Making good impressions on Interviewer

Making good impressions on Interviewer
Be on time:
Being on time ( or early) is usually interpreted by the interviewer as evidence of your commitment, dependability, and professionalism.
Relax:
Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation (examination). And remember, the interviewer is just as nervous about making a good impression on you.
Be positive and try to make others feel comfortable:
Show openness by leaning into a greeting with a firm handshake and smile. Don’t make negative comments about current or former employers.

Show Self-confidence:
Make eye contact with the interviewer and answer his questions in a clear voice. Work to establish a rapport with the interviewer.

Reflect before answering a difficult question:
If you are unsure how to answer a question, you might reply with another question. For example, if the interviewer asks you what salary you expect, try answering by saying, “That is a good question. What are you planning to pay for your best candidate?”
When it is your turn, ask the questions you have prepared in advance:
These should cover any information about the company and nature of job, you could not find in your own search.
Do not ask any questions that raise red flags:
Ask, “Is relocation a requirement?” and the interviewer may assume that you do not want to relocate at all. Too many questions about vacation may cause the interviewer to think you are more interested in taking time off than helping the company.
Show you want the job:
Display your initiative by talking about what functions you could perform that would benefit the organization, and by giving specific details of how you have helped past employers. You might also ask about specific details of the job position, such as functions, responsibilities, with whom you would work and report.

Body language:
Avoid negative body language. An interviewer wants to see how well you react under pressure. Avoid the following signs of nervousness and tension:
ü Frequently touching your mouth
ü Faking a cough to think about the answer to a question
ü Gnawing on you lip
ü Tight or forced smiles
ü Swinging your feet or leg
ü Folding or crossing your arms
ü Slouching
ü Avoiding eye contact
ü Picking at invisible bits of lint

After the interview:
End the interview with a handshake and thank the interviewer for his or her time. Reiterate your interest in the position and your qualifications. Ask if you can telephone in a few days to check on the status of your application. If they offer to contact you, politely ask when you should expect the call.

Send a” Thanks for the Interview” note:
After the interview, send a brief thank-you note. Try to time it so it arrives before the hiring decision will be made. It will serve as a reminder to the interviewer concerning your appropriateness for the position, so feel free to mention any topics discussed during you interview. If the job contact was made through the Internet or email, send an email thank-you note immediately after the interview, then mail a second letter by post timed to arrive the week before the hiring decision will be made. Follow up a phone call if you are not contacted within a week when the interviewer indicated you would be.

Top 10 Interview tips

Top 10 Interview tips:
1. Great interviews arise from careful groundwork. You can ace your next interview if you: Enter into a state of relaxed concentration.

2. Act spontaneous, but be well prepared.

3. Set a goal for the interview.


4. Follow up with an effective "thank you" letter.

5. Consider the interviewer's agenda.

6. Expect to answer the question, "Tell me about yourself."

7. Watch those nonverbal clues. Experts estimate that words express only 30% to 35% of what people actually communicate; facial expressions and body movements and actions convey the rest.

8. Be smart about money questions.

9. Don't hang out your dirty laundry.

10. Keep your time punctual

Your questions with an interviewer

Your questions with an interviewer:

1. Asking questions during a job interview:
At most interviews, you will be invited to ask questions of your interviewer. This is an important opportunity for you to learn more about the employer, and for the interviewer to further evaluate you as a candidate. It requires some advance preparation on your part.

Guidelines for asking questions:
Prepare five good questions. Understanding that you may not have time to ask them all, ask questions concerning the job, the company, and the industry or profession.
Your questions should indicate your interest in these subjects and that you have read and thought about them. For example, you might start, “I read in Business week that I wonder if that factor is going to have an impact on your business.”

2. Don’t ask questions that raise warning flags.
For example, asking, “Would I really have to work weekends?” implies that you are not available for weekend assignments. If you are available, rephrase you question. Also, avoid initiating question about compensation (pay, vacations, etc.) or tuition reimbursements. You might seem more interested in paychecks or time-off than the actual job.

3. Don’t ask questions about only one topic:
People who ask about only one topic are often perceived as one-dimensional and not good candidates.

4. Clarify:
It’s right to ask a question to clarify something the interviewer said. Just make sure you are listening. Asking someone to clarify a specific point makes sense. Asking someone to re-explain an entire subject gives the impression that you have problems listening or comprehending. For example, you can preface a clarifying question by saying: “You mentioned that HM company does … Can you tell me how that works in practice?”

