Wednesday, August 6, 2008

INTERVIEWS

What is the purpose of Interview?
An interview will enable an employer:
to check that you have the required skills and knowledge for the job
to ensure that you are clear about what the job involves and that you know what will be required of you
to make sure you know about and are committed to the company, and that you genuinely want to work for them.

Know Yourself

Imaging
Imaging is the most important philosophical aspect for any success. Let me explain imaging with an example.
Do you think whenever Sachin scores a century it is only due to his game on the field? No! There is something which is responsible for it which is off the field.
One day prior to the match Sachin imagines, sitting alone. He imagines: “Tomorrow I get up at 6 ‘O Clock. I will warm myself up for an hour, have break fast, take out my kit and go to the ground at 9 ‘O Clock. At 9:30 Dravid will go for toss, he wins it and selects fielding. I will stand at covers and field every ball that comes to me. Agarkar and Irfan ball tidy spells. I will take a flying catch, etc. In spite of that, Smith scores 140 runs, and the team score 359 runs.
Imaging
“I will open our batting. Initially I will take singles Then I will charge Nel. I score 50 in 15 overs. I will never go for paddle sweep, as there will be bounce for spinners. I will play aggressively. We will win and I will get man of the match award”
Then next day Sachin will just repeat his images. This is called imaging techniques. Every successful person uses this. If you use this technique your confidence grows exponentially.

So before you go to bed, lie down and start imaging in your mind. You go to the place, write test well, get short listed, give interview well, results announced, you are selected.

More the depth you imagine more the success rate grows.

I recommend you to pray and ask the God to make you successful. Please sleep for at least 6 hours
Items to take to Interview
A summary of the research you have done on the company.
A list of questions you have prepared to ask the interviewer.
A notepad and writing tool to take notes with and write down questions.
Any additional materials you may need to present to the interviewer such as reference lists, personal identification pieces, certificates, transcripts or letters of recommendation.
A quick snack that will keep you from getting hungry in the event of a long interview.
Finally be sure that you turned off your mobile phones.

Success Formula for interview
The two things that make you succeed in the interview are preparation and confidence.
Preparation + Confidence = Success -------------- (1)
After good preparation confidence comes automatically which makes you perform well.
So confidence ~ Preparation
So from--- (1)
Preparation + Preparation = Success
? Preparation = Success
2
This implies that if you prepare well, you are already half succeeded.

What employer expects from you?
Leadership - demonstrates effective leadership and motivates and inspires others to perform well
Teamwork - works effectively as part of a team
Motivation - demonstrates a personal drive to achieve, even in uncomfortable situations
Brainpower - ability to analyse and manage information, to identify key issues
Lateral thinking - thinks “outside the box” to come up with imaginative solutions


Perform in the interview
UNDERSTAND HOW THE INTERVIEW WORKS
The interview can be divided into 3 parts
There is an opening period of a few minutes where the scene is being set and first impressions are being formed
A middle period in which the conversation will embrace the organization, the job itself and you and your potential fit. This is where you will be asked many questions.
The closing period-again a few minutes- will be an opportunity for the interviewer to summarize and to indicate the process from here. You will also be able to ask questions here if you haven’t had a prior opportunity to do so.
Exhibit only the required skills
Don’t Lie

Watch your body language!
Give a firm, dry handshake
Make eye contact with all members of the panel
Smile to show your interest and enthusiasm
Avoid extravagant hand gestures
Sit slightly forward to indicate involvement

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

TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
PREPARING FOR TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
In the early years of engineering, students think that in interviews, hi-fi technology is asked which is very complex and difficult.
So they don’t think of learning or refreshing the technical concepts keeping interview in mind.
But the companies ask those technical questions which we have learnt like, what is amplifier, counter, XOR GATE, what is microprocessor, what is signal, what are pointers, data structures, what is linking, what are motors, gears etc., depending on your branch and your skill set that you have mentioned in your resume.
PREPARING FOR TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
When you apply, you look at the pattern of interview, the area of work of the company. You can get to know on what subjects they would ask questions in interview. You can study those two, three subjects in depth. You also have to just touch all the subjects especially electives.
For software companies, prepare the languages you know like C, C++, Java, etc..
TECHNICAL INTERVIEW

Keep all your certificates, mark cards and resume in a file and carry your project reports to the interview.

