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3 Things You Shouldn’t Ask First at the Interview Desk

bikram — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 02:34:37 +0000

Job interviews are crucial points of an individual’s life, where one either succeeds with sheer pride and evolves as a winner or crumbles into pieces of frustration and lack of confidence for whole life. Well here are some tips for the interview desk, explaining there are some typical questions that you shouldn’t ask first in any circumstances. Let the interviewer give you some hint, then only shoot your questions. Here they are.

Do not ask about salary first

This is a major mistake often seen among the youngsters and fresh candidates at the interview desk. Many youngsters join jobs, especially easy to get through kind of jobs just because of salary attraction. What they fail to see is that the company is hiring them for some good reasons of its profit, not to do charity. All that interest them is salary package. Often such candidates turn really impatient and just cannot wait till the interviewer asks him or her about expected salary package. Such candidate looks for an opportunity and whenever the interviewer is found little quiet, soon shoots questions like ‘How much are you planning to pay for this job?’ or ‘What will be my salary package if I am chosen for it?’ Well, such questions may not only irritate the interviewer, you may also lose chance to impress him forever. Ask about salary package only when the interviewer gives you come hint or asks you directly about your expected salary figure. Too much proactive effort from your side will invariably send wrong messages across.

Do not ask about the company’s background first

Do not forget, it is you who is being interviewed; not the person sitting across the table. Maintain interview decorum. Too much of interest and questions may make you appear too bossy, picky and irritating. It is good if you have queries in store for the interviewer, it is always appreciated. But shooting such questions at the wrong time may spoil your entire effort. Shoot all questions you have regarding the company background or places of operation or anything specific about the job profile – only when you are asked. The interviewer may specifically ask you ‘Do you have any questions to ask?’ and that time you can shoot your questions. If you are not asked, towards end of the interview process you may proactively ask some questions. But keep it short. Make sure questions are sensible, smart, logical and not personal.

Do not ask personal questions

Often the interviewer makes the candidate feel relaxed, at ease and comfortable. Interviewer may crack some jokes, share light moments to see how you are exactly behind the shield of formal attire. But such atmosphere doesn’t permit you to forget all interview decorum and get personal. Even if the situation is light hearted do not suddenly get personal and shoot questions like ‘Sir, what does your name mean?’ or ‘Madam how many years you have been working in this company?’ Such abrupt questions may instantly make the interviewer feel uncomfortable

Follow these tips and do not make a mistake being proactive at the interview desk.

Essential Tips for Video Conference Interviews

bikram — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:01:03 +0000

These days interviews are no longer limited within face-to-face meetings where both parties are seated at two ends of a table. Interviews have taken altogether different approach these days. Traditional interviews have been replaced by telecommunication interviews and interviews via video conferencing on the web. Such modern interviews require different approach, attitude and practice altogether. New trends require new techniques. Here are some tips for your help.

Don’t forget it’s LIVE

At times people forget that they are giving interview through video conferencing and that is mainly because of the ease in which they give interview right from home, sitting in front of their PC while the pet dog is sitting at a corner. But don’t forget video conferencing is no different from the face-to-face interviews. In video conferencing you are not only seen but also heard just like any face-to-face interviews. You are observed carefully, your actions and reactions are noticed and you are very much LIVE. It’s just that your half of the body is seen and the interviewer doesn’t come to know if you are formally dressed at the bottom or not. They won’t even realize if you stink or if you are wearing a dirty pair of socks, as they can’t touch, smell and feel you. But since entire attention is on the part that’s visible, it’s even harder to convey the best possible message.

You don’t have a second chance to get back

Always remember, in case of interview through video conferencing you may not get another chance to get back to the interviewer and explain your point. Videoconferences are generally scheduled with a limited time frame in mind. Once you have been asked a question you need to answer immediately. In case of physical face to face interview you may still afford to buy some time under the disguise of arranging presentation or taking out resume from the folder; but in case of video conferencing you need to be prompt and you can’t escape their eyes on you, since they are unable to see the surrounding distractions and every eye is just on you. In physical form of interview if you forget to present some assignments and projects or convey a message you can again knock at the door and come back for a minute. But in case of video interviewing the call may end abruptly and your chance of re-appearance will go off forever. Similarly your every expression will count and will be observed since your face is in center of their attention. Try to sound genuine, look genuine and always answer with firm voice yet humble approach and a smile.

Now, go for it. The world is all yours.

