Interview An interview is process it just not only a conversation between two or more people where questions are asked by the interviewer to elicit facts or statements from the interviewee but it include many steps; to get selected in an interview one have to be prepare for each and every steps of the interview ; First we have to know what are the steps in this process -
Steps of Interview process Grooming. Body language and gesture. Techniques of building rapport and trust. Techniques of answering questions. Most likely questions during the interview. What to say instead of I don’t know. Different stages of Interview.
Grooming Write down a Job application
Interviewer first buys YOU Perceptions about you are influenced by : How & what you say How you look Grooming
Keep your hands and feet neat Wear clean Socks Be dressed in the formal clothes
Wear clean shoes Comb your Hair neatly Shave properly
Remember first impression is a long last impression
Body Language. Body language is nonverbal communication that involves body movement. Gesturing" can also be termed as body language which is absolutely non-verbal means of communication. People during the conversation can convey a great deal of information without even speaking; through nonverbal communication
Notice how you sit, how you stand, how you use you hands and legs, what you do while talking to someone . ALL THIS IS AN INDICATION TO YOUR PERSONALITY.
Body Language NONVERBAL BEHAVIOR INTERPRETATION Brisk, erect walk Confidence Standing with hands on hips Readiness, aggression Sitting with legs crossed, foot kicking slightly Boredom Sitting, legs apart Open, relaxed Arms crossed on chest Defensiveness Walking with hands in pockets, shoulders hunched Dejection Hand to cheek Evaluation, thinking Touching, slightly rubbing nose Rejection, doubt, lying Rubbing the eye Doubt, disbelief Hands clasped behind back Anger, frustration, apprehension Locked ankles Apprehension
Head resting in hand, eyes downcast Boredom Rubbing hands Anticipation Sitting with hands clasped behind head, legs crossed Confidence, superiority Open palm Sincerity, openness, innocence Pinching bridge of nose, eyes closed Negative evaluation Tapping or drumming fingers Impatience Steepling fingers Authoritative Patting/fondling hair Lack of self-confidence; insecurity Tilted head Interest Stroking chin Trying to make a decision Looking down, face turned away Disbelief Biting nails Insecurity, nervousness Pulling or tugging at ear Indecision
THE CONFIDENT LOOK
STRESSED AND TENSED
BE AWARE OF YOURSELF !!! What you do might be interpreted in several ways, depending on the setting and who you are talking to. You’ll probably want to use your body language differently while talking . These are some common interpretations of body language and often more effective ways to communicate with your body.
Most of us go about our day-to-day lives having conversations with people without giving much thought to the ‘way’ we communicate. In fact, research studies have estimated that perhaps as much as 55% of all communication is based upon what people see and not what they hear . So, let’s take a look at some of the most common aspects of body language and what it conveys about us.
SMILE Mahatma Gandhi has also mentioned that, “You are not completely dressed until your face wears a SMILE ".
KEEP SMILING, EVEN IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS.IT COSTS NO MONEY, JUST STRETCHING YOUR FACIAL MUSCLE! !REMEMBER THE SMILE OF A SMALL BABY, IT TAKES YOU TO THE SEVENTH HEAVEN.JUST GIVE AN INNOCENT GENUINE SMILE A smile is the best in ‘BODY LANGUAGE’ that any person can project, beware of the fake smile it is very easy to recognise one.
Do’s and the Don'ts How do I know as to what I am doing is right or not ……..???? OR What is My Body Language like !!!!! Let us find out .
Don’t cross your arms or legs You have probably already heard you shouldn’t cross your arms as it might make you seem defensive or guarded. This goes for your legs too. Keep your arms and legs open.
Have eye contact, but don’t stare If there are several people you are talking to, give them all some eye contact to create a better connection and see if they are listening. Keeping too much eye-contact might creep people out. Giving no eye-contact might make you seem insecure. If you are not used to keeping eye-contact it might feel a little hard or scary in the beginning but keep working on it and you’ll get used to it
Don’t be afraid to take up some space Taking up space by for example sitting or standing with your legs apart a bit signals self-confidence and that you are comfortable in your own skin.
