Grabbing the Opportunity

“If a job applicant manages to land a job interview, it indicates that the employer has at
least some interest in him/her. Now getting it or not, depends entirely on the
candidate.”

What the Employer Really Wants

• Research the organization and have as much information as possible about the
job you are considering.

• Have examples ready to illustrate the skills and personality traits and
experiences that you want to highlight.

• Listen carefully to the question: if it is specific, answer it directly. If it is broad

and general, focus the answer on what you want to say. If it is vague, ask for
clarification.

• Eye contact and body language – be aware of what you are projecting.

• Take a few seconds to think out an answer if necessary. You don’t have to
respond instantly.

Some classic questions

1. Tell me about yourself.

• Key: Can the candidate sort and prioritize information that is relevant to this job
and this organization?

• Strategy: Give brief experience/education history, emphasizing how it led your

interest in this industry/ technology/ domain/ organization.

2. Why are you interested in this position?

Key: a “why are you here” question.

 – Do your interests match with the job?

– Will you stay engaged and interested?

– What do you hope to give and what do you hope to gain?

3. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Key: Is your future vision compatible with the direction of this job and whether
this organization will take you there?

Are you worth investing in or will you leave quickly?

4. Tell me about a project where you used your technical skills. How did you
approach it and what were the results?

Key: Do you have technical (or subject) knowledge that you claim to have?

Strategy: PAR (Problem Action Result Oriented) examples, using appropriate

terms

. 5. What are your strengths?

Key: With this question the interviewer is seeking to discover both your actual
strengths and also what you believe to be your strengths.

When they talk about strengths, they may be seeking any combination of
knowledge, skills and personal attributes.

They may also be checking what they think are your strengths with what you think. If
you tell of strengths without giving evidence, then they will think they are not
strengths. On the other hand, this is an opportunity to change minds.

6. What are your weaknesses?

Key: This is a very direct question and they may well take a more indirect approach,
but you can be certain that they are very interested in the limits of your ability. They
will also be interested in your knowledge of your weaknesses. Many people either
lack self-confidence and over-estimate weaknesses or are over-confident. A self-
aware person knows their weaknesses. An arrogant person may believe they have
none.

7. Tell me about your ideal job?

Key: This question is used when looking for what is really attracting you to the job
and what motivates you most. The order in which answers are given is likely to be
taken as indicating your priority. A simple approach is to take what they seem to
want and polish it up a bit to make it seem like an idealized version of what they
want e.g.

“I would love to work in a situation where I have full responsibility and authority to
lead a department of very smart people who could develop my ideas into world-
beating products.”

8. What kind of Manager you want at work?

Key: In asking your views about managers within your company, the interviewer is
asking about both your perception and your willingness to talk about managers.

This will also tell them something about your understanding of management. A
person who talks about a specific manager also shows expectations about what
managers should do. A person who is loyal is less likely to criticize and will be more
supportive.

9. Why should I hire you?

Key: The first thing that this question will expose is the real understanding you
have about the company plus the specific job in question, and consequently how
you fit into that requirement.
 This question allows the candidate to make a convincing statement and hence will
tell something of how good you are at persuading. As a 'big' question it will also
test your ability to give a concise and effective answer.

10. Do you have any questions?

Key: Never say no. You should always ask one or two questions (not lots). To do this
you should have a good selection available from which to choose a good question.

Remember the Recency Effect - that the interviewers will recall the last thing you say
more than other things, so make this a good one.

You can ask for more details about the job. This gives you the opportunity to show that
you are keen and thinking ahead. Beware of showing that you are having doubts or
seeking reasons why you might not want the job.

Prepare Questions for Interviewer

• Consider multiple areas

– Corporate values

– Anticipated responsibilities

– Employment trends

– Measures of work performance

– Work environment

– Quality of work

– Personality factors

• Demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and company

11. What are your career options right now?

Key: Prepare for this question by thinking of how you can position yourself as a desired
commodity. If you’re not working, you can talk about other employment possibilities
you’re actually exploring. But do this with a light touch, speaking only in general
terms. You don’t want to seem manipulative or coy.

12. Tell me about a situation when your work was criticized?

Key: Begin by emphasizing the extremely positive feedback you’ve got throughout your
career and (if it’s true) that your performance reviews have been uniformly excellent.

Of course, no one is perfect and you always welcome suggestions on how to improve
your performance. Then, give an example of a not-too-damaging learning experience
from early in your career and relate the ways this lesson has since helped you. This
demonstrates that you learned from the experience and the lesson is now one of the
strongest weapon in your suit of armor.

13. What are your outside interests ?

Key: Try to gauge how this company’s culture would look upon your favorite outside
activities and be guided accordingly.

You can also use this question to shatter any stereotypes that could limit your chances.
If you’re young, mention an activity that connotes wisdom and institutional trust, such
as serving on the board of a popular charity.

But above all, remember that your employer is hiring your for what you can do for him,
not your family, yourself or outside organizations, no matter how admirable those
activities may be.

14. What would you say to your boss if he’s very confident about an idea, but you think
it won’t work?
Key: Remember the rule: In any conflict between values, always choose integrity.