Tips for Salary Negotiation at Interview

bikram — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 01:24:12 +0000

Salary negotiation is an important part of any final job interview, from both the interviewer and interviewee’s point of view. Salary has to be negotiated in such a way, that both the parties remain benefited. But often poor negotiation skill of the interviewee can spoil the entire process and result into unsatisfactory output. Don’t let your poor negotiation spoil your future. Here are some tips for you.

Don’t rush towards the negotiation process

Undoubtedly salary is one of the main pulling factors behind job switching. Being tempted by better salary we often change jobs. And that’s a common interest for both you and the interviewer; since the interviewer has to pay you. That’s an obvious question which may crop up at any part of the interview process. But don’t rush towards the salary discussion. When asked you may quote your expected salary or say it can be worked out later.

Know your value first

To ask for a reasonable salary, first you need to find your own market value. Judge your value in terms of logical perception of your knowledge, experience, skills and expertise, achievements, training, brand association and educational qualification.

Organization’s pay structure

Some organizations may have their own pay structure as per the candidates’ educational levels. Defined salary structures are at times made flexible, depending on candidate’s exclusive skills or extra-ordinary caliber. Know these pay structures before negotiating salary.

Exclusive position

In case your job position is quite unique and exclusive or you are the only one who could get through the interview process you can call for a premium amount of salary. As for example, if the concerned company keeps only one brand manager and you have been selected as the one, you can ask for a good salary package.

Industry rate
Know the industry rate first. Know how much other companies in the same industry are paying to its employees, at similar level like you. Knowing the industry rate will help you in the negotiation process to put forth a logical demand of salary.

Put your greed aside

Don’t get too greedy about money. A good company can’t be missed out for a few extra bucks. If everything is fine and you decide to join, don’t let the greed come in between. If you are getting a decent package, join it. Later on with time as you build good rapport and prove your skills salary hike won’t be a problem for you. Consider the entire package, not just winning negotiation. Too tall demand of yours may make the interviewer find you unreasonable or money minded. So be fair, gentle and not too pushy.

Let a good negotiation bring you good luck and the dream job.

Tips for Job Interview Preparation

bikram — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 02:29:58 +0000

If it’s your first job interview and you are worrying where to start the preparation from, you are not an exception. Worry about job interview, performance, questions is quite natural among the beginners. But don’t let this fear take a toll on you and spoil your performance. Confidence will come with the right guidance. Here are few tips for the job interview preparation. Before going for the interview follow these tips.

Flawless CV

Always remember if you are not confident about your CV, it will reflect in your attitude, personality, body language in front of the interviewer. So work on your CV first, make it crispy yet all inclusive. Don’t put false information in your CV. A good CV will silently talk about you. Follow formal CV format.

Know your subject

Don’t forget at the end of the day its knowledge of your subject that matters the most. Study your subject, know what all can be asked in interview. Know about the current industry practice. If you score well in questions asked you have higher chance of getting through the job.

Obvious questions

There are some stereotyped obvious questions frequently asked in interview like – ‘Tell us something about yourself’, ‘what are your strengths and weaknesses?’, ‘Where do you see yourself after five years from now?’ etc. Prepare answers of these probable questions in advance. You may practice answering these questions in front of a mirror. It will not only help you to answer, but also answer with perfect attitude, body language and confidence. This practice will boost your confidence and also help in lowering fear of speaking in front of the interviewer.

Read about the company

Before going for an interview read about the company. Go to its website, read about the company, its achievements, work done, clients, history. Interviewer may ask you if you know enough about them. So knowledge is important.

Wear the perfect attire

Wearing perfect attire to interview is very important. Wear formal clothes of pastel shades. Too bright colors are to be avoided. Don’t wear distracting earrings, necklaces and other accessories. Shoes should be formal, neat. Wearing formal clothes will not only make you appear like a professional, it will also boost your confidence.

Start preparing today for your dream job.

Mistakes you should Avoid At the Interview Table

bikram — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 17:22:20 +0000

Interview table is a place where you just can’t afford to go wrong. Don’t let your wrong moves and silly answers mess up the much awaited success. We often unknowingly commit few common mistakes and lose the opportunity forever. After reading this article, be careful next time, while an interview knocks your door. Here are some commonly made mistakes at the interview desk.

Grabbing seat

Often interviewee is extremely nervous while seeing the interviewer for the first time and forgets basic manners by grabbing a seat without recruiter’s permission. You may not notice it, but your interviewer will and find it extremely ill-mannered. Wait for the interviewer to sit and then take your seat with his or her permission. Sit only after you greet the interviewer.

