Making the most of the interviews

Many a times, we have seen that we get rejected just because of the fact that we were not prepared for the interview. If we look back there are certain reasons to it. Let’s discuss some of the key points that decide the entry or exit of a candidate. When the interviewee plans to take up an interview, he is well aware of the fact that its really a hard nut to crack in this competitive world still why it happens as one fetches the fruit in the basket while the other person goes empty handed. How can the interviewee convince the interviewer that he is the right candidate for the job? Despite knowing the fact that there are some better candidates waiting in the queue. Let’s discuss some points about the interview techniques

It must start with greeting; a firm handshake can be an effective tool in setting the tone for the rest of the conversation. Be comfortable, sit smart and straight. Do not lean on the desk or slouching on the chair. Always make eye contact when you speak as it reflects confidence and holds conviction but avoid staring. Check unnecessary hand movement as body language says it all. If the body language is offbeat, it will be an obstacle.

Emphasis on what you know rather than what you don’t know. It is a myth that it’s wrong to say “I don’t know”. It is absolutely right to say so however one must check the manner in which it is being conveyed as one person can’t be expected to know everything.Update your resume and get some extra copies. Let’s take an arbitrary situation where an interviewer asks two questions simultaneously, the interviewee knows the answer of only one question. The better approach would be to tell first what he knows and then to confess that he does not know the other answer. The tone must complement the words, it good to carry a cheerful and energetic tone, however ensure that one must not be very casual. Avoid an overly soft or shy voice. You do not want the interviewer straining to hear you. Let it be a natural delivery, free of any MTI (Mother Tongue Influence) with a neutral accent. Avoid usage of fillers and fog horns. Fog horns are the incomplete sentences it creates distraction.

The attire hold a great importance in an interview because it the impression created, even before you speak and we know that our dressing sense says a lot about our personality. The attire should be subtle not very gaudy and one must feel comfortable in it. Female candidate can wear decent makeup however it must not be overdone

Do not regret later if you were not prepared, take time to review you own skills, experiences and qualities. It is better to have an idea about the organization and its major clients, which can be done by a quick website review of that organization. Its good to know about the work culture of the organization If you know someone, use your contacts to know about the culture.

Quantify your strengths such as the subject knowledge, the ability to prioritize, the problem –solving skills, the ability to work under pressure and to focus on project,
Your professional expertise, the leadership skills and the most important is the positive attitude. Do not just say it all, rather materialize these strengths by relating to the real situations which one must have handled in the previous organization. A person can not be perfect and it is impossible not to count on weakness however remember to say it positively. Tell your weakness as strength.
For example – Share the level of commitment towards the assigned work, which you expect from my co-workers, this leads to affects the interpersonal relationship but the outcome of the work will be satisfied.

Typical Questions

 About you
 Tell me about yourself - Bring me up to date with your CV?
 Why did you choose that particular degree program?
 What experience have you had that is relevant to this post?
 What would you consider your major achievements to date?
 Strengths and weakness.
 About the job
 What interests you about this job?
 What do you know about this organization?
 What other options are you considering?
 How do you see your career developing – 5 years?
 If you were asked to supervise, what be would be your plan of action, what all changes would toy like to incorporate?
 How would you handle cases of behavioral issues within the team ?


Before answering the questions, first of all listen to them carefully, seek clarification if required, keep the answers short, specific and crisp as Interviews are unlike the school examination which says the more you say, the better you’ll do. Interviewers do not spend all their time looking for your flaws. They are more interested in getting an overall picture of who you are. Avoid answering questions defensively. It’s much better to see every question as an opportunity to highlight your best points. One must know Know what you want to say, and find the opportunity. Give examples of adaptability, innovation, teamwork and ability to take initiative. Talk ‘we’ not ‘I’ while answering as it gives a sense of belongingness. It is very important to listen to the unsaid, by observing the body language of the interviewer also all Try to give a STAR response to situation based questions, as this will increase the probability of cracking an interview

If you are going to be a part of that organization in future, it is imperative to ask the right questions which may include different Types of projects & responsibilities. The Training programs, the growth path, career development opportunities, reporting structure, Performance appraisal. Once the interview is over you can do assess yourself by reviewing your own performance. Ask for the feedback on mail if possible so that the opportunity areas can be taken care off. Indicate that you look forward to hear from them and lastly take time to say thanks.