General Interviews

Interview

Definition
Process
Stages
Types
Preparation

© Oxford University Press 2011

Definition
Process

Gathering information

Establishing a rapport

Closing your interview.

Four objectives To Be ACHIEVED at
the close of the interview

1. Make it clear that you want the job.

2. Set the stage for the next step.

3. Create a final good impression.

4. Get an actual offer.

Stages in Job Interviews

 Screening of Application
 Competency Tests/Technical Know-how
 Group Discussion (GD)
 Psychological Tests/Aptitude Test
 Medical Test
 Negotiations
Types of Interviews

1.Telephonic/Phone/Skype
interview
2.Technical interview
3. Behavioural interview
4. Stress or skeet shoot interview
5. Psychometric/Aptitude test
Desirable Qualities
Clarity of thought
Presence of mind
Balanced point of view
Cool composure
Logical thinking
Maturity
Sincerity
Openness
Capacity to conceptualize
Good understanding of fundamentals
Preparation: Well Prepared is Half
Done!

Any fact facing us is not as important as our

attitude towards it, for that determines our success
or failure.

–Norman Vincent Peale

A. Know the Company

1.History

2.Projects Undertaken

3.Growth
Know Yourself

‘To be a great champion, you must believe that you

are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.’

–Muhammad Ali
 Weakness ?
What weakness
? I don't have
What's your any weakness !
biggest
weakness?

Blurting out your answers unmindfully can be devastating

to your prospects.
 A. Strengths and uniqueness
Interviewer: What is your
greatest strength?
Interviewee: Sir, I think my
abilities to motivate people
and to adapt with changing
circumstances are my key
strengths. I think these
qualities will help me lead
a team and accomplish
tasks within the stipulated
time.
Interviewer: What is your
major weakness?
Interviewee: I sometimes go
into greater details of the
task assigned to me which
makes the task a little
unmanageable at times.
But, lately I have realized
that I need to keep track of
both my ideas and the time
allotted for the task, and I
am working towards being
better at time management.
B. Competitive Advantage

Make a good lasting impression.

Impress by your knowledge and your personality.

Common Interview Questions

QQ
 Questions
1. Tell me about yourself ?
2. Why have you applied for this job?
3. What do you know about this job or company?
4. What are your major strengths?
5. What is your greatest weakness?
6. Do your skills match this job or another job more
closely?
7. What type of work do you like to do best?
8. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
9. Are you willing to put the interests of the
organization ahead of your own?
10. How do you define success?
and a lot more………..
Prepare Questions You Want to Ask
the Interviewer

Q1. If you hire me, what would be my first

assignment?

Q2. Would you please tell me about the people I will

be working with?

Q3.Other than yourself, who else is involved in the

hiring process? Is it possible for me to meet them
today?
 Using Proper Verbal and Non-
verbal Cues
 Dress professionally
 A strong and firm handshake
 Sit up straight and exhibit confidence as well
as interest
 Maintain an eye contact with the
interviewer(s)
 Do not forget to smile occasionally
 Do not move your legs a lot
 At the end of an interview, stand up and shake
hands while you thank the interviewer for the
opportunity
 Avoid speaking in a monotone
 Ensure that your voice does not sound
apologetic or nervous
Exhibiting Confidence
“Most interviewers determine a candidate’s viability in
the first two or three minutes of an interview. First
impressions count. That quick decision is based more
on personality traits than on qualifications or
experience.”
-George Goodson
Senior Career Marketing Consultant
(Career Beginnings, Inc)
(Source:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1681056/how_to_show_
confidence_during_the_job.html)
Tips for Success
Dos
1. Find out about the company.
2. Practice.
3. Greet interviewers enthusiastically and sit
comfortably.
4. Dress smartly to make a good first impression.
5. Be mentally alert.
6. Stay positive.
7. Focus on what you have to offer, not what you want.
8. Appear confident.
9. Be prepared to ask the interviewer questions.
10. Thank the interviewers before leaving.
Tips for Success
Don’ts
1. Don’t tell lies.
2. Don’t blame your circumstances.
3. Don’t find faults with your earlier employer or
company.
4. Don’t make tall claims about your skills.
5. Don’t fidget about in your chair.
6. Don’t use vocalized pauses while answering.
7. Don’t look down or make furtive eye contact
with interviewers.
8. Don’t bluff about issues you are not aware of.
9. Don’t keep on simpering sheepishly or answer
emotionally.
10. Don’t exhibit your nervousness.
Recap
If you are interested in getting a good job, they
are also looking forward to getting a suitable
employee for their firm. Therefore, how you
present yourself becomes very important. So, be
well prepared and brush up your subject and
general knowledge. Sending the right message
during your job interview is extremely important
for your success.