Frequently Asked Interview Questions

Frequently Asked Interview Questions
You've probably read all the job search books and reviewed your answers for the standard questions you expect to be asked on an interview. But, what about those questions from left field? The ones you didn't expect. These can be the most difficult because they will demonstrate how well you think on your feet. They may also be so charming or disarming that you may fall prey to the interviewer's trap and reveal aspects of yourself or your personality that you weren't prepared to come clean about. By rehearsing interview questions, you will become more familiar with your own qualifications and will be well prepared to demonstrate how you can benefit an employer. Here some of the Quirky Interview Questions and How to Weasel Out of Them are listed:
1. ”Tell me about yourself “
Make a short, organized statement of your education and professional achievements and professional goals. Then, briefly describe your qualifications for the job and the contributions you could make to the organization.

2. "What are you reading lately?"
It is best to think always in terms of how the question relates to the job at hand. Better than proposing novels you are reading would be law related journals and books that are hot in your field. While you might just find an interviewer who understands your taste in literature, the question really suggests that the interviewer wants to know how up-to-date you are in the field.

3.”What are your best skills”
If you have sufficiently researched your organization, you should be able to imagine what skills the company values. List them, then give examples where you have demonstrated these skills.

4. “Why do you want to work here?” or “What about our company interests you?” It is very important to answer these questions clearly and with enthusiasm. Show the interviewer your interest in the company. Share what you learned about the job, the company and the industry through your own research. Talk about how your professional skills will benefit the company. Unless your work is in sales, your answer should never be simply “money”. The interviewer will wonder if your really care about the job.
5. “What is your major weakness?”
This is a very common question. If you say you have no weaknesses, you come off looking arrogant. If you use humor here, you may appear too flippant. This is a difficult question and the interviewer wants to see how you handle it. Use a weakness that can otherwise be seen as a strength. Never fall into the trap of seeing the interviewer as mother/father/confessor and offering up something that is important to the job! A good example could be: "I have difficulty working with people who don't pull their weight. I have high standards for my work and I expect others to have high standards too. I'm learning to speak up and request that others contribute more completely long before I start getting angry about a situation that is unequal." On the other hand, you might say: “I often worry too much over my work. Sometimes I work late to make sure the job is done well”. Also supply a solution or a way in which you are dealing with your weakness.
6. “Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?”
The ideal answer is one of flexibility. However, be honest. Give examples describing how you have worked in both situations.

7.”What are your career goals?” or “What are your future plans?”
The interviewer wants to know if your plans and the company’s goals are compatible. Let him know that you are ambitious enough to plan ahead. Talk about your desire to learn and improve your performance, and be as specific as possible about meeting the goals you have set for yourself.
8.”Why did you leave your last job?”
The interviewer may want to know if you had any problems on your last job. If you did not have any problems, simply give a reason, such as: relocated away from job; company went off business; laid off; no possibility of advancement; wanted a job
better suited to your skills.
If you did have problems, be honest. Show that you can accept responsibility and learn from your mistakes. You should explain any problems you had (or still have) with an employer, but don’t describe that employer in negative terms. Demonstrate that it was a learning experience that will not affect your future work.

9 “Do you date a lot?” [Question asked by a female personnel officer in a US defense company]

This question offers its own challenge. This question looks different because one female is asking another, you still need to answer the question in a way that satisfies the concern. A good response would be, "If you are concerned that my personal life could take precedence over my work life, I want to assure you that I am dedicated to my work. By the same token, I strive to maintain a balanced life and find numerous ways to spend my leisure time fruitfully." This answers the question without invading your privacy.

10. Why are you here today? [Asked by an interviewer at an investment bank, when he entered his office]

'Why are you here today’ offers you the opportunity to explain your enthusiasm for the job. It is not such a quirky question if you don't take it at face value. It is important when interviewing to lighten up a bit and not analyze the worthiness of each question you are asked. Look for ways to respond that will improve the rapport between you and the interviewer and demonstrate your strengths in being the candidate for the job. "I am here to discuss with you my candidacy for the position of ________. Would you like to hear an overview of my background?" (It is also conceivable that the person was interviewing that day for more than one position.)

