Job Interview - Learn how to get the job you want.

There is a good news and there is a bad news on the job front. The good news is that nearly
twenty years into phenomenal growth as an international centre for high technology the job market
in India is exploding. The bad news is that the industry is running out of workers despite Indian
education system churning out 400,000 new engineers, the core of the high-tech industry, every
year.
The root cause of this pathetic state of affairs is that fewer than 100000 of these new engineers
have the skills to join the job world.

Youngsters, dulled by 'cram schools' and universities that are mired in theory classes, graduate
without the most basic communication skills. Most of these education shops are so poorly funded
that they don't even have computer labs. So the country's voracious high-tech companies,
desperate for increasing numbers of staffers to fill their ranks, go head hunting aggressively but
return empty handed two times out of three because of utter lack of good communication and
interpersonal skills. As the Human Resources Chief of Infosys Technologies says,"The problem is not
a shortage of people. It's a shortage of trained people."

Preparation for a job interview does not mean "cramming" a few answers to the expected questions
but training in communication and interpersonal skills, acquiring the right attitude, ability and skills
to perform the job you are being interviewed for this requires intrinsic training and preparation.
The job interview is a strategic conversation with a purpose. Your goal is to persuade the employer
that you have the skills, background, attitude and ability to do the job and that you can comfortably
fit into his organisation. At the same time, you should also be gathering information about the job,
future career opportunities and the organization to determine if the position and work environment
are right for you.
An interview is a highly subjective encounter in which the interviewer offers the job to the qualified
person whom he/she likes best. Personality, confidence, enthusiasm, a positive outlook and
excellent interpersonal and communication skills count heavily. emloyee2owner has an inside out
approach to help you acquire the right attitude and skills to fit into the best organisations.

employee2owner

One key to success is to use every means at your disposal to develop effective interviewing skills:

selective presentation of your background,

thoughtful answers to interview questions,

well researched questions about the organization, and

an effective strategy to market yourself.

There is no magic to success in interviews: It is a skill that can be learned and improved upon
with practice.

The Interview Process

Screening Interviews are rather brief. During that time, the employer will want you to elaborate on
experiences outlined in your resumé or application, and will describe the organization and available
position. If the employer is impressed with your performance in this interview, you will be invited to
a second (and perhaps third or fourth) interview.

The second interview process is longer, lasting anywhere from two hours to a whole day. It could
include testing, a facility tour, as well as a series of interviews with various employees. You should
come away from the second interview with a thorough understanding of the work environment and
job responsibilities and have enough information to decide on a job offer should one be extended.

Points To Remember

How you greet the employer, the firmness of your handshake, the way you are groomed and
dressed, will all be a part of this initial impression.

To help you feel at ease, a practiced interviewer might ask "common-ground" questions about
shared interests or acquaintances, or your travel to the interview. Some interviewers might start by
saying, "Tell me about yourself," an opening for you to concisely describe your background, skills,
and interest in the position.

Interview questions may range from "Why did you choose to pursue a degree in ...?" and
"Describe your last job" to "What are your strengths/weaknesses?" and "What are your
long-range career goals?" If you are prepared for the interview, you will be able to promote your
qualifications effectively as you respond to questions.

Eventually the employer will probably say, "Do you have any questions?" This is the cue that the
interview is moving to the "wrap-up" stage. Always ask questions because this demonstrates your
prior research and interest in the job. Your questions might be direct, logical questions

Speak clearly and enthusiastically about your experiences and skills.

Listen carefully. During the interview you may be given hints by the interviewer that can tip you on
what the job entails and what characteristics they are looking for in prospects.

Be positive. Employers do not want to hear a litany of excuses or bad feelings about a negative
experience.

Pay attention to your nonverbal behavior. Look the interviewer in the eye, sit up straight with both
feet on the floor, control nervous habits (cracking knuckles, drumming fingers, etc.), and smile as you
are greeted.

Plan to arrive for your interview 10-15 minutes prior to the appointed time. Arriving too early
confuses the employer and creates an awkward situation. By the same token, arriving late creates a
bad first impression. Ask for directions when making arrangements for the interview.

Part of the job search process can include salary negotiation. This may begin or occur sometime
during the interview process, so come prepared to address compensation.

Never make negative comments about former employers. Remember, stay professional, don't resort
to mud slinging.

Job Interview