Campus Interview
… Hmm… is what one looks forward to with enthusiasm, fear and   excitement
towards  the beginning of the final year .

  For some it's a make or break, atleast
that's the way it's looked at and for some it's a matter of pride. The
constant thought in one's mind is - what shall make this click! What is it
that the interviewer is looking in me!



Here's what we look for when we visit the various campuses. This by no means
is an exhaustive list but is a good indication of the expectations and the
mean s to meet these. Freshersworld.com present you the 7-Commandments.

1. Know Thyself

Not everyone is good in each and every field.
Each one of us has our fortes and weaknesses too. But that's not a stumbling
block! What we look for are people who know their area of specialization and
are an expert in it. Therefore, it pays to be a master in some fields if not
the jack of all.



The most common mistakes many make is to profess knowing a field of which they
know little about. Remember that huge and bulky resumes are as tough to read
as they are to make. So, identify your skill set, and keep your resumes simple
and straight. Know your limits and polish on your strengths.

2. Testing What You Know and NOT What You Don't.

Many interviewers may ask the student the subjects that she/he wishes
to be interviewed upon. Eureka !! Here's a golden opportunity.
Answer this wisely! Never end up choosing a difficult
subject that you  know only little about, rather
choose the one you are most confident of.

3. Rack Your Brain - Analyze

The interview is not just limited to testing
your knowledge base, but we are also interested in knowing your ability to
apply it. Often questions that need to be solved then and there are asked. Now
keep in mind - the right answer is not the only thing being looked at. The
focus area is also the way in which you attack the problem i.e. approach to
problem solving is equally important.



So, remember to put your thinking caps on!

4. Ask for Help!

Murphy chooses to strike at the appropriate
time! In spite of the fact that you may know something very well, it might just
slip your mind. After all, heavy preparation does takes its toll. Who better
to ask for help than the poser of the question (of course, don't try this too
often!)!



Remember the interviewer is not there to grill the confidence out of you, but
to bring forth the best in. Just in case you are stuck, ask for a hint. Things
might just click. Also, stay alert for clues.

5. What are your biggest accomplishments

You may like to begin your reply with:
"Although I feel my biggest achievements are still ahead of me, I am proud of
my involvement with……I made my contribution as part of that team and learnt a
lot in the process".



It will be a good idea to close your answer with also specifying what
attributes and circumstances made you succeed.

6. Be Calm, have Clear Verbal and Sound Non-Verbal Communication

Calmness shows emotional maturity. True, being
calm in a job interview is a difficult proposition, but then that is where it
is required! Calmness does not imply being unenthusiastic or apathetic during
the interview, but knowing that you are nervous and not letting it come in the
way. A clear verbal communication implies clarity of the thought process.



One should also watch out for the impressions made in non-verbal
communication. Body language and facial expressions can assist you in
establishing a good rapport with the interviewer. Pauses, silences and
gestures may all indicate what you mean, understand, or would like to
emphasize.

7. Two-Way Exchange Process

So what if you are not a mountaineer. Or a keen hiker.
You still cannot treat your interview like a careless
morning trot along a jogger's path. Your jaw-jaw at
the interview table is nothing less than a cautious
climb
up a mountain trail--which begins around your early
childhood and meanders through the years at the academia
before reaching a new summit in your career. And as
you retrace your steps down memory lane make sure
that you post flags at important landmarks of your
life and career, so that you can pop them before the
interview panel scoops them out of you. You don't
want to be at the receiving end, do you?

Face the panel, but don't fall of the chair in a headlong
rush-and-skid attempt to tell your story. Take one
step at a time.Don't go into unnecessary detail about
how you aced your business math midterm in your sophomore
year at accounting
school. Here are a few preparation tips from the
Team of Freshersworld.com that books on interviews
sometimes overlook. Remember, as a fresher you do
not have anything to loose but to gain.

TYPICAL
QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK



1.Tell me about yourself

The most often asked question in interviews.
You need to have a short statement prepared in your
mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit
it to work/Study-related items unless instructed
otherwise. Talk about things you have done well at your
college and how you wanted to perform in the first job.

2. Why Should We Employ You?

For this question, your answer should list out strengths
that you feel are relevant to the job. Given below are
some answers which could help you with your answers.
However, structure them to suit your requirements.