At the interview centre meet the people who have finished their interview, and ask them what they were asked in the interview. Around 50% of the technical questions that were asked to them will be asked to you. So get to know the answers of those questions.
TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
Enter the interview room with a smile saying ‘may I come in sir?’ go near the chair and shake hands with the interviewer firmly. Generally oldies don’t shake hand and young interviewers prefer doing it.
Sit only after they ask you to sit. Sit straight and make comfortable posture with legs open (don’t cross them).
Give a fresh, eager, alert smiling look. Technical interviewers may not ask HR questions, but to start with, they ask ‘ tell about yourself’, you can tell about yourself in brief. c
TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
Then they may ask ‘what are your favorite subjects?’ Name at least 2 to 3 subjects which you have studied in depth.

The questions asked will only be on basics of these subjects.
They will surely ask questions about the projects you have done and electives you have mentioned in your Resume.
Prepare in depth about your projects, papers and Area of Interest. Specifically your core.
They will ask why you chose this branch.
TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
The questions just look simple.

They may grill you if your answers don’t look confident or if you try to bluff.

If you don’t know, you can say ‘sir we don’t have that in our syllabus’ or ‘sir I am not remembering it’ or ‘I don’t know sir’.

When they ask about projects you can spent more time on them, as you will be more comfortable with the projects you have done.
TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
Non-CS students who apply for software companies, should say, they at least know one programming language, generally C; and should be prepared to face questions like what are strings, pointers, header files or simple ‘for loop’ usage programs.

Speak clearly and convince your answers to them. Don’t rush at your answers and end up stammering, getting confused. Speak slowly and steadily; such are the guys who impress more.

HR INTERVIEW
There are many questions that HR managers from different companies ask. Let me list some of the questions and answers in a format, which I think, can be better ones.

There can be hundreds of good answers, which can be given, based on your views, thoughts, personality, goals, expectations and finally the mood.
Prepare for the HR questions like
Self description
Family background
Asked to know the social, cultural and economic background of your family.
Besides describing the family bkgnd, mention basic ethos and good principless which have been imbibed in you by your family environment.
Strength and weakness
How much you know about yourself
Success and failures
This job is not a bed of roses………….

HR INTERVIEW FAQ’S
First thing in your HR interview will be Introduce yourself – prepare and present it well.
How was your written test?
Why do you want to work in a software company?
After scoring good marks in HSC why did you score less in engineering?
Why do you want to join our company?
What are your strengths or why should we hire you only?
What weakness do you have?
Who is your role model?
Your Hobbies?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
How would your friends describe you in 3 words?


HR INTERVIEW some unexpected questions
Consider yourself as C. E. O., what do you do for growth of the company?
How can you improve employee relationships in the company?
You said you are innovative; you better suit to join a product company rather than our services company.
You being weak in communicating skills do you expect you will get the job?
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
HR INTERVIEW
Back to imaging again. The day prior to the interview you sit alone and rehearse the interview.
It’s like taking your interview by yourself.
Ask HR questions to yourself and answer them loudly as you do in an interview.
You can anticipate even technical questions and rehearse.
Do you have any questions?
What would my career prospects be like?
What training/support could I expect?
What would the key objectives be in the first 6 months of the job?
How will my performance be measured?


However….
Do not ask questions just for the sake of it
Do not ask questions if you should already know the answer e.g. if it is in the company literature
Do not ask about fringe benefits – that conversation can take place when you have been offered the job
And remember….it may be that all your questions have been answered over the course of the interview


SUMMARY


Establish a connection by relating to each interviewer. Note the wording that is used by each interviewer and when appropriate use similar words. Maintain eye contact with each of the interviewers throughout the interview.
7. Sit comfortably and erectly, but don’t sit stiffly, slouching or sprawled over the chair.
8. Project confidence and a positive attitude.  Maintain awareness of your voice, posture, energy level, and enthusiasm. Make hand gestures to emphasize important points, but avoid distracting gestures or making too many hand gestures.




