Tough Interview Questions and Answers

Mental fear of the unknown is often what produces the physical symptoms of nervousness. In addition to preparing yourself physically, you need to prepare yourself mentally. The best way to prepare mentally is to know what may be coming. Fear of the unknown can only exist when there is an unknown. Take the time to understand some of the “standards” when it comes to interviewing questions.

The following are some of the most difficult questions you will face in the course of your job interviews. Some questions may seem rather simple on the surface—such as “Tell me about yourself”—but these questions can have a variety of answers. The more open ended the question, the wider the variation in the answers. Once you have become practiced in your interviewing skills, you will find that you can use almost any question as a launching pad for a particular topic or compelling story.

Others are classic interview questions, such as “What is your greatest weakness?” Questions most people answer improperly. In this case, the standard textbook answer for the “greatest weakness” question is to provide a veiled positive such as: “I work too much. I just work and work and work.” Wrong. Either you are lying or, worse yet, you are telling the truth, in which case you define working too much as a weakness and really do not want to work much at all.

The following answers are provided to give you a new perspective on how to answer tough interview questions. They are not there for you to lift from the page and insert into your next interview. They are provided for you to use as the basic structure for formulating your own answers. While the specifics of each reply may not apply to you, try to follow the basic structure of the answer from the perspective of the interviewer. Answer the questions behaviorally, with specific examples that show that clear evidence backs up what you are saying about yourself. Always provide information that shows you want to become the very best _____ for the company and that you have specifically prepared yourself to become exactly that. They want to be sold. They are waiting to be sold. Don’t disappoint them!



1. Tell me about yourself.



It seems like an easy interview question. It’s open ended. I can talk about whatever I want from the birth canal forward. Right?



Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why you’re the best candidate for this position.

So as you answer this question, talk about what you’ve done to prepare yourself to be the very best candidate for the position. Use an example or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more details. If they do, keep giving them example after example of your background and experience. Always point back to an example when you have the opportunity. “Tell me about yourself” does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me what makes you the best.



2. Why should I hire you?



The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And don’t be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you.



For example: “You should hire me because I’m the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job--my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For example . . .”



Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples.



3. What is your long-range objective?



Make my job easy for me. Make me want to hire you.

The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives.



For example: “Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I’ll be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what I’m presently doing to prepare myself . . .”



Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.



4. How has your education prepared you for your career?



This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral examples in your educational background which specifically align to the required competencies for the career.

An example: “My education has focused on not only the learning the fundamentals, but also on the practical application of the information learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead role in a class project where we gathered and analyzed best practice data from this industry. Let me tell you more about the results . . .”

Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if they would like to hear more examples.



5. Are you a team player?



Almost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/no question. You need to provide behavioral examples to back up your answer.



A sample answer: “Yes, I’m very much a team player. In fact, I’ve had opportunities in my work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent project . . .”



Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.



6. Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?



Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it.

For example: “Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other person’s perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example . . .”

Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively.



7. What is your greatest weakness?



Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness. Such as: “I work too much. I just work and work and work.” Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.

You should select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. For example: “I have had trouble in the past with planning and prioritization. However, I’m now taking steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner . . .” then show them your planner and how you are using it.



Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.



8. If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they say?



This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the interview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or professors in advance. And if they’re willing to provide a positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation.

Then you can answer the question like this:



“I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that I’m results oriented and one of the best people she has ever worked with. Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very words. May I show you her letter of recommendation?”



So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.



9. What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?



Focus on two words: leadership and vision.

Here is a sample of how to respond: “The key quality in a successful manager should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader . . .”



Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal development.



10. If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?



Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet also tie it forward to what you are doing to still seek to make that change.



For example: “Although I’m overall very happy with where I’m at in my life, the one aspect I likely would have changed would be focusing earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year and look forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have focused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship…” …then provide examples.



Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.



In reviewing these responses, please remember that they are only to be viewed samples. Please do not rehearse them verbatim or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your creative juices and get you thinking about how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will face.

