5 Body Language Mistakes You Need to Avoid During Interview

Body language is a vital part of job interview and trust me when I say it, it is one of the determining factors of you getting selected or rejected for the job.
You body language says what you don't want to say. But with proper information about what to do and not to do, you can easily control your body language with little practice and crack the job interview of your dream job.

Earlier we had discussed about the 5 Body Langages You Must Know About Before Going for Interview

Today we will be discussing about the body language mistakes that we need to avoid to maximize the chances of selection.

Breaking eye contact
Properer and appropriate eye contact is a crucial assessment parameter for employers to gauge if the job seeker is confident enough or not and if he/she is insecure or deceptive. We don't ask you to stare on the face of interviewer, but try to hold your interviewers gaze for that extra second when you shake hands.

Chopping and Pointing 
Chopping and Pointing fingers represents the anger, frustration and aggression all in very negative way cutting short the connection between you and interviewer. Avoid these gestures even when you get the feelings like them. Instead, manage them by using both your hands in a nicer way, while explaining your point.

Not smiling
Who on the God's Earth, doesn't love a smiling face. A sweet smile brings in warmth and energy. With a gentle smile, you can put yourself and the interviewer at ease. On the other hand, failing to wear a smile on your face will make you come across as a grim and distant personality.

Slouching in chair
Your posture while sitting in a chair before or during the interview carries a lot of weight in terms of you getting selected or rejected in interview. Always sit straight rather than slouching in chair.

Fiddling with fingers
Playing or fiddling with your fingers during interview will put your impression as a bored or disinterested person. By toying with your fingers in interview, you send a direct message to the interviewer that you are not interested in the job or conversation.

Too many hand gestures
Yes, we said it and its absolutely right to use your hand gestures stress some crucial points but it must be balanced.  Too much of hand gestures are distracting and simply annoying. Try to avoid it.

Post by - 
Alok Kumar Upadhayay

Read More

Questions Frequently Asked in Job Interviews

On a huge demand of our readers, we are finally sharing the questions ( types ) which are very frequent in interviews now a days. 

The answers vary as per the skill set and experience level of individual. Though it can help you in expecting what is going to be asked in the interview and with that, you can shape your answer. 

We don't recommend you to tell a lie in interview. We recommend honest answers, as its preferred and have better chances of selection. 

1. Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss?
   
2. A is the mother of B and C. If D is the husband of C. What is A to D?
   
3. If FRIEND is coded as HUMJTK, how can CANDLE be written in that code?
   
4. Tell me something about yourself which is not there in your resume / CV?
   
5. Describe the best boss you ever reported to?
   
6. Tell me about something that's not on your resume?
   
7. What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?
   
8. If you could start your career over again, what would you do differently?
   
9. Where do you see yourself in next 5 Years ?
   
10. What are your greatest professional strengths ?
    
11. What do you expect from your supervisor ?
    
12. What will you do if our competitor offers you a higher salary ?
    

We will keep on adding more questions to the list.. 

If you have your own question, please share it in comments sections. 

to be contd...

Read More

Never Do this before Your Job Interview

In my earlier posts, I have shared some of the interview tips. Thanks for all your overwhelming responses. Though, do you know that, there is a prelim screen, that happens when you are totally unaware of it.
If you have been to interviews earlier, remember random people walking by you while you are waiting for interview. Yes, you got it. That's it.
Just before interview, when waiting, most of the times candidates let their guard down and then happens the unexpected.

Here I am listing couple of points, that you must never do just before your job interview.

Don't be over confident : 
Confidence is one of the most essential part of interview, though being overconfident can be detrimental. The moment you get over confident, you loose your guard and it push you to talk out of order or act out of control.
Generally it happens with couple of favorable signs or hints from interviewer about your candidacy, but you must know that, its all a part of interview. They let you assume and the assumptions take tings south. So, never assume that you have got the job until you really get it in written with due approvals.


Don't be over punctual : 
No doubt, punctuality is a desired quality that employers look for in the candidates. However, arriving too early can leave a negative impression on the interviewer.
Arriving too early means longer waits and who loves to wait.. slowly its starts making you board and anxious. Their are fair chances that, you might slip in interview.



Don't wear your RUDE look : 
Politeness is a sweet candy that makes receiver and giver both happy. No wonder, you will be very polite to the interviewer but you must be polite with other people also you meet during your interview, you never know who is going to work with you and in what capacity. Also, if you are rude to anybody and it gets reported you may just miss out on the job opportunity.




