Dated February 16, 2005
A lot of the time, prospective employers ask a candidate why he left his last position. How do you respond to this in an interview?
Aditri
Chennai
The answer you give could set the tone for the rest of the interview. For instance, if you were to indicate that you were bored or burned out at your last job, the interviewer would quickly become concerned about your performance at his company. The question can be especially tricky if you've had less than favorable conditions regarding your departure from a company. Regardless of the circumstances that have caused you to move, you should be prepared to answer this question.
Here are a few sample answers: "The company had a re-organisation, and my department was eliminated. The work had begun to dwindle so it was not a complete surprise. I liked my job and the people I was working with so I had been hoping that it wouldn't affect us but unfortunately we were all let go. I would like to find a job similar to the one I lost." This is a strong reply, not because of the lay off, but because it has an upbeat tone to it. You liked what you did and were hoping it wouldn't happen. In other words, if it hadn't been for something out of your control you would still be there. The answer indicates a good attitude about an unfortunate incident.
"Since there are no advancement opportunities within the company, I have decided it would be a good time for me to look outside. I have set some career goals for myself that I could not achieve at that company. What I am looking for is a job with a bigger company where I can contribute, but also move on a career path that has more responsibility."
This is an ok answer. It is natural to want to take on more responsibility. It is also acceptable to quit a job. A skilled interviewer would follow up with a question about your career goals and why you think you can achieve them at this company. Would you have an answer prepared for that follow-up question? There are no "right" or "wrong" answers to this question, but there are ways of saying the same thing in a way that will make a stronger impression.
What is the objective of a telephonic interview?
Deepika
Hyderabad
As the telephone interview is usually the first step in a screening process, it works as an elimination round to get short-listed. Getting short-listed implies that you move on to the next round. Depending on the distance between you andyour employer, this next phase of the recruitment process may be a more in-depth telephone interview, potentially with a different interviewer or panel. However, for many employers, the telephone interview will be just the initial test.
You need to, therefore, prepare for this telephone interview and not treat it as lightly as a casual call. However, do not let the significance unnerve you. It is important that you remain cool and confident throughout the duration of the telephone interview, as this will do wonders to your performance.
The interviewer wants to evaluate your communication skills. The primary concern of the interviewer, during a telephone interview, is to judge your communication skills. How well do you communicate on the telephone, where you cannot see your interviewer? Do you seem uncomfortable since you cannot see the interviewer's reactions? Do you sound confident, qualified, interested and enthusiastic despite the absence of non-verbal cues from the person at the other end? Or are you left stuttering and groping for words, distraught by occasional awkward silences during the telephone call?
I have heard that signs and gestures form an important part of communication. Could you give me some tips on how to interpret body language?
Dileesh
Kerala
The gestures that a candidate makes serve as clues to the candidate's confidence, honesty, and intentions. The practiced interviewer learns, consciously or otherwise, to interpret shifts in body language to evaluate answers and to determine when to probe further.
Here are a few instances:
Covering the mouth: Talking through the hands or fingers often indicates uncertainty. Asking the candidate whether he or she is certain about an answer may elicit worthwhile information.
Steepling: Bringing the fingers of your hands together to form a `steeple' typically indicates a sense of superiority even if the steeple does not point up. Allowing the candidate to set this sort of tone for the entire interview can help build his/her confidence but is unlikely to reveal any major weaknesses.
Shifty eyes: If a candidate who has previously maintained average or better eye contact with the interviewer, averts his/her gaze, it may mean that the candidate has become uncomfortable or guilty. However, a direct gaze is not a guarantee of honesty.
Crossed arms: Crossing the arms can indicate defensiveness or boredom. Further questioning can determine whether the candidate should be defensive.
Raising a finger: An applicant may raise a finger or hand as a polite signal that he/she wants to interrupt, perhaps to raise a question or correct a misapprehension.
Cultural variations: Body language varies to some degree among individuals and across cultures. A skillful interviewer uses knowledge of body language to direct interview probes but does not treat the body language itself as evidence of employability, particularly if there is a risk of cultural bias because of the candidate's background.
I am a trainee programmer. My seniors say it is a good strategy to change jobs frequently to succeed in the field. Please advise.
Sujeet
Adoni
IT companies are recruiting fresh graduates from reputed engineering colleges and universities. However, only a few of them stay with their first company after five years. Almost 75 per cent leave their first company within five years. Young engineers change companies mostly for overseas assignments, better designation, good technical work or salary hike, believing this could be the route to fast progress. Not many take a long-term view of their career. But one should remember that stability also boosts growth.
Changing jobs for a better pay is not always wise. There will always be companies that pay more. There are other factors that need to be considered, such as company reputation, culture, individual growth prospects, infrastructure, etc.
Similarly, not every company has a long-term perspective. Most software companies recruit people when they get a new project.
What are the career prospects for Tourism Management?
Senthil
Graduates of this course are provided with a solid base for employment in tourist organisations, in transport, hotels, tour-operating and travel agencies or in some other organisation where knowledge of tourism is of vital importance. They may work with sales, marketing of tourism products or with product development. Graduates may hold administrative positions or they may want to set up a business of their own.
The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to The C&K Management LTD. PO Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
Aditri
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