Relax your shoulders When you feel tense it’s easily winds up as tension in your shoulders. They might move up and forward a bit. Try to relax. Try to loosen up by shaking the shoulders a bit and move them back slightly.
Nod when they are talking Nod once in a while to signal that you are listening. But don’t over do it
Don’t slouch, sit up straight But in a relaxed way, not in a too tense manner
Lean, but not too much If you want to show that you are interested in what someone is saying, lean toward the person talking. If you want to show that you’re confident in yourself and relaxed lean back a bit. But don’t lean in too much or you might seem needy and desperate for some approval. Or lean back too much or you might seem arrogant and distant.
Smile and laugh lighten up, don’t take yourself too seriously. Relax a bit, smile and laugh when someone says something funny. People will be a lot more inclined to listen to you if you seem to be a positive person. But don’t be the first to laugh at your own jokes, it makes you seem nervous and needy. Smile when you are introduced to someone but don’t keep a smile plastered on your face, you’ll seem insincere.
Don’t touch your face It might make you seem nervous and can be distracting for the listeners or the people in the conversation
Keep your head up Don’t keep your eyes on the ground, it might make you seem insecure and a bit lost. Keep your head up straight and your eyes towards the horizon
Use your hands more confidently Instead of fidgeting with your hands and scratching your face use them to communicate what you are trying to say. Use your hands to describe something or to add weight to a point you are trying to make. But don’t use them to much or it might become distracting. And don’t let your hands flail around, use them with some control.
Keep a good attitude Last but not least, keep a positive, open and relaxed attitude. How you feel will come through in your body language and can make a major difference.
Techniques of building rapport and trust. Rapport is a state of harmonious understanding with another individual or group that enables greater and easier communication. In other words rapport is getting on well with another person, or group of people, by having things in common, this makes the communication process easier and usually more effective. This page examines rapport and how it can be built, especially when meeting new people. Rapport is important in both our professional and personal lives;
Interviewer are more likely to select somebody who they believe will get on well with their current situation. Personal relationships are easier to make and develop when there is a closer connection and understanding between the parties involved – i.e. there is greater rapport.
Techniques :- Break the Ice – As you get your self in to the interview room, Ask permission to get in, wait for their response, and then start with greetings. Remember don’t sit untill and unless they don’t tell you to sit, Find Something in Common. Birds of the same feather can fly together. People who like the same kind of music tend to feel more at ease with each other than with those who prefer differently. Humor - Try to inject an element of humor. Laughing together creates harmony.
Be conscious of your body language and other non-verbal signals you are sending. Try to maintain eye contact for approximately 60% of the time . Relax and lean slightly towards them to indicate listening, mirror their body-language if appropriate. Show some empathy. Demonstrate that you can see the other person’s point of view. Remember rapport is all about finding similarities and ‘ being on the same wavelength ’ as somebody else - so being empathic will help to achieve this. Keep in mind, however, that lies are not tolerated. Once you get caught in your own web, don't expect the person to place their trust in you again.
Techniques of answering questions. A question is a statement that solicits for a response. Some questions a open ended requiring explanation, elaboration and so on while other questions are close ended requiring just a Yes or a No. As a expert you will have to master the art of how to answer questions effectively.
1. Understand the question – Before you plunge into answering a question, make sure you are clear in your mind what the question is about. There is no harm in seeking clarity over what is being asked. Ask politely "I am sorry, I do not seem to understand what you are asking, would you mind rephrasing?" Remember that the essence of answering questions is for you to make a positive contribution to the one who is seeking an answer. Do not waste time. Seek understanding first.
Getting into Details - Activity
What you perceive.. …may not be always true! Always… ..get into DETAILS
2. Listen carefully to the entire question – One way that can enhance your effectiveness in answering a question in a relevant and objective manner is when you allow the person asking the question, give him time to finish. Some people take time to specify exactly what they are looking for. Answering a question before it is fully asked may seem disrespectful. Do not assume that you know the direction the question is going hence you want to help the person to get to the point.
