you wait. Be on your BEST manners. If asked to fill out an application form, fill it out in its entirety. Do NOT write “see resume” anywhere on the form. Put “Negotiable” in the salary requirement blank. Greet the interviewer by surname if you are sure of the pronunciation. If you are not, ask for it to be repeated. Shake hands firmly. Smile genuinely. Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair; look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Never smoke even if the interviewer smokes and offers you a cigarette. Do not chew gum during your interview. Maintain good eye contact with the employer and don't fidget. Follow the interviewer's leads, but try to get the interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can relate your background and skills to the position. Never answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain your answers whenever possible.

Tell those things about yourself which relate to the situation. Make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Keep in mind that you alone can sell yourself to an interviewer. Make the interviewer realize the need for you in the organization. Be prepared to answer typical questions like: What kind of job are you looking for? What are your strengths? Your weaknesses? What do you know about our company? Why did you choose your particular vocation? What are your qualifications? Who has been your favorite supervisor? Why? Who has been your least favorite supervisor? Why? Never lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and as "to the point" as possible. Never, ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or companies. Never "over answer" questions.

The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. Since this can become a sticky situation, it is best to answer the questions honestly, trying not to say any more than is necessary. Always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on opportunity. It is better to be in the position where you can choose rather than the company saying no.

Closing The Face-To-Face Interview:

Ask for the position if you are interested in it. Ask for the next interview if the situation demands. If the position is offered to you and you want it, then accept it on the spot. If you wish some time to think it over, be courteous and tactful in asking for that time. Set a definite date when you can provide an answer. Never be too discouraged if no definite offer is made or a specific salary is discussed. The interviewer will probably want to communicate with the office first, or interview more applicants, before making a final decision. If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show. Once in a while an interviewer who is genuinely interested in your possibilities may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction. Express thanks for the interviewer's time and consideration of you. Ask for the interviewer's business card so you can write a thank you letter as soon as possible.

Job Interview Mistakes To Avoid

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Tue, 20 May 2008 03:57:00 +0000

All of us have made a mistake or two during an interview, but I hope it's nothing like what these candidates, noted in the CareerBuilder.com survey of the wackiest mistakes made during an interview, did during their job interviews.

Some of the highlights of the list include:

Candidate smelled his armpits on the way to the interview room.
Candidate flushed the toilet while talking to interviewer during phone interview.
Candidate told the interviewer he was fired for beating up his last boss.
Candidate asked the interviewer for a ride home after the interview.

Hiring managers don't want to hear a lot of things during an interview -- confessions of a violent past, a cell phone ring, a toilet flush. Yet job seekers have committed these interview gaffes and worse, according to CareerBuilder.com's annual survey of the worst interview mistakes.

The wrong move can cost you the job! You've worked hard to get to the interview stage. You passed the cover letter and resume screening process...maybe even a few telephone interviews.

Now its time for the face to face interview with the employer itself. Any number of items can go wrong but you have to be in control and must have confidence. Go into an interview with the feeling that you are going to impress them so much that they will have to make you an offer.

The interview is the most stressful part of the job hunt for many people because now they can't hide behind the cover letter and resume. The real face to face human connection between possible employer and job candidate takes place. But for starters if you simply follow these tips below, you are on your way to interviews with results.

These are the most common interview mistakes - and their antidotes.

Arriving late.
Get directions from the interviewer - or a map. Wear a watch and leave home early. If the worst happens and you can't make it on time, call the interviewer and arrange to reschedule.

Dressing wrong.
You make your greatest impact on the interviewer in the first 17 seconds - an impression you want to make powerfully positive. Dress right in a conservative suit, subdued colors, little jewelry (but real gold, or silver, or pearls), low heels (polished) and everything clean and neat. Hygiene includes combed hair, brushed teeth, deodorant and low-key scent. Check everything the night before, again before walking out the door and once again in the restroom just before the interview.

Play zombie.
OK, you're nervous. But you can still smile, right? And make eye contact, yes? Sit up, focus on the interviewer, and start responding. Enthusiasm is what the interviewer wants to see.

No smoking, no gum, no drinking.
This is all comfort stuff for you, and none of it helps you here. Employers are more likely to hire non-smokers. At a lunch or dinner interview, others may order drinks. You best not.

Research failure.
The interview is not the time for research. Find out the company's products and services, annual sales, structure and other key information from the Internet, the public library, professional magazines or from former employees. Show that you are interested in working for the prospective employer by demonstrating knowledge about the company.

Can't articulate your own strengths and weaknesses.
Only you can recognize your most valuable strengths and most hurtful weaknesses. Be able to specify your major strengths. Your weaknesses, if such must come up, should only be turned around to positives.

Winging the interview.
Practice! Get a friend, a list of interview questions and a tape recorder and conduct an interview rehearsal. Include a presentation or demonstration if that will be part of the real interview. Start with introducing yourself and go all through an interview to saying good-bye. Write out any answers you have difficulty with, and practice until your delivery is smooth (but not slick).

Talk, Talk, Talk.
Rambling, interrupting the interviewer and answering to a simple question with a fifteen-minute reply - all of these can be avoided if you've thought through and practiced what you want to communicate. Good answers are to the point and usually shorter.