This post covers the most essential & basic interview questions which every and/or any interviewer will ask.

What makes one individual to be selected while the other to be rejected after the interview is his "Overall Performance" at the time of the interview.

The way candidate responds over a question, his / her body language, eye contact with the interviewer, backing your work with a honest example and many more should be taken into consideration and practice for a good & successful interview as mentioned in the post .

Candidates should be well prepared with the basic questions and never ever make their replies sound as if its well rehearsed ( although you've answered that question 'n' no. of times in mock interview)

Fear, blank mind and many more factors which drives to a bad interview should be eliminated by working on mock interviews, jotting down the bullet points ( for quick n handy ref.) and by friends support.

Mantra for a successful interview is:
The interviewer should be impressed/content with the candidate’s ”above the meets” standard of work. He / She should carry an impression of you not only pertaining to the mere job specs but something more to it. The candidate should always carry value added elements.
I personally feel one should attend interview – atleast once in a quarter (irrespective whether he / she is looking out for change) because it seriously keeps us on our toes to learn everytime something new with respect to our field of specialization from other person’s point of view.

Types of Interviews

All job interviews have the same objective, but employers reach that objective in a variety of ways. You might enter the room expecting to tell stories about your professional successes and instead find yourself selling the interviewer a bridge or editing code at a computer. One strategy for performing your best during an interview is to know the rules of the particular game you are playing when you walk through the door.



Screening | Informational | Directive | Meandering

Stress | Behavioral | Audition | Group

Tag-Team | Mealtime | Follow-up



The Screening Interview



Companies use screening tools to ensure that candidates meet minimum qualification requirements. Computer programs are among the tools used to weed out unqualified candidates. (This is why you need a digital resume that is screening-friendly. See our resume center for help.) Sometimes human professionals are the gatekeepers. Screening interviewers often have honed skills to determine whether there is anything that might disqualify you for the position. Remember-they do not need to know whether you are the best fit for the position, only whether you are not a match. For this reason, screeners tend to dig for dirt. Screeners will hone in on gaps in your employment history or pieces of information that look inconsistent. They also will want to know from the outset whether you will be too expensive for the company.



Some tips for maintaining confidence during screening interviews:



* Highlight your accomplishments and qualifications.

* Get into the straightforward groove. Personality is not as important to the screener as verifying your qualifications. Answer questions directly and succinctly. Save your winning personality for the person making hiring decisions!

* Be tactful about addressing income requirements. Give a range, and try to avoid giving specifics by replying, "I would be willing to consider your best offer."

* If the interview is conducted by phone, it is helpful to have note cards with your vital information sitting next to the phone. That way, whether the interviewer catches you sleeping or vacuuming the floor, you will be able to switch gears quickly.



The Informational Interview



On the opposite end of the stress spectrum from screening interviews is the informational interview. A meeting that you initiate, the informational interview is underutilized by job-seekers who might otherwise consider themselves savvy to the merits of networking. Job seekers ostensibly secure informational meetings in order to seek the advice of someone in their current or desired field as well as to gain further references to people who can lend insight. Employers that like to stay apprised of available talent even when they do not have current job openings, are often open to informational interviews, especially if they like to share their knowledge, feel flattered by your interest, or esteem the mutual friend that connected you to them. During an informational interview, the jobseeker and employer exchange information and get to know one another better without reference to a specific job opening.



This takes off some of the performance pressure, but be intentional nonetheless:



* Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the field and the company.

* Gain references to other people and make sure that the interviewer would be comfortable if you contact other people and use his or her name.

* Give the interviewer your card, contact information and resume.

* Write a thank you note to the interviewer.



The Directive Style



In this style of interview, the interviewer has a clear agenda that he or she follows unflinchingly. Sometimes companies use this rigid format to ensure parity between interviews; when interviewers ask each candidate the same series of questions, they can more readily compare the results. Directive interviewers rely upon their own questions and methods to tease from you what they wish to know. You might feel like you are being steam-rolled, or you might find the conversation develops naturally. Their style does not necessarily mean that they have dominance issues, although you should keep an eye open for these if the interviewer would be your supervisor.



