JOB SPECIAL...How to give a job winning interview

How to give a job winning interview

Create a strong resume. Build a compelling case on why you fit the job role: The process of giving a job winning interview starts by forming a strong resume. A resume works as an entrance test to get an interview. A person's resume should be concise and convey more in fewer words. A good resume doesn't necessarily contain paragraphs about the person's attributes; instead it contains facts that speak about the person. An impressive resume should speak louder than words. For example, instead of saying, "I am an exceptional guitarist", one can say, "I was the lead guitarist of an award winning rock band back in college".
The interviewer breaks the ice with the interviewee by talking about him/ her and the likes and dislikes of the person. The answer to this question should contain relevant facts which give a brief professional and personal summary of the interviewee. It is important to read the job description well and prepare a compelling answer in advance. Another thing to remember while answering this question is that, it is a great opportunity to give a desired direction to the conversation.

Do your primary research on your potential employer:
Every recruiter expects you to have some basic knowledge about the organisation and the industry that you are contemplating joining. Hence, it is advisable to do a primary research before going. After all, the employer has a lot of information about the applicant, so it's only polite if the applicant evens the score. One should focus their response on what they understand about the company (history/ products/ services/ industry leadership/ performance record) and what one finds exciting about its future. If it is a listed company, one would get several financial analyst feedbacks to support their response to the future outlook on the company. For example, if the potential employer has just reported great financial numbers, it is a great opportunity to complete one's response by saying: "Your quarter results have been phenomenal and analysts are clearly positive on your company and I look forward to an exciting career if given an opportunity" and of course you can always Google it. It is extremely important that you find the latest news worthy mention of a company before meeting them.

Highlight your strengths & experience:
During an interview it is important to highlight one's strengths and experiences that appropriately fit the needs of the role. The employer will be assessing the interviewee's fitment with the job role, and in order to respond appropriately, one needs to understand the specific needs and expertise relevant to the position one is applying for. Also when asked about your greatest strength, the applicant needs to leverage the question to highlight not just his/her best skills, but also traits that harmonize with the current opportunity in the best way. In addition to technical skills the employer is also looking for key behavioral attributes in addition to technical skills. It is important to ensure one's focus on core strengths in soft yet confident communication skills.  So if the employer asks the applicant his/her weakness, there is no need to panic. Relax. They don't expect anyone to be flawless. However, it is important to articulate one's weakness to one's advantage. One shouldn't pick a weakness that will strike him/her off from the employer's list. Instead he/she should pick a weakness on which he/she is working on to take corrective measures. This puts the applicant in positive light before the employer. The important thing to remember here is to be truthful, honest & confident.

The recruiter will try to assess the applicant's problem solving skills, dependability and willingness to tackle a tough situation at work, by assessing how he/she got out of a difficult work-related situation. Here the applicant needs to focus on his/her strategy and traits that helped him/her get out of thick soup, and end on a positive note by stating an example expressing the same. Old world traits like loyalty and hardwork still pay and are looked upon well by any employer. Employers also look for value match between the company and individual, try to learn about the values the company stands for and find a possible match between what you stand for and the company.

Never criticise your current employer: 
There is a saying ‘whatever goes around, comes back,' it is never helpful to criticise your current employer and cite that as one of the reasons for changing your job. You may be talking about your prospective employer the same way in the coming years. It is helpful to focus on the lack of challenges in current job fit not being in line with your career aspirations, want of greater responsibilities and the learning opportunities your new employer offers as some of the reasons for seeing a change.

Be confident:
One should always remember to be fiercely confident, show willingness and enthusiasm for the job and appear as a genuine person who loves what he/she does.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare:
Before the critical day it is helpful to prepare by reading your resume critically, reading up your prospective employer and speaking to your consultant in detail about the job & employer. If you are looking to have a close friend with whom you can role play, do that. Be your worst critic in that and remember opportunity knocks only once, better be prepared to interview with it.

--Rajan Kalia: The writer is Director & Head – Human Resource, Max New York Life Insurance. ASC 18/05/2011