3. Pause and think carefully - You have to determine if you are qualified to answer the question or someone else is. Are you authorized to speak on that subject. How deep should the answer be? Pauses and moments of silence show that you are not simply churning out whatever raw material you have in your mind but a clearly thought through answer is coming. You can actually prepare the person expecting an answer by saying "Let me think..., Let me see..". That way the person does not sit and wait thinking you have not heard, you are simply ignoring etc.
4. Answer the question and stop – Having understood what the question means, your role is to answer to the best of your knowledge and stop. The tendency to volunteer information that has not been asked for does not add value to you. I have come across people who after being asked a simple question like "Where are you going?" they will stop and think. When you always say mouthfuls of information, lies are inevitable. You can easily begin to confuse yourself or say conflicting statements without noticing it. I have seen people who lose cases in court because they keep saying statements which are then used against them at a later stage of the proceedings.
5. Relax and be confident – It is interesting to note that sometimes the same question can be hard to answer depending on who and what setting the question is being asked. If you are asked on a bus by the person sitting next to you; "Would you mind telling me about yourself", it may be a lot easier to articulate the question than when you have a panel of four or five people in an interview room where you are looking for a job.
6. Master the general nature of questions – The most common questions are centered around What? Where? Why? Who? When? How? Whose? Other questions are like statements that solicit for detail. They give you the indication in such statements as Illustrate, explain, clarify, state, describe, investigate, list and so on. Watch out for such words in order to deliver an answer that is relevant to what is being sought.
7. You may not know answers to every question – It is a noble thing to let some questions pass. You are not the encyclopedia of every question that you come across. Admitting that you do not know the answer is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that you know yourself and would not want to participate in a guessing game. I have great respect for people who even in interviews will tell you "I am yet to come across that concept but it sounds really exciting" than one who agonizes over the fact that every question has to be answered and still wastes the next five minutes giving a lecture which is innocent of the truth
8. Avoid always answering a question with a question There are people who will never attempt to respond any other way other than asking a question back. My wife asked me which was simply and to the point "Are you going to the college today". My immediate response was not about answering but "Why?". My answer would have been either a "Yes, I am going, is there anything you need, do you want to come along?" instead of an outright "Why“
9. If you are the expert, then show it – Sometimes people ask questions as they know you are the one who know the best solution out. In instances where you know your stuff then provide the rich answer required. Backup your answer with relevant examples, where necessary. Just avoid giving lengthy explanations where a simple answer would have worked.
10. Avoid judging the person asking – It is easy to think that the person who asked a question has no knowledge in a specific area. Some people ask questions about areas they have PhDs in. They steer discussions in the direction of their areas of specialization. When a question is asked, avoid attacking the person for asking but stick to the point and answer what is asked.
What to say instead of I don’t know. When you have no clue about the question, how do you answer/act when you do not know the answer at all? Telling the truth is pretty obvious. But how could you try to transform this weakness into a strength? The best course of action is to employ a phrase that avoids misleading the other person, but still makes him or her feel like you answered the question. Read on for three phrases you can use in place of “I don’t know” and the best times to use each one.
Question - If a person is suffering from Candidacies What medicine would you suggest for him for fast recovery. What happen if we would have two moon… What is the currency of Algeria….
1. When it’s Not Your Area of Expertise: “I’m Not Sure I’m the Best Person to Answer That” 2. When Someone Asks an Unrelated Question: “Here’s What Can I Tell You” 3. When You Should Know (But Don’t): “That’s Exactly What I'm Seeking to Answer”
Role plays – Mock Interview
Difference between Biodata, resume and C.V. Bio Data Resume C.V. One Page consisting of attributes, hobbies, interests, educational qualification of a person. One to two pages "Summary of educational qualification, experience of a person. A longer, more detailed synopsis, indicating professional experience of a person.
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Most likely questions during the interview. There are questions that Interviewer commonly ask at interviews and it's important to be prepared to respond to those interview questions. You don't need to memorize an answer, but do think about what you're going to say, so you're not put on the spot during the job interview. Review the top 10 interview questions you'll most likely be asked at an interview, plus the best answers. Also, review the other questions you may be asked, so you're prepared to ace the interview-
Top 11 Interview Questions Tell me about your self. Just take me through your resume. What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness? – How do you handle stress and pressure? – Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it. – How do you evaluate success?
