Dated April 06,2005
Recently I attended a telephonic interview. Though I felt I had done fairly well, I was unsuccessful. I really don't understand what could have gone wrong. Could you please enumerate tips for a successful telephonic interview?
Veerendra Choudhary
Hyderabad
Be articulate. Practice asking yourself questions, then answer them with confidence in front of the mirror. This will give you an idea of your facial expressions and pronunciation. Keep your answers brief and to the point.
You must know where to stop and start while answering questions. Never talk non-stop. Control the speed of your speech.
Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions. Understand the question and start your answer by recollecting your experiences and knowledge.
If you don't know the answer or haven't used a particular method or tool, say "I don't know" or "I haven't experienced that situation " or " I haven't used that tool, but if given the opportunity, I can learn it fast". An interviewer will always take it positively when you admit the truth.
While beginning a conversation, introduce yourself with your first name and last name and greet your interviewer.
Keep a copy of your résumé in front of you. The interviewer may ask about individual project details, your roles, responsibilities, major accomplishments, product advantages, techniques followed, tools used, and your involvement in that project. Refer to your résumé quickly and answer the question promptly.
Never show or express unwillingness to be interviewed. Even if you are not interested in that job or client, don't discourage the interviewer especially after having started a dialogue with him/her.
After successfully completing the interview process, if the interviewer asks, "do you have any questions?" Ask! Clarify issues related to company background, place of work if hired, starting date and timings. Do not ask about the position offered and remuneration s at this stage since those issues are discussed at the time of negotiation.
After completion of the interview, say "Thanks" or "Thanks for your time" or "Thanks for your time and have a good morning/evening day" and put down the phone very slowly.
If the interviewer makes a positive offer and you are satisfied with it, it would be nice if you say the following: "Thanks for giving me an opportunity to work with your company and I will do my best to prove my skills... "
If you are asked to briefly introduce your entire work experiences, take 30 seconds to explain all major points, client names and contributions you have made. It's better you practice this by writing down the exact contents and reading it aloud in front of the mirror.
Try to answer all questions with practical examples based on your previous experience. This way, you can recollect your experiences and prove that you have faced challenging situations in your career.
After the interview is over, recollect what you did, how you performed. Note down where you were lacking. These points will help you better your performance the next time round.
References always work well, no matter where you are applying. Managers and HR departments will always cross check with the references you have provided. So, have at least 3 references who can give them a very clear picture about your experience and skill set. If you are not hired, don't loose heart. There may be several reasons for the client/consulting company to reject the applicant even after a successful interview.
Here are some common reasons for rejection along with a suggestion for improvement:
Lack of communication skills and leadership qualities - actively work towards improving your communication skills and imbibe leadership qualities
Applicant skills and experience do not matched with client requirements - you can't do anything. You have nothing to lose. Find another Company where they can match your skills and knowledge
Not enough number of references - ensure that you have enclosed at least three excellent references
Not ready to pay you what you want - before asking what you want, you need to do a little market survey based on your experience. You need to go through Salary Survey and learn more about general company HR policies too
Very importantly, when you address the Interviewer, Use his/her first name or put Mr. before his last name. This is important while writing e-mail, holding a general conversation or making a presentation.
Gather as much information as you can about the company and position you have applied for.
I am a B.Sc (I) student. I wish to become a customs officer. Could you please help me in realising my ambition?
Prashantdas Gupta
New Delhi
A customs officer deals with formulation of policies for collection of customs and central excise duties, prevention of smuggling, etc. And to become a Customs Officer, you will have to take the Civil Services Examination after graduation in any stream. This exam provides entry into 27 different services, of which the Indian Customs & Central Excise Services is one. The exam consists of two parts - Preliminary and Main Examination. You can obtain further details from the Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110011, or watch out for the UPSC notification in Employment News and leading national dailies in the month of December.
I wish to pursue a career in news reading. Please list the institutes offering courses in news reading and detail the eligibility criteria.
Shreya Srivastava
Hyderabad
The following institutes offer courses in news reading:
* Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Law College Road, Pune 411004. Course: Short-term course for Newsreaders in English
* Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU New Campus, New Delhi 110067. Course: Post-graduate diploma in Radio & TV Journalism. Duration: 9 months. Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline; post-graduation and media-related work experience is desirable. Selection Procedure: Entrance test and interview. The other courses include short-term training for Newsreaders in English and short-term training for Hindi news reading on TV.
* Janakidevi Mahavidyalaya (Delhi University), Ganga Ram Hospital Marg, Delhi 110060. Course: Short-term course in Hindi News reading on TV (for women)
* Bihar Institute of Film & Television (BIFT), Patliputra Colony, Patna. Course: Diploma in TV Journalism.
Besides these, some TV personalities also conduct short-term courses on television presentation. However, do check out their offerings before you sign up.
However, it is not absolutely essential to do a course. If you are a graduate with a clear diction and a pleasant well-modulated voice, you can appear for the written test (a background of the cultural traditions of the region and overall general awareness are important criteria for selection) conducted by your nearest AIR station. Those who qualify in the written test have to appear for an audition followed by an interview.
What should one's answer be when the interviewer asks: "How do you describe yourself and the role you envision playing in the growth of your potential employer?"
Amrutavalli
Bangalore
I am a very focused person that is goal oriented and time conscious. I rarely find myself defeated by any task I take on and will find a way of doing even the most onerous task I take on in an efficient manner. Owing to my easy-going personality, people find it easy to work with me and so I can get cooperation where others may fail. My only serious drawback is that once engaged on a job, I find it hard to let go of it even if told to do so, until it is completed to my satisfaction.
I believe that my persistence and attention to detail will help the company achieve its goals and delight the end -customer. Besides, the company culture will be positively influenced by my inclusion.
What are the three most serious mistakes most people make when looking for a job?
Sanjay Sinha
Chennai
The most serious errors committed by job searchers are:
They tend to overlook the recruitment process and advices on the job search
They become too concerned about finding a specific job. Candidates are most successful when they concentrate on how their strengths can best meet a company's needs, focusing on transferable skills not job titles
They rely too strongly on their résumé to "sell" themselves. Some candidates think of their résumé as a direct mail advertising piece. You are your best representative. Successful candidates make personal contacts!
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
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