Interview Success

Basics Module

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 Interviewing - What is it?

 A structured
meeting between
you and an
employer

 Interviewing is a
skill- like riding
your bicycle

 PRACTICE makes
PERFECT
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 Purpose of an Interview

An Interview Explain your resume information.

provides the
opportunity for
an Organisation Demonstrate you have the skills and
and a Candidate the desire to do the job.
to exchange
information and
determine IF
they are a “good
fit” for each Make a good impression.
other.
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Interviewing is a two-way street

 Good Candidate

Employers are attempting to

determine if you are an
appropriate fit for the job
and their culture

 Good Job

You decide if the

environment is right for
you.
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 Types of Interviews
Phone: used as an initial screen of candidates or to
narrow the pool of applicants
One-on-One: most common interview style and
incorporates you with the potential employer
Panel or Group: allows many individuals to interview
you at once
Meal: used to see how you interact or function in a
social setting
Second or On-site Interview: this allows one to get a
tour of the facility, meet the staff, and additional
questioning from different employees and/or
administration
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Qualities Employers Seek

Good all-round intelligence

Enthusiasm, commitment and motivation
Good communication skills
Team work ability
Ability to solve problems
Capacity to multi-task
Initiative and self-reliance
Balanced personality

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 Interview Score Card
(Sample)

Name Your Max Marks

Score
Appearance/ Attitude 10
Problem solving 20
Team fit 20
Experience/ Education 20
Communication skills 30
Total marks 100
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Pre-Interview Preparation

Research position, company, & industry

Know yourself, be thorough with your CV and be
able to articulate skills, strengths,
accomplishments, and career goals
Prepare necessary materials (Copies of resume,
references, portfolio/pen, palm pilot or organizer,
breath mints)
Conduct a dry run prior to your interview day
to the interview premises
Ask for directions and where to park
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Arriving

Take bath; eat breakfast; Be energetic

Bring materials (copies of resume,
photos, pen, certificates)
Arrive 10-15 minutes early at the site to
allow you to park, walk to the interview,
use the restroom, or just gather yourself
Be on time. Be on time. Be on time.
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 Greeting & Introduction

Only 1 chance to make a

good 1st impression

Dress appropriately
Smile
Maintain eye contact
Firm handshake
Remain poised and
confident

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 Be Enthusiastic
The first minute is absolutely critical to
your success.
Many interviewers will make a snap
judgment about you – good or bad – and
spend the rest of the interview validating the
first impression.
Most job candidates walk into the room,
shake hands, and then meekly sit down to
await the first question. This can make for a
poor first impression.
Certainly, you need to be comfortable with
your own style, but be prepared with an
attitude that this is your job to get, not the
interviewer’s to give.
Exhibit confidence, enthusiasm, and a high
level of interest throughout the interview.
Be yourself and do it your own way, but do
it! 11
Non – verbal Communication

Positive Posture
Maintain Eye contact
Show Enthusiasm
Avoid Distractions
LISTEN to
questions
Reflect the mood of
the Interviewer
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 Body Language:
What signals are you sending?

Positive Signals Negative Signals

Leaning forward = interest Crossed arms = defensive
Smiling = friendly Fidgeting hands or tapping
Nodding = attentive and feet = nervous or bored
alert Lack of eye contact =
Eye contact = curious and untrustworthy
focused Leaning back= discomfort

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Types of Interview Questions

Standard or Sample Questions

Tell me about yourself.
traditional- What is your greatest strength?
Weakness?
targeting your
Why did you choose to
education, work interview with us?
experiences, and What did you like most about
career goals your last job? Least?
What are your short and long
term career goals?

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Types of Interview Questions

Behavioural Questions Sample Questions

Tell me about a time you
-These focus on your
worked under a deadline?
actions and/or What do you do when a team
behaviors in a member is not pulling
previous setting. his/her weight?
- Past behavior provides Think about a time you
made a mistake. What did
clues to future you learn from it?
behavior

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Types of Interview Questions
What would you do if the work of a subordinate
Situational Questions or team member is not up to expectations?
The most important first step in dealing with an
Cases – scenarios underperforming subordinate or team member
is honest communications -- talking with the
of day-to-day person can lead to some surprising
discoveries, such as the person not
situations that arise understanding the assigned tasks to being
overwhelmed with the assignment.
Answers
measured against Describe how you would handle the situation if
you met resistance when introducing a new
standards idea or policy to a team or work group.
The best way to convince people is to be able to
understand where they are coming from and
address their questions and concerns about the
new idea directly. It is also important to stay
confident and believe in yourself because if 16
you don't buy it no one else will either.
Types of Interview Questions

Questions to be asked Sample Questions

What type of assignments can I
by the candidate expect within the first year?
To determine if you are What type of people excel here?
What do you like most about this
an appropriate fit for company?
the company and What is the biggest challenge
position, prepare a facing this department right now?
What skills are you looking for in
list of questions for this position?
the interviewer What is the next course of action?

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Telephone Interview

Preparation - Have a pad, pen, and a copy of your resume near the phone. Use a
phone in a quiet area. Avoid any background noise. Also avoid using a
cordless phone, because they tend to transmit poorly.

Speaking
Smile and be enthusiastic. Your enthusiasm will reflect in your voice.
Speak in a conversational manner, and be sure to speak loudly enough to be
heard. Speak with some inflection and tone.
Let the interviewer do most of the talking. When s/he asks you a question,
expound upon the answer. Use the opportunity to sell your skills and
experience.
When the interview is over, let her/him know that you are very interested in
scheduling a personal interview at her/his place of business.

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 General Tips

-Be prepared to talk about yourself and your

experiences
-Master the art of storytelling
STAR-
STAR (Situation, Task, Action, & Result)
-Provide specific and concrete examples of
your results/accomplishments
-Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and
confident throughout the interview process
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General Tips

Remember an interview is a formal conversation--

avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, & “You
know”
Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,”
“probably,” or “pretty good”
Think before speaking
Avoid long verbose answers--limit your response
to 1-2 minutes
If you do not hear or understand a question, ask
them to repeat or clarify it for you
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General Tips

Remain calm,
relaxed, and be
yourself
Try to focus on the
message you are
trying to convey--
NOT how well you
are doing!
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Dressing for Success - Men

(Suit- Black, Grey or Navy)

Polished shoes
Solid white shirt
Dark trousers
Conservative tie, belt

Neatly groomed hair, beard,

and mustache; no finger
nails
Avoid strong colognes,
earrings, and body piercing
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Dressing for Success - Men

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Dressing for Success-Women

Pant/ Skirt suit/

Smart Churidhar
Pumps with small to
medium heels
Light makeup,
perfume, and jewelry
Wear neutral color
hosiery/ inner
garments.

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FINISHING

Ask good questions

Thank the interviewer

Request a business card

Inquire about next steps in the process

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FOLLOW-UP

Send a thank you note

within 24 hours
Letter may be
handwritten or typed;
e-mail is also
acceptable
Tailor each one to the
individual.

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Final Thoughts

Remember that only 10% of an interview is out of your

control
Practice! Practice! Practice!
Get a good night’s sleep - be well rested and alert for the
interview
Be relaxed and be yourself!
After the Interview:
Take some time to reflect…
 - Overall, how well did I do?
 - What went well?
 - What steps can I take next time to improve?

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