INTERVIEW SKILLS

JOB INTERVIEW SKILLS

Preparing for the Interview:

1. Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer's full name, the correct pronunciation and his or her title.

2. learn some important facts about the company such as annual sales revenue, principal lines of business and locations.

3. Determine how the opportunity will impact your immediate and long-term career development.

4. An interview is a "two-way street." Know what questions to ask during the interview. Your questions allow the Management to evaluate your professional and personal needs.

5. Put your best foot forward. Always wear proper attire (dress) and greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and an enthusiastic smile.


Some “Dos” and “DON’Ts”

1. Do plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.

2. If any application form is given fill it out neatly and completely. Don’t rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to speak for yourself.

3. Shake hands firmly. Be genuinely glad to meet the interviewer.

4. Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good communicator.

5. Do look at the interviewer in the eye while speaking. Eye contact is extremely important.

6. Do 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 apply your background, skills and accomplishments to the position.

7. Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Stress achievements. For example: sales records, processes developed, savings achieved, systems installed, etc.

8. Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on opportunities.

9. Do show enthusiasm. If you are interested in the opportunity, enthusiastic feedback can increase your chances of being further considered. If you are not interested, your responsiveness will still demonstrate your professionalism.

10. Don’t forget to bring a copy of your resume! Keep enough copies in your file / briefcase. Some times three or four people from the interview panel may want to have a look at it.

11. Don’t go smelling of smoke or Paan. Do not chew chewing gum.

12. Don’t answer with a simple “yes” or “no.” Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself which relate to the situation.

13. Don’t lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and precisely.

14. Don’t make unnecessary remarks about your present or former employers. Obviously, there were issues or else you would not have left a prior company or be looking to leave a present employer. However, when explaining your reasons for leaving, limit your comments to those necessary to adequately communicate your intention to join this company.

15. Don’t over-answer questions. And if the interviewer steers the conversation into politics or controversial issues, try to do more listening than speaking since this could be a sensitive situation.

16. Don’t inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, etc., on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate what you’ve earned but that you’re more interested in opportunity than in a specific salary.