"Interview Tips"

Below mentioned are a few Interview tips which would help you achieve your goals and get through the round of interview without any hassles

Interview is the most important thing in exploring a job/career opportunity and should be taken extremely seriously, as in most of the cases, it is a decisive factor in selection/rejection of a candidate for the job. Interview is an opportunity to create impression about your candidature on the panel members, which may go long way.

Preparing for the interview in advance can help you enhance your chances for the job, lower your stress level and improve your performance during the interview process.

Prepare for the Interview:-
Before your interview, find out everything you can about the company (visit company’s website, gather recent news clippings about the company, read company’s annual report, know about their competitors/strategies, etc).
Re-visit your CV/Resume, thinking through your own career and the questions they might ask you.

Note down technical areas/questions, which the interview panel might like to evaluate for the position and prepare for the same. Also, try to anticipate the general questions which they may ask during the process and also prepare some questions to ask them.

Before the interview:-
Ensure that you are carrying a decent bag/folder, containing

Copies of your latest CV (which is sent to the company)
A pad of paper/diary to take notes & a pen
Testimonials supporting your qualifications and achievements
Your CTC/gross compensation details
Your passport size photographs
Original travel tickets for the travel reimbursements (if you are an out station candidate). You should dress smartly for the interview. Wear neat, clean and ironed formal cloths
Arrive a few minutes early. Always make sure you allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the location. Leave home earlier than you need to on the day of the interview - you may be delayed by traffic or for other reasons.

Don't bring a friend or relative. If someone takes you to the interview, leave him/her outside the waiting/conference room. Arrange to meet after the interview.

Announce yourself to the receptionist/contact person mentioned in the interview call letter.

During the Interview:-
Knock & enter the interview room
Greet your interviewer with a hearty wish/handshake
Smile and look into the interviewer's eyes
Relax and enjoy the conversation
Ask questions and listen, read between the lines
At the conclusion, thank the interviewers

Shaping a Good Interview:-
You must remember that that in an interview, you will have to convince the panel members about suitability of your candidature for the position. In simple word, interview is a process of evaluating a right fitment for the available job. Hence taking panel to your strong areas rather than allowing them to take you to other areas will matter a lot. The fitment evaluation process would be focused on the following criteria

The level/designation or hierarchy of the position
Exact roles & responsibilities
Experience level (in terms of yrs of experience & knowledge & skill sets)
Qualifications
Soft skills
Age
CTC/Salary level, etc. In general interview will be technical and behavioral evaluation of a candidate for the position. Hence, having clarity about the above factors before going for the interview will help for the interview preparation.

TEN most common/general interview questions
1. Tell me about yourself. Mostly, the very first question in the job interviews will be focused on knowing about overall details of the candidate. The question could be phrased as

Tell me something about yourself or
Please introduce yourself, etc. Generally the brief introduction should cover following points
Your background,
Hobbies
Educational qualifications
Work history/experience & Responsibilities. The closing point of the introduction may also become the starting of the next question
The way in which the candidate introduces himself/herself also shapes the line of next question. For e.g. if one ends the introduction at work experience and responsibilities, the next logical question will be about the technical discussion on the responsibilities. If one ends the introduction with hobbies, the next logical question may be about the in depth exploration of the hobby/hobbies. A lot of next questions will depend upon how you handle this question.

2. Why do you want to leave your current job/organization?
This question may be directed to find out your real motive of changing the current job. One may explain the real motives in terms of: growth with respect to designation, responsibilities, span of control, salary, or other factors like: better learning opportunities/facilities/exposure, close to hometown, challenges, etc. However, while responding to this question, do not speak negative about your current employer/organization.

3. What do you know about this company?
Test question may test your preparedness/tendency to do homework before the interview. Hence, do your homework before the interview. Spend time researching about the company & find out: brief history, revenue, profitability, products, markets, recent news, geographical spread, reputation, image, competitors & people philosophy, etc.

Your preparedness on the company information will indicate your interest in the job and the company. It will also give confidence to the panel members about general awareness.

4. What are your goals?
Talk about your long & short-term professional goals. The question is generally tailored to gauge your ambitions vis-a-vis reality. Have stretched but achievable targets. Short term generally means 2-3 yrs and long term would mean 5-10 yrs down the line. The question could also be asked as: where would you like to see yourself after 3 yrs... or 5 or 10 yrs down the line?

Avoid giving unreal answers to these questions. Your answers should be supported with a well thought of action plan.

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Talk about at least 2-3 strengths, which are related to the job/company you are interviewing for. If required, you will have to substantiate your strengths by citing at least two real life examples in support of it.

Don't say that you don’t have any weakness. Try not to cite personal characteristics as weaknesses, but be ready to have one if the interviewer insists for. Here, try to turn a negative into a positive.