Why do you want to become HR manager? – Why should we select you? – What are your goals for the future? – Why are you leaving or have left your job? –
Tell me about yourself. This is really more of a request than a question. Your response should be focused and purposeful Communicate a pattern of interests and skills that relate to the position in question Consider your response to this question as a commercial that sells your autobiography. Provide an answer that includes information about where you grew up, where you went to school, your initial work experience, additional education and special training, where you are now, and what you intend to do next.
Tell me about yourself (Cont..) Start with your Name Give your place information Educational details Job experience if any Family details in short Example – My name is Anand Singh, I live in Kolkata, I have done M.B.A. in H.R, I have 10 years of experience in training and development, I have my parents, wife and kids in my family…
My name is Ajeet singh , I did my primary education from ABC inter college Agra and my graduation from Agra University and I am perusing Diploma in DCA from Appliq airways academy, I am honest, self motivated individual with positive attitude towards my life and work, I am born and brought up in Agra, there are five members in my family, My father is a farmer and my mother is a house wife, my hobbies are travelling and interactive with new people…
Why do you want to join our organization Tell them what you like about the organization. Relate it to your long term career goal. For Example – Sir it is a great privilege for anyone to work in a reputed organization like yours, when I read about this organization I found that my skills are matching your requirements. Where I can showcase my skills to contribute to the organization growth.
What is Your Greatest Strength? The best way to respond is to describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with the job you are applying for. When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule. My time management skills are excellent and I'm organized, efficient, and take pride in excelling at my work. I pride myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve what could be difficult situations.
Adoptability Hardworking Honest Flexibility Optimist Fast decision making Persistence Self motivated For Example – I am honest, self motivated and hard working girl with positive attitude towards my career and my life.
What is Your Greatest Weakness? When you're asked what your greatest weakness is there are several different ways you can answer, Never tell your actual weaknesses. Include positive point in your weakness. Straight forward Impatient Sensitive More talkative Trust people very quickly I cant say no if someone ask for help
Take quick decision Get nervous when talking to stranger To speak lie is difficult for me I am bit lazy which I am not interested in. For Example :- I cant say no when someone ask for help and I am a bit lazy about which I am not interested. ( Never speak more then two /three weakness )
Another option is try to turn a negative into a positive. For example, a sense of urgency to get projects completed or wanting to triple-check every item in a spreadsheet can be turned into a strength i.e. you are a candidate who will make sure that the project is done on time and your work will be close to perfect. When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule.
How Do You Handle Stress / Pressure? Stress is very important to me. With stress, I do the best possible job. The appropriate way to deal with stress is to make sure I have the correct balance between good stress and bad stress. I need good stress to stay motivated and productive. I actually work better under pressure and I've found that I enjoy working in a challenging environment. I've done some of my best work under tight deadlines, where the atmosphere was very stressful.
How Do You Evaluate Success? "For me, success is about doing my job well. I want to be recognized as someone who always does their best and tries their hardest to make my goals. " "I evaluate success based on not only my work, but the work of my team. In order for me to be considered successful, the team needs to achieve both our individual and our team goals.“ "I evaluate success based on outcomes. It's not always the path you take to achieve success that matters. Rather, it's quantifiable results."
Why Should We Hire You? At this point you have to market your self. Interviewer is really asking, “What makes you the best fit for this position?” Make a list of the requirements for the position, including personality traits, skills, and qualifications. Then, make a list of the qualities you have that fit these requirements For Example - If hired, I will bring my leadership abilities and strategies for achieving profit gains to this position.
Share your knowledge/talent Work experience Share skills relate it to the job Career goal and related to the job For example – (for fresher) Sir as I am a fresher I have theoretical knowledge but I can do hard work for my origination and I will put my all efforts for the good progress of the organization. Being punctual and sincere, I can finish the work given to me on time and try my best to fulfill all the requirement of organization from me.
For example – ( Experienced ) With reference to my work experience, I will satisfy all the requirement for this job. I am sincere with my work & would never let you down in anyway. I promise you will never regret for the decision to appoint me in the organization.
