Interview- Tips

My blog gives you the guidance for completing your interview successfully and get selected in your interview. All the best !!!

http://www.way2interview-tips.blogspot.in/

Interview - Introduction

 

Interview

• A job interview is a process in which a potential employee is evaluated by an employer for prospective employment in their company, organization, or firm. During this process, the employer hopes to determine whether or not the applicant is suitable for the role.
  

Resume Tips and Tricks

Most important basic Resume Tips :

Always Follow These Basic Standards....

• Don't overcrowd your resume; allow for plenty of white space.
• Keep your resume to one page whenever possible.
• Keep the number of fonts you use to a minimum -- two at the most.
• Use a font that is easy to read. Times Roman works well.
• Do not justify the lines of type on your resume. Allow the right side of the page to "rag."
• Do not overuse capitalization, italics, underlines, or other emphasizing features.
• Make sure your name, address, and a phone number appear on your resume and all correspondence, preferably at the top of the page.
• Print your resume on white or cream paper using a good-quality printer.
• Second- and third-generation photocopies must be avoided
• Print on one side of the paper only.

Avoid Mistakes :

SPELLING MISTAKES:

To avoid spelling mistakes:

• Don't use words with which you aren't familiar.
• Use a dictionary as you write.
• Perform a spell check on your finished resume.
• Carefully read every word in your resume.
• Have a friend or two proof read your resume for you.PUNCTUATION MISTAKES :
  Things to look for :
  • Periods at the end of all full sentences.
  • Be consistent in your use of punctuation.
  • Always put periods and commas within quotation marks.
  • Avoid using exclamation points.
  GRAMMATICAL MISTAKES :
  Grammar hang-ups to watch for:
  • The duties you currently perform should be in present tense (i.e., write reports)
  • Duties you may have performed at past jobs should be in past tense (i.e., wrote reports).
  • Capitalize all proper nouns.
  • When expressing numbers, write out all numbers between one and nine (i.e., one, five, seven), but
  • use numerals for all numbers 10 and above (i.e., 10, 25, 108).
  • If you begin a sentence with a numeral, spell out that numeral (e.g. Eleven service awards won while employed.).
  • Make sure your date formats are consistent (i.e.11/22/01 or Nov. 22, 2001, or 11.22.01. Choose one and stick with it.).
  Choose Your Words Carefully :
  Phrase yourself well:
  • Be on the lookout for the following easily confused words:
  • accept (to receive), except (to exclude)
  • all right (correct), alright (this is not a word)
  • affect (to bring about change), effect (result)
  • personal (private), personnel (staff members)
  • role (a character assigned or a function), roll (to revolve).
  • Use action words (i.e., wrote reports, increased revenues, directed staff).

  REFERENCES:

  In most instances it is not necessary to include names and address of references on the resume. If you include a reference, make it sure that the referenced person knows very well about you. It is also advisable to add the persons as references, whom the employer can contact easily. If possible add the phone number and e-mail ID of the reference. Never add a person as a reference, about whom you know nothing

  STICK TO THE POINT :

  Employers have a busy schedule, so don't expect them to read through a long resume. Ideally, resumes should be of one page, or of two pages only if absolutely necessary, to describe relevant work experience.

  WORDS COUNT :

  Use of language is extremely important; you need to sell yourself to an employer quickly and efficiently. Address your potential employer's needs with a clearly written, compelling resume. Avoid large paragraphs (five or six lines). If you provide small, digestible pieces of information, your resume will be read. Use action verbs. Verbs such as "developed", "managed", and "designed" emphasise your accomplishments. Don't use declarative sentences like "I developed the ..." or "I assisted in ...", leave out the "I". Avoid passive constructions, such as "was responsible for managing". Just say, "managed": that sounds stronger and more active.

  MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE :

  Employers need to know what you have accomplished to have an idea of what you can do for them. Don't be vague. Telling someone that you "improved the company's efficiency" doesn't say much. But if you say that you "cut overhead costs by 20 per cent and saved the company Rs 20 lakh during the last fiscal year", you are more specific.

  HONESTY IS A GOOD POLICY :

  Employers will feel more comfortable hiring you if they can verify your accomplishments. There is a difference between making the most of your experience and exaggerating or falsifying it. A falsified resume can cost you the job later.

  DOUBLE-CHECK FOR MISTAKES :

  Check your resume for correct grammar and spelling - evidence of good communication skills and attention to detail. Nothing can ruin your chances of getting a job faster than submitting a resume filled with preventable mistakes. Make your resume easy on the eye. Use normal margins (1" on the top and bottom, 1.25" on the sides) and don't cram your text on the page. Allow for some space between the different sections. Avoid unusual or exotic fonts. Preferred fonts: Arial and Times Roman.
  
  

Telephone Interview Tips

Telephone screening interviews are becoming more commonplace as companies seek to cut hiring costs and streamline the selection process.

Phone interviewing is unique. You can't count on visual stimuli such as good looks or power suits, eye contact or body language, to aid your presentation. Neither can you rely on visual signals to interpret the interviewer's response. In this context, faceless conversation takes on an added dimension of importance. Both strengths and weaknesses, as conveyed by voice, are magnified through the phone. Your voice personifies everything about you.