11. “Would you rather be a small fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond?”
Sounds like you handled the answer well, but you need to be aware of the context in which you are responding. If you are interviewing for a large Fortune 500 firm, you'd be fine. But if you are interviewing for a small, entrepreneurial organization, you might come off as if you are too good for the company. There is no best answer- only the one that is most appropriate for the job in question and the situation in which it occurs.

12. “What are your hobbies?” and “Do you play any sports?”
The interviewer may be looking for evidence of your job skills outside of your professional experience. For example, hobbies such as chess or bridge demonstrate analytical skills. Reading, music, and painting are creative hobbies. Individual sports show determination and stamina, while group sport activities may indicate you are comfortable working as part of a team.
Also, the interviewer might simply be curious as to whether you have a life outside of work. Employees who have creative or athletic outlets for their stress are often healthier, happier and more productive.

13. “What have I forgotten to ask?”
Use this as a chance to summarize your good characteristics and attributes and how they may be used to benefit the organization. Convince the interviewer that you understand the job requirements and that you can succeed.

14. "Where would you like to be Five years from now"
Your instincts are right! Always think of the question behind the question. What do they really want to know? "Five years from now I see myself continuing to work hard and doing the best possible job I can." This answer tells the interviewer that you are a hard worker and that you have high standards. You might also offer a caveat that you intend to continue learning, growing and adding value in your field.

15. Salary related questions:
How much are you looking for?

Answer with a question, i.e., "What is the salary range for similar jobs in your company?" If they don't answer, then give a range of what you understand you are worth in the marketplace.

What do you know about our company?

Do your homework before the interview! Spend some time online or at the library researching the company. Find out as much as you can, including products, size, income, reputation, image, management talent, people, skills, history and philosophy. Project an informed interest; let the interviewer tell you about the company.

How much do you expect, if we offer this position to you?

Be careful; the market value of the job may be the key answer, e.g., "My understanding is that a job like the one you're describing may be in the range of Rs.______."

What kind of salary are you worth?

Have a specific figure in mind ... don't be hesitant.

16. Qualification related questions:
What can you do for us that someone else can’t do?
What qualifications do you have that relate to the position?
What new skills or capabilities have you developed recently?
Give me an example from a previous job where you have shown initiative.
What have been your greatest accomplishments recently?
What is important to you in a job?
What motivates you in your work?
What have you been doing since your last job?
What qualities do you find important with a co-worker?
17. Career goals related questions:
If you could start your career again, what would you do differently?

Nothing ... I am happy today, so I don't want to change my past.

What career options do you have at the moment?

"I see three areas of interest..." Relate those to the position and industry.

How would you describe the essence of success? According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far?

Think carefully about your answer and relate it to your career accomplishments.

Other questions:

How will you judge yourself successful? How will you achieve success?
What type of position are you interested in?
How will this job fit in your career plan?
What do you expect from this job?
Do you have a location preference?
Can you travel?
What hours can you work?
When could you start?

18. Experience related questions:

What have you learned from your past jobs?
What were your biggest responsibilities?
What specific skills acquired or used in previous jobs relate to this position?
How do your previous experience relate to this position?
What did you like most/least about your last job?
Whom may we contact for references?

19. Education related questions:

How do you think your education has prepared you for this position?
What were your favorite activities at school?
Why did you choose your major?
Do you plan to continue your educations?
Explain about your project work done at college.

INTERVIEW SKILLS AND PREPARATION

INTERVIEW SKILLS
Most of the companies have two levels of interviews as follows
1. Technical interview.
2. HR interview.
The basic requirement to clear the interview level is to possess very strong and appealing communication skills. Moreover inter-personal relationship and gestures are areas to be focused while preparing for the interviews. However in the preparatory period, a detail study of oneself both academically and socially should be made. It is because of the fact that the first question in any interview is “Tell me about yourself ”. The answer for this should be written and corrected to the perfect level possible. Resume preparation is yet another requirement to be fulfilled. Resume being the mirror of oneself, should be prepared with extreme caution and enormous creativity. The best way to do is to go through different patterns of resumes possessed by the seniors and then to arrive at a conclusion. The books to be followed appearing for a particular company (e.g. is given) for the campus placement proceess are as follows:

1. YASHWANT KANETKAR SERIES
a. Let us C.
b. Go through C.
c. Exploring C.
d. Pointers in C.
e. Hidden Treasures of C.
f. Test your C skills.

