Thoughtful Tips

Facing the Interview Positively
Facing an interview, however wellprepared, can always be daunting. But with careful preparation and research, it can be a more successful and comfortable experience. The interview is usually the last step in the hiring process and probably the most important. It offers both the interviewee and the interviewer the opportunity to meet each other, exchange information and come to a decision about working together. Many companies and advertisements today use the phrase "formal talk" in place of an interview. Even though the phrase says formal, it is more of an informal meeting. This makes the interviewee relax at the time of interview.

The interviewer usually belongs to the HR department of the company. They are given the responsibility of employing by checking the fitness level of the candidate for the specified job opening. These tests study the capability of the individual on various factors like level of motivation, commitment, atitude and competence. The employer mainly looks for the 3 C's in an employee- Credibility, Confidence and Capability.

The famous saying, "the first impression is the best impression" holds true even for an employer-candidate equation. It works both ways - the impression the candidate creates will have an effect on the questions asked by the interviewer and likewise, the impression the interviewer creates in the candidate's mind will affect the interview process, his understanding of the company and work atmosphere.

It is always better to do a bit of preresearch on the company, its employees, its work and especially the job opening that we have applied for. A thorough understanding of the requirements of the position is a must. This will help us communicate our interest for the job and our background to the employer and will also facilitate a successful interview.

Jugal Satpathy, INC- Cuttack (2007), with his first hand experience as an HR officer, came out with some suggestions on how to face an interview and listed some frequently asked questions along with appropriate answers.


Tell me about yourself

Start with the present and tell why you are well-qualified for the position. Remember that the key to all successful interviews is to match your qualifications with what the interviewer is looking for. You might ask simply, "Is there anything else you see as essential to success in this position." After uncovering what the employer is looking for, describe why the needs of this job bear striking parallels to tasks in which you've succeeded before. Be sure to illustrate with specific examples of your responsibilities and especially your achievements, all of which are geared to present yourself as a perfect match for the needs the interviewer has just described.


What are your greatest strengths?

Prior to any interview, you should have a mentally prepared list of your greatest strengths. You should also have a specific example or two, which illustrate your strength, an example chosen from your most recent and most impressive achievements.


What is your greatest weakness?

Disguising strength as a weakness. Example: "I sometimes push my people too hard. I like to work with a sense of urgency and everyone is not always on the same wavelength."


Why are you leaving (or did you leave) the present job?

If you have a job presently, tell the interviewer about it.

If you're not yet fully committed to leave your present post, don't be afraid of saying so. Since you have a job, you are in a stronger position than someone who does not. But don't be coy either. State honestly what you'd be hoping to find in a new spot.

If you do not presently have a job, tell the interviewer about it.

Never lie about having been fired. It's unethical-and too easily checked. But do try to deflect the reason from you personally. If your firing was the result of a takeover, merger, division wide layoff, etc., so much the better. Make sure you've prepared a brief reason for leaving. Best reasons: more money, opportunity, responsibility or growth.


Why should I hire you?

If you know the employer's greatest needs and desires, this question will give you a big advantage over other candidates because you will give him better reasons for hiring you than anyone else is likely to...reasons tied directly to his needs.


Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Reassure your interviewer that you're looking to make a long-term commitment and this position entails exactly what you're looking to do and what you do exceedingly well. As for your future, you say that if you perform each job on hand with excellence, future opportunities will take care of themselves.

Example: "I am definitely interested in making a long-term commitment to my next position. Judging by what you've told me about this position, it's exactly what I'm looking for and what I am wellqualified to do.


Why do you want to work with our company?

This question is your opportunity to hit the ball out of the park, thanks to the indepth research you had done before any interview.

Best sources for researching your target company: annual reports, the corporate newsletter, contacts you know at the company or its suppliers, advertisements, articles about the company in the trade press.


What are your career options right now?

Prepare for this question by thinking of how you can position yourself as a desired commodity. If you are still working, describe the possibilities at your present firm and why, though you're greatly appreciated there, you're looking for something more (challenge, money, responsibility, etc.). Also mention that you're seriously exploring opportunities with one or two other firms.

If you're not working, you can talk about other employment possibilities you're actually exploring. But do this with a light touch, speak only in general terms. You don't want to be seen as manipulative or coy.


You've been with your firm for a long time. Won't it be hard switching to a new company?

To overcome this objection, you must point to the many ways you have grown and adapted to changing conditions at your present firm. It has not been a static situation. Highlight the different responsibilities you've held, the wide array of new situations you've faced and conquered.

As a result, you've learned to adapt quickly to whatever is thrown at you, and you thrive on the stimulation of new challenges.

To further assure the interviewer, describe the similarities between the new position and your previous one. Explain that you will be quite comfortable working there, since their needs and your skills make a perfect match.


May I contact your present employer for a reference?

Express your concern that you'd like to keep your job search private, but that in time, it will be perfectly okay.

Example: "My present employer is not aware of my job search and, for obvious reasons; I'd prefer to keep it that way. I'd be most appreciative if we kept our discussion confidential right now. Of course, when we both agree the time is right, then by all means you can contact them. I'm very proud of my record there.


Are you willing to relocate or travel?

First find out where you may have to relocate and how much travel may be involved. Then respond to the question. If there's no problem, say so enthusiastically.

If you do have a reservation, keep your options open and your reservations to yourself in the initial stage by saying, "no problem". Your strategy here is to get the best offer you can, then make a judgment whether it is possible for you to relocate or travel.


Would you lie for the company?

Try to avoid choosing between two values, by giving a positive statement which covers all bases instead.

Example: "I would never do anything that hurts the company."

If aggressively pressed to choose between two competing values, always choose personal integrity. It is the most prized of all values.


Could you have done better in your last job?

Again never be negative.


Can you work under pressure?

Absolutely. (then prove it with a vivid example or two of a goal or project accomplished under severe pressure.)


What changes would you make if you came on board?

You, of course, will want to take a good hard look at everything the company is doing before making any recommendations.


What is the income you need?

If your interviewer raises the salary question too early, before you've had a chance to create a desire for your qualifications, postpone the question, saying something like, "Money is important to me, but is not my main concern. Opportunity and growth are far more important. What I'd rather do, if you don't mind, is to explore if I'm right for the position, and then to talk about money. Would that be okay?"

So friends! These are some of the tips to come out successfully of any interview process. Finally, and most importantly, relax and stay calm through the interview process. Be positive and confident and the job is yours!


Jugal Satpathy
INC Cuttack (2007)
HR Analyst
Tata Teleservices