How to appear for an Interview

What To Look For When Appearing For An Interview


Now a consultant, I have extensive senior management experience in the Industry. Hence, I have faced a few interviews and have interviewed scores of candidates. I believe that I have what it takes to share my thoughts on the above subject.

Employers look for the following from prospective employees:

a) Domain specific knowledge and skill
b) The ability to analyse various situations and apply the requisite skill
c) Employers would also like to assess the long term Growth potential of the employee as well as his fitment in the organisation culture.
d) Personality

At most times the knowledge / skill of the employee is judged through specific mental ability and other written tests.
Hence usually, only candidates having the requisite skills are invited to participate in interviews. Knowledge and skills is really a necessary condition, but not a sufficient condition to land a job.

As the panel of interviewers would normally be highly experienced, the employee could do well to create a good impression at the outset and throughout the interview. The candidate should be able to create a perception that he / she is not only good, but also to subtly emphasise that he / she would be the best fir for the job.

Usually it helps to be assertive and not aggressive to ensure that the communication is crisp and precise. At the same time the tone of voice should be endearing and not a monotone.

A candidate, when pushed into a corner, should be able to demonstrate a positive and never say die attitude.

Whilst it is important to create this perception it is important to create a true perception and not a Mirage! There are two reasons for this:
1) At most times the interview panel would see through attempts to create a Mirage!
2) Even if one succeeds and lands the job through deception, few would be able to retain the job if the requisite qualities are at a premium.

It is important to prepare well for the interview by trying to find out as much as possible not just about the financials, the products and markets of the organisation, but also about the organisation culture and values, which will help one align oneself with the same.
The interview panellists would assess the personality of the candidate, both the external crust which consists of looks, smartness, good communication etc. and also the core which is the self confidence, self esteem and other values
Smart dressing, good verbal and non verbal communication can be learned and then demonstrated by specific coaching , however core values such as self esteem, self confidence etc. needs to be developed from early childhood. However, these too can be developed through a better understanding of self.

In case any of you are looking for specific coaching on the above subject I can be reached through my website or my blog.
Milind Vartak
www.valueaddservices.com