All you need to know about giving an interview!

Interviewing is an art and you are there to sell yourself and the services that fit in the requirement of the employer. They usually only have between 15 minutes to a half hour to try to figure out that you are all about! The more you can sell yourself in this time frame, the better your potential for being hired.

Preparation for interview:

• Do not be fooled into thinking that you can simply walk into an interview and answer a few questions.
• Read the Job Description
• The employer expects for you to have researched his/her organization and understands the nature of the organization.
• Plan what to wear, Go neutral. Conservative business attire, such as a neutral-colored suit and professional shoes.
• Our team of consultants also helps the candidates to prepare for an interview. As we understand the requirement of our clients, and the candidates’ capabilities, we are able to best advice on how to prepare and handle the interview.

Methods to enhance your interviewing skills

Analyze the position for which you intend to work

—  Before you are able to convince an employer that you want to be an employee, it is important that you understand what the job profile is

—  You can speak to your colleagues or seniors, who are in the same company or similar industry.

Research the Organization:

—  You must research the company to determine the nature of the organization.

—  The more that you know about the employer, the more comfortable you will feel in the interview.

First Impression is the Effective Impression

—  Your nonverbal skills and the manner in which you present yourself will be evaluated in addition to your verbal responses to interview questions.

—  Be sure to arrive for your interview 10-15 minutes early. This will provide you with time to get used to ambience, to check your appearance and collect your thoughts prior to the interview.

—  You do not want to have your back facing the employer when he/she enters the room. When the employer greets you, be sure to stand and offer a firm handshake.

—  The only thing that you should be carrying is a portfolio with paper and pen.  You are always encouraged to take an extra copy of your resume with you for all interviewers.

During the interview, remember to practice good nonverbal skills:

• Sit up straight
• Place both feet on the floor
• Maintain eye contact
• Use limited hand gestures.
• Try to smile
• And JUST RELAX! You will find that you are better able to respond to questions if you simply relax a little.

Interviews Tips:

• Shake hands firmly.
• Look the employer in the eye when you are talking.
• Speak clearly, don’t mumble.
• Don’t fidget in your seat and otherwise show nervousness with your body
• Don’t take notes during the interview
• Don’t complain about a former boss or co-worker. By complaining in this way, you’re likely to make the employer think that you are hard to get along with.
• If you have specific qualifications for a job, be sure the employer knows about them.
• Talk about school subjects and hobbies that you have done well in and which are related to the job for which you are applying.
• — An employer may be interested in everything you can do, but will be most interested in your skills that relate to the job for which you are applying.
• Ask questions when you don’t understand what the employer is talking about.
• Before leaving the interview (assuming you want the position), let the employer know that you really want the job. By doing this, the employer will feel that you will work hard and that you will want to stay on the job.

Sample Interview Questions:

• —  What is your greatest strength?
• —  Tip: This is a great question to show your employability. Talk about being a team member, being able to research and organize information, being able to use various resources to meet organisational growth.
• —  What is your greatest weakness?
• —  Tip: Always choose a weakness that you are striving to improve or a weakness that can also be strength. (Ex. I am emotional, or, I am a perfectionist, which at times may bother people who work for me but I feel nothing should leave this office until it is perfect since it is a direct reflection of the quality of our work.)
• —  If you and all the other potential employees had the same background in education and experience what would make me hire you over the others?
• —  Tip: The employer wants proof that you are the best potential employee. (Ex. I know how an organization such as yours. I understand the right procedures and paths to follow to get the work accomplished efficiently and professionally. I am also a team player who can work well with all personalities and use these unique personalities to get the best results.)
• —  Are you more comfortable working as a part of a team or individually?
• —  Tip: Be honest. If you are a person who would rather work alone and you get frustrated when you have to rely on a team to get results, then you do not want a position that requires you to be a part of a team that always works together. You will very quickly become frustrated and unhappy in your job. Many companies want team players, so if you are comfortable working both as an individual and as part of a team, now is a good time to state this.
• —  Why are you leaving your current Job?
• —  Tip: Stay positive, even if you’re leaving a negative situation. Employers are looking for employees with good attitudes even when working in bad situations. Complaining about your past employer will not win over a new employer. (Ex. “I am looking for a company that will give me the opportunity for better personal growth.” This is much better then saying, “My current employer does not know how to properly treat people, and he is unfair and terrible to work with.”)
• —  Tell me about a situation where something went very wrong and how you handled the situation?
• —  Tip: Employers want to see that you can take a bad situation and turn it around into a positive situation. (Ex. When I was waiter, a customer became very angry when I served him the wrong item, I had keyed in the wrong item on the computer. I quickly apologized and took the item back and put in a rush order for the proper item. Then I took permission from my manager if I could offer this couple either free drinks or dessert. So 1 went back to the table with his new order and told them because of my mistake, I would like to offer them either a free after dinner drink or free dessert. They were very pleased with this service and have returned to the restaurant quite often after this situation.

Best Advice

Stay positive in all your answers. Promote your skills. Watch your body language. Interviewers are looking at body language while you are in an interview. You always want to sit straight up, pay attention and make sure you are not doing any nervous gestures.