Dated April 07, 2004
How to conclude an interview?
SAILESH
Gandhinagar
Thank the interviewer for the time and express a positive interest in the job.
If you are interested in the position, let the interviewer know.
If you feel the position is attractive and you want it, be a good salesperson and say something like: You are very impressed with the company, its products and people you have met.
Also say that you are confident that you could do an excellent job in the position offered to you. The interviewer will be impressed with your enthusiasm.
Don't be discouraged if no immediate commitment is made. The interviewer will probably want to take a second opinion or possibly interview more candidates before making a decision.
If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show.
Once in a while an interviewer who is genuinely interested in you may seem to discourage you as a way of testing your reaction.
When the offer is made, never turn the offer down on the spot. Thank them for the offer and ask for time to think it over. Many times people are caught off guard by receiving an offer and aren't sure how to respond.
Minor problems that may cause you to immediately reject an offer may be resolved in later negotiations.
If you are securing your position through a placement firm and afterwards decide that you still want to turn the offer down, your placement consultant will convey your answer to the company for you.
It is better to call the consultant as soon as possible after the interview, but don't call from the employer's office.
The consultant needs to know your opinion concerning the interview so that the proper actions or negotiations can be instigated on your behalf.
How do you answer the question on `why did you leave your last job?
PREETHI
Bhopal
This is not an opening to speak badly of your former employer. There is almost always a proper way of giving the explanation so that you do not sound like a "problem employee" and your former employer does not sound like an undesirable company.) As unfair as it may seem, there is almost no time when you should say something bad about your former employer.
You can talk about the lack of potential for upward mobility, the fact that your job responsibilities changed to the point that it no longer fit into your career plan, your need to move to be closer to your aging parents, the need to reduce travel time, your need for a more challenging job, or anything else that does not get into personalities or other conflicts.
If you were fired for cause, you may want to be up front about it, explain the circumstances and accept responsibility for your actions.
Practice your answers to this question with someone who has interview experience. However, don't lie. If you can't say anything positive about your former employer, don't say anything. It could come back to haunt you.
The answer to this question should be prepared well in advance of any self-marketing, especially interviewing.
It's also advisable to make sure that you're keeping the prospective employer's interests ahead of your own in the interview.
While answering questions, it's always best to keep it short and simple. When in doubt, try to turn everything around into demonstrating your knowledge and skill bases.
I just made a huge mistake in a salary negotiation and am wondering if there is something I can do to fix it. Do I have to stick with what I said, or can I begin negotiating at a higher level?
SHAILAJA
Delhi
It is never too late to back out of an interview response. The next time you visit the company, ask the interviewer exactly what the company is looking for. Ask about the expectations of the job, the qualifications of the ideal candidate, how many people the person will be responsible for, and the scope of responsibility.
Then, after the company has told you about the job, ask about the salary range for the position. Now that you have played your hand, try to take the offensive. Keep in mind that you also have to interview the company, so turn the tables and ask your own questions. This is the courting period in your employer and employee relationship. If you don't raise the issues now, you may never be able to reverse the outcome once you start working for the company.
What are the career prospects for industrial psychology and how are its principles used?
RAMESH VERMA
Rajamundry
Industrial psychologists apply psychological principles and research methods to the workplace in the interest of improving productivity and the quality of work/life. They also are involved in research on management and marketing problems. They conduct applicant screening, training and development, counselling, and organisational development and analysis.
An industrial psychologist might work with management to reorganize the work setting to improve productivity or quality of life in the workplace. They frequently act as consultants, brought in by management in order to solve a particular problem.
Industrial psychologists will be in demand to help to boost worker productivity and retention rates in a wide range of businesses. Industrial-organizational psychologists will help companies deal with issues such as workplace diversity and anti-discrimination policies.
Companies also will use psychologists' expertise in survey design, analysis, and research to develop tools for marketing evaluation and statistical analysis.
Please let me know the future prospects for M.Sc (Hons) Biological Sciences?
SUHANYA
Biological science degree can lead to a related career, such as research, the biotechnology business, conservation, teaching, or other fields where you directly use your scientific training as a biologist. Graduates find work or further study in a biology-related field. On the other hand, science graduates can also end up working in unrelated fields, such as advertising, marketing or law.
Postgraduates may end up in diverse fields, such as university teaching and research, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, the scientific civil service, environmental management, and many others.
The faq column deals with career concerns addressed to The C&K Management LTD. PO Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
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