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The first interview is the most critical step
in job-hunting. Preparation is the key to a successful first interview,
says Vikram Kumar
Interviews are make-or-break and the selection
decision is made during the campus interview. So how to prepare
for the all-important first interview? Preparation
is the key.
Here are some suggestions to help you prepare
for the all-important first interview:
- Research the company: Interviews expect you
to display passion about the company. You can display passion
by quoting points about the company. The Internet and the library
are excellent resources for finding relevant facts about the company.
- Look your best: Looks are impression forming.
Most MNCs keep this as important criteria as person may have to
work with overseas clients. Dress professionally for the interviews,
wear clothing that is conservative yet current, and restrict your
use of cosmetics and jewelry.
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes early.
- Review your own resume: You can expect several
specific questions about what you’ve done in each position.
Bring copies of your resume.
- Greet the interviewer with confidence: Use
attentive posture, good eye contact, a firm handshake and an engaging
smile.
- Approach every interview as if it is your
only opportunity, showing enthusiasm about the job and the company.
Keep an open mind throughout the entire interview. Most experienced
interviewers are interested in both what you say and how you say
it. Most employers prefer employees who answer questions concisely
and stay on track.
Prepare for the “tricky” questions
Many questions are asked with the underlying
objective of exploring your attitudes and motivations. Following
are some questions whose answers may appear simple at first glance,
but could “trick” you if you don’t think about them
ahead of time.
- “What do you want to be doing in five
years?” The best way to answer this question is to communicate
what your goals are without being overly specific. Those who don’t
have an answer to this question appear not to have a sense of
direction, and those who are too specific may not fit into what
the company has to offer long-term.
- “What do you know about our company?”
Be prepared to tell the interviewer what you learned from your
research about the company, such as what the company does, and
a brief observation about a recent, positive news story about
the company.
- “Tell me about yourself.” We suggest
that you create a one-minute sales pitch that describes your professional
background, accomplishments, strengths and career aspirations.
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
Be prepared to talk about two or three functional strengths and
one or two intangible characteristics that you regard as strengths.
- “Why are you interested in our company?”
Provide a specific reason why the position fits your career plan,
and point out something about the company that appeals to you.
- “Tell me what you like to do outside
of work.” Many employers use this question to see what kind
of work/life balance you are looking for and to determine whether
your outside interests will conflict with your job. At the same
time, it is important to describe a couple of activities to show
that you are well rounded.
General advice
1: If you don’t understand a question, ask
for clarification.
2: Be careful not to give too much detail in
answering questions. If the interviewers want more detail, they
will ask for it.
Prepare to ask questions
Asking pertinent questions during the interview
is every bit as important as answering questions. Insightful questions
demonstrate that you are organised, prepared and serious about the
position. The following are some questions that you might ask:
1: What are the greatest challenges offered by
this position?
2: How is success defined for this position?
Prepare to close
Almost every candidate closes the interview by
saying something similar to this:
“I am interested and look forward to hearing
from you.”
Set yourself apart by not only telling the company
that you are interested, but also why you are interested.
Vikram Kumar is Director, MAQ Software
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