What is your expected salary Sir being a fresher salary is not at top of my priority list it should be par with the industry standard..
Different stages of Interview. There is, in fact, a logical process to the interview. By knowing the particular the sequence of the interview, you will perform with greater confidence. Every interview is going to have its own flow, but the following is a sample format for most one hour interviews.
1. Walking in the Door – Arrive no more than 10 minutes early. Go to the washroom and check your professional appearance. Believe it or not when you walk in the office door, the interview has started. It’s like being on stage, your words and actions will be evaluated. Your image begins well before the actual interview. The secretary or receptionist is often the gatekeeper and may give feedback to the hiring manager about the first impressions.
Be sure you treat them with respect and enthusiasm. You may be asked then to have a seat and wait. Observe the surroundings and get a feel for the work environment. Collect your thoughts and think about how you want to prepare for the Greeting stage by being yourself at your best. Be sure you stay relaxed and control any nervous habits.
2. Greeting (1 Minute) – Next, your interviewer comes out of their office and meets you for the very first time. Stand up straight, smile proudly, look them in the eyes, shake their hand firmly and introduce yourself with a positive tone. Say, “It’s very nice to meet you, (and restate their name)?” This increases your chances of remembering it. First impressions and body language are critical. The interview is won or lost at this stage. By pretend this is your very first day on the job, you will reduce your anxiety.
3. Breaking the Ice (2 to 3 Minutes) – A good interviewer may assume you are a bit nervous. They may open by engaging you in some small talk to put you at ease. This may include such topics as traffic, parking, the weather, etc. Avoid politics, religion or any controversial topics. Notice the surroundings very carefully especially for the types of picture or items that decorate the office. Make a positive comment and connection to them to help you break the ice. By getting the interviewer to like you, this demonstrates your interpersonal skills and ability to get along with others on the team
4. Interview Expectations (1 Minute) – The interviewer may begin by outlining the agenda and scanning your resume. Be sure you get a sense of how long the interview is so you can tailor your answers to the time you have. If you have any urgent questions or need clarification, then ask. Otherwise wait to ask later. Get settled in and be prepared to respond sincerely in the upcoming stage.
5. General Interview Conversation (15 to 20 Minutes) – Most interviewers like to start with “broad-brush” questions then move into a series of questions about your education, experience, credentials, skills and interest. Give a flawless performance of your key achievements and prove your knowledge of the company. Be clear about the top 3 to 5 things that you want to emphasize in order to convince them to give you an offer. Be sure to listen intently, reflect momentarily and then answer optimistically
6. Further Probing (15 to 20 Minutes) - The interviewer will now probe further to see if you possess the required qualifications to be successful in the job. You will need to relate specific strengths-based examples from your background that match what they seek, but don’t ramble. The interviewer will be attempting to get a better understanding of your style, behavior patterns and potential for a blending with the organization’s culture. Expect questions that ask: How?, Why? and What did you do?
7. Asking Questions (10 to 15 Minutes) - The interview is a two-way conversation in which both parties form an impression. Ask intelligent questions that will help clarify your understanding of the job and organization as well as demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. Do not ask about salary until an offer is made. The interviewer may sell the benefits of the position with their answers.
8. Closing (2 to 3 Minutes ) – At this stage, the interviewer should be providing cues that it is time to wrap-up. During the final minutes of the interview, be sure you say something convincing that leaves a positive and lasting impression. Summarize why you are interested in the position and why they should hire you – seal the deal! Lastly, kindly ask them, “What’s the next step?” Do they need any additional documents such as a list of references, transcripts, writing sample, or application form? When will you hear from them again? Be sure you thank them for taking the time for granting the interview. Request a business card. Be sure to firmly shake hands and smile while maintaining eye contact as you part ways. Give a warm goodbye anyone else you met at the office.
9. Follow-up – To stand out, be sure to follow-up with a thank you letter or note immediately, Don’t wait — do it the very next day.. If you have not heard by the time they said they would contact you, call to check on the status of your candidacy and reiterate your interest in the job.
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Mock Interview - Resume Action……
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