Dated 04th Aug 2004
In one of the interviews I attended, the panel asked me to define my career goals. I answered but the response was not satisfactory. How does one answer this question?
KRISHNENDU MENON
Thiruvanathapuram
Any job search should first begin with definition of your goals. Simply put, this means looking at "What do I want to be?" and "What am I qualified to do?" The closer these two are to each other, the greater are the chances of getting the job you want.
This calls for carrying out the requisite groundwork and self-evaluation to understand what type of job is a good fit in terms of your interests and experience. Having well defined goals will enable you to adopt a focused approach to your job search and not waste time attending interviews for jobs that are unsuitable for you.
Firstly, you would have to do the skill assessment of an area to list your greatest strengths and abilities, such as mathematical ability, communication skills, computer expertise, or creative projects completed, etc. Skills can range from technical to physical, and will vary with a person's individual experiences.
Secondly, you should assess your values/interests. List the values that are important to you personally, including your ideal working conditions and your "dream job".
You must decide on specific areas of work you like to do. Do not state that you are in search of "an opportunity for advancement" or "a challenging position," but rather that you are interested in becoming a sales representative, a public accountant, a teacher, a high school principal, etc. Be as specific as possible. Don't give the impression that you will take whatever is available. Be prepared to discuss career goals, future plans, and eventual areas of interest, additional education, geographical preferences, transfers and relocation.
Once your career goals are defined, you can go to the next step; narrowing your search to specific companies and beginning the process of preparing for interviews.
What are panel and group interviews and how different are they?
SANIL KUMAR
Gurgaon
In a panel interview, two or more interviewers play off each other taking turns to ask you questions. While attending such an interview, try to stay calm and present yourself as you would in a one-to-one interview.
You have more than one listener in these interviews so you can expect a different interaction pattern. Try to maintain eye contact with the panel members especially to the one who has asked the question but do not wholly exclude everyone else. Questions in a panel interview tend to be rapidly paced because the interviewers have more time to frame questions while you are answering someone else. You need to have very good concentration so that you can follow the questions and think quickly to organise your answers.
In a group interview, the interviewer is less likely to interact with each candidate individually. He will present a few work related problems for the group of candidates to discuss and see how they can apply their education to work place situations.
You certainly need to find a chance to speak. But be careful not to appear too aggressive. Do not interrupt if someone is speaking. Make sure you respond politely if you do not agree with something somebody says or when what you say is criticised. Remember, the interviewer is definitely interested in observing how you communicate with other people.
There is no way to predict and practice for every possible interview situation because your responses to any question may change depending on what you want to emphasise and/or de-emphasise and to whom you are speaking. However, part of it can be predicted and prepared. All you need to do, therefore, is be well prepared, think positively and be sensitive to the interviewer's style.
What do you do when someone says; "Have you ever been fired or asked to resign?"
SANJEEV SHARMA
Kolkata
It depends entirely on whether you have been fired or have been asked to resign. When answering this question, keep in mind that the interviewer knows that you have been fired (or asked to resign). So, answer this question honestly, but without attacking your former boss or employer, and without sounding defensive or bitter.
Take recourse to your sense of humour when discussing the event so that the interviewer doesn't get the idea that you are a nut who might come back to the workplace with an assault rifle if you're disengaged. Tell the interviewer the lessons you learned after the experience. Mention the steps you have taken to improve yourself (i.e., I have read self-help books about; getting along with others; improving my time management; improving knowledge, work habits, etc.). Also, point out any past jobs when you got along well with your boss and colleagues or received good performance reviews or a promotion.
How do I justify my candidature for a job for which I am over-qualified?
AYESHAMISRA
Cuttack
Employers don't like to hire overqualified people because they won't stay around long. But since it is probably obvious that you're overqualified, admit that you are, but also emphasise the positives of being well qualified. For example, "I am overqualified in some ways. I have more experience that is required for this job, but you are looking for someone who is an expert in X, and that's me. However, that doesn't mean I'm completely overqualified. I feel that I have much to learn in the area of X, which is a big part of this job and I know it will keep me challenged . . .."
Assure the interviewer that the position excites you and that you intend to commit effort and time to it.
How do you handle conflicts in the workplace?
VINOD JAYRATH
Mumbai
Don't claim that you never had any dispute with your colleagues. The interviewer will know you are lying, since getting along with co-workers is one of the hardest things in the world to do. The answer to such question should explain the interviewer a dispute you had with a co-worker and how you resolved it so that the outcome was positive.
Your answer should emphasise how you resolved it on your own, and hopefully, that you and this other person are now friends, or at least are able to work together productively.
Don't tell the interviewer that you resolved a dispute by indulging in idle gossip with your boss or by getting the other person fired. Employers are sick of dealing with employee conflicts and they want a mature person who can resolve conflicts on their own without frequently carrying complaints to the boss.
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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