Before the Telephonic Interview :

If you're currently employed, arrange for a phone interview in the evening rather than during the workday. Confidentiality and discretion may be at risk if you interview during working hours; you never know who might barge into your office unannounced or overhear something by accident. In the privacy of your home, you can be more at ease and in control of your surroundings. You should always make sure you will not be interrupted.

Before the actual interview, it will help to know the topics to be covered, objectives to attain and the basic information regarding the position to be discussed.

It's also advisable to prepare for possible scenarios that might unfold. Hypothesize a bit; suppose the interviewer asks questions that make you feel uncomfortable.  Answer these and any questions as briefly and directly as possible without being negative. Offer a positive "mini story" about yourself and your accomplishments.

The worst case scenario would be that the interviewer would not call at the agreed time. In this case do not call the interviewer, call your recruiter so that he/she can investigate the situation and get back to you with another interview date and time.

Top 10 Interview Mistakes

What shouldn't you do when interviewing? Here are the top ten interview mistakes, blunders, and errors a candidate for employment can make.

No.1 Arriving Late

Don't give a weak first impression even before the start of the interview. Lateness shows lack of respect and poor time management skills. Make sure to show up 10-15 minutes in advance and notify a receptionist upon your arrival. Getting to your interview early will allow you to familiarize yourself with a foreign environment, and if you’re lucky, the waiting room may even have magazines from this decade.

No.2 Lying

Although it's tempting, it doesn't work. Be yourself and be honest! Don't pretend to understand a question or train of thought if you don't. The interviewer will pick up on this. If you don't know an answer, say so. Relax and be yourself.

No.3 Dress Wrong

Candidates make an impression on the interviewer literally within seconds after meeting him/her. You want to be sure that you make the best impression possible. Make sure your hair is cleaned, combed and worn in a professional manner. Your teeth should be brushed, and you should wear a deodorant with a mild scent. Arrive several minutes early for the interview, so you can take time to check your appearance in the restroom before the interview.

No.4 Criticising your past boss or coworkers

Even if you can’t stand your former boss, a job interview is not the time to "trash talk" or complain about your former employer. Avoid any negative references to your former boss. If you were laid off or fired from a previous position, be prepared to give a simple explanation that puts a positive spin on what happened. 
Interviewers are interested more in how you overcome these challenges. If there is something you need to express that is negative, say it in positive way.

No.5 Not being prepared

There is no excuse with today’s technology to go into an interview without doing basic research on the company interviewing you, their executives, products, customers, and competitors.

Re-read the relevant version of your CV and the job advert, just before the interview. You'd be surprised how many people can't remember what they wrote on their CV. You also should prepare answers on the most common interview questions such as, “What are you strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in ten years? What can you bring to the company that nobody else can? What brought you to this part of your career?” You will be more than likely asked these questions.

No.6 Asking about Salary too early

Don’t ask about salary at a job interview. Wait for the interviewer to bring up these issues. The interviewer will inevitably tell you what salary and benefits come with the job. There are so many people looking for jobs, so if the company sees you as someone who just wants the money and does not necessarily care about the job, it will work against you in the long run.

No.7 Saying Too Much

There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on... The interviewer really doesn't need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don't ramble - simply answer the question.
Although your interviewer will be interested in hearing about your past accomplishments and aspirations, they probably don’t need to hear about your bearded lady fetish or the fact that you experience a burning sensation every time you pee.

No.8 Checking the time

Be careful not to glance at your watch or the wall clock in the middle of your interview. Perhaps you should take off your watch prior to the interview so that you have no chance of accidentally looking at your wrist.

No.9 Not asking meaningful questions

Interviewers are unimpressed when they ask the candidate if they have any questions and the candidate does not! Prepare at least 3 or 4 questions in advance to ask the interviewer. Interviews are an exchange of information, and having no questions indicates that you are not sufficiently interested and have not thought much about the position.
The more research you have done about the company, the more relevant your questions will be.

No.10 Not following up after the interview

Calling or sending a note after the interview is your way of showing your appreciation. It is a direct way of telling the company that you are truly motivated and want this job.

College Interview Etiquette

The concept of a “college interview” can be nerve-racking for students and parents alike.  Although the interview experience varies from school to school, in general these conversations provide the admissions office with a chance to get to know a student.  Interviews also give students the opportunity to ask their questions and to get an insider’s perspective on a particular college community.

Here are some tips for effective and less stressful interviews:

Before the Interview

• Feel free to ask the university about the expected dress code.  Even if you are told to dress “casual,” dress appropriately and, if in doubt about your outfit, dress on the conservative side.
• Find out where to meet your interviewer.
• Arrive 5-10 minutes ahead of your scheduled interview time.
• A great way to feel more confident during the interview is to have a few questions prepared ahead of time; feel free to write these questions down and bring them with you into the interview.

