?! Interview
Learning to anticipate questions
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Theoretical knowledge alone cannot help you perform well in an interview. Attend as many mock interviews as possible, and learn from the mistakes that you make.
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WHAT NEXT? Thinking up answers to tough questions. — Photo: K.R. Deepak
HERE ARE some final pointers on how to tackle interview questions.
You are happily placed. Why do you want to change your job?
My qualifications, and the skills I have been able to develop as part of my previous job, can be effectively applied in your expanding organisation, leading to my professional growth. My present company treats me well; but it has some constraints in terms of career growth. That is the prime reason why I thought about a change.
(You may modify the answer appropriately. Some of the points that can be mentioned are opportunities for professional advancement, job security, joining a prestigious organisation, healthy work environment, professional challenges and encouragement for research. Never say you are shifting only for a higher salary.)
Why do you want to change your current job?
There is an expert suggestion that we keep the mnemonic CLAMPS (C: Challenge, L: Location, A: Advancement, M: Money, P: Prestige, S: Security) in mind, to come up with an appropriate answer.
You have to take a crucial decision. But there is no specific rule or practice or precedent. How would you proceed?
I would analyse the situation, taking into account all the related factors including the consequences of different decisions. I will adopt the decision I feel is the best under the given circumstances. If possible, I will discuss the case with my superiors or dependable subordinates before arriving at my decision. As you are certainly aware, the function of an executive is not only following precedents, but setting good precedents as well.
Any questions?
Never try to grill the board with a series of reverse questions. You may ask one or two genuine questions that have something to do with your job or with the organisation. You may also ask for clarification on some aspect of your service that remains a grey area.
Some of the possible questions are indicated below. You may have to choose such questions, or frame new ones, taking into account the circumstances:
When could I expect to hear from you?
* When will I be expected to join?
* Could I expect the letter of appointment in a fortnight?
* What is the next step?
* What would be my responsibilities during the first month?
* To whom would I report?
* Will I have to travel a lot?
* Will there be opportunities for professional training?
* What is the current availability of housing/accommodation in our company?
* Do we have to keep foreign markets in mind?
Be prepared for these questions:
The questions we have listed are only indicative and not exhaustive. But once you are prepared to face such diverse questions, no question is likely to upset you in the interview room. A few more questions are given below for your reflection.
* How will your father/mother/closest friend/greatest enemy rate you?
* How would you describe yourself?
* Where do you think you will be after 5/10/15 years?
* What has given you the maximum satisfaction in your life?
* What do you know about this company?
* Can you work overtime?
* How do you spend your spare time?
* What kind of books do you read? Why?
* What kind of films do you enjoy most? Why?
* What motivates you most?
* Why do you choose to come to the U.K./U.S.A.?
* Explain how you could motivate a defiant patient to accept your directions?
* What would you do if the generator caught fire/if the client threatened to prosecute you for breaking the code of ethics in the profession/if the patient left the hospital without a formal discharge/a passenger attempted to outrage your modesty/if students started shouting in the classroom obstructing your work ... or something similar that has relevance in your line.
Summary
In certain personality tests you may be asked to write a report/summary of the interview. You should be prepared to face this situation, where you have to note down the questions and your answers along with brief comments.
Special tips
* If you are one among the very few candidates for the interview, do confirm your participation through a telephone call or letter. Also, after the interview, send a thank you / follow-up letter.
* Keep your journey tickets if the company would reimburse your fare.
* Never forget to take a copy of your application and the curriculum vitae (CV) you sent, and the latest CV if there has been any substantial change in between. Arrange your documents in a folder in the same sequence as noted in the CV. Keep them loose, so that you can pull out any one of them when required.
* Keep a couple of your photographs in your file.
* Keep all the documents in a neat docket.
* Do not harp on the expected perks, or ask questions like how good is the canteen?
* Never use sarcasm or irony in your answers.
* If you happen to realise that you made an error in answering, do not hesitate to say ``Sorry.''
* Try to present yourself as part of the solution and not as part of the problem.
* Do not forget to take back your records/certificates if you had handed them over for reference.
* End the interview on a positive note that echoes your enthusiasm, and thank the board for the opportunity. Exit gracefully. Never look back when you are at the door.
Practice, practice, and more practice
Theoretical knowledge alone cannot help you to perform well in any interview. Attend as many mock interviews as possible, and learn from the errors committed by you. Correction of mannerisms is possible through this exercise. The rehearsals will certainly boost your confidence and pave the way to success.
B.S. Warrier
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