The 3 Cs you must have and the 5 Blunders you must avoid----
There are 3 Cs that make all the difference between success and failure in Interviews- CONFIDENCE CREDIBILITY COMPOSURE
Cultivate these and present yourself with the job you want!
5 Interview Blunders to avoid-
1. To use swear words
New research shows swearing at interview is the number one faux pas that prevents a candidate from being offered a job.
2. To answer a mobile phone during an interview
Even allowing your phone to ring during the interview is a negative point. Keep your mobile switched off or on silent mode.
3. Inappropriate clothing such as jeans or unkempt clothes
Not being formally dressed is an indication of your attitude and will be a problem in the interviewers’ mind. So spend some time and effort on being well dressed and groomed.
4. Being late
Most interviewers say that they would not give a candidate a job if they were more than 10 minutes late. Also, you better have a valid excuse for the delay.
5. Showing lack of enthusiasm and interest
Remember, research shows that the top trait that impresses interviewers the most is enthusiasm and interest. Your Attitude is what they hire for.
Case Study with 2 recruiters, Mr V Chacko and Ms M Mathur and Raghav Mittal , the interviewee
A leading recruiter, Mr V Chacko says, "When we read Raghav’s CV we were impressed. But when we met him face-to-face we knew we would have to interview more people."
So what exactly went wrong?
As it turned out, what Raghav had gained in qualifications he lost in his appearance, attitude, charisma - his personality, attitudes and characteristics did not 'fit' the company's culture.
Recruiter Viewpoints
It comes as no surprise to learn that an interviewer may encounter many frustrations and challenges when faced with interviewing a long list of candidates. But just how do so many candidates get it wrong?
To throw some light on this question, here are the responses from two recruitment professionals, Mr Chacko and Ms M Mathur who make the decisions whether to employ or not to employ.
The first few minutes . . .
"Rightly or wrongly, within the first few minutes of the interview, I will form either a positive or negative opinion of the candidate", comments Mr Chacko. "The way an applicant walks into the room and their expression leaves an impression on me that is hard to change. It is good to have eye to eye contact from the beginning, self-assuredness, positivity and focus, and I am most impressed with a `pleased to meet you´ smile and a firm handshake."
According to Ms Mathur, "Presentation is key. A smart presentation indicates that the job applicant has put some time and effort into preparing for the interview and ensuring that they are dressed appropriately for the role. Illustrating that they take pride in their appearance is important, and I see this as an indicator of how they present themselves on a day to day basis, not just at the interview.”
Mr Chacko and Ms Mathur are of the same viewpoint, that first impressions really do have an impact on their decision-making; presenting a quiet confidence, maintaining eye contact and dressing appropriately are key influencers on successful interviews.
Critical choices . . .
"Interviewing is tough on candidates but can be even tougher on the interviewer,” suggests Ms Mathur. “When interviewing I am searching desperately for a candidate who can tick as many boxes as possible on the job profile, and this is no easy task. A lot is at stake as recruitment costs in 2009 are staggeringly high and if I get it wrong my job is on the line as I am at risk of losing my client to an agency who can get it right!”
“That´s absolutely right,” agrees Mr Chacko. “I need to know that I am selecting the right person, for the right job, for the right company – for the benefit of all concerned – the candidate, my client and myself. Recruitment and selection is a serious business and nothing less than `right first time will do in this business.”
Interview technique
"Thorough preparation before the interview is a confidence building exercise,” according to Ms Mathur. “I would recommend research, research and more research – to get a full understanding of the company and an accurate sense of the job role. If a candidate has a good understanding of the firm`s business, problems etc., and can ask informed questions, then they will stand a better chance of landing on the `worth considering´ pile!”
Mr Chacko agrees, adding that, “Preparation instills confidence, which cascades into every aspect of the interview. Interview preparation should include preparing to answer questions that relate to the job and your CV. Demonstrate the skills you claim to have and if for instance the role requires good team leadership, be ready to give an example where you led a team and had a positive outcome.”
According to Ms Mathur, “The more you practice with mock interviews, the greater likelihood there is of being more relaxed and confident. And try and give examples of where you have added value as this can demonstrate that you have something to bring to the table. Very impressive!”
"If you can show your knowledge of the industry you are applying for, not just knowledge of the job within it, you will definitely score brownie points,” adds Mr Chacko.