Failure to connect yourself to the job offered.
The job description details the company's needs - you connect your experiences, your talents and your strengths to the description. It answers the essential reasons for the interview - "How my education/experience/talents/strengths fit your needs and why I can do this job for you."

Not asking questions - and asking too many.
Use your research to develop a set of questions that will tell you whether this is the job and the company for you. This will help you limit and focus your questions. But don't overpower the interviewer with questions about details that really won't count in the long run.

Bad-mouth anyone.
Not just your present employer, or former employer, or the competition. You don't want to look like a complainer.

Asking about compensation and /or benefits too soon.
Wait for the interviewer to bring up these issues - after the discussion of your qualifications and the company's needs and wants.

Failure to ask for the job.
When the interviewer indicates the interview is over, convey your interest in the job and ask what the next step is.

Escape the Pitfalls

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Mon, 19 May 2008 04:22:00 +0000

The best way to avoid the most common and dangerous interview mistakes is to think ahead and decide not to make them... Read on for a whistle-stop tour of the top ten interview clangers!

1. Lying
Although it's tempting, it doesn't work. By all means gloss over the unflattering things. But out-right fibbing NEVER pays.Mark Twain said: "If you tell the truth, you never have to remember anything." Think about it. They will catch you out later.

2. Slating your current company or boss
Fed up with your current job and would give anything to leave because they've treated you badly? Your job interview is NOT the time to seek revenge. Bear in mind that the interviewer will be listening to your answers and thinking about what it would be like to work with you. Ask yourself: do you like working with people who constantly criticise others? Isn't it a bit wearing? The trouble is that the interviewer draws massive conclusions from your answers. So your throwaway comment about your boss or employer may be interpreted to be your "standard" way of thinking. It makes you look bad, not your employer.

3. Being Rude
If you find you were accidentally rude, then apologise calmly and genuinely. Then leave it behind you and get on with the rest of the interview. If you dwell on it, it will affect your performance. What's "rude"? Well, that depends on your audience. As a rule of thumb, avoid cracking jokes about potentially sensitive topics and beware of being too "pally" with the interviewer: polite and friendly is enough. After all, you're not in the pub with them. So stay professional. Also bear in mind that everyone you meet could be involved in the selection process. So blanking the receptionist or talking down to the junior members of staff could cost you the job.

4. Complaining
Ok, so your train journey might have been a nightmare and maybe you thought the tube would never arrive, or the tailbacks on the motorway were endless. But your interviewer doesn't want to know that! Complaining, even in jest, is not a recommended icebreaker. It may be completely harmless, or it might simply make the interviewer switch off. Don't let complaining set the tone for the interview!

5. Talking about people you don't get on with at work
These days, it's common to be asked how you deal with conflict. Companies realise the importance of interpersonal relationships in the working environment. So if they ask you about difficult people or situations, make sure you hold back from character assassination and blaming others for problems because it won't do you any favours! If you accidentally do "break" this rule, apologise and explain what you "really" meant.

6. Not Being Prepared
Re-read the relevant version of your CV and the job advert, just before the interview. You'd be surprised how many people can't remember what they wrote on their CV. And if you remember what type of person the job advert was looking for, it's easier to demonstrate that you have those qualities.Make sure you've brought with you anything you were asked for. It's fine to bring a note-pad and pen, but make sure they're tidy. It's even ok to bring notes with you; particularly if you have any questions you want to ask. It shows you're taking the job application seriously. Ill-prepared candidates rarely get job offers.

7. Appearing to be too nervous, or too confident
If you appear too nervous they'll think you're not confident enough to do the job. However, appearing too confident will make them think you won't fit into the team. If interview nerves are an issue for you, it's worth getting practical help from a professional, such as an interview coach.

8. Making a weak first impression
Unfortunately, no matter how hard the interviewer tries, a lot of "don't want to hire them" decisions are made in the first few minutes of contact. If you make a strong first impression, the interviewer will be more inclined to overlook "imperfections" in your answers.

9. Not having researched the company
As a general rule, the more famous the brand, the more they will expect you to have done your homework. Researching the company shows you're serious about the job.Example from a real interview for a major food brand:Candidate: "Hello Mr. Interviewer. Yes, I'd love to work for your company. I think your brand is great and I really believe I could make a contribution to your marketing strategy." Interviewer: "So what do you think about our current merchandising, compared to our competition?" Candidate: "Oh... Errr.... Well, I haven't had time to check it out, really." Likelihood of getting the job? Low.

10. Putting your foot in it and not noticing
Yes, we know, you didn't mean to put your foot in it. But it doesn't really matter what you intended. What counts is how the other person reacts. So what can you do? Be prepared to simply say "sorry, that's not what I meant!" This requires you to actually be paying attention to the interviewer, rather than your own thoughts and feelings. Once you've apologised, leave it there, take a deep breath to help you relax and move on with the job interview.

Nonverbal Communications

It begins even before you say your first word in an interview. As the interviewer walks toward you to shake hands, an opinion is already being formed. And as you sit waiting to spew out your answers to questions you've prepared for, you are already being judged by your appearance, posture, smile or your nervous look.

