Dated 26th May 2004
How does one prepare for an interview keeping in mind the interviewer's inattention and disinterest in your answers?
ANIL
Hyderabad
The heart of the interview is the question and answer session. Candidates quite often find themselves on the defensive, trying to justify themselves when faced with tough questions rather than taking it as a chance to `sell' their attributes. A well-trained interviewer will fling all sorts of odd and challenging questions at you in an attempt to assess your suitability to the job. He often deliberately creates stressful situations to see how you react. In fact, you can safely presume the tougher the questions, the better you're doing. Knowing how to answer correctly is the key to success. Having pre-prepared answers, or anticipating certain questions will significantly help in reducing stress during the interview. The following aspects will help you shine in the interview:
Selling yourself: Suggests how to answer questions that offer a good opportunity to highlight your strengths and good attributes.
Information giving: Deals with questions that look directly for information on your experience and skills set. Dealing with objections: Offers suggestions to satisfactorily answer direct objections that the interviewer may have with your profile. Turning negatives into positives: Provides examples of how an interviewer's attempts to attack your weaknesses can be turned into an opportunity to showcase your strengths.
SHRIRAM
Bangalore
An interview isn't just about responding to the prospective employer's questions; it is an opportunity for you to impress the panel with examples of your foresight regarding the position they are offering. By asking questions, you can also determine if the job is right. It shows your interest in the position and also helps to establish rapport.
If you feel comfortable, and the interviewer seems willing, you may ask questions at appropriate times throughout the interview. If you don't ask questions during the interview, you will most likely be given the chance to do so towards the end of it.
This is when you can breathe a sigh of relief. It usually signals that the interview is coming to an end and if you haven't yet had a chance to impress upon the interviewer, this is your chance.
"When will the decision be made?"
"May I see the area where I would be working?"
"What qualities would you like to see in your employees that would make your job easier?"
"Did my resume or application raise any questions which might need to be clarified for you?"
If you do not have any questions, respond to his/her question in this manner: "No, I have no questions. You've done a complete job describing the company and the job requirements," or say, "I have no questions except for one, when do I start working?"
The employer asks this as a common courtesy, and as one more test. Only ask for information that will be useful to you. Do not force yourself to ask a question just for the sake of asking one.
If you have done your homework, it should be easy to come up with questions. Ask about promotions, responsibilities, what they are looking for in an employee, or any disability- related questions.
DO NOT ask about salary, vacation, or other off- time. You don't want the employer to think that you are only interested in money and time off, do you?
At my interview they said they would let me know in a week's time. What if the employer does not call me within the designated time frame?
PRASHANTHI
Hyderabad
In such an event, you should call them and politely inquire about your status as a candidate. Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances can lead to delay in notifying candidates. If you have not been selected, try to respond graciously and don't take it personally. If they tell you that they have not made any decision yet, ask if they know when they would do that, and ask if you could call back if you don't hear within a certain period of time. One good ploy is saying " I was told that you would let me know about whether you required me to join, and as I had not heard from you, I thought it would be courteous of me to let you know that I am considering two other offers that have been made to me, and to whom I have to return an answer." Then if they are seriously considering you they will ask you not to be too hasty or they will request another couple of days to make up their mind. In which case say that as you were looking forward to working with them, you will speak to the other company and ask for time.
I have heard this several times :"What did you like or dislike about your last job?" I think I always get it wrong. What do I say when this question crops up?
SMITA
Mysore
Ideally, your answer should be: "There was nothing I disliked". For an employer, hiring someone who easily fits into the existing staff structure is very important; therefore steer clear of criticising former colleagues, managers, etc. Once again, by paying attention when they describe the company culture to you, you can mention factors that wouldn't bother the new company. In fact, you could impress them, say, by saying, "my previous employers underestimated the importance of attention to detail."
The interviewer is looking for incompatibilities. Most interviews start with a preface by the interviewer about the company.
Pay attention because that information will help you answer the question. Moreover, any statement the interviewer makes about the job or the company can be used to your advantage.
So, explain what you liked about your last job, but see to it that the answer is in consonance with the values of the company you are likely to join. You might even say your company taught you the importance of certain aspects concerning the business, achievement orientation, professional profile, etc. Criticising the previous employer is a warning flag that you could be a problem employee. No one intentionally hires trouble, and that's what the question tries to find out. Keep your answer short and positive.
For example, the only thing your past employer could not offer might be something like "the scope to contribute more in different areas." You might continue with, "I really liked everything about the job. The reason I want to leave it is to find a position where I can make a greater contribution. You see, I work for a large company that encourages specialisation of skills. The smaller environment you have here, as I said, will allow me to contribute far more in different areas."
If you are interviewed for a large company, turn it around. "I work for a small company and don't get the time to specialise in one or two major areas."
What are the career prospects for veterinary sciences?
ABHIJIT
Delhi
An extensive range of careers is open for veterinary scientists in the food chain, pharmaceutical, biotech and animal feed industries, animal care and welfare organisations and in livestock business management. Positions as research scientists; advisors, consultants and educators are on offer in both the public and commercial sector. In addition, it is expected that many graduates will continue their studies for research-based postgraduate degrees.<137>
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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