Don't be social butterfly, Avoid Social Media : 
Focus on your interview and keep that smartphone away till the time being. Don't risk losing your focus on errant things on social media. You may miss your call, you may miss your entire focus on interview. I guess your social media profiles and feeds are not important than your career.

- Alok Upadhayay

Read More

4 Questions that HR / Recruiters Love to Ask and How to Answer it

If you are preparing for an upcoming interview, then this post is for you. 

Though, no one can be sure about, what questions the HR Person of Recruiter is going to ask in interview but its not totally unpredictable. There are some set of questions that are very frequent in any interview and with right information and preparation you can be ready for some of the surprises. 

Based on the querries received about how to answer some particular questions, here are top 4 question that most of aspirants asked. 

Question 1: Have you been diagnosed with any major medical problem?

How to Answer : 1st tip, never lie in interview. If its about any major medical problem, its recommended to answer it correctly with Yes/No, followed by your statement. 

If No, then say : No Sir/Ma'am, I have never been diagnosed with any major medical problem and consider myself medically sound and fit for the job. 

If, its Yes, then also share about your treatment and recovery speed. It will put positive impact. 

Also, if its a major problem, then the company / HR is going to know about it sooner or later and then your employment can be in jeopardy.

Also, most of the companies ask you to give it in written on " Job Application Form" with self attested disclaimer. So, its good to state the truth. 

 Question 2: We have shifts, will you be comfortable working in different shifts?

How to Answer : Though, most of interviewees answer it as straight forward YES. 

Its recommended to asses your situations first and then answer it. Don't answer the question just for the sake of getting the job. If in your employment history, you have never worked in shifts, then it will be difficult for you and the recruiter sitting there is experienced enough to know it. 

Also, before asking this question, the HR Personal has already asked enough about you to know you. 

If you are actually capable of working in shifts and have prior experience only then answer as YES. 

If you have no experience of working in shifts, but ready to take the challenge, answer it as : Yes, I am open to work in shifts. 

It will be followed by other questions like : How will you manage your work life balance ? So be ready with answer stating your planned routine life, or new possibilities that will allow you flexibility. 

In case you find yourself unable to work in shifts, then answer honestly as NO. You never know, that if the job is actually gonna need you to work in shifts. 

Question : Have you ever been convicted of any crime in your life?

How to Answer : Yes or No, speak the truth. 

If you have been convicted of any crime, that will appear in your background check, that most companies do. So, its better to state it. 

If you have been a good person in your life, then answer its as No, I have never been convicted of any crime in my life. 

Question : What was the last salary withdrawn by you OR What's your previous /current salary?

How to Answer : I have seen people lying about it, speaking big numbers as previous salary. 

You must know that, the employers ask for your previous 3-6 months salary slips and bank statement details. 

So, its good to share your actual salary details in the interview. 

All the above question can simply be answered as YES or NO, though its recommended to answer honestly with brief explanation. It will help you to present you as a transparent and honest person and can boost your chances of getting selected. 

By - Alok Kumar Upadhayay

Read More

Why Do You Want to Work Here ? How to Answer It in Interview

"Why do you want to work here?" OR 

"Why do you want to work with our company ?" 

These questions have always been tricky to job aspirants especially if they are freshers. Remember the question - "Tell about your weakness." OR "What's your biggest weakness?" Its equally tricky as that. 

Also Read : How to Get Internship at Google

So, you are a fresher or looking for a change and have a job interview lined up. You are almost prepared and yet uncertain about how to answer this dreaded question, this article is for you. 

1st I will tell you, what you should not say at all. Never answer the question "Why do you want to work here?" with these answers : 

• I'm skint / I need to pay rent
• I don't want to move back to my parents'
• I want a job / I'm bored
• I have loans. 
• I need it like my next breath.

Answer like above and you are done. It will immediately rule you out of the list. 

So, how should you answer "Why do you want to work here?"

The best way is to tap into what the interviewer wants to hear. 

Its not lying or cheating rather, your answer will be just a well-researched and thought-out answer. Answer it and present yourself in the best possible way.

So the real question is : What does the interviewer want to hear, or know about you and your preparation by asking "Why do you want to work here?", and how to shape your perfect reply. 

Research the company (go out of the box)

Companies want to be flattered, so take the time to do your homework. Gather all information that you can, not only from their website, but from their social media accounts, news, various papers, company blogs, research associates and clients, hiring manager linked in profiles etc. Shape the gathered information to answer the question. 