Look back at speakers or teachers you've listened to. Which ones stand out as memorable? The ones who were more animated and entertaining, or the ones who just gave out information? This is not to say you have to entertain the interviewer -- no jokes required -- but it does mean the conversation should be animated and interactive. If you say you are excited about the prospect of working for this company but don't show any enthusiasm, your message will probably fall flat. So smile, gesture once in a while, show some energy and breathe life into the interview experience. And don't underestimate the value of a smile. In addition to the enthusiasm it expresses to the interviewer, smiling often makes you feel better about yourself.

Nonverbal Messages:

The Handshake: It's your first encounter with the interviewer. She holds out her hand and receives a limp, damp hand in return -- not a very good beginning. Your handshake should be firm -- not bone-crushing -- and your hand should be dry and warm. Try running cold water on your hands when you first arrive at the interview site. Run warm water if your hands tend to be cold. The insides of your wrists are especially sensitive to temperature control.

Your Posture: Stand and sit erect. We're not talking ramrod posture, but show some energy and enthusiasm. A slouching posture looks tired and uncaring. Check yourself out in a mirror or on videotape.

Eye Contact: Look the interviewer in the eye. You don't want to stare at her like you're trying to look into her soul, but be sure to make sure your eyes meet frequently. Avoid constantly looking around the room while you are talking, because that can convey nervousness or a lack of confidence with what is being discussed.

Don't Fidget: There is nothing worse than people playing with their hair, clicking pen tops, tapping feet or unconsciously touching parts of the body. Preparing what you have to say is important, but practicing how you will say it is imperative. The nonverbal message can speak louder than the verbal message you're sending.

Coping with Interviews

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:59:00 +0000

After coming through all the hurdles of the selection process, you will eventually arrive at an interview. This is of course, a major obstacle for many job applicants. Although they may have the qualifications, experience and a proven track record, they may lose out to a candidate who 'interviews better.'

So what does 'interviewing better' actually mean? It comes down to the candidate being well prepared and confident. A candidate who can answer questions in a way which is acceptable (but not necessarily right) to the interviewer, someone who knows something about their potential employers business and the post they hope to fill. These are really the basic components of any candidate who 'interviews well'. There are undoubtedly other aspects employers may look for in relation to specific posts - having their own ideas, articulate, thinking on their feet, aspects which will be related to the job and to the company's preference in employees.

The employer will also be looking to fill a post, which has a particular job specification - in other words personal aspects besides the experience, and qualifications that can be put down on paper. The interviewer will set out to ascertain that the candidate has these personal qualities, skills and abilities the company requires. These two essential ingredients are interlinked. Good preparation instils confidence.
So the basic approach to an interview is to be well prepared. This means two things - preparing yourself practically for the interview, and gathering knowledge and information you can draw on during the interview.

Be sure you know the time, date and location of the interview and name of interviewee where appropriate. Check out how you will get to the location, and when you need to set off to be there in good time do a dummy run if necessary. Plan to get there no earlier than half an hour before the interview time, anticipate delays.

Have what you are going to wear ready in advance - everything down to your underwear.
Do not go to the interview laden down with baggage - psychological as well as physical.
Take the bare minimum of belongings necessary.
Concentrate on the interview at the interview - nothing else.
If you are asked to bring certificates, references etc, get them ready before the day.
Take your interview letter.
On arrival ensure the receptionist knows you are there, visit the toilets to tidy up etc.

If you are well organised and have planned for the day your confidence will increase. The interview is a chance for you and the employer to get to know one another. It is NOT the time to get to know about the post or the employers business. Do gather information about your employer before you are interviewed - what do they do, what are their current projects, what other interests do they have? Ask staff - many companies will offer you the chance to talk about the vacancy with someone, use the opportunity to find out more about the company.

Bigger companies will have PR departments, smaller ones will provide you with some information - libraries can provide information on local business and keep directories of national business. Use the internet - many companies have a presence here now. Make sure you know what the job entails - get a job description, ask someone in a similar post; ring the company to clarify if unsure. Remember the employer is interested in you as a person, your experiences and your opinions (in most cases). Do take the time to sit down and think about you, who you are and what you've achieved. It can be highly embarrassing to know more about the employer than yourself.

Sit down with your CV and make notes, about your work record, what you've achieved. Look at yourself as a person in employment - how do you see yourself, what have you done, what ambitions do you have. Make notes and prepare and rehearse sound bites about yourself. Remember that one of the most common of interview questions is 'Tell me about yourself' prepare a sound bite for this in particular, but not a life history. Usually interviewers want to know about personal qualities not achievements - though examples can be included to support your statement.

Interviews vary tremendously, from very informal to formal. However, some questions can be anticipated, as can the subject matter. If you are well prepared, then the majority of problem questions should not arise. You will know about the company, you will know about yourself and you will have a good idea of the demands of the job - these questions will not be a problem to the well prepared interviewee.

A few general rules:
Speak up when answering questions.
Answer briefly, but try to avoid yes or no answers.
Don't worry about pausing before you answer, it shows you can think and are not spitting out the sound bites you learned!
Don't worry about admitting you don't know - but keep this to a bare minimum.
Don't embellish answers or lie! Be as honest as possible.
Be prepared for hypothetical situation questions, take your time on these.
Be prepared for the unexpected question, that's designed to see how you cope with the unexpected.