Wandering eyes

Wandering eyes right from interviewer’s tie to shoes, from ceiling to the window is extremely disturbing for the interviewer. It not only reflects candidate’s lack of attention, but also lack of confidence. Look straight into interviewer’s eyes and don’t let your eyes wander here and there. It’s extremely annoying. Look straight into interviewer’s eyes and don’t let your eyes wander here and there. The interviewer may try to find out what are you observing here and there. Make maximum eye contact, but don’t gaze at the interviewer either.

Too much personal talks

No interviewer appreciates personal talk. So avoid it. Even when asked to describe yourself, don’t include too much of personal details like where you were born, where you went for last holiday, what you do in your free time, your relationship status and the like. Even you can avoid too much of personal queries, simply by saying you don’t feel your personal life has anything to do with your professional field. Honesty will impress the right interviewer and he or she won’t intervene into your personal life either.

Fidgeting

Often in nervousness we start fidgeting objects and unknowingly it draws attention of the recruiter. Avoid this habit.

Dumb queries

Just for the sake of asking questions don’t shoot your questions to the interviewer. Ask only smart, interesting and valid questions. Don’t ask stupid questions like ‘Will I get this job?’ or ‘What’s your budget?’ It shows immaturity.

Mistakes you should Avoid Writing A Resume

bikram — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:08:00 +0000

Everyone needs resume to start their professional lives. Most of the people write resume on their own, but fail to write a perfect resume or commit several common mistakes. Such mistakes often land people into threatening problems like loss of opportunity, sarcastic comments from interviewer, competitive edge of others on you and many more. Make sure you don’t commit these mistakes while crafting your curriculum vitae.

Running over pages after pages

Don’t make a CV running over pages after pages, unless you have 30 years of professional experience. Make sure your CV’s length doesn’t exceed more than two to three pages preferably. A long resume not only disinterests the interviewer, but he also doesn’t consider it that important to devote time on. So keep it crisp in length, yet all inclusive. You can’t miss out important details that your resume needs to convey to the interviewer. Rather than curtailing points to be included, curtail length of elaborative detail.

Avoid paragraphs

Write your resume in bullet points instead of writing in long paragraphs. No one likes to read textual detail in form of a paragraph. Bullets make eye movement easier and also details are easily conceived without much concentration and difficulty. Whether it’s your professional or educational details always write in points instead of paragraphs.

To difficult words

Don’t get tempted to put extremely difficult words in your resume. It’s always advised to use simple, commonly known and easy words in your resume. Too difficult words may confuse interviewer and also convey ambiguity. If you are not a writer and not opting for any writing job, adhere to simple vocabulary. Make sure your choice of words is simple, yet effective and powerful.

Wrong order

Often people write resume in wrong order of sequence. Last or current job experience or last educational pursuit should be on the top, followed by earlier experiences. Often people first write their first experience, followed by the latest ones. It confuses interviewer regarding present experience.

Don’t forget to include objectives

Start your resume with your objective. Don’t start a resume vaguely without any clear mention of what you wish to do in life and what you are looking forward to from the applied job.

Tips to overcome Pre-interview Fear

bikram — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 17:37:00 +0000

Pre-interview panic is not an uncommon affair. Many of the beginners and young professionals go through acute anxiety and fear before the interview session. At times pre-interview anxiety is so serious that it results into fear, nausea, fever and many other uneasiness. Such fear can not only make one sick and result into poor unsatisfactory performance in interview but may also result into missing of interview opportunities.

Here are some tips about overcoming such undesired fear.

Don’t think too much

Never let the stress get on you. Be at ease. Don’t think too much about the interview. Live your day as any other normal day. If you stay at ease, you will remember things, appear confident and at your best.

Be truthful

Don’t put any information in your curriculum vitae which is not true, half-true, misleading. Remember what you have put in your CV. Be truthful. False information not only has a scope of landing you into problem but you may also forget what you have lied about. Put valid information. It will make you confident and appear credible. Don’t forget interviewer may verify all information.

Talk to your mirror reflection

If you are scared of facing interviewer and speaking in public, start practicing. Stand in front of mirror. Talk to yourself. Shoot questions. Answer it back. See how you look while you speak. Make your body language apt for interview purpose. Check your words, vocabulary, style of talking, pronunciation and pitch. Modify accordingly. It will not only help you to overcome your shortcomings but also boost your confidence immensely.

