Tips For Attending Interviews

This page contains tips for attending interviews, interviews include both for job and for B-Schools. Also included tips for facing the interview and Prepare for Stress Interviews & the frequently asked questions.

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Because communication skills are such an integral part of effective management, almost all organisations include personal interviews as part of the selection process, even some business schools include this in their admissions process. Some tips to help you prepare:

	Review your application; the interviewer is likely to ask specific questions about it.
	Be ready to provide examples and specifics and to elaborate on info on your resume and application.
	Be open and honest.
	Ask questions, since the interview is as much an opportunity for you to learn about the school as for the school to learn about you.
	Follow proper business decorum.
	Watch your nonverbal clues, such as eye contact, posture, and fidgeting.
	Be courteous to the administrative staff, since how you treat them can have an impact (positive or negative).

Facing the interview and winning!

Facing the interview is a very difficult proposition for anybody - most people are nervous when attending an interview. Here are a few tips to help you feel and appear confident and avoid common mistakes... more

Prepare for the interview

	Dress appropriately in simple, comfortable clothes that reflect your personality.
	Avoid wearing new shoes (squeaking noises) and do practice wearing your tie.
	Be punctual - don't be late or even too early.
	Read up about the company, what business they are into, growth trends, diversification etc
	Read your own resume - be sure that you don't have to look into your resume to recall details during the interview
	Carry extra copies of your resume and testimonials - you never know when you may need them.
	Make sure you know the full name and designation of the person interviewing you
	Keep your references ready
	Remember to make a note of your previous or current salary with all its components.

Make a good first impression

	Wish the interviewer(s) cheerfully and with a smile
	A firm handshake is an indicator of how you are feeling. If you are a lady, then some male employers might not make the first move, but go ahead and initiate the handshake
	Wait till you are asked to sit down
	Look the person in the eye
	Do not appear too nervous or overconfident. Your body language usually conveys more than what you are saying. Don't slouch or lean forward too much.
	Try to curb nervous mannerisms eg. fidgeting or biting your finger.]
	Appear comfortable, confident and interested in securing the job

During the interview...

	Start the interview with a pleasant smile.
	Always remember to give a firm handshake. If there are women in your interview panel, wait for the other person to extend the hand while shaking hands.
	Listen carefully to what the interviewer is saying
	Stress on what you can contribute to the organisation.
	Remember that the employer is in control of the interview
	Don't be too long-winded - say what you want to convey in crisp sentences and use terms that would convey your job & achievements.
	Complete your sentences - don't answer just yes or no
	What you don't know can be learned - tell them if you don't know something. But give instances of how quick a learner you are.
	Do not boast. People on the other side are shrewd and can generally see through you. At the same time talk about achievements giving due credit to others.
	When talking about yourself and your aspirations, do not sound vague or do not say that you don't know something. You should be very clear and precise about what you want to do, where you want to go etc.
	If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification, don't answer vaguely.
	Don't talk about your personal problems, why you need the job etc
	Don't get personal - even if you know the interviewer personally
	Don't be overconfident or too nervous
	Don't badmouth your previous employer - you could do the same in the case of the prospective customer
	Don't complain about politics, a bad boss or a poor salary - your reasons for change should be higher responsibilities, location etc.
	If the interviewer is interrupted during the course of the interview, don't pick up papers on his/her desk and read them
	Don't ask about salary before the offer is made
	Strike a balance between what you actually are and what you want to be - don't paint a picture of yourself as somebody who is not concerned about money, social status etc.
	Don't be in a hurry to complete the interview
	Ask questions at the end of the interview - it could be about the company, the job or the next stage of the interview process. It will be an indicator of your interest in the position
	Send a thank-you letter - outlining your interest in the job and why you are qualified for it.

Stress Interviews

Another important topic is 'stress interview'. To crack a stress interview is to realize that you are going through one, and to realize this as soon as possible. There is one thing that the interviewer is looking for sure in a stress interview, and that is presence of mind. I am a bit suspicious that they are looking for content also during the stress interview. To handle a stress interview, one of the strategies could be to realize a stress interview and to try and control the interview. Also don't mind what ever the interviewer says just know he is trying to make you uncomfortable in the whole process and you have to defeat his purpose. Apart from this, all I can say is that stress interviews are very subjective on the panel and what helps is the presence of mind at the moment.

more on stress interviews

With the right attitude, your interview could be a walkover for you. We wish you good luck for the same.

for more tips, browse the following links

	stress interviews
	the frequently asked questions...
	Facing the interview and winning!...specially for a MBA aspirant

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This page is designed by Mothish Babu.

This site claims no origanility regarding the tips published in this page. This is just a compilation work of details collected from different websites, only for the purpose of helping a lot of people who seek help, in attending the interviews. .....mothish babu.....