2. FIELD OF INTEREST (recommended)
a. Digital electronics-Salivahanan.
b. Microprocessor- Ramesh Gaonkar.
c. Transducer engineering –Sawhney, Renganathan.

3. PROJECTS AND PAPERS
A detailed understanding of the projects and the papers will be required. Apart from knowing the block diagrams and the specifications of various components used, an optimized or normalized design for the same should be known clearly.
At least 10 mock interviews have been conducted by the seniors, which are of immense help in finding the faults and transforming ourselves to meet the various requirements of the corporate world.

IMPORTANT GROUP DISCUSSION TOPICS

IMPORTANT GROUP DISCUSSION TOPICS
Even though this particular step of placement process is not followed by all the companies, this is considered as an important assignment to be fulfilled, before taking up the actual process. Apart from creating awareness about the actual process of placement, GDs provide a ground in which ideas of various students over different disciplines and various fields is shared. Also this is considered as an important tool for developing the communication skills of the candidates. Moreover leadership qualities and team-spirit are also developed only through GDs. The topics cover various levels of knowledge from panchayats to UNO, from Montessori to Massachusetts and culture, current affairs, inter-national events, engineering responsibilities and many more across various geographies. Some of the topics are given below

1 BPO- boon or bane
2 Entrance cancellation
3 Indo China Competition
4 India in world cricket
5 Olympic medal-why not for India
6 Bribery-Cause, Effect & Remedy
7 Religion & Society
8 Indian Economy & Business
9 Nuclear Deal- Boon or Bane
10 Iraq War & Sadaam Hussain
11 Terrorism - cause & remedy
12 Product & Service oriented-Stable Economy?
13 Education System & Reforms required
14 Dowry system
15 Bhopal Tragedy-Root cause
16 Westernisation is a Culture degradation?
17 Mobile phones-merits & demerits
18 MBA Vs Engineering
19 constitutional changes required
20 Effect of films on youth
21 Industrial growth in India
22 Indian Vs Western Engineering
23 IT industries &its effects on culture
24 Ethics for Engineers
Reading news papers (preferably HINDU), journals, magazines and keeping oneself abreast of time and aware of what is happening around him is the best way of preparing group discussions.

CAMPUS TO CORPORATE

CAMPUS TO CORPORATE
All the articles that came your way so far to read said about how to get into the corporate world, here is the article that would give you a fair idea of how the corporate world would be for a fresher and what it takes to enter it as the kid and make it a win-win situation. This article is specially aimed at people seeking the answers to questions like what all have I to transform to meet the corporate requirements? ,how to fit into the corporate culture and be a successful corporate?, and of course the points you have to look out and get into your mind and start transforming because you are all going to be corporate with in a year or two, and one or two years is a very short time to get your self practiced. So read on and start now!