If you ask questions keep them brief during the interview, remember you're the interviewee.At the end of the interview ask your questions in an open manner, that is questions which cannot be answered yes or no. E.g. tell me about....? what is....? why.....?

Thank the interviewers for their time when you leave quietly and calmly, and smile, even if you know hate them. There is always the opportunity to ask them questions at the end of the interview - remember the interview is a two way process, you need to be sure you want to join them too!
Try to concentrate on issues which are both important to you and combine as apparent interest in the company, leave issues like terms and conditions until the very last, even they may feel the most important to you. Write your questions down prior to the interview and take them with you.

Good topics to touch on include:
The competitive environment in which the organisation operates
Executive management styles
What obstacles the organisation anticipates in meeting its goals
How the organisation's goals have changed over the past three to five years

Generally, it is most unwise to ask about pay or benefits or other similar areas. The reason is that it tends to make you seem more interested in what the organisation can do for you. It is also not a good idea to simply have no questions at all. Doing so makes you appear passive rather than curious and interested.

Suggested Questions:
What are the main objectives and responsibilities of the position?
How does the company expect these objectives to be met?
What obstacles are commonly encountered in reaching these objectives?
What is the desired time frame for reaching the objectives?
What resources are available from the company and what must be found elsewhere to reach the objectives?
Wear what is appropriate for the post and the company. It may vary from smart, formal wear in some instances to very formal dress in others. Try and get an insight into what the company would expect from employees or through observation. What would be appropriate for a building company is very different for a public relations agency.

Be well groomed and clean. Try to look calm and confident, simple things like deodorant can boost your confidence.
Once you are ushered into the interview room there will usually be a short exchange of pleasantries and ice breaking. Don't be fooled by this time - it really is designed to put you at ease in most circumstances, but these initial moments are the most formative - don't go over the top being exceptionally friendly or alternatively going rigid with fear feeling that your handshake was too limp! A pleasant natural smile, a firm handshake and a brief exchange of words in a natural manner of this greeting is sufficient. Some simple, but frequently broken rules!

Sit comfortably with both feet on the floor, lean slightly towards the interviewer.
Don't play with your hair or you hands. Keep them out of pockets!
Try not to create defensive barriers between you and them, like a brief case on your knees, folded arms or crossed legs....even if you feel you need to. It's natural, but your interviewer will not physically attack!
Maintain natural eye contact with the interviewer - that is maintain eye contact, but don't stare like a snake!
If there's more than one interviewer, look at who's talking.
When you're talking, shift your glance from one to the other.
Don't over use your hands, if you are a natural gesticulator.
Don't squirm and fidget.
Do nod and Mmm, to show you're listening to them.
Above all try to be you, try to be natural, unless you're naturally offensive!

Obeying these rules, will allow the interviewers to concentrate on you, and not what you're doing in the interview. Body language conveys all sorts of messages, and the right body language will convey the message of a well-balanced and confident individual...............even if you're not!

Gearing up for the Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 03:27:00 +0000

That nobody is perfect is the maxim that sounds even more pertinent in the context of an interview. Interview is without a doubt a trepidation for everyone, and the novices and the old hands alike find themselves on pins and needles at the prospect of being interviewed.

What makes people lose sleep over the interviews is essentially an apprehension of the unforeseen, a dread of being confronted with something they don't know; and no matter how many interviews has one faced and sailed through, every new interview brings a new pain in the neck. Jitteriness hangs over everyone; only the intensity may differ.

And though there are no alternatives to awareness and conviction, there are certain guidelines which when followed will put off some seemingly trifling slip-ups, which could turn your interview into a dismal affair at the end of the day. These are the gimmicks that must be exercised if the interview is to be saved from some apparently petty blunders.
Before Taking the Bull by the Horns

The homework starts right from the word go- immediately after you receive the interview call. Apart from brushing up your technical know-how, which is undoubtedly pivotal to your success, you need to pay heed to some aspects that will pump up your confidence level and help keep off nerves at the interview table.

Reaching for the interview late may put the interviewer off, as it can also dampen your spirit. So to have an idea as to when you should leave for the interview, just go by the venue at least one day prior to the interview as a rehearsal.

Envisage the likely questions and picture yourself answering them with confidence. Keep telling yourself that you are good enough to sail through. This will infuse just enough confidence in you, and that'll make all he difference in the interview.

Consider the dress you'll be wearing. 'Formal dress' is often a deceptive phrase as it may mean different clothing for different companies. Sometimes, it's indispensable to put on a three-piece, while the other day it may seem too much of affectation; only a tie with formal shirt and trousers may do. Make out what dress could be apposite for a particular company.

If the company is too far-off and your dress is likely to get rumpled in the bus, better travel in a taxi. Carry a comb in your pocket. There is no excuse for a clumsy appearance in the interview.
Reach the venue at least half an hour in advance so that you have enough time for having a breather and bracing up for the interview. Arriving at the last minute and entering the interview room panting will reveal you in a poor light and you won't be in the right kind of frame to take on the interview.

In case the interview does not commence on the scheduled time, don't lose you focus. Don't be distracted and maintain your composure. Read some magazine or talk to the people about the company. Go out for a breath of air but don't go too far away. And don't ever let it show that you disliked being made to wait. You have got some time on hand, so use it discreetly.

