CAREER
Operation Job – Interview
- Renuka Natu
I – Instant
N – Notice
T – Taken
E - Every
R – Reaction
V – Viewed
E – Evaluated
W - Weighed
When I think of the word ‘Interview’, be it an interview for school/college admissions; for marriage alliances; for a job or even for obtaining a visa, the word interview stands crystal clear for the above-mentioned decoding of the letters.
If I were to split the word into 3 parts, it would appear something like this –
Instant notice taken – stands for the first impressions that you make from the time you enter the venue for the interview, CCTVs capture all your moves and interactions with the reception staff and with the co-interviewees as well.
Every reaction viewed – though you are being watched from the time you have entered, once you are actually being interviewed by a panel, you are really being scrutinized from all aspects – Personal Hygiene; Body Language; Confidence; peculiar traits/characteristics…. The list is endless.
Interpreted evaluated weighed – this is something that happens after you have left, it’s the discussion that the panelists would have, but it all depends upon how you have faired in I N T E R V….
Well I do not want to make it sound like a very difficult task. One thing is for sure; when interviews are conducted, the interviewer also needs you to do the job as much you need him to get you the job.
However, the fact remains that the availability of interview opportunities is much lesser than the candidates who wish to appear for the interview. So one must gear up to take on the challenge and land the job.
Here are some tips, that will help you prepare better for your interview –
1. Be presentable – Neatly ironed and appropriate clothes, deodorants and mouth fresheners to take care of the not so appealing odors. Clean shaven face for men and neatly tied tresses for the ladies.
2. Be on time – You may not have a watch, but you would certainly have a mobile phone, so set an alarm and prepare in advance, if the venue is in a locality not too familiar to you, make a trip in advance a week or so prior so that you are absolutely sure of the time taken, and on the day of the interview be there at least 15 minutes prior if not more.
3. Documents – Keep a neat file with copies of all the documents And credentials that may be required for the interview. Do not carry originals unless asked for. The Resume should be checked for spelling errors and correct contact details. The Resume should be crisp and to the point. Do not give your earlier job descriptions alone, rather mention your achievements. Always carry additional copies of your Resume.
4. Knowledge about the company – Gather relevant information about the company where you are going for the interview. Just an overall view of their products; markets; competitors etc. Expect a question about this for sure.
5. Knowledge about the industry in general – It is crucial to know about the trends and strengths about the industry. You should have a broad perspective of your industry in general, not just your area of work.
6. Your strength and weakness – This is yet another question asked, where you would be required to analyze yourself in front of a complete stranger. Be prepared, and be honest, however do not narrate stories.
7. Pre-empt – Think hard about what else could be expected of you during the interview? Would you be asked to solve/explain a case study? Would you be asked to perform a task? Would you be asked to get into a GD with other candidates? Be prepared for all possibilities.
8. Relax – Don’t get too worked up, it is not like a question of life and death. You may have to go through a few interviews unless you are lucky enough to hit off with your first one itself. Sleep well the night before and have a good meal before the interview, they don’t want to hear a growling stomach.
9. During the interview –
• Switch off your cell phone
• Concentrate and be focused
• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer
• Give a clear introduction of yourself
• Smile only when appropriate
• Understand the question and then answer
• Be expressive and passionate while speaking about your subject
• Be interested in what they have to say
• Answer to the point, be direct
• Do not lie, if you do not know the particular answer, admit it
• Do not speak badly about your previous company
• Be polite and confident, never over confident
• If you do not agree with something, say so politely
• If you are given an opportunity to ask questions, ask intelligent questions related to the job. Do not ask questions regarding the company’s leave and medical policies.
• Do some research and be prepared with a remuneration amount if you are asked to quote it.
10. How to conclude – At the end, thank each panelist and stride out confidently. Do not ever appear desperate for the job. Never use lines such as hope to hear from you soon OR when can I hear from you etc… Just wish the panelists a good day with a genuine smile and conclude!
(The author is Head-Marketing & Promotions, Kuoni Academy.)