Promote and market yourself
"The interview,” according to Ms Mathur, “really is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the skill-sets, experience and achievements that dovetail with the job. What I like best is when a candidate quietly and confidently conveys their particular area of expertise, whether problem solving, managing budgets, streamlining work processes or winning new business – and is able to substantiate this with examples.”
"I agree,” chipps in Mr Chacko, “and ideally, if a candidate can refer to his/her CV this often can act as a guide for both to follow. This will help them to stand out from the crowd, particularly if the events are realistic and interesting.”
"What I really want to know,” comments Ms Mathur, "is what the candidate can offer my client, so I would like examples of what they have done that has added value. If they don´t take this golden opportunity then there are dozens of other candidates who will. But if they can convince me of their skills, sell them to me, then the job is theirs."
What is most important in a candidate?
"To sum up the most valued competencies," responds Mr Chacko, "I would say that honesty, integrity, teamwork, interpersonal skills, determination and motivation are most highly prized."
Additionally, according to Ms Mathur, "Work experience matters. Employers are impressed if college or university graduates can add practical work experience to their academic skills. Looks good on their CV Resume, too!"
The CV Resume makes the difference
According to Ms Mathur, "CVs and Resumes can vary in quality. They can either be absolutely poor or outstanding. It makes no difference whether they are produced by professionals or written by the candidates. The truth of the matter is, if they are not well presented, interesting and informative with all claims substantiated – then they are wasting everyone`s time.
They both add, “How the CV Resume arrives is also important, too. It is no good sending a document that arrives folded or crumpled – without a covering letter – as the whole presentation will be spoilt. Best to put it in a hard-backed A4 size envelope to ensure it arrives in pristine condition and invites closer inspection”
The biggest mistakes to avoid during the interview
"Not having done any background research into the company and the role they are applying for, and not being inquisitive - I like people who show interest by asking, Why?"
"My pet aversion is when an applicant tries to be something they`re not as this just wastes time and the truth always comes out in the end," comments Mr Chacko.
Final comments
"At the end of the interview, I prefer applicants who have some intelligent, relevant questions to ask as this indicates their interest.” Ms Mathur continued, "The number of times I have invited questions and received a lack lustre response is unbelievable!”
Mr Chacko agrees, adding “It is always good to know that applicants have given thought to additional points they want to make and any further information they might need, so I would recommend having two or three questions to ask.”
According to Ms Mathur, “If an applicant asks what the company`s challenges are and how they can contribute to meeting those, then this will demonstrate an interest in adding value – just what we are looking for.”
At the end of the interview---
When asked to sum up what makes the biggest difference to hiring or rejecting, both of them agree successful candidates . . .
• Have a smart, well groomed presentation
• Convey a friendly, focused and quietly confident manner
• Have researched the company, its market, opportunities and threats
• Can answer questions clearly with conviction
• Draw on their CV Resume and expand on positive results
• Express interest by asking pertinent questions
• Send a courtesy `after interview¨ letter affirming their interest
Interview Tips for Freshers---
The interview tips for freshers are basically some suggestions and advices that are provided to the job seekers who are going to appear for an interview for the first time in their professional lives.
The job interviews are of utmost importance for the job aspirants, especially if they are taking their first steps in this regard. A good interview can make or break the confidence of the job seeker and this is where the good suggestions come in handy.
Interview Tips for Freshers before Interview
One of the first things a fresher should do before an interview is to do extensive research of the company. The freshers should also be punctual and reach, preferably, before time for the interview. This always makes a good impression on the minds of the interviewers. It is also advisable that the job aspirants practice their interviews time and again before appearing for the actual one.
Interview Tips for Freshers during Interview
During the interview the job seekers should put up a smiling face as employers always like people with vibrant personalities. They should also shake the hands of the interviewers in a firm way. They should also talk eye to eye with the interviewers. They should speak clearly as any way else would show the interviewer that the interviewee is lacking in confidence. They should also be responsive to the interviewers. They need to avoid being overzealous with their answers, which should be precise and delivered only when a question has been asked. The application forms should be completed properly. The job seeker should also ask some questions to the interviewer and then thank that individual when the process comes to a close.
Things to Avoid
The freshers should refrain from being dishonest about themselves in the interviews. They should also not be chewing gums when they give an interview. Even if the interviewer offers them a cigarette they should be refusing it. They should be confident with their answers and should not say no to a job that is offered to them.
How you are first perceived by recruiters is crucially important as generally it is this first impression that tends to last. To create a favorable impression in this competitive world it helps to walk with confidence, shake hands firmly, make eye contact and smile.
