Dated 12th Jan 2005
What should I answer if the interviewer asks: "Describe a problem or crisis situation you faced and how you handled it?"
Pratik Mahajan
Jaalna
An answer to this question throws light on how you actually solved a difficult problem; reveals your general approach to handling challenging situations; and allows the interviewer to assess your leadership qualities in action when you confidently answer a question that makes most people squirm. Select two or three problems or crises and rehearse your response in advance. To enhance your credibility, pick at least one problem that didn't have a happy ending.
Recruiters like this question for three reasons: 1) It provides evidence on how you actually solved a difficult problem; 2) reveals your general approach to handling challenging situations; and 3) allows them to see your leadership presence in action.
What are the common reasons recruiters cite for rejecting candidates?
Jayanth
Bangalore
It is difficult to single out a particular reason why you could be rejected in an interview. Some of the reasons can be summed up as follows:
Showing no enthusiasm in responses at the time of interview; keeping answers often short; tone of voice displaying lack of interest or motivation; giving vague answers; lacking knowledge relevant to the job; being very fidgety with little or no eye contact; demonstrating nervous mannerisms such as playing with hair, rubbing hands, etc.; flaunting `know-it-all' attitude; lacking sincerity; trying to show off that they know about the field better; making superficial remarks to impress the interviewer, etc. No career direction, having no idea what they want from a job, inability to show how their skills and experiences prepared them for work in any field are some other points that reflect poorly on the candidates' calibre.
"I see you have neither skill nor experience." What is the best way to deal with such a provocative observation?
Somesh Chandran
Hyderabad
This is your time to convince the interviewer that, despite your inexperience with a certain computer programme or procedure, you're game for the challenge. Your best bet here is to give an example.
Relate the experience depicting a situation that required skilful handling and how you dealt with it. If you do not have any such example, you can say you are a quick learner and impress your interviewer with the steps you're already taking to learn the skill -- a course you've enrolled yourself in or a how-to book you're reading.
What should be the agenda of a fresher while forwarding his/her CV to companies, apart from looking into the company profile?
Ritesh Raj
Pune
The next step in preparing for the interview is to gain knowledge of the industry and company you want to join. Try to link your skills and interests to specific industries. This will be your key to selecting the companies you want to approach for a job.
It is important that you develop a list of industries and companies you have an interest in early on in the process. This doesn't have to be a large list. It just needs to provide you with a starting point. This will allow you to focus your time and energy on your prime targets. Avoid the tendency to randomly apply for all openings. This random or "shotgun" approach is most often employed by freshers in the job market and is the main source of their anxiety and frustration. It's more difficult and time-consuming to apply for everything and hope for something.
One of the best ways to prepare for the interview is to find out if the company plans to schedule an information session. Many companies use the information session as a way of introducing their organisation to candidates. These sessions are very helpful as they cover important topics like job responsibilities, company culture, benefits and advancement and training opportunities. The information session is a great opportunity to ask questions that enable you to know about the work environment, typical workday and mentoring opportunities. This is where your ability to prioritise and make sound decisions will come into picture.
"Describe a situation where you made the wrong decision. What did you learn?" What should my answer be to such interview question?
Ashwin
Chennai
While dealing with such a question, it is important to pick situations from which you emerged successful -- not those that turned out to be disasters.
Mistakes that resulted owing to overzealous or aggressive approaches are usually most effective because they suggest enthusiasm and a can-do attitude.
Errors due to underestimating, misreading or over anticipating are generally safe as well. Select mistakes that parallel what you'll be doing in your new job. If you're going into a deadline-intensive environment, talk about the time you missed a deadline -- and how you handled the consequences. If you're interviewing with a start-up company, talk about a situation where you had to juggle with different activities and how you missed out on one of them.
Avoid failures that can make you appear to be overly cautious, nitpicking or cheap. Also avoid anything illegal or unethical, such as expense account violations or questionable accounting practices. Any of these errors can plant a seed of doubt about your motivation and methods.
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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