Know about the company and job profile

Do your thorough research about the company you are going to visit for the interview purpose. Know about the company’s history, span of presence, clients, owner group, achievements, failures, tie ups, marketing policies etc. Know the role of the profile you have applied for, skills required for it and other requirements. Prepare yourself about probable questions and answers. It will keep you confident and prepared.

Keep things ready

In well advance of the interview date keep all documents, testimonials, dress ready. Last moment hurry and tension of misplacement may delay your arrival at interview and the entire process. It will de-stress you too.

Go for it. Give your best. Success will follow.

Is It Your Habit That’s Keeping You Unemployed?

bikram — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 06:36:00 +0000

We often give ourselves to thinking that interviewer biased, and that too against us, always. We blame this for our inability to secure a job even in the soaring economy. If you are still looking for a job, and not getting it then it is time to change the looking glass through which you see the world, for the reason behind not getting hired could be you.

In the following paragraphs, I am going to talk about 3 indicators that tell you that it is you who is stopping you from getting hired, and when I said you, I meant your habit.

3 reasons you are not getting hired

Too high an expectation

Nothing is perfect in this world; neither you nor any job. If you are waiting for a perfect job to fly from the land of fairy and set down in your lap then I am afraid to say the wait is going to be rather long. Meanwhile, I would recommend bagging a not-so-perfect job that matches your skill set, and which can provide sufficient money for you to survive on.

Be realistic. Weigh every aspect of the dream job you want, and see what all you can let go. You will soon be employed.

Too small a net

Are you relying on just one technique to search for the job? Do you feel uncomfortable trying out different job-search tools and techniques?

To catch a lot many fish, a fisherman needs to have a net that is wide enough and strong enough. Similarly, a job hunter needs to widen his net using all the possible tools and techniques to land up in a good job, which sadly enough, very few people are doing, for they are slave of their habit of using one tool.

Too Egocentric (I, me, and myself) cover letter

This is stupendous mistake committed by a job hunter. No one wants someone who has an ego as big as the size of the Milky Way. I know your ego is comparatively smaller in magnitude, but why does not it reflect in the cover letter you send out? Why your cover letter is talking too much about “I”?

Writing I, I, and I will not land you up in a job, forget about a good job, as no one cares how smart, talented, Einstein-esque you are. Your interviewer cares only about his needs, and about an employee who can meet that need. I know what big a dork he is, but at the end of the day, he is the one who will sign your paying slip, month after month.

Wouldn’t it be smart then to satisfy his needs by talking about his company and how you will add solve the problem he has in a cover letter? From where I am standing, it would be smarter, far smarter to this than to talk about I, me, and myself.

If you, unknowingly, committed any of these mistakes then it is time to undo them, should you want to get hired. After all, we call it habit because we do it unknowingly, as a habit.

Follow the 3C rule and Nail Down a Dream Job

bikram — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:17:00 +0000

Getting a job, even in a down market, is not difficult provided you know the trick of the trade. You know what to display in front of an interviewer. And you can only do that if you know what is that an interview wants from you.

This is where this blog post figures in. The 3Cs (creative, commitment, and confidence) that we are going to discuss in this article will help you convey the message an interviewer wants to hear from an interviewee.

3 Cs of job interview

Be creative

You should be creative in your approach. Do not just give a rotten answer to each of the question asked. It sounds boring, it looks mechanical, and no one wants a non-creative, mechanical person because they already have more powerful machines to do the job.

Do not deliver a premeditated answer. Take a chance, offer something innovative. This will impress your interviewer.

Commitment

The second C of job interview is commitment. Convey your interviewer your desire to stay with his company as long as things does not fall apart. Tell him that you are not the “job hopper” kind and believe in staying with a company and delivering result. Your interviewer needs to know whether you will go out of your way to solve a customer’s problem or not. Tell them you will do it. This will put the interviewer at ease, and he will lower his guard, which will provide you entry into his organization.

Confidence

You do not have anything, if you do not have confidence to move ahead, despite all the odds. No product is perfect. Your interviewer, who is also your prospective employer, knows this, and you should also know this. And if you have the guts to sell the product, despite its several short coming then are in the team.

Show your employer your level of confidence and belief in what you do. Do not shy away from this.

This brings us to the end of 3Cs of a job interview. In the next article will see what the 3 Es of a job interview are, and how each one of them will help you crack a job interview.