Your presentation in terms of dress and grooming, how you carry yourself is critical. It is essential that your appearance is right for the job.
To avoid faux pas ...
• Dress conservatively - keep to plain, classic and up-to-date fashionwear; suits look best in grey and blue shades with smart white or colour toned shirt; ties for men. Girls can wear either formal Indian or Western clothes
• Style - keep in line with the business environment; for a professional-like look. Be conservative and check rear view
• Jewellery - keep to a minimum and avoid face or body jewellery
• Hair and nails - smartly styled and tidy; long talons and unkempt nails can be an absolute turnoffs
•
Be professional---
· Engage - talk with the interviewer about the issues they bring up
· Demonstrate your interest in the position and enthusiasm for joining the company by asking probing questions about the company's goals, market, objectives, career path when appropriate
· Weave into the language your approach, attitude and abilities.
Common mistakes---
Recruiter's often cite the following as reasons for rejecting candidates :
• No confidence - Nervous and fidgety
• Self-concern - Too much focus on money
• Self conceit - Over-emphasises achievements
• Communication - Unable to express information clearly
• Thoughtless - Inappropriate responses to questions
• Self important - Unwillingness to start at the bottom
• No ambition - Absence of career plans or goals
• Motivation - Lack of enthusiasm for the company or job
• Etiquette - Little appreciation for other people's time
• Presentation - Slipshod CV, resume and cover letter
Keep your cool---
· If asked about a difficult part of your past career as student or professional, don't make unkind remarks about previous teachers or employers. Leave past grievances behind.
· Take a fresh, positive step forward and only focus on your accomplishments when talking about your past
The interviewer's role----
· Compared to a few years ago, the marketplace today is far more fast-paced, cut-throat and complex.
· Recruiters operate in a fiercely competitive market and are under increasing pressures to select the right candidate, at the right time and at the right price. Mistakes are costly in terms of jobs, client relationships and future contract renewals.
· As a consequence, recruiters need to seek firm evidence of an applicant's capabilities and razor-sharp questions form a crucial part of the interviewing, screening and selection process.
· The interviewer will need to know what sort of person you are in terms of your values, aspirations, goals and attitudes. Further, it will be important to identify what drives, motivates or de-motivates you, and which work environment, organisational culture and structure suits your style.
Differentiate yourself----
· It's no longer sufficient to just talk about, say, your management skills; to differentiate yourself from the rest provide real-life examples of problems you've encountered, solutions implemented and positive outcomes
· Here a well written, achievement-orientated CV / resume should prove invaluable as you would be able to draw on the accomplishments listed, the problems you have overcome, issues you have addressed, and where your action has resolved problems.
· It is not essential to focus on work-related achievements. Recent graduates can draw on work placements or project work as a student. Other life areas - sport, voluntary work and social activities - can be used to convey a wide range of valuable skills.
· By being honest, factual and succinctly explicit you will engage the interviewer's interest so that he gains a clear insight into your key competencies, and considers you the ideal person for the job.
Use positive terminology and provide examples ...
• My role requires the ability to reprioritise activities in line with changing demands, and I do whatever it takes to get the job done, even if this means working late to meet new argets; for example..
• I enjoy the challenge of solving problems and when I have gained a great deal of job satisfaction when I have improved performance; for example ..
• I especially like the client-service aspect of my role and the relationships I have built have contributed to contract renewals; for instance ..
Highlight your achievements---
· Recruiters are seeking problem solvers, which is why highlighting your past successes is important part of making a good impression.
· Questions might seek to identify your initiative, resourcefulness, determination, persuasiveness and forward-thinking, progressive 'can do' approach.
Preparing answers and questions
It will not be possible for you to know exactly what questions you will be asked. However, most questions tend to centre around common themes. Look at the Hand out for the 30 most frequently asked questions.
Finally, questions for you to ask---
The interview should ideally be a two-way process, an opportunity for all parties to find the information necessary to make the right decisions. But this is a tricky point, so play it by ear.
Whilst being careful to listen and respond to and not interrupt the interviewer's questions, it's important that you communicate your interest in the position by asking questions.
It is important that you find what is critical to the role, exactly what is involved, what the main responsibilities will be and the major tasks.
Your questions might include:
• What are the key requirements for the position?
• What is the most pressing, and what would you like to see done in the short/medium term?
• Will the goals be clearly defined? How does this occur?
Your questions convey interest and can be made either during the course of the interview or at the end. Asking questions provides the interviewer with important feedback about your understanding of and interest in the role.