"Making the transition from college to work is often more traumatic than entering college and leaving home for the first time. This pivotal point in our lives is not marked with just one or two changes but an onslaught of new and different requirements."
One of the greatest challenges in making this transition will be handling the tricky dichotomies of the corporate setting. For example, you will need to have confidence in your ability to perform the job, yet demonstrate the fact that you understand you still have much to learn. You'll need to blend into your new environment, yet demonstrate the unique talents that make you stand out among your peers. And, you will need to be able to work effectively on your own while contributing as a member of the team.
Successfully managing these challenges is sure to be difficult and downright frustrating. But, conquering them is vital to becoming a bona fide professional. Here are some strategies to help you along the way.
Learn the Culture
Every company has its own culture and your number one priority should be to understand it and blend into it, without compromising your own professional goals. In essence, this means learning the subtle differences between policies and politics.
Policies refer to the written rules and standard procedures for getting things done. During the first weeks of employment, you'll be required to read a mountain of materials, including (but not limited to) the employee handbook, company policies, standard operating procedures, organizational charts and annual reports. And you thought school was out---not! Just like the textbooks from your not-so-distant past, this material is meant to educate you about the basics. By reading them, you'll gain useful knowledge about what you will do in your job. Keep them handy so that you may refer to them often.
Politics, on the other hand, refer to the unwritten rules of how things are done or not done, and understanding them could set you apart from your co-workers, particularly when plum assignments are given out, during performance appraisal time and when promotions or layoffs are imminent. The secret to becoming politically savvy in your new environment is two-fold. First, observe everyone around you, especially the top performers. How do they dress? How do they communicate ideas? How do they interact with others, especially with the boss? And, how do they behave in meetings?
Also, gain insight about work place politics by simply asking around…but not in so many words. Meet with your boss to discuss what his or her specific expectations are of you and exactly how meeting them translates into achieving your performance standards. Talk to your co-workers informally about who the key players are, your boss' work and management styles and ‘hot' topics as far as job performance is concerned. Don't take anything for granted, including what might seem like minor issues such as lunch hours or use of office supplies because ultimately, what you perceive as minor might be your boss' biggest pet peeve (or vice-versa). Remember, being politically savvy on-the-job can help you reach your goals and those of your employer, while keeping your credibility intact.
Establish and Maintain Relationships
Cordell Jones, a 1996 graduate who landed a job as a software test engineer at Microsoft learned first-hand the importance of mentors. Jones had been confident that his new job assignments would be similar to the school projects he worked on in the computer science department at Tuskegee University. But, that wasn't the case. He'd had long lead times for project due dates at school and he could always go to a book or professor for reference and help. However, much of what he has done at Microsoft is breaking new ground on technologies for which the book has yet to be written.
"Fortunately, I was able to meet people at Microsoft that were willing to mentor me and guide me in the proper direction for how I should approach this issue. Mentorship is a key to success," said Jones, who has also held positions as software test lead, program manager and is now a lead program manager. "After working with mentors, I realized it wasn't an issue of not being able to find assistance or read a document, but I needed to approach my testing from a different angle. There were many company practices and resources available that helped make my job easier but I needed someone who wanted to help me get off to a good start."
Be Aware of Stereotypes
"Many collegians face the possibility of being subjected to dealing with stereotypes regarding our level of intelligence when it comes to us applying, interviewing and getting the job," said Kenneth Turner, Academic Advisor at Augsburg College in Minnesota. However, once we are selected for the role, we will have the chance to show that we can do it."
Communication skills are a key factor in demonstrating a high level of professionalism. You should be able to communicate well with everyone above you, below you and beside you. "There's nothing worse than hearing a new hire speak to a supervisor as though they were shooting the breeze with a friend from their neighborhood," Turner added. "Nobody is saying ‘sell out who you are,' however, understand that your level of communication can prevent you from climbing the ladder of success." Remember that professionalism also includes how others perceive your behavior.

When all is said and done, don't let stereotypes discourage you from making a difference. "New grads have something that many companies are looking for; fresh new ideas and attitudes," encouraged Hightower, who is also the Executive Director of Hightower Scholars, Inc. "If appropriate, make suggestions and present alternate plans that are well thought out and in line with the company's mission. However, don't be too eager to criticize. Learn to listen with the hopes of incorporating at least one of your ideas into the current plan and know that respect is earned by your conduct as well as your track record."
Be a Student of Your Trade
"When you first graduate from college, you feel like, ‘This is it. Now I get a job and this is my life.' To some extent, that is true. But you're still young enough to spend some time figuring out where you want to be,"
To this end, career experts will agree that new grads should never stop learning. "One thing I have noticed is that often new entrants into the job market forget to foster their professional development - they are so happy about landing that job and exhausted from completing those grueling college years - that they fail to assess and care about the development opportunities offered by their new employer,"
New professionals should investigate such possibilities as in-house training, educational travel, memberships in professional associations and continuing academic education. "They can be critical to the career development and recognition you need to succeed in today's world of work,"
Making the transition from college life to corporate life will require you to strike a balance between gaining respect from your colleagues and accepting that you are the new kid on the block. Give yourself time to adjust to your new life. And don't worry. You'll survive your first job just like you survived your freshman year at college. Look at you now!

RESUME TIPS

Your resume is the first interface you have with your employer. Make the most of this opportunity. The employment market is changing all the time and so have resumes, evolving from a one-size-fits-all standard. Here are our tips to convert your resume into a catching one.
These Basic Standards of resume.
· 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 proofs 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:
· Do not switch tenses within your resume.
· 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:
o Accept (to receive), except (to exclude)
o All right (correct), alright (this is not a word)
o Affect (to bring about change), effect (result)
o personal (private), personnel (staff members)
o Role (a character assigned or a function), roll (to revolve).
o Use action words (i.e., wrote reports, increased revenues, directed staff).
REFERENCE
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.