What to mention:

Now, you have the data about the company. Next is selecting the aspects of the company that interest you. 

What makes them attractive, and can you flatter them more by drawing upon these? 

Lookin deep to draw a parallel line between this company, and companies you’ve worked for in the past or you have desired to work with. Ask your self : 

Do you hold the same values? 

Is the location desirable? 

What type of people work there?

If there are undesirable aspects of the company, how can you turn these into a positive? 

For eg. “For some this industry may be no so enthusiastic, but I’m well-suited to this because…....(put your positive reasons matching to your interest)” and “I was very excited to see that you recently won Excellent Customer Service Award, which I find incredibly admirable. My 3 years in telecom / My Post Graduation in Telecom Management have taught me the true value of excellent customer service, and I believe I would be a valuable asset to the company because of this.”

Research the role

You should have an answer, or explanation, ready for each of the requirements and responsibilities (why you’re suitable, or why you believe you’d do well despite lacking experience), all backed up with evidence. The employer wants to know that you are set on this specific role, and not just the company.

They need to see you oozing passion or interest for the particular type of role, backed up with genuine reasons why it interests you, or it will be interesting to you. Interviewers don’t want to waste their time on candidates who don’t understand the job they’re applying for.

How to shape your answer : 

Your answer should include the aspects of the role that you’ll enjoy, be suitable for, and/or have experience in. All of these must be backed up with evidence.

Have motivations that fit the nature of the job

What sort of person works within this industry? What would a company expect their motivation to be? Research, comb through the job description, and ask others. If within the creative industry, it might be to have your work used on large-scale projects; if within IT consultancy, the chance to liaise with top-end clients, or be promoted; if within sales, the opportunity to make money. Think about the sort of person they want, and how you fit that bill.

How to shape your answer : 

How you would fit into the industry, how your personality aligns with the nature of the job, your previous experiences that prove this, and what your motivations and goals are.

Fit into the company culture

It might be the way you answer their questions, how well you answer, how well you listen, your communication style and many other things. Essentially, they’re using the few occasions in which you both meet to assess the sort of person you are, and whether you’ll fit in with the rest of the company and/or office.

How to shape your answer : 

Why you will fit the company culture (but you need to know what this is, and it’s not always obvious). Mention the people you like to work with (if applicable to who works at the company) or people you haven’t worked with, and that you would like a challenge in order to improve your people skills. More importantly, just be nice, friendly, and above all, yourself.

Be concise, it matters. 

You don’t want to go off on a tangent, or the interviewee will assume you lack the skills to be concise – or you haven’t prepared well enough. Either way, you don’t want to ramble, just like you don’t want to reply with one word answers. A good technique for dressing an answer, used across many industries, is the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Try to adopt this for all the questions you prepare to answer too.

Be enthusiastic

As a fresh graduate, it’s likely you’ll be having less experience of life. Here, interviewers will be expecting you to be energetic; to be excited by the prospect of interviewing, and hopefully working for the company. This isn’t about what you say, but how you say it: avoid monotony by smiling whilst talking, as you are more likely to speak in a positive manner.

Be genuine, its important.

Deep down, the interviewer know that the money is the motivation factor here yet he wants you to be interested in the job and company. Interviewers can pick up on dishonesty, so if your heart isn’t in it, don’t bother trying to lie your way into a job you don’t want. You can also tell if someone has stolen an answer of the internet, especially as an interviewer who is well-versed in candidate answers. Take inspiration from articles like these, and definitely don’t just recite other peoples’ answers.

How to shape your answer : 

If you think they have any questions or reservations about you, your history, or your abilities – mention it. Confront their reservation, then explain how or why you’ll overcome this objection. 

So, your perfect answer to “Why do you want to work here?” should mention:

• Why the company appeals to you, and your reasoning.
• Why the role appeals to you, and why you can do the job.
• How and why the role aligns with your career goals and motivations.
• Why you’ll fit in with the existing colleagues.
• Why their initial reservations won’t actually hold you back.
• And remember: Be concise, be enthusiastic, and be honest.

- Alok Upadhayay 

Read More

10 Tips You Must Know to Crack a Job Interview Successfully

Job Interviews have always been a nerve racking experience for the interviewees. No, matter how confident and positive you are, when it comes to face the interviews, you get the jitters. Still, its something that cannot be avoided. If you are dreaming to have a job, you must be prepared for it. 