Example: I believe that when evaluating anything, it’s important to emphasize the
positive. What do I like about this idea?”

“Then, if you have reservations, I certainly want to point them out, as specifically,
objectively and factually as I can.”

“Of course, if he overrules me and says, ‘no, let’s do it my way,’ then I owe him my full
and enthusiastic support to make it work as best it can.”

15. How do you feel about working nights and weekends?

Key: First, if you’re a confirmed workaholic, this question is a softball lob. Whack it out
of the park on the first swing by saying this kind of schedule is just your style. Add
that your family understands it. Indeed, they’re happy for you, as they know you get
your greatest satisfaction from your work.

If however, you prefer a more balanced lifestyle, answer this question with another:
“What’s the norm for your best people here?” If the hours still sound unrealistic for you,
ask, “Do you have any top executive who perform exceptionally well for you, but who
also have families and like to get home in time to see them at night?” Chances are this
company does, and this associates you with this other “top performers who-leave-not-
later-than-six” group.

16. Would you lie for the company ?

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

Example: “I would never do anything to hurt the company..”

If aggressively pressed to choose between two competing values, always choose

personal integrity. It is the most prized of all values.
17. Looking back, what would you do differently in your life ?

Key: Indicate that you are a happy, fulfilled, optimistic person and that, in general, you
wouldn’t change a thing.

Example: “It’s been a good life, rich in learning and experience, and the best it yet to
come. Every experience in life is a lesson it its own way. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

18. Who has inspired you in your life and why?

Key: Have a few heroes in mind, from your mental “Board of Directors” – Leaders in
your industry, from history or anyone else who has been your mentor.

Be prepared to give examples of how their words, actions or teachings have helped
inspire your achievements. As always, prepare an answer which highlights qualities
that would be highly valuable in the position you are seeking.

19. What was the toughest decision you ever had to make?

Key: Be prepared with a good example, explaining why the decision was difficult…the
process you followed in reaching it…the courageous or effective way you carried it
out…and the beneficial results.

20. What was the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced?

Key: This is an easy question if you’re prepared. Have a recent example ready that
demonstrates either:

A quality most important to the job at hand; or

A quality that is always in demand, such as leadership, initiative, managerial skill,
persuasiveness, courage, persistence, intelligence, etc.

21. How do you define success…and how do you measure up to your own definition?

Key: Give a well-accepted definition of success that leads right into your own stellar
collection of achievements.

Example: “The best definition I’ve come across is that success is the progressive
realization of a worthy goal.”

“As to how I would measure up to that definition, I would consider myself both
successful and fortunate.” Then summarize your career goals and how your
achievements have indeed represented a progressive path toward realization of your
goals.

22. What do you know about our organization?

Key: This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the
interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the
current issues and who are the major players?

23. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

Key: This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the
interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the
current issues and who are the major players?

24. Why do you want to work for this organization?

Key: This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you
have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be
used. Relate it to your long-term career goals

25. Are you a team player?

Key: You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that
show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself is good
evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag; just say it in a matter-of-fact tone? This is
a key point.

26. What is your philosophy towards work?

Key: The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have
strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the type of answer were that works
best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.

27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?

Key: Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better
answer.

28. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?

Key: Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or

lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.
29. What motivates you to do your best on the job?

Key: This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge,
Achievement and Recognition.

30. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?

Key: This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep
ethical and philosophical implications. Just say YES.

31. What sort of criteria are you using to decide the organization you will work for?

Key: Most importantly, I am looking for a company that values quality, ethics, and
teamwork. I would like to work for a company that hires overachievers

32. What contributions could you make in this organization that would help you to
stand out from other applicants?

Key: In my previous projects/internships, my industriousness and ability to teach

myself have been valuable assets to myself. My self-teaching abilities will minimize
overhead costs, and my industriousness at targeting needs without prompting will set
me apart from others. Additionally, one thing that has always set me apart from my
scientific/engineering peers are my broad interests and strong writing abilities. I am
not your typical "left-brained" engineer, and with my broad talents, I am likely to
provide diverse viewpoints.
33. Do you have plans to continue your education?

Key: Yes, but not immediately. I plan to continue part time with either an MBA or an
engineering masters, depending on which will be more beneficial to my work.

34. How would a professor who knows you well describe you? One who does not know
you well?

Key: A professor who knows me well would likely describe my personal qualities:
sincere, down-to-earth, smart, hard-working, and conscientious.

As specific examples of those who did not know me well, my XYZ Subject professor
and ABC teaching assistant, each considered me smart and respectful, and both
thought that I must have enjoyed the class a lot, due to my performance.

35. How would you develop team spirit among the people that you supervise?

Key: My experience in student groups has taught me that people work best when their
friends (teammates) are counting on them to do well; therefore, I believe that bonding
motivates people. I would also foster team pride by promoting our team's assets.

Dressing for the Interview

• Dress appropriately for the industry. Personal grooming and cleanliness should
be impeccable.

• Arrive 10 minutes early. Know the exact time and location of your interview;
know how long it takes to get there, park, and find a restroom to freshen up.

• Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect. Their opinions
about you might be solicited during the hiring process.
 • Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when
you are greeted by the interviewer.

• Listen carefully your interviewer’s name and the correct pronunciation.

• Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and slouching.

• Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself with specific
examples whenever possible.

• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question; and be thorough in your
responses while being concise in your wording.

• Use good grammar and good diction. Say “yes”, not “yeah.” Don’t fill pauses
with “um,” uh” or “ah”. Don’t punctuate sentences with “you know”, “like”, “see”
or “okay”.

• Treat the interview seriously and show interest in the employer and the
opportunity presented and respond to questions in a positive manner.

• Make sure answers have a definite flow. In the beginning state major points you
want to make; in the middle expand upon those points or ideas, and in the end
reinforce your key points and end on a positive note.

• Evaluate the interviewer and the organization. An interview is a two-way street.

• Don’t make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and your actions.

• Don’t give the impression you are only interested in salary.

• Don’t act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.

• Don’t chew gum or smell like smoke.

• Don’t take cell phone calls during an interview. If you carry a cell phone, turn it
off during the interview.

SOFTSKILLS -

Softskills evaluationg during interview

Amongst many skills the following are important at early levels of career.
 • Adaptability

• Teamwork & Leadership

• Initiative

• Innovation

• Integrity

• Sometimes we forget that soft skills are just as important.

• An employer wants to see that you are adaptable because in an industry things
are always changing.

• They want to see that you’re a team player. There are very few positions where
you don’t have to interact with other people.

• They want to see that you show initiative, innovation, and integrity.

Which of the following is an example of a behavioral question?

[A] Give me an example of how you would handle an irate customer phone call.

[B] Tell me about a time when you performed well under enormous pressure.

[C] Where do you see yourself in five years?

• Situational interview questions focus on speculative events in the future whereas

behavioral gives the interviewer an actual event.

• A situational answer considers how you might act in a situation that might
happen in the company’s future instead of how one has already handled in the
past experience.
 • STAR interview questions are questions about specific situations in ones past
work experience or situation in a college campus or outside and how one
handled them or behaved.

• The recruiter isn’t looking for a simple answer, like a “yes/no,” but rather a
semi-detailed story.

• Story telling is the essence of STAR, where one needs to blend emotions with
information's.

• Situation, Task, Action, Result: STAR

• Situation: An event, project, or challenge faced

• Task: Your responsibilities and assignments for the situation

• Action: Steps or procedure taken to relieve or rectify situation

• Result: Results of actions taken.

• CAR Method: Another name for STAR interview method is also called the CAR
method, which stands for Context/Challenge, Action, Result.

• PAR Method: It stands for Problem, Action, Result.

Situational & Behavioral questions usually start like …

• “Tell me about a time when...”

• “Give me an example of...”

• “Have you ever...”

• “Describe an instance where you’ve had to...”

So on…
Some common softskills questions : Analyse what the employer is looking for when
you are asked these questions

Team Building

 Talk about a time when you had to work closely with someone whose personality
was very different from yours.

 Give me an example of a time you faced a conflict while working on a team. How
did you handle that?

 Describe a time when you struggled to build a relationship with someone

important. How did you eventually overcome that?

 We all make mistakes we wish we could take back. Tell me about a time you wish
you’d handled a situation differently with a colleague.

 Tell me about a time you needed to get information from someone who wasn’t
very responsive. What did you do?

Time Management

 Tell me about a time you had to be very strategic in order to meet all your top
priorities.

 Describe a long-term project that you managed. How did you keep everything
moving along in a timely manner?

 Sometimes it’s just not possible to get everything on your to-do list done. Tell
me about a time your responsibilities got a little overwhelming. What did you do?

 Tell me about a time you set a goal for yourself. How did you go about ensuring
that you would meet your objective?

 Give me an example of a time you managed numerous responsibilities. How did

you handle that?

Communication Skills

 Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully persuade

someone to see things your way at work.
  Tell me about a time when you had to rely on written communication to get your
ideas across to your team.

 Give me an example of a time when you had to explain something fairly complex
to a frustrated senior. How did you handle this delicate situation?

 Tell me about a successful presentation you gave and why you think it was a hit.

Adapability

 Tell me about a time you were under a lot of pressure. What was going on, and
how did you get through it?

 Describe a time when your family or University was undergoing some change.
How did that impact you, and how did you adapt?

 Tell me about the first job/internship you’ve ever had. What did you do to learn
the ropes?

 Give me an example of a time when you had to think on your feet in order to
delicately extricate yourself from a difficult or awkward situation.

 Tell me about a time you failed. How did you deal with the situation?

Motivation & Values

 Tell me about your proudest professional / personal accomplishment.

 Describe a time when you saw some problem and took the initiative to correct it
rather than waiting for someone else to do it.

 Tell me about a time when you worked under close supervision or extremely
loose supervision. How did you handle that?

 Give me an example of a time you were able to be creative with your work. What
was exciting or difficult about it?

 Tell me about a time you were dissatisfied in your work. What could have been
done to make it better?

Also many related questions which will stem from your answers.