Either way, remember:



* Flex with the interviewer, following his or her lead.

* Do not relinquish complete control of the interview. If the interviewer does not ask you for information that you think is important to proving your superiority as a candidate, politely interject it.



The Meandering Style



This interview type, usually used by inexperienced interviewers, relies on you to lead the discussion. It might begin with a statement like "tell me about yourself," which you can use to your advantage. The interviewer might ask you another broad, open-ended question before falling into silence. This interview style allows you tactfully to guide the discussion in a way that best serves you.



The following strategies, which are helpful for any interview, are particularly important when interviewers use a non-directive approach:



* Come to the interview prepared with highlights and anecdotes of your skills, qualities and experiences. Do not rely on the interviewer to spark your memory-jot down some notes that you can reference throughout the interview.

* Remain alert to the interviewer. Even if you feel like you can take the driver's seat and go in any direction you wish, remain respectful of the interviewer's role. If he or she becomes more directive during the interview, adjust.

* Ask well-placed questions. Although the open format allows you significantly to shape the interview, running with your own agenda and dominating the conversation means that you run the risk of missing important information about the company and its needs.



The Stress Interview



Astounding as this is, the Greek hazing system has made its way into professional interviews. Either employers view the stress interview as a legitimate way of determining candidates' aptness for a position or someone has latent maniacal tendencies. You might be held in the waiting room for an hour before the interviewer greets you. You might face long silences or cold stares. The interviewer might openly challenge your believes or judgment. You might be called upon to perform an impossible task on the fly-like convincing the interviewer to exchange shoes with you. Insults and miscommunication are common. All this is designed to see whether you have the mettle to withstand the company culture, the clients or other potential stress.



Besides wearing a strong anti-perspirant, you will do well to:



* Remember that this is a game. It is not personal. View it as the surreal interaction that it is.

* Prepare and memorize your main message before walking through the door. If you are flustered, you will better maintain clarity of mind if you do not have to wing your responses.

* Even if the interviewer is rude, remain calm and tactful.

* Go into the interview relaxed and rested. If you go into it feeling stressed, you will have a more difficult time keeping a cool perspective.



The Behavioral Interview



Many companies increasingly rely on behavior interviews since they use your previous behavior to indicate your future performance. In these interviews, employers use standardized methods to mine information relevant to your competency in a particular area or position. Depending upon the responsibilities of the job and the working environment, you might be asked to describe a time that required problem-solving skills, adaptability, leadership, conflict resolution, multi-tasking, initiative or stress management. You will be asked how you dealt with the situations.



Your responses require not only reflection, but also organization. To maximize your responses in the behavioral format:



* Anticipate the transferable skills and personal qualities that are required for the job.

* Review your resume. Any of the qualities and skills you have included in your resume are fair game for an interviewer to press.

* Reflect on your own professional, volunteer, educational and personal experience to develop brief stories that highlight these skills and qualities in you. You should have a story for each of the competencies on your resume as well as those you anticipate the job requires.

* Prepare stories by identifying the context, logically highlighting your actions in the situation, and identifying the results of your actions. Keep your responses concise and present them in less than two minutes.



The Audition



For some positions, such as computer programmers or trainers, companies want to see you in action before they make their decision. For this reason, they might take you through a simulation or brief exercise in order to evaluate your skills. An audition can be enormously useful to you as well, since it allows you to demonstrate your abilities in interactive ways that are likely familiar to you. The simulations and exercises should also give you a simplified sense of what the job would be like. If you sense that other candidates have an edge on you in terms of experience or other qualifications, requesting an audition can help level the playing field.



To maximize on auditions, remember to:



* Clearly understand the instructions and expectations for the exercise. Communication is half the battle in real life, and you should demonstrate to the prospective employer that you make the effort to do things right the first time by minimizing confusion.

* Treat the situation as if you are a professional with responsibility for the task laid before you. Take ownership of your work.

* Brush up on your skills before an interview if you think they might be tested.