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view, and get
the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate people

Even during emergencies, I do not loose my cool

I have good entrepreneurial skills

I have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say “no” to people when required to do so!

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates, and would
like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible, and have the ability to work hard
under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job
(Here, give appropriate details and examples)

3. Do You Have Offers From
Other Companies ?

This is of course a difficult question to answer.
Obviously, you must have applied to other companies if
you are looking for a job or would have some offers from
other companies already. Therefore, do not lie that you
have not. However, you are on thin ice here! The
interviewer could be checking your honesty. On the other
hand, he/she may also be trying to find out how focused
you are - are you applying randomly, or is there a
well-planned strategy?

Whatever your answer, it should match your career goals.



4. What Salary Are You Expecting?

Try not to get into salary details early in the
interview. If pressed, you could say that it all depends
on the job, and would like to talk about it after a job
offer. Say this in a convincing tone. In case you are
asked this question in your latter interviews, give a
direct answer. Do not sound apologetic while quoting the
figure you have in mind.

SALARY
EXPECTATIONS :



1. How much do you expect?

If you have done your homework, you would know how much
other people in similar jobs are paid. Quote the range
upfront.

2. How much do you think you are
worth?

Work out how much you should be paid, given the market
value of the job and your skills. If you can bring some
extra skills to the table, do not hesitate to ask for
more than the market value.

3. What kind of a culture are you
comfortable with?

It is better to be frank about your preferences. Your
interviewer will get a clear idea about your
expectations.

4. Which is more important to
you-salary, perks or growth opportunities?

This one will reveal the real you. So be sure what you
are going to say. Above all, be true to yourself. If you
think this is a negotiation move, then say clearly that
you will never sell yourself short.

5. What do you know about our
company?

Do not give your opinions about the company. Stick to
reported facts that you have gathered from newspapers
and so on. Talk about the product portfolio, size,
income, and market perceptions of the company. Also it
is better to refer details about each company before
going for the interview from Freshersworld.com or
PlacementWeek.com

6. Why should we choose you over
someone else?

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your
College/Project Team and highlight the quality required.

6. Your qualifications are excellent,
but you may be overqualified for the position we have to
offer?

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback.
If you are multi-skilled, then highlight the fact that a
company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people. It
needs people within different departments to work
together. Also emphasise that the company's future
growth will be an exponential function of your
experience.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK :



Interviewers usually round off by giving you an
opportunity to ask questions. Treat it like a welcome
opportunity.

You could ask questions like.

a) Tell me about your company.

b) Now that I have outlined my career goals, do you
think you can offer me the opportunities I need?

c) What kind of training and learning can I expect in
your company?

d) Describe the work culture and the management style of
your company?

e) What is the long-term vision of your company?

As a fresher, current position and
status can impact the way you are interviewed. Fresh Out
of College

The basis on which you will be judged
is your academic background, family background, and
interests.

If looking for your first job, ensure that your previous
experience, even if it is part-time, is noticed.

Mention projects or responsibilities you may have
undertaken. This will indicate your area of aptitude.

You should be willing to put in regular hours, in line
with the company's policies. The interviewer needs to
know whether you can be punctual and put in full-time
work.

In case you have applied for the post of management
trainee, you should display an ability to adapt, and
indicate all-round interests. Moreover, you should have
good interpersonal skills.

You should be enthusiastic to learn, and show commitment
towards the organization, as the company will be
spending a lot on your training.

Bring
with you :

a) Copies of your resumes

b) References and letters of recommendations.

First
Impressions :

There is a common saying that minds are made up within
the first 5 minutes of an interview. So keep in mind
these important first impression indicators. Walk in the
door as if you already work there, carry yourself as
though you feel perfectly comfortable with the
situation. Arrive on time or a little early. In the
waiting area, politely tell the receptionist who you are
meeting and in a friendly way, ask where you should sit.
Take slow, deep breaths to help you remain calm and
focused. When introduced to the interviewer, have a
firm, but not painful, handshake. Smile. Have good
posture when sitting or standing. Introduce yourself in
a relaxed, confident manner. Have a well-groomed,
professional appearance. Project a feeling of
confidence. Bring extra copies of your resume, some
thing to write on and something to write with.