How Should You Dress for the Interview?

bikram — Fri, 21 May 2010 02:34:43 +0000

Hitting the dream job is not just a matter of best CV, sound knowledge, impressive communication skill; to a great extent, it’s your appearance; i.e. how you dress up. The first perception that the interviewer develops by seeing you is from your appearance and what you are wearing. First impressions are very important, since you can’t rewind the time and get another chance to prove yourself. Rather your appearance will develop an opinion in his mind regarding you, it will also set the tone of interaction and questions that the interviewer is about to shoot at you. That’s why professional, smart attire is very important while going for a job interview. You simply can’t afford to mess up with it.

Attire should be apt for the job profile and the kind of industry you are going to join. In industries where your profile deals directly with customers or clients, your attire will be judged even more critically.

If you aren’t confident about interview attire, follow the given tips while going for your next interview.

Men’s attire

A well-fit suit in dark, mono color never goes wrong
A long sleeve button-up shirt, preferably white or coordinated with the suit
Wear a conservative tie. Avoid too bright color or patterned ones
Belt
Dark shoes paired with dark socks
Professional looking short hairstyle and conventional hair colors (brown, black, blonde)
Little or no accessories
Neatly trimmed nails
Portfolio or briefcase
Light aftershave or perfume

Women’s attire

A well-fit suit (dark blue, black, grey, white) or a dark colored pant or skirt, just above or below knee, along with matching blazer or coat
A well coordinated blouse, which has a proper fit, neither too body hugging nor loose
Conventional, closed-toe shoes, matching your skirt or pant. Either go for flat shoe or heels not more than 2 inches high
Wear limited jewelries. Danglers, flashy gold, silver are to be avoided
Keep a neat, professional hairstyle. Go for the regular hair colors
Subtle make up and light fragrant perfume are fine
Neatly trimmed, medium sized nails with formal nail colors look professional
Portfolio or bag

Tips for both men and women

Clothes should be laundry clean, crease-free
Clothes should fit well, neither too loose nor too tight
Shoes should be polished
Fresh breath is must
Clothes should have no missing buttons, no lint; no stains, no external tags
Laptops, folders, small briefcase look professional

Now you know what it means to dressing up to the occasion. Get ready, and blow the interviewer away with your professionalism.

What should be your Body Language at the Interview Table?

bikram — Thu, 20 May 2010 03:08:11 +0000

Your résumé is flawless, your academic record and experience have been good throughout, and you are just perfect for the job. Still every time you are rejected. Have you ever wondered what goes wrong at the interview table? It may be your body language, the non-verbal communication. Even brilliant knowledge is often marred by poor body language; as non-verbal communication accounts for 90% of the message that you send during interview.

If you are not confident enough about your body language take help of the following tips.

Before entering the room, take a look of yourself. Make sure your hands are dry, warm. Shake hands firmly, yet don’t overpower. Sit straight, yet comfortable. Erect posture reflects energy, enthusiasm, and self control. Don’t move quite often. Make yourself feel comfortable. Slouching posture doesn’t reflect a positive attitude. Sitting on edge of the chair is to be avoided, as it reflects nervousness and lack of self-confidence.

Make good eye contact, but avoid staring. Do not let your eyes wander. While answering questions look into the interviewer’s eyes. Even while listening to the interviewer maintain direct eye contact. It makes you appear confident, attentive and pleasant. Avoid aggressive stares, blinking often, wandering eye movements, staring below. Over eye contact can again make you appear bossy, challenging and seductive.

Control your hands by being aware of what you are doing with them. Set them free, loosely clasped in your lap or on the table. Keep hands off your face. Avoid folding hands near chest, it shows defensive attitude and mind blocks. Too much hands movement is distracting. Less of movement makes you look in control, confident and disciplined. Avoid putting hands in pocket.

Place your feet firmly on the ground and avoid fidgeting. Crossing legs are okay, but shouldn’t invite too frequent crossing and re-crossings. Crossing legs at ankles appear smart and professional. Leg movements are distracting. Point knees towards the interviewer.

Speak in a clear, controlled, well-modulated voice. Avoid monotone and same pitch. Breathe properly in-between. Tone should be professional and confident. Don’t let your personal emotions reflect in your voice or words. Smile and nod, but not too loud or often.

