FacingInterviews

Babu Appat

Interview-What is it?

- Before explaining What is Interviewing

- Let me start the session with a

story?

- Joby B Pharm 68%- John B Pharm 86%

Interview-What is it?

- A pre-planned structured meeting between

prospective employee and an employer

- Interviewing is a skill- like riding your bike

- PRACTICE makes you PERFECT

Interviewing is a two-way street

- Interviewer explore and find out whether you are fit for the job

and their culture

- Interviewee ascertain

the employer, the job, compensation offered

and prospects for career growth

Types of Interviews 1

Telephonic: Occasionally used as initial information seeking or screening tool

Teita-Teita: most common interview style where you meet and talk with the potential employer, face to face

Panel or Group: allows many individuals to interview you at once, a filtering technique when there are more number of applicants.

Types of Interviews 2

Over a Cup o’ Coffee: used to see how you interact or function in a social setting

Spot Interaction: this allows one to get a tour of the facility, meet the staff, and additional questioning from different employees and/or administration

The Preparation involves: 1

Explore and learn - position, company, and the industry

Examine your potentials, Analyse your strengths and weaknesses

Prepare everything and keep everything ready

The Preparation involves: 2

Material Preparation: Arrange the required materials (Copies of resume, references, portfolio/pen, HHD or personal organizer, breath mints)

Internet based storage of required data

At the Spot

Arrive at the destination in time (Never let your throat go dry for the want of dry run)

Try to arrive 10-15 minutes early at the site to allow you to park and settle.

Ask for directions and where to park

Walk to the interview, use the restroom, or just gather yourself

Greet Warmly, Introduce boldly

Open perfectly, make a good impression in the

beginning itself…... Dress appropriately

Smile Pleasingly Maintain proper eye

contact Firm handshake Remain poised and

confident

Body Language: The signals you SEND

Positive Signals

Leaning forward = interest

Smiling = friendly

Nodding = attentive and alert

Eye contact = curious and focused

Negative Signals

Crossed arms = defensive

Fidgeting hands or tapping feet = nervous or bored

Lack of eye contact = untrustworthy

Leaning back= discomfort

Types of Interview Questions

Standard or traditional-

Targeting your education, work experiences, and

career goals

Sample Questions

Tell me about yourself?

What is your greatest strength? Weakness?

Why did you choose to interview with us?

What did you like most about your last job? Least?

What are your short and long term career goals?

Types of Interview Questions

Behavioral Questions

These focus on your actions and/or behaviors in a previous setting.

- Past behavior provides clues to future behavior

Sample Questions

Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision?

Tell me about a time you worked under a deadline?

What do you do when a team member is not pulling his/her weight?

Think about a time you made a mistake. What did you learn from it?

Types of Interview Questions

Inappropriate or unethical questions

-

Questions which probe into your private life or personal background

-

Questions about your ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, marital status

Sample Questions

How old are you?

Do you have children?

Do you have a disability?

What religion do you practice?

I’ll Give you 3 Minutes

You can ask me 3 Questions

What will you ask?

1?

2?

3?

Types of Interview Questions

Questions asked by the interviewee

To enable the employer determine, you are an appropriate fit for the company and position, prepare a list of questions for the interviewer

Sample Questions

What type of assignments can I expect within the first year?

What do you like most about this company?

What is the biggest challenge facing this department right now?

What skills are you looking for in this position?

What is the next course of action?

General Interview Strategies

-Be prepared to talk about yourself and your experiences

-Master the art of storytelling

-Provide specific and concrete examples of your results/accomplishments

-Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident throughout the interview process

A Story on Positive Thinking

The Story of the Old Women with

3 hairs on her head

General Interview Strategies

Remember an interview is a formal conversation--avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, “You know” etc.

Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,” “probably,” or “pretty good”

Think before speaking, deliver in its proper speed

Avoid long verbose answers--limit your response to 1-2 minutes

If you do not hear or understand a question, ask them to repeat or clarify it for you

General Interview Strategies

Remain calm, relaxed, and be

yourself

Try to focus on the message you are trying to convey--NOT how well you

are doing!

Dressing for Success-Men

Suit-Single or double breasted

Polished shoes

Solid white shirt

Conservative tie

Neatly groomed hair, beard, and mustache

Avoid strong colognes, earrings, and body piercing

Dressing for Success-Women

Sari or Salwar Kamiz

Pant or skirt suit

Pumps with small to medium heels

Light makeup, perfume, and jewelry

Wear neutral color hosiery

FOLLOW-UP

Ask questions which invite a positive response

Request a business card contact details

Inquire about next steps in the process

Thank the interviewer

Never slam the door while coming out.

FOLLOW-UP CONT

Send a thank you note within 24 hours

Letter may be handwritten or typed; e-mail is also acceptable

Tailor each one to the individual.

Final Thoughts

Remember that only 15% of the success of an interview is out of your control

Take some time to reflect

Overall, how well did I do?

What went well? What steps can I take next time to improve?

Suggestions

Conduct a test run the day before the interview

Practice! Practice! Practice!

•Obtain a list of practice interview questions and jot down short answers

• Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers

•Schedule an appointment for a mock interview with Career Services

Get a good night’s sleep-Take rest and be alert for the interview

Be relaxed and be yourself!

After the Interview

YOU WILL GET THE OFFER LETTER IMMEDIATELY

You will get it if you ought to

You may not if you ought not

One thing is sure

You’ll get THE most suitable one alwaysIF NOT THIS TIME

Continuing Education…

Please Visit:

http://interviewskills.webs.com/