- Renuka Natu
I – Instant
N – Notice
T – Taken
E - Every
R – Reaction
V – Viewed
E – Evaluated
W - Weighed
When I think of the word ‘Interview’, be it an interview for school/college admissions; for marriage alliances; for a job or even for obtaining a visa, the word interview stands crystal clear for the above-mentioned decoding of the letters.
If I were to split the word into 3 parts, it would appear something like this –
Instant notice taken – stands for the first impressions that you make from the time you enter the venue for the interview, CCTVs capture all your moves and interactions with the reception staff and with the co-interviewees as well.
Every reaction viewed – though you are being watched from the time you have entered, once you are actually being interviewed by a panel, you are really being scrutinized from all aspects – Personal Hygiene; Body Language; Confidence; peculiar traits/characteristics…. The list is endless.
Interpreted evaluated weighed – this is something that happens after you have left, it’s the discussion that the panelists would have, but it all depends upon how you have faired in I N T E R V….
Well I do not want to make it sound like a very difficult task. One thing is for sure; when interviews are conducted, the interviewer also needs you to do the job as much you need him to get you the job.
However, the fact remains that the availability of interview opportunities is much lesser than the candidates who wish to appear for the interview. So one must gear up to take on the challenge and land the job.
Here are some tips, that will help you prepare better for your interview –
1. Be presentable – Neatly ironed and appropriate clothes, deodorants and mouth fresheners to take care of the not so appealing odors. Clean shaven face for men and neatly tied tresses for the ladies.
2. Be on time – You may not have a watch, but you would certainly have a mobile phone, so set an alarm and prepare in advance, if the venue is in a locality not too familiar to you, make a trip in advance a week or so prior so that you are absolutely sure of the time taken, and on the day of the interview be there at least 15 minutes prior if not more.
3. Documents – Keep a neat file with copies of all the documents And credentials that may be required for the interview. Do not carry originals unless asked for. The Resume should be checked for spelling errors and correct contact details. The Resume should be crisp and to the point. Do not give your earlier job descriptions alone, rather mention your achievements. Always carry additional copies of your Resume.
4. Knowledge about the company – Gather relevant information about the company where you are going for the interview. Just an overall view of their products; markets; competitors etc. Expect a question about this for sure.
5. Knowledge about the industry in general – It is crucial to know about the trends and strengths about the industry. You should have a broad perspective of your industry in general, not just your area of work.
6. Your strength and weakness – This is yet another question asked, where you would be required to analyze yourself in front of a complete stranger. Be prepared, and be honest, however do not narrate stories.
7. Pre-empt – Think hard about what else could be expected of you during the interview? Would you be asked to solve/explain a case study? Would you be asked to perform a task? Would you be asked to get into a GD with other candidates? Be prepared for all possibilities.
8. Relax – Don’t get too worked up, it is not like a question of life and death. You may have to go through a few interviews unless you are lucky enough to hit off with your first one itself. Sleep well the night before and have a good meal before the interview, they don’t want to hear a growling stomach.
9. During the interview –
• Switch off your cell phone
• Concentrate and be focused
• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer
• Give a clear introduction of yourself
• Smile only when appropriate
• Understand the question and then answer
• Be expressive and passionate while speaking about your subject
• Be interested in what they have to say
• Answer to the point, be direct
• Do not lie, if you do not know the particular answer, admit it
• Do not speak badly about your previous company
• Be polite and confident, never over confident
• If you do not agree with something, say so politely
• If you are given an opportunity to ask questions, ask intelligent questions related to the job. Do not ask questions regarding the company’s leave and medical policies.
• Do some research and be prepared with a remuneration amount if you are asked to quote it.
10. How to conclude – At the end, thank each panelist and stride out confidently. Do not ever appear desperate for the job. Never use lines such as hope to hear from you soon OR when can I hear from you etc… Just wish the panelists a good day with a genuine smile and conclude!
(The author is Head-Marketing & Promotions, Kuoni Academy.)
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