What Interviewer Wants to Know in an Interview?

bikram — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 15:54:05 +0000

If only you knew this…

This is what every jobseeker feels, and you believe it or not, you already know the answer. You know what an interviewer wants to know about you. You just seem to overlook them under the pressure of backbreaking labor that you put in to straighten everything up, so that you get selected for the job. You would not have worried too much for the job, if you knew that your interviewer wants to know only three things from you. But, what are those 3 things that an interviewer wants to know? Read this article through the end to find the answer to this question.

3 things an interviewer wants to know

Can you do this job?

This is the first concern of an interviewer. He asks you so many questions related to your education, experience, and past companies only to know if you can do the job he is offering or now. He is least interested in what all you did with your life, so do not tell him all. Just talk about things that will add value to his company should you are hired. This also shows how focused are you.

Will you be a pain in you know where?

Will you go along with the team easily or not is another thing that your interviewer wants to know. No one wants to hire anyone who cannot work in a team, or who cannot learn to adapt to situations that are not of their choosing. That is why questions related to curricular activities, volunteer organization, and roles played and responsibilities taken in previous companies are asked.

Are you asking for too much?

No one wants to pay an employee more than what he or she is worth. Charging a little extra is ok, but asking for way more than what one deserves raises the red flag. You need to be careful when telling him your expected salary. And when you quote your salary, do not forget to add what all you will do for the company, and how do you think hiring you on that salary will be a good deal for the company. Tell the interviewer you are worth every penny you are asking for, as you can earn 10 folds return of the salary you are getting from the company.

These are the only things your interviewer is interested in knowing. All the questions asked during an interview are done with a hidden motive of finding these things.

3 More Questions to Ask During Your Job Interview Even When You Are Desperate

bikram — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:47:32 +0000

An interview is not just an opportunity for the interviewer to know about the interviewee, but it is also an opportunity for an interviewee to know if the company he or she is interviewed for is any good or not. And the only way to find this is by asking questions. You will not know anything, if you do not ask questions. Continuing our discussion from where we left yesterday, in this post I will talk about 3 more questions you need to ask during your interview.

Question 1: How performance is measured

You need to ask your interviewer about the criteria on which you will be judged when taken for the job. It will give you a target to match in order to get promoted or rewarded. A good company will have a set practice for employee evaluation, and HR people will not shy away from telling you that.

Question 2: Why previous employee left the job

This is a tricky question, but you need to know why the place became vacant. There could be a genuine reason for the previous employee to leave, and office politics or unfair boos could also be a reason, which you can only find by asking about it. The answer to this question will give you good idea about the existence and complicacy if office politics.

Question 3: Remuneration

You need to know about your salary, perks, performance bonus, etc. After all, it is the money that you are working for. You also need to ask about the salary date, deductions, etc. You will not want surprises here, so do not hesitate in talking about your remuneration. If you find the package offered below your expectation then tell the interviewer what you were expecting. Interview is the best place to talk about your salary and other benefits.

Answers to these questions will help you understand whether your personal goals will be met in the company or not. This will help you weigh the job opportunity properly.

I had only this to say, what else do you think should one ask during an interview?

3 Questions to Ask During Your Job Interview Even When You Are Desperate

bikram — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:38:13 +0000

Many people sit on the interview table with a set notion that it is the job of person (s) on the other side of the table to pose question, and their job is limited to providing right answers to questions asked to them. Nothing could be more wrong than this. An interview is not your viva that happened in your school and/or college. It is an opportunity for both the parties to know each other and see if both of you are compatible or not. To this end, both parties need to ask questions. Till now, I have talked a lot about how to properly answer your interviewer. In this article, I will talk about 3 important questions you must ask your interviewer even when you are desperate to get the job.

Question 1: Role and responsibility

This seems obvious, but it is not. The exact role of a sales engineer in one company can be slightly or completely different from the roles and responsibilities of the person on similar job in other company. This applies for all kinds of jobs. Therefore, it is imperative to ask about the role you are expected to play and responsibilities you have to take should you get the job. This will remove the blind spot and help you decide.

Question 2: Whom you will report to

Another seemingly obvious question that cease to sound obvious the moment you step through the giant door of your office on the first day. Save the horror of confusion and sounding horribly stupid by asking this question during your interview. This knowledge will also save you from workplace bullies who like to corner every unprepared newcomer.

Question 3: Work hours

Ask your interviewer what is a typical work hour for a person in your position in the company. Ask for a realistic answer. Do not believe when they say is 9 to 5 or 9 to 6 because it is never so. Work may starts from 9 or 10 or whatever, but never gets over at 5 or 6 or whatever is told to you. The world out there is very competitive, so to keep pace people work for long hours. Hence, you need to ask about work hours in real sense.

