Hurdle - 5: Personal/HR Interview

 WATCH MY ALL INTERVIEW VIDEO ON YOUTUBE: PI/HR INTERVIEW/PT:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6-K5NYHGmO5yarLRBfY-Sw

 

What is an Interview?

It is a conversation between two or more persons for a serious and specific purpose, in which the interviewer asks the interviewee certain questions in order to assess his suitability for

1. Recruitment

2. Admission

3. Promotion

4. Opinion

 

An interview is a two way traffic in which at least one party has a specific serious purpose.

 

Why Interview?

1. To check one’s ability for a specific task

2. To check one’s skills

3. To check one’s aptitude for a particular task

4. To share information

5. To counsel

 

Form of Interviews

1. Face –to-face - 85%

2. Telephonic - 10%

3. Video – Conferencing - 3%

4. Questionnaires - 2%

 

Types of Interviews

1. Informal Interview

Any enquiry about the vacancies against reading an advertisement, it is an example of Informal Interview. It is not planned and is used when the staff is required urgently. Generally this type of job is referred by a friend or relative of the employer and these friends or relative take a candidate to the house of the employer or manager who asks a few questions like

 

Name

Birth Place

Education

Experience

Hobbies

Ability to perform a particular task

Likes & dislikes

 

 

2. Formal Interview

This is a planned interview. Under this everything is planned in advance be it venue, time, panel of interviewers and questions to be asked.

 

 

3. Structured Interview

The other name for this interview is Campus or Patterned or Directed or Guided interview. Such type of interview is fully planned.

 

The following points are considered in advance

Same type of Questions to be asked

Questions follow a particular pattern

Time allocation to each student’s

Advance Information to each student’s

Careful selection of Interviewer

 

Objectives of Structured Interview

Asking same question to each student’s means minimizing personal bias

As question is already set so it minimizes injustice

Structured questions promotes Uniformity

Careful selection of interviewer provides Consistency

 

4. Unstructured or Non-Directed Interview

Not planned at all.  

Questions will be from any topic - SPELT.

No fixed pattern – they may mix any type of questions.

No fixed time – it may be for minimum 2 to 60 minutes.

 

Advantages

Very much flexible in approach

Students feel more comfortable

Freedom to select time and direction of discussion

More opportunity for candidate to reveal one self.

 

Disadvantage

The interviewer should be more competent, otherwise rejection rate will be very high.

 

5. Depth Interview

It is actual examination of a candidate’s proficiency in his area of special interest.

E.g. IAS Interview

6. Group Interview

This is based on one’s behavior in group which leads to potential success in the job.

E.g. SSB Interview by Indian Army 

 

7. Stress Interview

This interview checks your emotional balance or resistance to change if any comes in due course of your job or career. In other words, how much you are ‘cool’ even in negative situations. If interviewer asks you any such question due to which you are getting ‘red’ face – it means you are under stress or feeling nervous or frightened or irritated or confused etc. Simply you are not fit for ‘managerial’ job because a manager are supposed to face any ‘negative’ situations at any point of time. In order to put the candidate under stress or strain, the interviewer

 

Ask questions in haste

No appreciation for your answers

Interrupting frequently

No comment on your answer for long time

4 or 5 questions at a time

Makes insulting comments

Blame you for lying

Intentionally they will get you irritate

 

8. Panel or Board Interview

This interview is generally conducted to boost confidence in the students. It is of 

 

Type A – When number of students is 5 or 6 at a time and interviewer is only one. Here, the purpose is generating confidence and interest.

 

Type B – when 4 or 5 interviewer is taking interview of only 1 candidate then here is the purpose is to check collective wisdom & judgment. E.g. IAS interview

 

Types of Questions for “fresher” (not as a experienced person)

(I have seen in most of the books that almost everyone has mixed the questions of fresher & experienced. How any fresh students can answer those questions? Please put yourself back in that situation when you were a students and how nicely you had answered those questions honestly? Please don’t do that – it is totally ‘unfair’).

 

The questions for fresher can be divided into four parts only keeping in mind the modern trend is being followed by HR managers which is worth mentioning: 

 

Part – 1

Warm up Questions

The aim is to make students comfortable, feel free, relax and no stress at all in the beginning itself. Make them stress free as much as possible for next 2 to 3 minutes.

E.g.