The Group Interview



Interviewing simultaneously with other candidates can be disconcerting, but it provides the company with a sense of your leadership potential and style. The group interview helps the company get a glimpse of how you interact with peers-are you timid or bossy, are you attentive or do you seek attention, do others turn to you instinctively, or do you compete for authority? The interviewer also wants to view what your tools of persuasion are: do you use argumentation and careful reasoning to gain support or do you divide and conquer? The interviewer might call on you to discuss an issue with the other candidates, solve a problem collectively, or discuss your peculiar qualifications in front of the other candidates.



This environment might seem overwhelming or hard to control, but there are a few tips that will help you navigate the group interview successfully:



* Observe to determine the dynamics the interviewer establishes and try to discern the rules of the game. If you are unsure of what is expected from you, ask for clarification from the interviewer.

* Treat others with respect while exerting influence over others.

* Avoid overt power conflicts, which will make you look uncooperative and immature.

* Keep an eye on the interviewer throughout the process so that you do not miss important cues.



The Tag-Team Interview



Expecting to meet with Ms. Glenn, you might find yourself in a room with four other people: Ms. Glenn, two of her staff, and the Sales Director. Companies often want to gain the insights of various people when interviewing candidates. This method of interviewing is often attractive for companies that rely heavily on team cooperation. Not only does the company want to know whether your skills balance that of the company, but also whether you can get along with the other workers. In some companies, multiple people will interview you simultaneously. In other companies, you will proceed through a series of one-on-one interviews.



Some helpful tips for maximizing on this interview format:



* Treat each person as an important individual. Gain each person's business card at the beginning of the meeting, if possible, and refer to each person by name. If there are several people in the room at once, you might wish to scribble down their names on a sheet of paper according to where each is sitting. Make eye contact with each person and speak directly to the person asking each question.

* Use the opportunity to gain as much information about the company as you can. Just as each interviewer has a different function in the company, they each have a unique perspective. When asking questions, be sensitive not to place anyone in a position that invites him to compromise confidentiality or loyalty.

* Bring at least double the anecdotes and sound-bites to the interview as you would for a traditional one-on-one interview. Be ready to illustrate your main message in a variety of ways to a variety of people.

* Prepare psychologically to expend more energy and be more alert than you would in a one-on-one interview. Stay focused and adjustable.



The Mealtime Interview



For many, interviewing over a meal sounds like a professional and digestive catastrophe in the making. If you have difficulty chewing gum while walking, this could be a challenge. With some preparation and psychological readjustment, you can enjoy the process. Meals often have a cementing social effect-breaking bread together tends to facilitate deals, marriages, friendships, and religious communion. Mealtime interviews rely on this logic, and expand it.



Particularly when your job requires interpersonal acuity, companies want to know what you are like in a social setting. Are you relaxed and charming or awkward and evasive? Companies want to observe not only how you handle a fork, but also how you treat your host, any other guests, and the serving staff.



Some basic social tips help ease the complexity of mixing food with business:



* Take cues from your interviewer, remembering that you are the guest. Do not sit down until your host does. Order something slightly less extravagant than your interviewer. If he badly wants you to try a particular dish, oblige him. If he recommends an appetizer to you, he likely intends to order one himself. Do not begin eating until he does. If he orders coffee and dessert, do not leave him eating alone.

* If your interviewer wants to talk business, do so. If she and the other guests discuss their upcoming travel plans or their families, do not launch into business.

* Try to set aside dietary restrictions and preferences. Remember, the interviewer is your host. It is rude to be finicky unless you absolutely must. If you must, be as tactful as you can. Avoid phrases like: "I do not eat mammals," or "Shrimp makes my eyes swell and water."

* Choose manageable food items, if possible. Avoid barbeque ribs and spaghetti.

* Find a discrete way to check your teeth after eating. Excuse yourself from the table for a moment.

* Practice eating and discussing something important simultaneously.

* Thank your interviewer for the meal.