INTERVIEW TIPS

INTERVIEW TIPS
  • BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
    Get to the location of the interview at least 30 minutes prior to the given time.
    Carry extra copies of your updated resume.
    Be polite to the receptionist. His/Her feedback about you may be considered during your evaluation.
    Acquaint yourself with the name of the interviewers and be prepared to use them while interacting with them or greeting them.
    Review your notes while waiting.
    Breathe deeply and relax.
    Enter the room courteously with a smile, but without being obsequious.
    Greet the interviewers with the firm handshake.
    Accept that you will be nervous but work out way of not letting it interfere with your performance.


    DURING THE INTERVIEW
    Be calm, confident, professional and determined.
    Slow down your speech, lower your voice and maintain eye contact with the interviewers during the interview.
    Direct your answers to the entire panel of interviewers.
    Avoid speaking about your own views/philosophy.
    Pitch answers at a level that would be technically appropriate to your interviewing panel.
    Demonstrate integrity by not giving away confidential information about your previous jobs/colleagues.
    Be a good listener and show patience during any pauses between questions.
    Always be honest.
    Ask if there are any areas on which the panel would like to hear more from you.
    If you get the time opportunity, ask questions about the employer in the order of their priority.
    Thank the panel as you leave.

    AFTER THE INTERVIEW
    Make notes and record the questions asked for future reference.
    Follow up on the results of the interview according to the procedure mentioned during the interview.

GROUP DISCUSSION TIPS

GROUP DISCUSSION TIPS
1. The best mantra is to be your natural self.
2. When participating in a GD, assertiveness is important; you must speak and take part in the discussions.
3. Carry a pen and paper with you and write down the important points that appeal to you.
4. Before you begin speaking, do an internal run-through in your mind on the main issues relating to the topic.
5. Jot down points on paper and work out the framework for further analysis.
6. Speak only when you have understood the topic.
7. If you do not understand the topic, don’t hesitate to ask your group for their views.
8. Avoid speaking in turn as it leads to an unnatural discussion. Let there be a free flow of ideas.
9. Exchange your ideas and views with your co-participants.
10. Be an initiator of the GD.
11. The opening speaker is likely to get the maximum uninterrupted time.
12. Speaking first can make or mar your GD performance depending on how you handle it.
13. Appreciate and encourage all members to participate in the discussion.
14. To enter into a discussion, be assertive with clear thoughts; agree with another person’s viewpoint in the group and start sharing the views in your words.
15. Be a good listener. It indicates a willingness to accommodate other’s views.
16. Use simple language and explain concepts clearly so that it is easily understood by all.
17. Remain composed even when someone tries to provoke you into making strong statements.
18. Be more people-centric and less self-centered.
19. Be objective, and more of a team player.
20. Effectively communicate your views without obviously contradicting the other person’s opinions.
21. Don’t be afraid to think of novel solutions.
22. Do not be indifferent and aloof. Try to participate or contribute as much as you can in the group.
23. Do not shout at others when they don’t listen.
24. Do not flaunt past experiences or educational qualifications.
25. Do not speak for the sake of speaking and do not agree with anyone and everyone.
26. Present ideas in a cohesive manner.
27. Avoid repeating what other members have already said.
28. Do summarize the findings in a few sentences that present the overall perspective.
29. In summarizing, do not merely restate your point of view.If the group did not reach a consensus, say so in your summary.

APTITUDE TEST TIPS

APTITUDE TEST TIPS

  • Practice makes perfection.
  • Time management is most important.
  • Be aware of negative marking.
  • Never bother about upper-cutoff.
  • Have a clear mind before attending the test.

PREPLACEMENT TALK tips

PREPLACEMENT TALK tips
  • Do attend the PPT of a company without fail.
  • Be on-time for the PPT.
  • Be on a formal wear with neatly polished shoes.
  • Note down the important points like company position in world ranking, etc.
  • HR section may have questions from details said in the PPT,so be attentive.