Could there be any question more important than these? Let me know your view on this subject.

A Job-Search Guide to Help People Over 45 – XVIII

bikram — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:40:22 +0000

As said in the last post, this is the last post in the series, and with this I will conclude my discussion on job-search tips for over-45 job seekers. In this part, I will talk about what to you need to promote during your interview.

Attract attention, and focus on the bright side

There may be quite a few things in the résumé that were not so much impressive, so try to bury it deeper during your interview by focusing your interviewer’s attention on your strength. Do not just dodge the questions asked about your weak points. Tackle the question wisely and enroute take a turn and move towards your strength. Do it covertly.

Promote your work ethics

Tell your interviewer that because of your age, you do not feel like hopping from one job to another, and will settle if you get a satisfactory job like the one you are giving interview for. Well say this but not in so many words. It should look as if it is coming naturally from you. Do not fake it. Loyalty is a big asset and that too a rare one.

Tell your interviewer your monetary worth

You have accumulated a lot of knowledge and expertise (perhaps interdepartmental ones as well) in your long career before being unemployed. Tell the worth of those skills in dollar terms. The interviewer needs to know your real worth.

With this our discussion on this topic comes to an end. And as a parting though, I must say that this phase (unemployment) is temporary, and there is always a job for a person who deserves it, and works to get it.

You may want to bookmark this post, as I have provided links to all the posts that I have written in this series below this paragraph. I would like to know what you think about this series, so use the comment box and start sending your input.

Index

A Job-Search Guide to Help People Over 45 – XVII

bikram — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:12:02 +0000

This is 17th post of the series written to help people over 45 secure jobs for them. We have come a long way. I hope by now you have gained enough confidence and rearing up to go. Some of you might have gone ahead and secured a job. This series is approaching its end now. It would be no more than 2 posts in this series. So, before it gets over, let us get together and pour everything on paper for you to see and use it.

Plan, Plan, and Plan

Planning is important. It takes the surprise factor and blind spot out of the equation. Review the list of common questions asked in an interview, and prepare an answer for each one of them. Do not mug up. Just make yourself comfortable with the questions. During the planning process also find a way out to blunt the ruthless edge of your negative characteristics. Do not make it look like your biggest asset, but soften its edge and make it look less damaging.

Look uber-cool

Well, I do not intend to suggest that you should take in all those garbage being consumed by teenagers in the name of fashion and “walking ahead of time”. All I want to suggest is to look up-to-date and in the know of things that matter to the job you are being interviewed for.

When I say up-to-date I also mean up-to-date in your appearance. I know it was not the first thing you expected to read when you wake up in the morning, but it important. You will not like to look like a black sheep among all the white clones. Dress as the way people younger to your dress, at least for the interview. It will convey the person on the other side of the table that you may be chronologically from different group, but your psychosocial make is same as his own.

Tell them you will learn

Do not flinch if you are faced with a question that you do not know answer of, or if you have asked about a technology which you have never heard of. Tell your interviewer that you are unaware of thing in question, but you will learn it sooner than expected, and if you are promised the job, you can start learning right from today. This will tell your interviewer, how much keen you are for the job, and how much time you are willing to devote for that. The interviewer will not pass unimpressed.

What else do you think is necessary to excel in an interview? Use the comment box and send in your suggestions.

A Job-Search Guide to Help People Over 45 – XVI

bikram — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:04:37 +0000

From the last post of the series, we are talking about interviews and how it will affect a 45-year old person in getting a job. In the previous post, we discussed how you need to carry yourself in the interview. In this article, I will talk about breaking stereotypes, using your age as an advantage, and how to handle questions that are not legal. So, let us begin our journey.

Play your age and tell them it is an asset

You didn’t grow old sleeping. You acquired certain skills and a hell load of experience, which a young person can only imagine to have, but can never have until he or she reaches your age. Play this card well, and tell you interviewer that your age has given you the wisdom and maturity that comes only with age. Convince your interviewer that it will be an asset not a liability for the company.

Smack the stereotype on its head

Your young interviewer has many preconceived idea attached with your age, which you need to dispel. This is necessary, but do not do it violently. Be calm, composed, and in the best of your selves when breaking the stereotypes.