Inside the Interview Chamber

Pull yourself up the moment you are summoned inside the interview chamber, and enter the room with an air of confidence. And while you are taking on the real deal, practice the following:
Maintain a body language suggesting confidence and cheerfulness. Don't look uneasy or dispirited. Smile at appropriate moments.

Maintain eye contact while answering the questions. This will suggest that you are confident enough.
If there is more than one interviewer, address to all of them. Remember names if you can and address by the names. Sound confident but avoid being brash.

Saying 'sorry' or 'pardon' when you couldn't quite get the interviewer is civility, but making the interviewer repeat something for you too often could really make you sorry at the end of the day. You say 'sorry; once, and the interviewer willingly repeats, you say again, and he takes notice, you say thrice, and his exasperation shows, you go on to say yet again, and you just lose it all. What puts the interviewer off is the revelation that you are not all ears during the interview. So better listen attentively and minimize 'being sorry' or 'begging pardon'.

Don't speak too loudly or too faintly. Maintain a pitch that is audible as well within the perimeter of courtesy.

Don't delve too much on a topic. Neither keep the answers too short. Just speak enough on every topic.

Use wit and make the interviewer smile. But again, discern the faint edge between humour and discourtesy. Also, whatever you speak to bring smiles on the interviewers' face should sound germane to the topic. However, use this trick sparingly- making the interviewer chuckle twice in an interview is just sufficient.

Some questions may be devised to judge your self-restraint and tolerance as a professional. So if a question sounds provoking, don't fall for the trick. Avoid acting feverishly and maintain your cool. Handle such questions discreetly and with shrewdness.

Try to make out what is going through the interviewer's mind while you are answering to the questions. His body language may well give you a clue if he's listening to you attentively or you are just pushing on an off-putting gab. Put on the brakes the moment you discern that you have deviated off the point.

The interviewer might ask you towards the close of the interview if you have any questions. Don't think it impolite to ask a question or two. Rather, not asking a question could revel that you just want the interview to be over, so go ahead. However, exercise caution regarding the question you pose. Never inquire about the salary. Preferably, show inquisitiveness about your role or the organisation.

In the end when all is said and done and you make an exit from the interview cell, you might well be knowing in your heart that you've just made it. After all, it's all about being confident and acting astutely.

Things your CV should NOT have

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:12:00 +0000

Your CV is your marketing brochure through which you try to sell a commodity, ie your skills to the potential buyer ie the prospective employer. The sole purpose of your CV is to fetch you an interview call. Nothing more, nothing less.

However, creating a CV isn't as simple as just using flowery language and pretty fonts. There are certain things that put recruiters off and if you want to make a good impression, make sure you do not commit these mistakes in what is arguably the most valuable document of your job hunt.

While the rules listed are well-founded, they are not carved in stone. At times you will need to break the rules. If you want to add these things knowingly and purposefully to your CV we advise you to do that.The points mentioned here are not listed in the order of priority; instead they are listed in the sequence in which they usually appear on a CV.

Colorful or glossy paper and flashy fontsYour CV is a formal, official document. Keep it simple.

Resume or CV at the top Many people tend to add headings to their CV. The usual are CV, Curriculum Vitae and Resume. Do not do this.

Photographs until askedDo not add your photo to the CV until you have been asked for it. Photographs are required only for certain types of positions like models, actors etc.

Usage of 'I', 'My', 'He', 'She'Do not use these in your CV. Many candidates write, 'I worked as Team Leader for XYZ Company' or 'He was awarded Best Employee for the year 2007'. Instead use bullet points to list out your qualifications/ experience like: Team leader for XYZ Company from 2006-2007.

Spelling mistakes and grammatical errorsProofread your CV until you are confident that it doesn't have any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. These are big put-offs for the recruiters. Moreover, sometimes these mistakes might land you in an embarrassing situation.A candidate who submitted his CV without proofreading it committed the mistake of wrongly spelling 'ask' as 'ass'. Now you can imagine the type of embarrassment he must have faced during the interview, when the interviewer pointed it out. These mistakes tend to convey a lazy and careless attitude to the interviewer.

Lies about your candidatureDo not lie about your past jobs or qualifications or anything which might have an impact on the job. You may be able to secure a job with these lies today but tomorrow you may lose it as well.

Abbreviations or jargon that is difficult to understandPeople screening your resume usually belong to the HR department. If they do not understand what the abbreviations and jargon mean, they will simply dump your CV in the trash can. Avoid over-using such terms as far as possible.

Reasons for leaving last job Leave these reasons to be discussed during the personal interview. For example, some candidates write: Reason for leaving the last job: Made redundant. Avoid making such statements in your CV, they add no value. Besides, if you do get an interview call, chances are the interviewer will address the issue.

Past failures or health problemsMentioning these immediately slash your chances of getting an interview call. For instance, you have a gap in your employment because you started your own business which did not do well. Some candidates might write -- Reason for gap in employment: Started own business which failed. Do not do this type of injustice with your job hunt at this stage of writing the CV.

Current or expected salaryLeave it to be discussed while negotiating the salary.

Irrelevant detailsLeave out the details like marital status, sex, passport number, number of kids, age of kids. These are usually irrelevant for most interviewers but at times could be used as a basis for discrimination.

