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Introduce Yourself |
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This is the first question everybody expects in an interview. So, the concern here is, you want to make it formal or informal. The answer: there is no universal rule for it. It is quite natural that you are bit tensed in the first stage of the interview. A proper introduction will help you relax and settle free yourself to interact with them. You may start introducing by |
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Leaning forward to the potential employers: This will show your level of interest in the interviewers’ question. Don’t forget to shake hands, but only right hand. |
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Looking in the eyes of the employer: If there is more than one interviewer, make sure you maintaining proper eye contact. |
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Wishing the employer by using the surnames: For instance, “Hello, Ms. Kidman. It’s nice to meet you”. This will create an impression that you are even free to talk to strangers. |
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Being polite to the comments of the interviewers, if they commence the conversation by saying “it’s nice to meet you”. Here you could loosen up your nerves by saying “It’s nice to meet you as well”. Remember, it would be better you commence the conversation by wishing the employers rather waiting for them to start it. |
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It’s time to tell about you. A short statement prepared in the mind will work better here, but should not sound rehearsed. Confining the introduction to work-related matters may create a ‘master of brevity’ impression. If the interviewer is keen to know of your family background, they will definitely ask. In short, limit your introduction to job-related matters, unless asked otherwise by the panel. |
ii |
Experience in the area of the job you have applied for |
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This question is important as it will decide, whether the interview has to be carried on to further levels. Speak about all relevant experiences you have in the area. Your answer should be enough convincible that the employers will feel it is worth interviewing you. If you don’t have specific experience, get as close an experience as you can. |
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Now, take the interview to the recession time. The questions would be even tougher as many people are fired or are panicky about a potential job loss. The questions may proceed like: |
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During this tough time, why do you look out for a job change? |
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The intension of the employers is evident. They want to know why you have left the previous job. The question is bit tricky as the usual reasoning such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward looking replies may not sound convincing enough in a down market. What you can do here is being sincere to the developments led to your firing and explains it in such a manner that will not harm you. You may speak about the adverse financial situation your present organisation is experiencing; not holding blame on the employers or co-workers. |
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How do you take a beating on your designation or compensation or both? |
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Say yes, by adding that you are looking for long term growth and benefit, although it is untrue at this moment. This will assure the interviewers that you will stick to the company for a pretty good time and are sensible. |
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How secure you think your present job is and why do you think so? |
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Have presence of mind. Remember the answer you already have given for explaining why you were looking for a job change. The answers should not be contradicting. Any diffidence in this regard will bring the real reason on surface. Stay cool and confident in explaining that you are safe till date and you certainly feel you are irreplaceable. |
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What are Your Strengths/Weaknesses? |
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Not mention this is a tricky question. You are free to point out as many good features as possible to reveal the unique strengths you have. But what about your weaknesses? No one is perfect in answering this question. The sheer mentioning of weaknesses will grab the attention of interviewers and it is your ability to settle for less harmful weaknesses. For instance, you may play it safe by revealing your passions for coffee or chocolate as your prime weaknesses and never mention any weakness related to profession or health condition. |