6. Why do you want to work for this company?
You need to be candid about the positive points of the company, which attracts you to work for it.

7. What have been your most significant achievements so far?
Cite at least 2-3 distinguished achievements in previous organizations. It could be in terms of productivity improvement, cost reduction, new products, process improvements, sales achievement, etc. Depict the circumstances in which you have achieved it.

8. How would your last boss and colleagues describe you?
Talk about positive personality and performance characteristics for which your boss and colleagues might have appreciated you in past.

9. Why should we hire you?
Discuss your experience, skills & expertise, which match the position’s requirement. You can talk about your relevance & contributions you can make to the organizational.

10. What are your salary expectations?
Your answer to this question could make or break the interview. Depending upon your answer, the interviewer may decide whether they can afford to have you as a team member.

Interview is always a combination of Technical & Behavioral attributes evaluation. There is no substitute for your technical/functional knowledge.

Remember that a well-prepared interview enhances your chances for the job.

All the Best for your future.............

5 Best Job Hunting Tactics

In the current scenario looking for a good change is really challenging and sometimes frustrating. There are 100 hundreds of jobs in the market and your strategy to just ‘click and apply’ might not be appropriate in these turbulent times. Visiting job boards, searching for a relevant vacancy, applying to the one which suits best and then do you know why you are not being called.



Here are the 5 best job hunting tactics which will help you to get the employer of your choice.



1. Know your Self:-

Do a SWOT Analysisfor your self and list down your 3 main strengths and weaknesses which can help you to present your candidature in a better way. Knowing your strengths will help you to highlight that in your interviews and weakness will help you to work on the areas of improvement.



2. List 10 Top Companies where you would like to work:-

Prepare a list of 10 Top companies where you can fit in terms of role, culture and career aspirations. Focus on these 10 companies for the initial start and thereby build your list by adding more companies. Make sure you know everything about these companies like where they are located, what are their products, how much they are growing, who are their competitors etc. Know everything about these companies as this will be helpful at the time of interview. Try to get knowledge on any current problem these companies are facing and how you can be an effective resource in solving their problems. By identifying solutions for their problems you have a far better chance to get hired as all companies wants to recruit people who can solve their business problems.



3. Create customised Covering Letter and Resumes:-

When you have an idea of the problems the companies are facing you are in a better position to send them a customized resume highlighting your skills in devising solutions to them. Showcase your capabilities in solving those problems and modify each application based on your research for that company.



4. Search for Good Recruiters:-

Identifying a good consultant which can help your candidature to be shared with the potential employer will benefit you immensely. You can search for the recruiters who are partner to the company from your list and can help your voice to be heard by the employer. You can also take their assistance in case you face problems in drafting your resume.



5. Use Social Networking Channels:-

Creating a profile on Linked In will prove to be beneficial for you as apart from displaying your resume it also gives you an opportunity to showcase your knowledge to others by answering to questions asked by fellow members. You can also earn a reputation of being an Expert in that area which will help potential employers to land at your profile. There are other networking mediums like Recruiting blogs, where you can interact with employers of your choice.

Interview Questions frequently asked for BPO

Please find the below mentioned Questions frequently asked in a BPO either for freshers or Experienced candidates.



TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF/ PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF?

[45 sec]

ANS) Name, Home town, Education background (specify year of passing & degree), Work experience if any (Company name, Designation, Year of experience), Extra circular activities (any specialized), Hobbies (at least two)



2) HOW ARE YOU AS A PERSON?

ANS) ONE WORD /ONE LINE



3) WHAT YOU HAVE DONE SINCE MORNING? (IMP)

ANS) SPEAK UP AT LEAST FOR 2 MINS



4) WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT BPO’S?

ANS) BPO STANDS FOR BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING.

THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF BPO’S

1) INBOUND – YOU WILL HAVE TO RECEIVE THE CALLS.

2) OUTBOUND – YOU WILL HAVE TO MAKE THE CALLS.



5) WHY DO YOU WANT TO JOIN A BPO (OTHER FIELD /SECTOR)?

ANS) 1) DURING RECESSION PERIOD IT HAS PROVED ITSELF AS THE MOST STABLE INDUSTRY.



6) WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF 3 YEARS DOWN THE LINE?

ANS) I SEE MYSELF GROWING WITH THE COMPANY



7) FAMILY BACKGROUND

ANS) DON’T SPECIFY PARENT’S NAME

JUST SPECIFY PROFESSION OF PARENTS & SIBLING.



8) SALARY EXPECTATION?

ANS) AS PER THE COMPANY’S NORMS



9) WHAT IF SOME OTHER COMPANY OFFERS YOU MORE THAN US?