References Do not include them until asked. In fact, it is not even required to mention the line 'Reference available on request'. If the recruiter requires a reference, he/she will ask you to bring it along for the interview.

Now that you have run through the list, take a fresh look at your CV and prune away unnecessary details and unaffordable blunders that could have cost you your dream job.The author is a contributor to Careerride.com, a website that addresses technical and personal aspects of an IT interview.

Standard Interview Questions !!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:06:00 +0000

Standard interview questions might not seem difficult, but your answer to each should be polished and sharp. Craft responses and practice them before your interview so that they roll off your tongue when you face the interviewer. Effective responses answer questions honestly, positively, and briefly, highlighting important qualities and accomplishments that are relevant to the position at hand. Give examples to illustrate and corroborate your statements when possible. Your responses should work together, making connections between what you have previously done, the available position, and your goals.

1.Tell me about yourself.

2. What did you most enjoy about your last job?

3. How would your colleagues or supervisor describe you?

4. What can you offer us that other people cannot?

5. What about this job attracts you? What is unattractive?

6. How long do you see yourself with us?

7. How would you describe an ideal working environment?

^^^^^^^^^ FIND MORE HR BASED QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS HERE ^^^^^^^^^^^^^

http://basicinterviewpreparation.blogspot.com/2008/03/hr-questions-with-answersiii.html

http://basicinterviewpreparation.blogspot.com/2008/03/most-popular-hr-interview-questions.html

http://basicinterviewpreparation.blogspot.com/2008/03/what-are-your-goals.html

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Tell me about yourself.

Ineffective: I am a hard-worker who is good with numbers. After I worked as a financial analyst for a few years, I decided to go to law school. I just finished and now am looking for a new challenge.

Effective: I began developing skills relevant to financial planning when I worked as a financial analyst for three years. In that role, I succeeded in multiplying the wealth of my clients by carefully analyzing the market for trends. The return on the portfolios I managed was generally 2% more than most of the portfolios managed by my company. My initiative, planning, and analytic skills were rewarded by two promotions. As the manager of a team, I successfully led them to develop a more efficient and profitable strategy for dealing with new accounts. My subsequent training in the law, including tax law and estate law, gives me an informed view of what types of investments and charitable gifts would be most advantageous for your clients.

What did you most enjoy about your last job?

Ineffective: I liked lots of things-the people, the challenge, the rewards. Sometimes we had to work long hours, but it always seemed to pay off.

Effective: Of the many things that I enjoyed, I would say that the strategic aspects of my job most energized me. I liked setting concrete performance goals for myself and finding ways to meet them. I similarly enjoyed analyzing markets for trends and identifying when would be the most beneficial time to enter or withdraw from certain funds. When I was a manager, my team and I developed a new approach to accounts that became a standard for the company. Strategizing gave my work a sense of tangible direction and accomplishment.

How would your colleagues or supervisor describe you?

Ineffective: I guess they would say that I am a hard worker who is successful.

Effective: My supervisor and colleagues have described me as a dependable worker. My supervisor has appreciated that I prioritize tasks and manage my responsibilities so that she can rely on me. My bosses tell me I have a sixth sense for markets and I learn new information and procedures quickly. These skills account for my two promotions in three years. My boss was also impressed by how I was able to lead my team.

What can you offer us that other people cannot?

Ineffective: I have a unique combination of skills. I also really want the job.

Effective: I have a track-record of multiplying wealth through investments and developing strategies with teams. Since I have a JD, I also know what legal parameters and loopholes affect families and individuals planning their finances. My CFA training not only shows that I will succeed in the CFP courses, but also gives me a broader view of why financial plans work as they do. Since I am organized and self-motivated, I will add value to the company without requiring much tending and supervision.

What about this job attracts you? What is unattractive?

Ineffective: I like that it is in the field I am targeting. I don't like the commute that it will require.

Effective: As I evaluate my skills and goals, this job maximizes on both. I will be able to merge my knowledge of law and markets while strategizing for the sound financial future of clients. Since this is a small company, I imagine that there will be opportunity for increased responsibilities and challenges. I share the values of the company. I am not eager to do much data processing, but the position is very attractive.

How long do you see yourself with us?

Ineffective: I don't want to make any hasty commitments, and I like to keep my options open. Maybe I will be here for one year, maybe for five. It depends.

Effective: I see myself here as long as we both think that I am contributing to the vitality of the company while still being grown through challenges.

How would you describe an ideal working environment?

Ineffective: A laptop and cell phone on a beach sound ideal to me. Short of that, I would like an environment in which I am able to work as I please, without much supervision.

Effective: It is important to me that my company has clear objectives and strives for success. Similarly, I like having colleagues whom I admire for their skills and perspectives. When communication is clear between colleagues, our energy becomes synergy. In addition, I find that I flourish when given discretion after having gained the trust of my supervisor.

How to Stay Graceful in a Stress Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:40:00 +0000

Most commonly used in investment banking, stress interviewing is the deliberate creation of an uncomfortable situation in order to test how the candidate reacts to pressure.The ethics of this kind of interviewing are questionable, and it is far from certain that the stress created is similar to what would occur on the job. However, it's also true that one person's stress situation is another person's fair, if tough, question.