A. Tell me something about yourself?

B. Tell me something about your family background?

 

Part – 2

Resume Questions

The aim is to check – how much they know about themselves? Do they know how to make a perfect resume? Do they know the sequence? Do they know what to write?

E.g.

A. What is the significance of your first name?

B.Give me three gifts from your first name first alphabet?

 

Part – 3

General Awareness Questions

The aim is to check – how much current events you are tracking on daily basis. You should have complete awareness about “SPELT” (Social, Political, Economical, Legal & Technological) issues.

E.g.

A. Reservation

B. Black Money

C. Rising Prices – Inflation

D. Corruption

E. MIG – 29

 

Part – 4

General HR Questions

The aim is to check your complete personality in terms of growth, improvement, development. This will cover entire area of your

Soft Skills

Behavioral Skills

Communication Skills

Decision Making

Problem Solving

Managerial Ability

Part – 5

Case based Questions

The aim is to check your complete personality in terms of ‘emotional intelligence’. The case questions are based on real life situations and you are supposed to answer in such a tricky way so that your answer should match with ‘universal answer’. There is no right and wrong answers for case studies. Do not get ‘emotional’ and try to answer all questions on the basis of ‘profit’ and ‘importance’ because Corporate World works on 100% profit – not 50:50?

 

Part – 6

Thinking Skills Questions

Under this, they will ask you

1. Creative Questions – generating new ideas

2. Lateral Questions – i.e. horizontal thinking

3. Crazy Questions – no logic but answers are there. 

 

Part – 7

Mind Mapping Questions

Under this, they will check your

1. Awareness about India & World

2. Vocabulary

3. Crazy Questions – no logic but answers are there. 

 

Do’s of Interview

1. Arrive minimum 30 minutes early to the destination

2. Greet the interviewer

3. Give the appearance of energy as you walk

4. Smile

5. Shake hand firmly (when they raised hand first)

6. Wait until you are asked to sit (30 Sec.)

7. Sit upright and look alert

8. Make eye contact

9. Stress your achievements and qualities

10. Conduct yourself you are the right person for this job

 

Don‘t of Interviews

1. Forget to bring extra copies of “RESUMES” (3 Copies)

2. No BUBBLE GUM or MOUTH FRESHNER in your mouth

3. Answering YES or NO

4. Be Yourself

5. Lie

6. Be too causal

7. Make any “NEGATIVE” remarks about your College, Principal, Staff, Friends

8. Inquire about Salary

 

How to face an Interview?

Before the interviews:

1. Conduct Basic Research about the Company (search through INTERNET)

2. Arrange Sample questions from the INTERNET (but only in Indian context)

3. Company Expectations

4. Arrange your outfit

    3 Covering letter, 3 copies of resume

    Eraser & Sharpener

    Pencil or Pen with ink or riffle

    Blue or Black Tie

    Black or Blue Trouser

    White or Light Cream Shirt or white lining shirt

    Only Black Shoes (it should match with your trousers)

    Only Black Shocks

    Blue or Black belt and Handkerchief

    Go to BED early

 

On the Day of Interview:

Wear neat and clean dress and it should be pressed

Avoid tight fitting or clingy dress

Select a dress or skirt not above 2 inches

Trousers must be of appropriate length

Tie must touch your belt buckle

Clean and polish shoes

Avoid too much jewelers

Over-dressed

Take Shower

Brush your teeth

Clean your finger nails

Gentle Perfumes

No Alcohol, Onion and Garlic

 

C. After the Interview 

Say Thanks

Follow Up

Chin Up

(if not selected, gear up for next interview because this was not only the last interview; remember only one thing – more & more interview: excellent confidence you will develop and do not ‘discourage’ yourself even though you did not get selected for your dream MNC’s it means another BIG opportunities is waiting for you.)

 

Common Tips

While answering

Be Concise

Provide Examples

Be Honest

Keep your guard up

Do not play with your Hair, Pen and Tapping feet etc.

Maintain Eye Contact

Listen Attentively

Speak Clearly

Ask pertinent question

 

Body Language:

What signals are you sending?

 

Positive Signals

Leaning forward = interest

Smiling = friendly

Nodding = attentive and alert

Eye contact = curious and focused

 

Negative Signals

Crossed arms = defensive

Fidgeting hands or tapping feet = nervous or bored

Lack of eye contact = untrustworthy

Leaning back= discomfort

 

Question asked by the “Interviewee” – Students

What type of assignments can I expect within the first year?