ANS) I WANT TO GROW VERTICALLY NOT HORIZONTALLY.



10) ARE YOU COMFORTABLE WORKING IN SHIFTS?

ANS) YES, But never say "NO"



11) WHAT DID YOU LEARN IN YOUR LAST JOB?(IMP)

ANS) BE PREPARED WITH YOUR OWN ANSWERS.



12) WHY YOU HAVE LEFT LAST JOB? (IMP)

ANS) BE PREPARED WITH YOUR OWN ANSWERS.



13) DO YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES IN RELOCATING?

ANS) I HAVE NO PROBLEM IN RELOCATING.



14) CAN U SPEAK ON ANY TOPIC OF YOUR OWN CHOICE?

POSSIBLE TOPICS-

LAST BOOK READ,

LAST PLACE TRAVELED,

YOUR HOME TOWN,

LAST MOVIE WATCHED, ETC.



Do’s & Dont's



1) Don’t use Myself / use my name is or I am

2) Don’t use I belongs to / native from / use hometown

3) Don’t use I am this many of age / use I am 24 years old

4) Never complain about previous employer

5) Don’t use wrong grammar, vocabulary, language

6) Do not say no to the HR

7)Do not argue with HR

8) Don’t put any constraint like marriage ,exams any other

9) Don’t give any answer in monetary terms

10) Weakness

11) Don’t argue on salary

12) Don’t say that you are perusing anything

13) Don’t use this words “Actually , normally, generally , ya “

14) Don’t discuss on date of joining.

What should you NEVER do during an interview?

Never forget to study well about your current company and interviewing company

Never tell list of companies you worked just to show your experience - it gives negative impression

Never add fake achievements- interviewer can ask prove of what all you claimed at the time of interview

Never say for what you are not confident-
Many candidates when asked from their resume only, don't have appropriate answers (like their incentives, achievements etc)

Never smile unnecessarily or more then required
Never do knuckle cracking

Never shake your legs (if you are nervous ask for 5 mins, make yourself cool then go)

Never move your fingers in your hair

Never see the roof or walls if you don't know any answer

Never cry or try to gain sympathy for any circumstances, if you have to share then show your die hard attitude and you are ready to accept all challenges in life.

Never yawn. It is an absolute insult to your audience (regardless of a seemingly legitimate excuse). If you do slip and yawn. Apologize immediately.

- Never look at your watch during the interview. If you have a bad habit of doing this, take it off before you go into the interview.

- Never give "fishhand". Weak handshakes don't go over well with anyone! At the same time, don't overcompensate with a "bone crusher".

- Never avoid eye contact. This is a huge turn off. And if multiple people are in the room, rotate equally to look at everyone when you speak so as not to be dismissive to anyone.

- Never slouch, fidget or cross your arms. These are very bad non-verbal cues. Some people struggle with what to do with their hands. Consider bringing a notebook. That way, you can hold the pen and take notes to keep your hands busy.

- Never take risks with what you wear. Even if someone tells you it's a very casual workplace, that doesn't mean you can bust out your favorite Metallica t-shirt and keep your nose ring in. During the interview process, you don't want to stand out for the wrong reasons. This isn't a time to take risks. Men are always better off going with a dark suit and women with proper business atire.

- Never forget to clean up. For god sake, I can't believe I have to say this, but you should be perfect in your physical presentation (clean, neat, ironed clothes, good hygiene, moderate accessories and no perfume/cologne). Nuff said.

- Never "go down that road". Always steer clear of topics about sex, ethnicity, religion or politics even if the manager initiates these topics. It's best to stay neutral and change topics.

- Never be late or too early. Plan to be there about 5-10 minutes early. Account for not only the directions, but also traffic and parking arrangements so that you plan your arrival appropriately. Also don't go in any earlier than this.

- Never smoke a cigarette just before an interview. It smells and, let's face it, you never know if that manager has a "thing" about people that smoke.

- Never chew gum during the interview. Its disrespectful and says.."I don't care what you think, I'm just going to do what is comfortable to me"

- Never dis ANYONE you encounter at that company. Be polite to everyone: security staff, people in the elevator, the receptionist and especially Human Resources!! Word travels fast when people act rudely.

- Never leave your cell phone on. Make sure that you turn off your cell. You are likely one of the many who has a ridiculous or annoying ring tone and if it goes off, this will be a disruption.

- Never mispronounce people's names. If you don't know the proper pronunciation, DON'T guess! Call the company and find out. Also, don't call anyone Mr or Ms. Use their first name.

- Never complain about anything, PERIOD.

- Never forget your business cards and make sure you ask for every person's business card that you meet with in the interview. It shows that you took them seriously and gives you valuable follow up contact information for a thank you letter.