Common Examples of Stress-Creating Techniques

The interviewer doesn't say anything for the first five or ten minutes of the interview.
The interviewer is reading the paper when the candidate comes into the room.
The interviewer asks a tough question right off the bat, without even introducing himself.
The interviewer challenges your answer by disagreeing with you.
The interviewer pauses for a long time after listening to your response.
The interviewer ridicules your background.
The interviewer takes you into a department meeting with no introduction.
The interviewer is deliberately very late, then keeps looking at his or her watch.
The interviewer pretends to fall asleep.

How to Handle Such a Situation—if You Still Want the Job
If the interviewer ignores you when you walk in the room, just dive in with something like, "I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and tell you why I think I'm the right person for this job." After a long pause, you might say, "Perhaps I didn't make myself clear." Then explain your previous response.

If the manager ridicules your background, you could say, "Perhaps you expected different qualifications, but these have served me well so far and I intend to continue to build on them."

If the manager thrusts you into a department meeting without an introduction, just introduce yourself and ask the other people for their names, then explain that you are happy to meet them and learn more about the department.

If the interviewer pretends to fall asleep, write a note saying, "I enjoyed meeting you," put it in front of the interviewer, and rise to leave. Chances are, you'll get the interviewer's full attention.

The important thing, if you're unfortunate enough to encounter this form of interviewing, is to keep your cool, maintain your dignity, and find a way to use the situation to your advantage.

How to Handle Psychological Interviews

It's Just a "Fit" Test
In responsible hands, the purpose of a psychological interview is to determine whether you are one of the 90 percent of people who are honest and try to do their work well—or if you're someone who might terrorize the office, steal from your employer, or file fraudulent legal claims. A secondary goal, if you are in the 90 percent majority, might be to identify what type of assignment and management style to you would respond to best.

Most of the questions are likely to focus on your aspirations and your family background, with an effort to find a linkage between the two. Others may deal with topics such as what provides you the greatest satisfaction, what you would like to avoid, and past experiences that you enjoyed or didn't enjoy.

Relax and Tell the Truth
The most important thing to remember if you are to be interviewed by a professional psychologist is to be yourself (you don't want to look like you have something to hide). The second most important thing is not to overly dramatize your family background. If you have 14 siblings, just say you grew up in a large family, unless you're probed further. If you had an abusive parent, focus on the other parent. Don't give the psychologist a lot to feed on in terms of difficulties in your relationships with your family.

Work Questions Get Work Answers
In responding to work-related questions, use the types of answers recommended for other forms of interviewing. You want to be as proud and confident as you are in your other interviews. And avoid deception, inconsistencies, nervousness, or anxiety in your answers. You don't want to be one of the ten percent labeled untrustworthy.

In the Case of Weird Questions
Unfortunately, a few unqualified interviewers may try to play the psychologist role, coming up with such oddball questions as "If you were a tree, what kind would it be?" or "Picture yourself as a championship athlete. What sport and what position would you play?"Give a boring but unchallengeable response. To the first question, oak (stable), maple (well liked), and redwood (long lasting) are great answers. To the second, basketball, tennis, baseball, and golf are fine. Running marathons is a bit iconoclastic, and rugby or ice hockey might suggest latent aggressiveness.

Prepare for Your Behavioral Interview

Companies have increasingly adopted behavioral interviewing techniques as a key technique in screening candidates.

What is a behavioral interview?
Basically, it's an interview designed to elicit information that will tell the interviewer how you will perform on the job. The principle behind the technique is the belief that the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior. The technique involves asking a series of questions designed to get the candidate to talk about how he or she handled certain situations in the past.

Stressful situation
For example, if a company has a high-stress environment, the interviewer might ask a candidate to talk about whether she has ever been in a stressful situation in the past.

If she says yes, the interviewer would proceed with a line of questions about what she had done in the situation, how it made her feel, how others had responded to her actions, how she relieved the stress of the situation, and so on.

Typically, the interviewer will have determined three or four behavioral characteristics that would be most important for on-the-job success and will have written out a definition of each such characteristic.

Examples:
Good listening: The ability to listen empathetically to a client's problems, asking appropriate questions and paraphrasing the responses.
Written communication: The ability to capture, in a succinct manner, the most important issues to be resolved, the recommended action plan, and the desired outcomes.
Project management: Taking responsibility for organizing tasks, reaching agreement on individual responsibilities and goals, monitoring progress, resolving problems, and reporting on status.

In a behavioral interview, you will be provided with such definitions of desirable characteristics and asked for examples of situations in which you have exhibited those characteristics. Sometimes, after you have provided one example, you will be asked for another, just to test the depth of your experience.

One of the supposed benefits of this technique for employers is that candidates cannot prepare for these questions in advance. However, you can help yourself by anticipating the types of questions you might receive and dredging your memory for examples of past behavior. You may be able to guess at some of the questions by analyzing the job requirements beforehand.

Behavioral interviewing is a challenge, but preparation will help. You may feel that you didn't have perfect answers to each question, yet still be seen as much better suited than the other candidates who didn't anticipate behavioral questions.As one swimmer said to the other upon sighting a shark: "Fortunately, I don't have to swim faster than the shark. I only have to swim faster than you."