During the Interview

• Know yourself!  If you are an academic explorer who is undecided about a particular major, be ready to discuss favorite courses, teachers, and other areas of academic interest.  It is also fair game to talk about your extracurricular involvements (clubs, sports, part-time work, family responsibilities) and your other interests (favorite books, movies, other hobbies, travel experiences).  
• Remain positive, energetic, and conversational throughout the interview.  The interview begins when you are first greeted by your interviewer … not when you sit down to talk.
• If asked, be able to articulate why this particular institution might be a good match for you.  Consider what you want in a university; size, location, specific academic programs, faculty-student relationships, research opportunities, study abroad options, and the campus community all are important factors.

After the Interview

• Follow up with and e-mail or handwritten note, thanking the interviewer for his or her time.  Mention what you enjoyed about your visit and the school.

Avoid

• One-word or yes/no responses.
• Slang or profanity
• Chewing gum
• Stretching the truth.  It is always good to be honest about the things that you do.  You come across best when you discuss topics with which you are familiar and about which you are passionate.
Just remember to be friendly, talk about what you enjoy, and learn as much as you can about the institution.

10 Reasons Why You're Not Getting Interviews

No matter how strong your skills or experience are, you won't land a new job without first securing an interview with a prospective employer. Job seekers often consider this step of the hiring process the most difficult -- and perplexing. After all, how many times have you considered your qualifications ideal for an open position only to never hear from the hiring manager about the resume and cover letter you submitted?

If you're looking for an edge, make sure you're not falling into these common traps:

1. You only focus on the Googles of the world.

Companies that continually grab headlines and are highly recognizable can be exciting places to work. But so are many companies you've never heard of. Keep in mind that organizations that are household names often receive thousands of résumés for each opening. Consider exploring opportunities with small and midsize companies. They make up the vast majority of businesses in the United States and sometimes have trouble locating qualified candidates. If Google is your dream employer, don't give up the good fight, but also keep your eyes and ears open to other opportunities.

2. You don't follow directions.

Each company has a different procedure it asks applicants to follow for submitting employment applications. Some ask that you use a form on their Web sites while others prefer traditional phone calls or faxes. Make sure you understand what the prospective employer seeks by carefully reading the job listing. Then, follow the directions to the letter. If you don't, your application may never reach the hiring manager.

3. You need to revamp your resume.

Sending out the same cover letter and resume to all companies isn't likely to capture the attention of prospective employers. Hiring managers want to know why you're a good match for their specific business needs. So take the time to research employers and customize your job search materials by explaining why you're interested in a particular position and how you could make a contribution to the company.

4. Your cover letter isn't enticing.

Think of your cover letter as an appetizer that convinces the hiring manager your resume, the main course, is worth sampling. The best cover letters take select details from the resume and expand upon them, explaining in depth how your talents and experience can benefit the prospective employer.

5. You don't reference keywords.

Companies that receive a high volume of resume often use scanning software that looks for certain keywords to determine which candidates to call for interviews. More often than not, keywords come directly from the job description. Terms such as "Microsoft Office," "accounts payable and receivable" and "Cisco Certified Network Administrator" are examples. As much as possible, ensure your resume and cover letter contain keywords.

6. Your application materials aren't perfect.

Submitting an application that contains typos and grammatical goofs is perhaps the quickest way to foil your chances of securing an interview. In fact, 84 percent of executives polled in a recent survey by our company said it takes just one or two errors to remove a candidate from consideration. The reason: These types of mistakes show a lack of professionalism and attention to detail. Make sure to carefully proofread your resume prior to submitting it and ask a friend or family member to do the same.

7. You don't know who to send your resume to.

Though it's fine to start your cover letter with the generic salutation "To Whom It May Concern," hiring managers pay special attention to applications that are addressed directly to them. If the job advertisement doesn't include the hiring manager's name, call the company and speak to the receptionist or a member of the person's department. More often than not, you can obtain the information fairly easily if you're candid about your reason for wanting it.

8. You don't have an 'in' with the company.

Using the name of a common contact to make the connection between you and the hiring manager is by far the best way to ensure your cover letter and resume get optimal attention. So, keep in touch with members of your professional network; you never know who has a contact at the company you hope to work for.

9. You don't follow up.

One way to improve the odds a hiring manager gives consideration to your resume is to follow up with him or her. According to a survey by our company, 86 percent of executives said job seekers should contact a hiring manager within two weeks of sending a resume and cover letter. Often a brief phone call or e-mail reasserting your interest in the position and strong qualifications is enough.

10. You're not as qualified as you think.

The bottom line may be that you're simply not as perfect for the job as you think. Before submitting your resume, take a close look at the job description and compare your skills and experience with those required for the position. If a job calls for five years of retail management experience, and you have only two, you might not be as qualified as other applicants. While sometimes it's possible to make up for skills gaps if you excel in other areas, hiring managers frequently have specific criteria in mind, and they use it to determine whom they call for interviews.No matter how strong your skills or experience are, you won't land a new job without first securing an interview with a prospective employer. Job seekers often consider this step of the hiring process the most difficult -- and perplexing. After all, how many times have you considered your qualifications ideal for an open position only to never hear from the hiring manager about the resume and cover letter you submitted?