Placement tips-3 :Interview

Interviews are generally of two kinds- technical and HR. Of late, both are combined into one single interview, to help judge the candidate better. But the essentials required for both are the same. A typical interview panel will consist of one HR executive, one executive from the managerial section of the company, and one technical executive head. Impressing all the three types is very essential. Many say that it is important to be very diplomatic in an interview. But it is better if you are yourself in the interview. After all, keep in mind that you will have to work everyday in this job! So no use faking it and getting the job, to repent later!

The first and most important thing- get your resume right! Anything that you think you are proud of, mention it in the resume! Don’t mention silly things like “I won painting competition in 2nd standard”! The resume is the like the contents page of a book. Be prepared to answer any question related to any part of your resume.

First and most important thing as soon as you enter the interview-make eye contact with each person on the other side of the table. Give a pleasant smile. Try to stay calm and relaxed. There is only one thing any technical interviewer will look for in a candidate- strong basics in the technical subject. Yes, it’s quite vague, since every person’s definition of basics maybe different. Sometimes, they look for strength in any subject. That would be the ideal case scenario, since you can prepare reasonably well for it. The problem will arise when they start questioning on your weaker topics. And once they realize you are uncomfortable in those topics, they will pounce on you. How well you handle the pressure is a major factor.

While you are answering those grilling technical questions, the HR executive would’ve silently been observing your body language, reactions, temper etc. The usual questions you might face from the HR side are: “Tell us something about yourself- where were you born and brought up, about your family members, etc.” ; “What are your strengths and weaknesses” etc. Follow up questions will be shot your way, depending on your answers. Remember only one thing- your weaknesses should lead your strengths!

Finally, there is the manager. He usually looks for leadership skills, how organized you are at approaching problems, etc. You might be given a small problem to solve. It might be a puzzle, or a technical problem. It’s not just the solution that matters, it’s how you arrived at the solution that matters! Unfortunately, there isn’t much preparation that can be done regarding this. Problem solving is something that comes to a person through years of work. You will also be asked one vital question-“Do you plan to go for any higher studies?” It’s best to be truthful in reply. Saying what you don’t mean will lead to conflict of interests later during your job.

After everyone is done with their questions, the HR executive might ask a few more closing questions- “Why do you want to join the company?” Now this is a question that you should have asked yourself before attempting for the job! There’s no need to join a company just for the salary they offer, or for their brand name. In the end, there’s nothing like job satisfaction. You might also be asked-“What is the first word that comes to your mind when you hear ?” Your vocabulary comes into play here. Some of your answers could be ‘larger than life, efficiency, success’ etc. Any word that praises the company is a good answer!

Once the interview is over, walk out with the same smile and eye contact you came in. And then, forget about everything. Leave things to fate. You never know what the company wants. So, if you didn’t make it, don’t lose heart! It was probably for your good!