Job Interview Skills
Making the most of the Interview
By – N.G.Palit

Overview
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Why interviews are
conducted?
Preparing for interviews.
The interview experience.
Different types of
interviews.

Interview
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Interview is a
type of meeting
with an objective.
The interviewer
wants to obtain
information from the candidate

Dozens of people are
lining up for the same position

You need to stand out from
the crowd

Why
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?
Can you do the job? (skills, abilities,
and qualifications).
Will you do the job? (Attitude, interest,
and motivation).
How will you fit into the organization?
(personality).

What is an Interview?
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An opportunity to ’sell’ your abilities,
interests and career objectives.
An opportunity to ask questions and
learn more about the position and
career offered by a particular company.
You must prove that you are the
most suitable candidate.

Know what they are
looking for
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They are evaluating your
communication skills throughout the
interview.
Don’t focus on your history, focus on
your key skills.
Interviewers want organized, succinct
answers. Situation –Action -Result

Sell yourself through self
promotion

Self Promotion is
Crucial
For Success
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If you are not comfortable claiming
your achievements, no one will know
them.
Don’t focus on responsibilities,
focus on your achievements.
Remember, your competitors will be
presenting their achievements.

Self Promotion is
Crucial
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It is necessary to explain your
strengths.
Your resume got you to the interview.
But, resume alone will not get you the
Job. You have to do that.

It starts with your Mindset

Have a Positive Mindset
Half Empty
½
empty
½ full
Or
Half Full
(This is a winner’s outlook)
You have a choice

Positive Body Language

Watch the Body
Language
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First impression very important.
Dress appropriately.
Allow time to relax.
Entrance, introductions & handshake.
Smile and make eye-contact.
Be aware of your own movements.
Watch body language of interviewer.

Interview Etiquette
Do’s and Don’ts

Dress Code

Men’s Interview Attire
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Suit (solid color)
Long sleeve shirt (white or matching the suit)
Belt, Tie, Dark socks.
Conservative leather shoes.
Little or no jewelry
Neat and professional hair
style.
Neatly trimmed nails.

Tie Knots

Tie Length

Women’s Interview Attire
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Suit (navy, black or dark grey)
The suit skirt should be long enough, so that
you can seat comfortably.
Conservative shoes.
Limited jewelry (no dangling ear ring)
Professional hair style.
Light make-up & perfume.
Neatly manicured clean nails.

First Impression
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First impression counts
Be on time, or little bit early.
This allows you to relax and feel
comfortable.
Start strong by beginning on a positive note.
Send the right body language
Sit straight, maintain good eye
contact,
use positive gestures,
relax.

Developing An Interview
Strategy

Prepare For Interview
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Research the company.
Know the job requirements.
Prepare your Resume.
Get your career goals in focus.
Identify your main strengths
related to the job

First decide what type of
job you want

Preparation is the Key to
Success
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Review at your end:
- Check you Resume
- Prepare key selling points.
- Practice commonly asked questions
and answers
Research about organization:
Collect information from website, and
other sources

Preparations for the
Interview

Before the Interview
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Practice with yourself
or with a friend.
Find the dress code
in advance and dress
accordingly.

Types of Interviews
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1. One-to-one Interview:
The interviewer wants to
see the suitability of the
candidate for the job
Candidate has to show how
his/her skills will benefit the
organization.

2 .Telephonic Interviews
* These are mostly
screening interviews
to select a few for
further face-to-face
interview.

For Telephone Interviews
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Prepare as thoroughly as for ’real’
interviews.
Select a comfortable and quiet place.
Have a copy of resume and company
information.
Have pen and paper ready.
Be yourself.

3. Group Interviews
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These are conducted
through:
Group Discussions(G.D)
This is to used to uncover
the leadership skills,
communication skills,
and the candidate’s ability to work in a
team.

Qualities Employers
Seek
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Good communication skills.
Team work ability
Capacity to work hard.
Initiative & self reliance.
Enthusiasm, commitment & motivation.
Good all-round intelligence.
A balanced personality.

Competencies required
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Adaptability
Team work
Drive for Results.
Integrity
Innovation
Open Exchange of Information.
Sound Decision Making

While Answering
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Listen carefully, seek clarification.
Keep answers specific & short.
Take time to respond.
Illustrate your answers with examples.
Speak clearly, smile and show
enthusiasm.
Be alert to interviewer’s body language.

Dealing with Nerves
Being nervous is normal, even
interviewers are aware of it.
 However, excessive nervousness
can work against you, especially
if you continually apologize for it.
 However, it can be minimized through
practice & mock interviews.
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What creates bad
impression?
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Poor personal appearance.
Lack of preparation.
Poor knowledge.
Failure to give concrete examples of
skills.
Lack of interest & enthusiasm
Negative attitude or evasive answers.

Closing the Interview
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Make one last solid impression.
Let them know that you want the job!
Shake hands, thank them, be positive.
Be confident.
Ask for the interviewer’s business card.
Remember, they are still evaluating you
until you are gone.

Close Positively
Thank You
&
A firm Handshake

Summary
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Know yourself and the company.
Success depends on your ability to sell
yourself – communicate your strong
points.
Interest & Enthusiasm are important.
Remember- you are not just looking
for a job, but a career. So, prepare
accordingly

After the Interview
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Within 24 hours, follow up thanking
them for their time.
This is another opportunity to stand out
Balance persistence with harassment.
If you don’t get the job,don’t lose heart.
Remember: Every interview
doesn’t turn into jobs. So, Keep
going.

Expected first Question
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Tell us about yourself.

What are your
strengths?

Follow up ---
When the Interview is
finished.

Ask for the
next
steps
Get
permission to
contact them

Send a hand written card
or note

Evaluate
the
interview

Evaluate your interview
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Analyse:
What did I do well?
What did I miss or forget?
What will I do differently next time?

Most Importantly --
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Every interview may not turn into
a job. So, don’t lose heart.
Don’t give up . Keep going

Most Importantly- -

Till you become
successful

Any Question

Thank You
N.G.Palit
-

At the End
Please feel free to send your valuable
feedback to the author at:
nandapalit@yahoo.co.in
or through face book