Be attentive. Listen to each question carefully and don’t interrupt.  If you aren't sure of what is being asked, politely request that the question be repeated.
Close the interview with a strong closing statement of your qualifications for the job.
Thank the interviewers.  Shake their hands individually and thank each interviewer by name.

GROUP DISCUSSION

Why do we have group discussion?
Group discussion allows you to exchange information and ideas and gives you the experience of working in a team.
In the work place, discussions enable management to draw on the ideas and expertise of staff, and to acknowledge the staff as valued members of a team.
PURPOSE OF G.D. IN RECRUITMENT
G.D. is to check
How you behave, participate and contribute in a group.
How much importance do you give to the group objective as well as your own.
How well do you listen to viewpoints of others.
How open minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own.
What is group discussion?
A topic is given and 8 to 10 of you are allowed to speak on the subject for around 10 minutes.
How they evaluate?
Personality
Knowledge
Communication skills
Leadership traits
Personality
DRESS
The clothes need not be costly, dazzling or of latest fashion; they should be clean, neat and well stitched.
It improves confidence
Don’t try new
Polished footwear
Body language
Your movements and posture must be active, positive, alive and responsive enough to make the group and the examiner take to you immediately.
It gives signal to a person’s frame of mind.
Postures are said to divulge what is on one’s mind
Tone and voice
More than words, it is the tone that conveys the message
News reading
A tone that orders or commands, hurts the listener’s ego and self esteem.
Cultivate a voice that is lively and cheerful and conveys a request.
Countenance
A cheerful countenance is most important for a good appearance.
A ready, pleasant and spontaneous smile invariably conveys friendliness and creates a favourable impression.
Self confidence, optimism and amicability automatically create cheerfulness and bring happy smile to the face.
Manners
It is one’s manners that leave a lasting impression on others.
There are people who stand out not for their intellectual abilities but for their good manners.
A courteous, helpful, polite and interested person automatically draws people to himself.
KNOWLEDGE
In a GD knowledge of the subject concerned, backed by common sense will help you deal with any situation and win laurels.
The greater your knowledge of subjects, the more interested, enthusiastic and confident will you be and the more fluent and forceful would be your speech and contribution.
Books, perodicals, daily newspaper
Besides reading, a great deal can be learnt from the talks by and speeches of experts.
COMMUNICATION SKILL
An idea can be appreciated only when it is expressed powerfully and effectively.
Shakespeare’s Mark Antony could transform a hostile mob into a quiescent crowd with his words
British PM Winston Churchill inspired his country with his oratorical skills to continue their fight during the darkest hours of the II world war.
Gandhi, Nehru,…….
Effective communication is not an inborn triat; it can be learnt and mastered.
ROLE PLAYERS
INITIATOR
INFORMER
ILLUSTRATOR
COORDINATOR
ORIENTER
Negative Roles to be Avoided
DISGRUNTLED NON-PARTICIPANT:
ATTACKER
DOMINATOR
CLOWN
How do you face it?
Usually the topic is debatable, so one needs to quickly decide whether you are far or against the given topic.
I suggest, try to be different in your choice among the group.
You are given some 2 minutes time to make points about the subject.
If you initiate, you will get the advantage, but don’t initiate without ideas. It’s better to speak after two to three have spoken.
Be cool and look fresh.

How do you face it?
Don’t look at the judges
Speak clearly and loudly facing all. Try to anchor the group, not dominate it
Clearly explain your ideas with few weighted words. Don’t speak too much of nonsense.
Don’t murmur or stammer.
Don’t criticize others.
Always look at the person who is speaking and nod your head so that judges will see that you are listening.


How do you face it?