What is the biggest challenge facing this department right now?

What skills are you looking for in this position?

Whom will I report to?

Whom will I be working with?

What training opportunities are there?

When shall I be making a final decision?

What promotional prospects are there?

 

 

Dressing for Success – Men

Suit-Single or double breasted

Polished shoes

Solid white shirt and dark trousers

Conservative tie

Neatly groomed hair, beard, and mustache

Avoid strong colognes, earrings, and body piercing

 

Dressing for Success – Women

Pant or skirt suit

Pumps with small to medium heels

Light makeup, perfume, and jewelry

Wear neutral color hosiery

 

Ten Success Factors

Positive attitude towards work

Proficiency in the field of study

Communication Skills (Oral & Written)

Interpersonal Skills

Confidence

Critical Thinking and Problem-solving Skills

Flexibility & Self-motivation

Leadership

Teamwork

 

Ten Failure Factors

Arrogance

Apathy (Laziness or lack of interest)

Uninhibited (natural) Nervousness

Equivocation (Avoidance or Shirking)

Lack of Concentration

Lack of Crispness

Lack of social skills

Lack of firmness

Inadequate quantitative / qualitative skills

Unsuitable personality

 

Top – 25 Tips for Success in ‘Any’ Interview

1. Be well prepared

Go Through a Mock Interview

Gather Adequate Inside Information

Dress Appropriately

Be Prepared to Ask Question

Memorize your resume

Be Punctual & Relax

2. Brush up your subject and General Knowledge

3. Memorize your resume

4.  Know about the company

5. Wear business attire

6. Limit make up, perfume, aftershave, and jewellery

7. Be smart, clean, and well groomed

8. Carry a briefcase or neat folder containing all relevant papers

9. Show up 30 – 45 minutes early

10. In case you feel you may get delayed, call up & inform

11. Shake hand confidently

12. Stay calm, do not fidget or twiddle your thumb

13. Be Polite

14. Never chew gum or smoke during the interview

15. Be yourself, be honest

16. Show a real interest in the job

17. Be aware of all the answering techniques

18. Do not answer a question you did not understand; ask for clarification first.

19. Speak clearly using positive words / phrases

20. Use Top 5 Non-Verbal Signals

Eye Contact                : shows interest & confidence

Facial expression         : tells about your delight & excitement

Posture                        : reveals confidence and power potential

Gestures & Space        : shows your respect to the interviewer

                                      and awareness about the organizational culture

21. Smile & say ‘thank you’

22. In the end, restate your interest in the job

23. Tell them how you look forward to seeing them again

24. Shake hands firmly

25. Tell them how much you enjoyed the interview

 

Finally

Suggestions

Conduct a test run the day before the interview

Practice! Practice! Practice!

Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers

Get a good night’s sleep-be well rested and alert for the interview

Form a TEAM in your college or school

Fix a routine for conducting MOCK interview

 

Q.1A

Tell us something about yourself (As per your Resume)?

(This question alone will give you 30% success in any interview because this question reflects your complete ‘resume’ and you are supposed to answer for minimum 45 seconds to 2 minutes. To speak for 2 minutes you must have at least 15 lines to say – get ready about yourself in detail. In this question you are not supposed to mix your family background at any cost. Write down your own complete ‘resume’ and remember it fully by mock practice before mirror or with your friends or with your favourite teachers – 2 minutes continuous).   

Smart Answer

Your answer order should be based on:

1. Your Name

2. Father’s Name (if you are a married girl – Husband’s name only)

3. Your Qualification - 10th onwards with % of marks, school or college name, year of Passing etc.

4. Your Project Reports / Training

5. Your Strength

6. Your Achievements (any reward – cash prize; award (any appreciation & certificate) from 1st standard onwards)

7. Your Extra – curricular activities (any sports, games from 1st standard onwards - alone)

8. Your Co-curricular activities (participation in any debate, seminar, workshops, Conferences from 1st standard onwards – with friends)

9. Hobbies (industry specific)

 

e.g.

I am Saurav Kumar Sharma from Nacharam, Hyderabad, AP, India. My father name is Sri / Mr. M.C. Sharma, retired private employees / or, presently working with ABC Ltd.

