The first step………..

Fortunately (for me) or unfortunately (for my company and the candidates), I was a part of the recruitment team from my program which was on a huge ramp phase then. I was very eager to get into that committee for two reasons. One for the hep of it and the other, more than escaping of work was the fact I will be getting paid for observing and judging people which I’m sure most of us do and love to do. After quite a lot of initial coaxing my lead who was initially reluctant to share the board with me was more than willing to let me take the final decisions, which was a clue that I was in the right track and won over his approval.

I thought I can share my experience and expertise ;) on this as I had been on both sides of the table in a short while. This article is mainly intended for the first job seekers. May be the experienced fellows can catch a clue or two from this.

Let’s do away with the myths first.

You don’t have to be the best:

Learn ahead what your profile will be. You don’t have to top your school or college to land in a job and neither is that going to assure you a place in their organization. That might even turn out as a disadvantage at times like being over qualified or out of range. If you are looking for jobs which don’t match what your resume says about you, please know to explain why you are looking for a change. Let salary not be the only reason for the change. Talk about the intangible factors like the culture, growth, your expectations etc.

You don’t have to know all the right answers (but be honest):

If the interviewer asks you a question you don’t know the answer, tell them so. Trying to guess out an answer unless you are explicitly asked to will dig your death bed. The fact the question was asked itself means that the person has knowledge about it and if you are going to guess it will be obvious. If you think you know the answer but not able to recollect tell them so. Usually your interviewer will be able to tell the difference between lack of ability and momentary tension.

Before the interview

Do your homework:

You may try practicing in front of the mirror to know about your body language. You may also try the tape if your voice is going to play a role in you getting the job. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Read your resume and you will usually able to pick a few peculiarities out of it. Convince yourself that the company needs you. This is important, because your conviction usually shows the moment you step in and reassures the interviewer that you are probably their Mr. Right.

What you got to wear:

If it is an entry level job, wear formals with proper tuck ins etc. Usually formal rules don’t apply to women but it’s good to wear something formal rather than worry about it while waiting for your call to come through. Your apparel talks about your sincerity. And whatever you wear, wear a smile. My lead never liked or wanted to be a part of the panel, so he sometimes wore that “I’m disgusted” look. This may be the case with your interviewer too, so do everything possible to gain a good first impression.

Am giving you a week time for the homework……..lets meet next week to see what has to be done during and after the interview.