Benefits of On Campus and Off Campus Placement

Benefits of On Campus and Off Campus Placement
1. In on campus placement, the company seeks a good employee for their
Concern. So that the company’s effort will be more in selecting a good student for the company. The students need not go out in search of a job instead they can attend the screening tests and interviews in the college premises. Getting job through ON campus placement is an easiest process.
2. But all the colleges could not arrange for the campus placement due to lack of infrastructure and facilities. And also the colleges may not have sufficient exposure to the company environment and contact with the company. In addition to this, though they have facilities, the student’s academic performances may not be satisfactory. So, the companies always prefer the reputed college of their on campus recruitment.
3. So, the students coming out from such colleges should always start their job-hunting after completion of their course. They should apply for the job by searching the vacancy positions available through various advertisements of companies. The competition will always be very high and tough. Apart from struggling with tough competition, the salary package for the qualification is also very meager. So the students who are having the campus placement facilities in their college should effectively utilize their opportunities.
4. There are plenty of opportunities in various disciplines all the time. Only thing is that the job seekers should have sufficient knowledge and well prepared for facing any test and interview. If they get job in their chosen and interested field, that will be a turning point for their life career.

Pre Placement Talk

Pre Placement Talk
In ON campus placement, before conducting the screening test and interview, a discussion between the students and Industrialist will be held. In this discussion, the company HR persons brief about company details, facilities and salary package. And also they propose their requirements, test pattern and interview. The students can freely talk with the representatives of the concerned company if they want any clarification. This will give an insight about the company for the students, so that accordingly the students can prepare for the test and interview. At the same time, the students should keenly note down the points discussed in the PPT, which can be asked in the interview during the interview session.

Off Campus Placement

Off Campus Placement
In off campus placement category, the company itself arranges for
the recruitment outside the college campus. It gives the advertisement for their demand of required posts. The advertisement may be through New papers, Magazines or Internet. The call for will be a open to all, thereby the competition will be more and tough. This is more critical for some companies, which prefer persons having more no. of year of working experience in their fields.
As in the case of on campus placement, in this category also screening tests, interview and group discussion will be conducted. Based on the performance, the job seeker will be given appointment. The job seekers should have wide knowledge in all areas such as Technical knowledge, Computer knowledge, Aptitude in Mathematics and English. In addition to this, they should have well communication skills.
The job hunters should always have an eye on various sources of advertisements. Now a day, getting information from the Internet World will be a more convenient way of updating the latest News and also quickest way of getting anything in time. The resumes can be sent to various companies through Post or Email. Some companies specify the mode of communication in the advertisement itself.

On Campus Placement

On Campus Placement
In this category, Each College will separately run a Placement cell.
The Placement cell prepares Brochure booklet that includes details about the college and its infrastructures, student’s academic skills and their various activities. The brochures will be sent to all the companies. The company who responds for the request will be invited to the college for conduction of placement interview. The college does all the facilities to accomplish the need of companies. Most probably HR (Human Resource persons) and Technical people conduct the interview sessions.
Initially, the company conducts a screening test in order to select
the students to meet their basic requirements and weed out unqualified students. The test may be quantitative aptitude test, Technical, psychiatry test, verbal and reasoning and C & C++ test (for Software companies). Some companies may conduct more than two tests as mentioned here.
The selected candidates from the screening tests will be called for
an interview. Some companies are conducting more than one interview such as Personal interview and Technical interview. Based on the interview performance, the candidates will be placed in their concern. Some companies conduct group discussions in addition to the interviews.
The selected candidates will be given appointment order where they
are supposed to join the company after their final semester is over. Initially, the students will be given training for a period of 3 to 6 months with stipend. Then their position will be regularized. Each company will test the student’s skill related to the company’s requirements. Most of the companies prefer to test student’s aptitude talent in Maths, Software and verbal reasoning. A very few companies test the student’s Technical knowledge. In general the students should be updated with thorough knowledge in various fields with latest updates.

Preface for Placement

Preface for Placement
Getting a Job and settling in life is always a dream for those who are pursuing Graduate or Postgraduate studies irrespective of their backgrounds. If they are properly guided, it is assured that every one will be placed in good position in their life career. Most of them are not exposed to update their knowledge for Industry needs and its current requirements, tap the unexplored areas in placement, to understand and acquire the skills necessary to manipulate themselves to face interviews. In order to bring the students to meet the above requirements, materials have been collected from various sources like Internet ( the Sea of Information with latest updates), placement related books, journals and Magazines to bring this book for the placement of the student’s community
This book aims at the following objectives
To make the students face on and off campus interviews
To hone the student’s interview and G.D. skills
To make the students build Resumes themselves
To equip the students with select corporate question papers and be able to solve these papers by themselves so that they are able to face the problems of professional nature.
To explore the students to the Internet World for Job hunting
To review the requirement methodologies of select corporate.

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