Handle illegal questions well

So what you have grown old now? So what you are 40 plus? It does not mean anyone can discriminate against you based on your age. It is a crime, and if you are given hint of this then either politely move to other question or ask the interviewer to not go in that direction. You can also consider legal action, if it does not stop on that.

You need to be careful when working on the above suggestions. A wrong step may land you in trouble. It is a fine line to walk.

A Job-Search Guide to Help People Over 45 – XV

bikram — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 03:56:24 +0000

Personal meeting and job interviews are not the places where you can hide your age. It is simply not possible. So, why to try! And as it is so far in the series we have seen why you should play your age, and not try to hide it. But, one thing that may concern you during the interview is the age, not yours, but of the people around you, of the person taking your interview, and of the people with whom you have to work. Let’s see how you should deal with it.

Age should not matter

Neither yours nor your interview’s age should matter to you when you are on the interview table. The chances are quite realistic that your interviewer will be much younger than you. Do not get unnerved by that. Be calm and give him the respect you gave to your older interviewer when you were young. Treat anyone on the interviewer’s chair with respect.

Convey your desire to work with younger crowd

One of the main concerns of an employer hiring an older person is the new employee’s ability to mix with the young crowd. Make it clear to the interviewer that you do not have any problem in working with young people. Working with young people, particularly getting managed by them doesn’t go well with everyone. Many do not like to get managed by someone who is less experienced then him. You should make this clear to your employer that you do not belong from that group.

During your interview, you need to convey to your employer that you have the desire to keep up with younger crowd, and you are willing to learn new technologies and new way of doing things so that you could succeed. Do not forget to ask about the prospect of success in the organization you are being interviewed for.

A Job-Search Guide to Help People Over 45 – IV

bikram — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:35:57 +0000

So far in the series the focus was on improving your skills and getting confident. In this part, the focus will be on you, and how you should tune yourself to get a job even at the age of 45. On the surface, these tips will not come across as job finding tips, but at a deeper level, you will see how much it matters when it comes to getting a job.

Stay healthy, stay fit

The metabolism that you were once proud of has already left you, and so has the ability to regenerate energy; so the extra burden of frustration, anxiety and depression because the strenuous job-search routine may inflict malady upon you. You need to stay fit to fight it off. A fitter body will always help in having a more fulfilled life.

Do not lie about your age

Why will you even think of hiding your age? What is the benefit of doing so? If you hide your age, you are sending a message that you feel that you are too old for the job being offered, and no employer will like this kind of message. Your feeling reflects on your face, and the moment your contempt for being so old comes on your face, it is the end of your interview, at least for the interviewer.

Be yourself

If you are Mr. or Miss X then you are Mr. or Miss X; you cannot be a Y or a Z, even an A, B, or a C, so why even try to be that? The best thing you can do for youself is to be yourself. Just remember, it was you who has brought yourself so far, so why to be ashamed of it now? Act your age, so how much experience you have accumulated in the years that you have lived. This may not work for you, but not being yourself and pretending to be someone else will definitely not work in your favor.

Reflect on the things I have written above and assimilate them, make them your habit. I will catch you in the next part of the series. Use the comment box and let me know your view on the post in particular, and the series in general.

Controlling Your Online Reputation

SamElli — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:30:21 +0000

Your online reputation can be the difference between success and failure when looking for a new job. You might not even be aware of what information is easily available to anyone performing a Google search on your name. Almost every potential employer will perform a search on your name, to see what pops up. Too much negativity and you could be crossed off immediately. So how do you go about improving, or creating a positive online reputation?

Well, being as active as possible is a start. Having no internet identity can be just as bad as having a negative one. Employers want to see positive extra curricular activity, and work history. These are cues to what sort of employee you are, so make sure an interviewer can easily find them. Be active in professional forums, maintain a personal blog, and keep a professionally oriented social networking page.

Make sure that everything you put out there puts you into a positive light. Anything you want an employer to see needs to be about creativity, positive, and showcasing commitment and hard work. Don’t bash old employers and bosses, because that’s a big turn off to anybody interested in you. In fact, don’t bash anybody, or have anything negative on a page that’s intended to be professional, because it will only show you in a bad light.

But don’t forget, what you put out there is only half the battle. You need to search your name to see what other people are putting out in relation to your name. Do a search, see if anything comes up from past employers, or if anything you wouldn’t want a potential employer to see pops up. Takes steps to correct these, or have them removed from search engines if you’re uncomfortable with the material. Most of the time places like Google are more than willing to work with you, so long as you’re polite and patient.