The Follow-up Interview



Companies bring candidates back for second and sometimes third or fourth interviews for a number of reasons. Sometimes they just want to confirm that you are the amazing worker they first thought you to be. Sometimes they are having difficulty deciding between a short-list of candidates. Other times, the interviewer's supervisor or other decision makers in the company want to gain a sense of you before signing a hiring decision.



The second interview could go in a variety of directions, and you must prepare for each of them. When meeting with the same person again, you do not need to be as assertive in your communication of your skills. You can focus on cementing rapport, understanding where the company is going and how your skills mesh with the company vision and culture. Still, the interviewer should view you as the answer to their needs. You might find yourself negotiating a compensation package. Alternatively, you might find that you are starting from the beginning with a new person.



Some tips for managing second interviews:



* Be confident. Accentuate what you have to offer and your interest in the position.

* Probe tactfully to discover more information about the internal company dynamics and culture.

* Walk through the front door with a plan for negotiating a salary.

* Be prepared for anything: to relax with an employer or to address the company's qualms about you.

What kind of Interview Questions does a Fresher HR candidate has?

Some HR interview questions are written below it will help you .

Tell me about yourself?
What are your greatest strengths?
What is your greatest weakness?
Tell me about something you did – or failed to do – that you now feel a little ashamed of ?
Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position ?

Why should I hire you?
Aren’t you overqualified for this position?
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Describe your ideal company, location and job.
Why do you want to work at our company?
What are your career options right now?
Why have you been out of work so long ?
Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss (company, management team, etc.)
What good books have you read lately?
Tell me about a situation when your work was criticized ?
What are your outside interests ?
How do you feel about reporting to a younger person (minority, woman, etc)?
How do you feel about working nights and weekends ?
Are you willing to relocate or travel ?
Do you have the stomach to fire people? Have you had experience firing many people ?
Why have you had so many jobs ?
Would you lie for the company ?
Could you have done better in your last job ?
Describer a situation that didn’t suffer because of you but from external conditions beyond your control ?
Can you work under pressure ?
What makes you angry ?
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
What was the toughest decision you ever had to make?
Have you been absent from work more than a few days in any previous position?
How many hours a week do you normally work?
What was the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced?

Why the HR person takes first round of interview???

The main reason why HR takes the first round is because:



HR can analyse where the candidates matches the expected job profile.



Have set marks defined for all questions asked and based on the percentage which he/she gets in the HR round he/she should be forwarded for Technical Round



Should have some verifications with respect to the organizations that he/she has worked.



Analyse if the candidate can be an asset or a liability to the organization.



Whether he/she matches the monetary budget.



Perform a Single or Double Background verification to check if the candidate has Geniune or Fake Experience



In the very first round there are many aspects that an HR judges a candidate on the following aspects:



Communication skills,

Eye contact,

Body language,

Thought flow,

Expressions,

Attitude

Be Careful While You Answer....Get Prepared!!!

Question 1: You are driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night, it's raining heavily, when suddenly you pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for a bus:

An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.

An old friend who once saved your life.

The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.

Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing very well that there could only be one passenger in your car?

This is a moral/ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application.

You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you should save her first;

or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to ! pay him back.

However, you may never be able to find your perfect mate again.

The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer. Guess what was his answer?

He simply answered:

"I would give the car keys to my Old friend and let him take the lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the partner of my dreams."

Sometimes, we gain more if we are able to give up our stubborn thought limitations. Never forget to "Think Outside of the Box."

Question 2: What will you do if I run away with your sister?"

The candidate who was selected answered " I will not get a better match for my sister than you sir"

Question 3: Interviewer (to a student girl candidate) - What is one morning you woke up found that you were pregnant.

Girl - I will be very excited and take an off, to celebrate with my husband.

Normally an unmarried girl will be shocked to hear this, but she managed it well. Why I should think it in the wrong way, she said later when asked

Question 4: Interviewer: He ordered a cup of coffee for the candidate. Coffee arrived kept before the candidate, then he asked what is before you?

Candidate: Instantly replied "Tea"

He got selected.