Though, it cannot be avoided, but what if you can have some advantages by knowing some key tips for cracking the interviews successfully.

Also Read : How to Get Internship at Google

Here are the best tips that work in every interview to help you land your dream job.

Understanding the requirement, and SWOT analysis :
Always go through the the job description (JD) and job specifications in detail. It is important to understand the expectations of interviewer from you and whether you fit in that given profile and vice-versa. Do SWOT analysis of yours based on the JD. It will help you in deciding how well the job suits you and how to approach the interview.

Know the employer, do your research :
Don't forget to do some prelim study about the company before you go. Check out the website as well search for the news, company has been in. Make the keypoints of most recent achievements of the organization. Visit the website and know their history, vision and objectives so that you are able to answer questions on it. Research well on their future plans so that you are able to align with your job role and how you can benefit them in the long run.

Prepare well in advance and don't forget basics :
Write down the list of basic and common interview questions like : Introduce yourself, hobbies, weakness, strengths, how you will contribute to organization, why are you quitting your current job, why you should be hired etc... Write down the answers in an interesting way (try not to make it traditional crammed answer) and practice them well.

Watch your watch, punctuality matters

No one wants to wait, especially the interviewers. Always reach the venue 10-20 minutes before. Being late will put a negative impression on interviewers. Being punctual leaves a good first impression.

Check your attire, dress up well :
Take your dressing etiquette seriously while planning to dress for job interviews. Remember the mote of 'Dress to impress'. Wear crisply ironed formals, clean shoes and your hair should be neat and well combed for men and tied up for ladies. Be presentable but don't be glammed up. Professional dressing plays very important role in leaving good and long lasting impression. 

Always be confident, don't express your nervousness :
Being nervous is natural. But don't let your expressions explain your nervousness. Always look confident. Nervous look creates an impression of inability of the candidate to handle workplace situations and deal with pressure. 

Be honest with your answers :
What goes around, comes around. Don't lie to your questions as it may create a huge mess in future. You are not supposed to know everything and nobody is God. It's okay to accept it humbly than giving a wrong response and creating a wrong impression as well.

Update your CV, Old is not gold here :
Don't forget to update your CV. Its most important thing to get you sold to the firm. Add all your skills and experiences but avoid fake information. Make is short, to the point but informative. 

Body language, it speaks the unspeakable :
Eyes of interviewer starts scanning you the moment you enter the room. From head to toe, all your gestures and manners get noticed and judged. Do not slouch. Sit straight and make eye contacts during conversations. Make it a two way conversation by asking questions and clarifying your doubts, if there are any.

Get their opinion 

Asking for feedback gives a positive impression of the candidate's keenness towards the job. As the interview is about to close, ask the interviewer about how it went and what are the chances of being selected. But avoid overdoing it.

Read More

5 Body Langages You Must Know About Before Going for Interview

During career counseling program, I have met alot of management graduates, who were curious to know about the body language for interview. Though, there is alot, you must be aware of, but here we will discuss the 5 most important body languages you must know about before going for interview :

1) A Gentle and Firm Handshake : 

 There is nothing good as a gentle and firm handshake for leaving your first impression. A firm handshake represents the authoritative nature. Weak handshake to start off or end the interview will ruin the whole opportunity, avoid it.

Also Read : How to Get Internship at Google

 

 2) Don't Lean Back or Lean Forward Or Cross Hands: 

Leaning back looks you look LAZY, that you would never want to look like in a job interview. Avoid slugging in chair or taking extra support from back of chair. 

At the same time, leaning forward shows extra aggressiveness. Extra can be harmful here. So, just sit naturally straight. 

Also, avoid crossing your hands as it will send a direct message to the interviewer that you are being defensive. 

3) Proper Eye Contact : 

Remember, you can say alot through your eyes. So never avoid eye contact with the interviewer. Yet, you must not stare or look anywhere else on interviewer's face or body while he/she is speaking. Just stay calm and look calmly during the conversation. 

4) Avoid Constant Nodding : 

Being a "Naysayer" is not recommended in the interview but you must remember to not to leave your impression as more of a YES person. Avoid constant nodding on each and every sentence of the interviewer. 

5) Constantly Looking at the Clock or Watch : 

There is no fixed time duration for interview. It can of few minutes to hours depending upon the interviewer. If interview is taking longer duration and you are in little hurry, avoid constantly looking at the clock or peeking to your watch during the conversation. It might make you look like impatience.   

Read More