How to Handle Your First-Round Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Bibinagar) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 03:32:00 +0000

The types of questions you are most likely to encounter in your first-round interview include:

Tell me about yourself.
The perfect opening for your two-minute presentation! Describe your educational and work background, identify your key strengths and provide a couple of illustrations, and state your intended career direction. Usually, this is the first question asked. If it isn't, you can usually defer answering a different question by saying "It may help if I start by providing a bit of background" and following with your presentation. Then you can return to the interviewer's question.

^^^^^^^^ FIND MORE HR-BASED QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS ^^^^^^ ^^^

http://basicinterviewpreparation.blogspot.com/2008/03/hr-questions-with-answersiii.html

http://basicinterviewpreparation.blogspot.com/2008/03/what-are-your-goals.html

http://basicinterviewpreparation.blogspot.com/2008/03/most-popular-hr-interview-questions.html

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Why would you like to work here?
Explain what you have learned about the company, highlighting what you find appealing or admirable. Try to be specific—broad generalities sound trite.

Good answer: "I've researched the leading companies in this industry, and yours seems to be the one that does the best job in terms of customer relations, encouraging risk taking, and setting tough goals while giving people an idea of how they're doing. That appeals to me." (Shows that you've done some research and are basing your decision on specific criteria.)

Bad answer: "I've heard it's a good company, and I have friends here." (You don't appear to have done any serious research, and the interviewer may wonder if you're more interested in socializing than in working.)

What are your career goals?
Focus on the idea that you want to grow professionally, but realize that there may be a variety of opportunities in the company as time goes on. Avoid naming titles—you may shoot too high or too low.

Good answer: "I've learned from the experiences I described earlier that I enjoy leadership, communication, and negotiation. I'm interested in learning to manage projects, people, and business situations. My goals are to work for a manager I can learn from, to develop on-the-job experience, and to achieve or surpass the goals that are set." (Ties together the past and future and shows business awareness and achievement orientation.)

Bad answer: "I haven't set any specific goals, but I know I want to work here." (If you don't have any goals, how do you know you want to work here? Are you focused on learning, or have you already completed all the learning you intend to do?)

Who is your hero?
Pick someone—don't answer that you don't have a hero or heroine, because the question is about the traits you value. (If you don't want the job, you might say that no one lives up to your standards.) This should be someone you genuinely admire, and you should make sure to name the traits that give rise to your admiration. Also consider whether the values these traits represent will seem positive to the company. If you say, for example, "I've always admired my Uncle All because he did whatever it took to pile up a fortune," you'll come off as greedy and selfish.

Good answers: "I've always admired a guy I went to high school with named Joe Curates. He was a paraplegic, injured in an accident when he was 12. He could have been bitter, but he decided that wasn't the kind of life he wanted. He became a fine chess player and trumpet player and was very popular. He taught me the value of managing your attitude and using what resources are available to you."

"The person who taught me the most was my graduate school mentor. By working with her, I learned how to research and debate scientific questions, work collaboratively, and share the credit. I admire her for her tactfulness, her trusting management style, and her generous recognition of good work."

Why should I hire you?
Be prepared to cite the key strengths that you see as necessary to do the job, relating them to your own demonstrated skills, as illustrated in stories you've already told. Then try to name one desirable extra that you provide, such as your enthusiasm, your ability to work long hours when necessary, or your love of learning.

What are some of your values?
You can answer this as you would the hero question, if that question hasn't already been asked. Or just name some things you genuinely admire or desire. Examples: a collegial environment, good teamwork, honesty, fairness, willingness to help, trust.

Do you set goals for yourself?
Do not say no. Name a situation where you did and tell what you did to be sure you met them.
Good answer: "I knew I had to earn at least $4,000 during the summer to pay for my final year at college. My work as an interior decorator's assistant was contingent on her having extra work for me to help with—primarily ordering, sending and paying bills, and other clerical work. By the end of June I had only earned about $1,000. So I got busy and put together a brochure for her that she was able to use at her booth during the begonia festival. So much business came in that soon she was sending me out to make sketches and sign up new customers, for which I was paid a bonus. I surpassed my goal on August 10, and earned an extra 1,400."

What characteristics would you look for in a good manager?
Select the elements that are most important to you from the range of traits considered desirable in a manager: honesty, providing clear goals, encouraging resourcefulness, challenging employees, respect, giving feedback, offering recognition, inspiring, caring, being available. Don't give the whole list, or you'll seem impossible to satisfy.

What are your limitations on travel?
If you have limitations, think about these beforehand and come up with ways to work around them as far as possible. And before you jump into telling the interviewer all your limitations (no flying, no trips of more than two days, claustrophobia, vegetarian meals only, and so on), find out what the person has in mind in the way of travel. If you can handle the requirements, say so with enthusiasm.

Do you have any more questions?
Never say no! Keep several good questions in reserve for just this request (more than one, because over the course of the interview the manager may address one or more of them).Some good questions:
"Can you give me an example or two of teamwork in action here?"
"How can I learn what I need to know about the organization's strategic plan?"
"Assuming you hire me, how would you like me to spend my first month here?"
"Have I said anything that causes you concern about my fitting in here?"