You know how and why did he say "TEA" when he knows very well that coffee was kept before.

(Answer: The question was "What is before you (UA - alphabet)

Reply was "TEA" ( TA - alphabet)

Alphabet "TA" was before Alphabet "UA"

Question 5: Where Lord Ram would have celebrated his "First Diwali"? People will start thinking of Ayodya, Motile [Janaki's place], Lanka etc...

But the logic is, Diwali was a celebrated as a mark of Lord Krishna Killing Narakasura. In Dusavataar, Krishnavathaar comes after Raamavathaar.

So, Lord Rama would not have celebrated the Diwali At all!

Question 6: The interviewer asked to the candidate "This is your last question of the interview. Please tell me the exact position of the center of this table where you have kept your files."

Candidate confidently put one of his finger at some point at the table and told that this was the central point at the table. Interviewer asked how did you get to know that this being the central point of this table, then he answers quickly that sir you're not likely to ask any more questions, as it was the last question that you've promised to ask.....

And hence, he was selected as because of his quick-wittedness. ........

This is What Interviewer expects from the Interviewee. ....

Body Language During Job Interviews

Friends!

Here are some important tips "Body Language During Interviews" including the right posture, gestures and everything.This should be useful for aspiring candidates while attending interviews.

Body Language During Job Interviews

Postures and body movements are unconscious forms of expressions and therefore they have a language of their own. We are un ware of our gestures and body movements most of the time, but other people can notice our gestures and movements if they pay attention to and know what they mean.

An important thing to be noted here is that body language applies not only to the interviewer but also to the interviewee. Also, note that these gestures may happen throughout the conversation or a discussion and they change as the conversation progresses.

The objective of paying attention to nonverbal communication is to help you change the direction of the conversation. If the person is showing negative gestures, then you need to change the topic by asking a new question or talking about something else. In this issue of the Career Headlines, we provide you a comprehensive list of probable body gestures, which you can watch out for during a course of a job interview.

1.Crossed arms - means that the person is in a defensive and reserved mood.

2 .Crossed arms and legs - means that the person feels very reserved and suspicious.

3 .Open arms and hands - means that the person is open and receptive.

4 .Standing before you with hands inside the pockets - means he is not sure or feels suspicious.

5 .Standing before you with hands on hips - means he is receptive and ready to help you out.

6 .Sitting in a chair shaking one of the legs - means he feels nervous and uncomfortable.

7 .If the eyes are downcast and face turned away - means he is not interested in what you are saying.

8 .With the palm of the hand holding or supporting chin - means he is in an evaluating position and being critical.

9 .Leaning back in chair with both hands clasped behind head - means he is in an analytical mood, but it is also a gesture of superiority.

10 .Rubbing or touching nose when asking a question - means he is not telling the complete truth.

11 .Rubbing or touching nose when answering a question - means he is not telling the complete truth.

12 .Rubbing the back of head or rubbing or touching the back of neck - means the conversation is not really interesting.

13 .If he moves his body and sits with his feet and body pointing towards a door - means he wants to end the conservation and leave the room.

Last but not the least do not underestimate the importance of your posture and subtle movements. Even if you are nervous try not to show it. Don't play with your jewellery, watch, clothes, bag, twirl your hair or cross your arms, and try to maintain an eye contact with the interviewer. If staring straight into recruiter's eye makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, try to look at the portion between the eyes instead- it looks like you're still making an eye contact, but might be less distracting. All the Best!

How To Concentrate

Concentration means directing one's attention on whatever one intends. We all have a natural ability to concentrate. Have you noticed how difficult it is to get young children's attention when they are playing? Do you remember the time when you were completely engrossed in an interesting novel, a super film, an exciting match or an exhilarating piece of music? You were concentrating then. At this very moment you are reading these words, you are concentrating.



It helps to know what it is like to concentrate, so that you can get back to that state of being.



What is poor concentration?