I did / or completed my 10th from Maruti High School, Nacharam, Hyderabad with first class (62%) in the year 2000; 10+2 from Saraswati High School, Tarnaka, Hyderabad with second class (52%) in the year 2002; B.COM from High-Tech College, Uppal, Hyderabad with second class (54%) in the year 2005. Now I am in the final year of B.TECH/MCA/MBA/PGDM (mention your specialization) from RMCE, Hyderabad with present aggregate of 65% with one active backlog and one backlog in history which I will clear before joining your company at any cost.  For last 3 years I am attending Campus Recruitment Training – CRT by GLOBAL EDUCATION from Mallapur, Hyderabad, AP, and India. The kind of exposure I have received from them in the areas of Soft Skills, Behavioral Skills, Motivational Skills, Aptitude, and GD & Interview Skills is simply speechless. 

I have completed two projects during my curriculum – first major projects on “Financial Analysis” in CBR Capital Services for 4 week, Hyderabad under the guidance of Mr. A.K. Malhotra – Sr. Manager. The objective was to find out how ‘inflation’ affects our economy. The learning from this project was great – now I know all knowhow of calculating inflation rate. Second mini project was on “Embedded System” under the guidance of our faculty members at college. The objective was to find out how 2G & 3G works in India. The learning was a great experience – now I know about GPS also along with complete knowhow about 2G & 3G.

My strength is – 24*7 available; ready to relocate in this universe; unsupervised, perfectionist; team player; self-motivated & self-discipline etc.    

I have received several reward(means cash prizes) & award (means appreciation & certificate from 1st standard onwards) in school & colleges for essay competition, debate competition, cultural activities, organizing fest and festivals, sports, topping the class,

Fancy dress competition, helping poor and orphanage, tuition for slum dwellers and for presenting article in the national journal etc.

I was the captain of my school cricket team & NCC. I performed at both the places extraordinary for that I got NCC Certificate and Certificate for winning district level tournament in cricket.

I have participated and arranged several workshops, seminars, symposium, conferences, essay & debate competition, fest and festivals, NGO work etc.

My hobbies are savings and investment which I am doing from 10th onwards and due to which I am able to manage my other friends who are in need of money.

 

Big Note

On the basis of this information they will check within 2 minutes:

Grammar & Pronunciation

MTI – Mother Tongue Influence

Sentence arrangement

Flow of thought & Clarity

Gesture & Posture

Eye Contact

 

Q.1B

Tell us something about yourself (Not as per your Resume)?

Answer: First Thinking: In and out of the classroom I have consistently demonstrated my capacity to make a positive impact regardless of the situation. I have well Analytical and numerical skills, which I have acquired during my studying at Schools & colleges. I can do problem solving accurately in under-pressure Conditions either by working independently or with a group of people. Not only do I work well with numbers, but I can also interpret them and come up with relevant ideas and suggestions that can be vital in business success. I help Educate younger & my friends, encourage them, motivate them, inspire them, aware them, make them humble and manage their time, set their priorities, and stay focused, so they can achieve their goals, get ahead in life, and live their dreams.

Second Thinking: As I am always fresh and as a fresh person means a fresh mind which can generate fresh ideas. I could bring to the table newer ideas that could help your organization grow. As full of ideas and creativity as I am, I am also equally eager to learn, understand the practices and principles of your company and apply them to my job. My eagerness to learn and work has practically no bounds and I am willing to go the extra mile on the job. My skills which I acquired during my education too no doubt are more contemporary and new, and I can certainly apply those at work. In fine, I am a multi

– Talented & multitasking person and I am always ready to work on any “Assignment” provided it is rewarding & challenging.

 

Q.1C

Tell us something about your family background?

Smart Answer

My father name is Sri / Mr. M.C. Sharma. He is a retired private employees / or working with ABC Ltd as a Supervisor. My mother name is Mrs. / Smt. Sarita Sharma. She is a great home maker / or, house wife. I have two more brothers and one younger sister. All are married and settled in Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai respectively with their lovely kids and enjoying their life to the fullest extent. 

Big Note: The reason for asking this question is very simple - If you are from Joint Family or from Big Family or Five Brothers and Sisters then they will surely hire you for "Overseas" assignment because it is assumed that you will not have "Home Sick" factor; it means company can post you anywhere in India and Abroad BUT if you are from Nuclear Family or Siblings or Only Single Brother or Sister, it is assumed that Parents will not allow you to go outside India or other cities away from your home town (exceptions are always there) in that case company will also not at all hire you if they have only "overseas" assignments.

 

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