When people say that they can't concentrate, it usually means that they cannot stay focused on one thing for as long as they would like. Most of us experience lapses in concentration every day. We are not usually concerned about it; we may not even notice these lapses in concentration. They only become a problem when we find that we cannot get things done as quickly as we would like, or when they cause us to make mistakes.



You do not concentrate when you allow your environment to distract you, and/or your thoughts and feelings to interrupt you. Your thoughts are scattered; your mind jumps from one thing to another like a monkey. It helps to learn and to practice concentration strategies, to harness your monkey mind, so that it works at your will. If you know the causes of your poor concentration, you can learn to control these factors.



Factors that may cause poor concentration



Lack of concentration is one of the frequent complaints among students mainly due to distraction. There are two types of distractions: external and internal.



External Distractions



External distractions are related to the physical environment of your study area. Once you have identified these distractions, it is often easy to deal with them. Some of the common external distractions are:



a. Noise; conversations

b. Inappropriate furniture; inadequate lighting

c. Interruption from other people; telephone

d. Television

e. Work: paid or unpaid; housework

f. The Internet; email



Internal Distractions



Internal distractions are related to you: your body, your thoughts and your emotions. Some of them can be easily dealt with once they are identified. Others can be managed with practice and/or with a little help. Some of the common internal distractions are:



a. Hunger; tiredness; illness

b. Lack of motivation; boredom; lack of interest

c. Personal worries; stress; anxiety

d. Negative thinking

e. Daydreaming

f. Lack of organization; dyslexia

Tips to improve concentration and attention:
1. Never tell yourself you cannot concentrate. Telling yourself that you cannot concentrate only makes it more difficult. By doing so, you program your mind to lack concentration and attention.

2. Whenever you need to focus your mind, tell yourself over and over again that you can concentrate. Tell yourself that you can develop this ability.

3. Remember that in order to improve your concentration you need to train it, like any other skill. If now you cannot fix your mind on one subject for more than a few seconds, in time, if you persevere, you will be able to fix the mind on anything for a longer time.

4. Make deals with your mind. If there is something that is distracting your attention, such as emotional problems or unresolved business problems, tell your mind that all these problems can wait for a little while, and that you will attend to them after you finish what you are doing. If this does not help you, then write down on a piece of paper what problems you have to think about or solve. This will, to some extent, temporarily remove the problems from your mind.

5. Do one thing at a time. Jumping from one thing to another will only teach your mind to be inattentive and lose attention quickly, besides that this kind of mental restlessness can be tiring in the long run.

6. When you focus your attention on anything, be alert, and when you find yourself thinking on something else, try to stay patient, and bring your mind to the subject again and again.

7. Often, when you remember, try to fix your attention on whatever you happen to be doing at the moment.


“I think the one lesson I have learned is that there is no substitute for paying attention.”
Diane Sawyer

“Where attention goes, energy flows and results show.”
T. Harv Eker

“Excellence is in the details. Give attention to the details and excellence will come.”
Perry Paxton

Interview - How to Speak

It seems so simple, but even the most educated among us have trouble communicating. Being able to express yourself in a coherent and confident manner can make all the difference when it comes to that crucial job interview.

Ashley Primis of phillymag.com offers these pointers from former opera singer and voice specialist, Rosemary Ostrowski.

•Slow down.
People tend to speak too quickly so they don't give themselves room to breathe or pause. That’s why people use filler words such as “um” or “you know.” You almost have to consciously slow your brain down and relax.


•Scrap the fillers.
It’s mostly about awareness. Try recording yourself – you will be surprised by what you hear.


•Complete the thought.
Finish sentences and move to the next one. Give yourself time to think of an answer. Try not to use fillers, because they are signs of nervousness. Silence is a powerful thing as it lends an air of confidence.


•Stop being monotone.
Focus on changing your volume and rate to keep things interesting. Slow down and enunciate. A strong voice can be a powerful, signature quality.


•Calm your nerves.
Drink water. Keep your shoulders and arms relaxed. If standing, don’t lock your knees. Concentrate on breathing from your lower rib cage and stomach. When we are nervous, our breath tends to be shallow, which makes voices high-pitched.