If somebody is speaking more, you can say ‘you have spoken enough, let’s give chance to this person’ or ‘I agree with him’ or ‘you are going out of topic, let’s stick to the topic’
Speak around 2-3 times. I mean don’t speak just once for 2 long minutes and keep quite for rest of the time, so try to speak in bursts. If somebody is listening to the discussion from outside, he should see that you are alive inside.
Try to conclude yourself (if they ask to)
One can practice mock GD with their friends to become familiarize with it. “We the people” and “The Big Fight” in NDTV had inspired me.
What is Brainstorming?
Brainstorming is an excellent way of developing many creative solutions to a problem.
It works by focusing on a problem, and then coming up with very many radical solutions to it.
Ideas should deliberately be as broad and odd as possible, and should be developed as fast as possible.
Brainstorming is a lateral thinking process
It is designed to help you break out of your thinking patterns into new ways of looking at things.
During brainstorming sessions there should be no criticism of ideas.
Group Brainstorming
Group brainstorming can be very effective as it uses the experience and creativity of all members of the group.
When individual members reach their limit on an idea, another member's creativity and experience can take the idea to the next stage.
Therefore, group brainstorming tends to develop ideas in more depth than individual brainstorming.
POSITIVE TRAITS
NEGATIVE TRAITS
Summary
Be assertive
A patient listener
Right language
Be analytical and fact-oriented
Maximize participation
Respect other speakers
Show leadership abilities
Be precise
Accept criticism ( thank if criticized on right thing)

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Freshers Aproach - Complete questions and answers

1. GENERAL FAQ
2.
1.1 How is the IT field?
""Market is good or bad, we should get a good job"". Always fresher should keep this
mentality. Market is really very good. We need not worry about market status. Keep on trying till you get a good job. Do fight with your job hunting. Surely you will win.

1.2 Do we need to study any mainframe/ testing/ .NET, etc?
For fresher, absolutely no need for computer courses. Aptitude, C, C++ is enough to get a
good job and there is no need of practical knowledge. A good guidance is hundred times better than a computer course.
If you got degree before 2004 and not strong in any of the software language, better join
some computer courses like testing/ mainframe/ .NET, prepare a fake a resume with one year
experience and do apply regularly. In the interview, many times they don’t ask about your experience. Your technical knowledge and way to explain the project is enough to get a job.

1.3 How to get call letters from companies?

Create one Yahoo ID and register it in to the following yahoo groups.
nestjobs (nestjobs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com), chetana, freshers
You use to get at least 100 mails daily regarding recruitment. Don't use your personal id,
create a new one. One more point, Every Wednesday, follow "Economic Times or Times of India"(Bangalore openings) and "The Hindu"(Chennai openings) without fail. There you can find more opportunities Try to get past one year Economic Times and Hindu papers from library. Collect all the jobs related ids.(including experience also.)
Apply to all the ids. You will be regularly getting interview calls from companies.
Visit these blogs : http://latestjobopening.blogspot.com/
http://jobcollector.blogspot.com/



1.4 How do we prepare resume?
Freshers: Companies like Infosys, TCS and Wipro expects your percentage from 10th
onwards, so it is better include all your curriculum (10th, 12th, all Degree) percentage in your resume.

Resumes should be scanable it should be simple and easy to get information within a single look. It should not contain unwanted information.
Experience: You resume should have the following details, apart from the basic details.
1. Company name
2. Project name
3. Project duration
4. Client
5. Team size
6. Role
7. Project description
8. Activities (We have to mention our project activities)
9. Platform
You can get sample resume formats from section 6 of this document.

1.5 How do we apply?
If you get any openings specific to your skill set, follow as indicted in the advertisement.
If you are applying for multiple companies, without advertisements or for positions not
specific to your skill sets,
1. Prepare a generalized cover letter, ascii format resume(plain text format resume) and
Word format resume
2. Paste your covering letter followed by the plaintext resume in the compose box of your
mail
3. Attach your word format resume.
4. Subject should be like, “Resume for Software Engineer (C, C++, JAVA and VC++)”
5. Type your id in “TO’ field and bulk of ids in “BCC” field, do apply.

1.6 How do we receive job mails?
Visit - http://latestjobopening.blogspot.com/
http://jobcollector.blogspot.com/

1.7 Where do we get company model question papers?
If you get a call letter for written test, from any companies then go to the following sites...
http://allplacementpaper.blogspot.com/

Collect the previous question papers and prepare well. Never miss to go to that site before
you go for Interview/Test. There may be a chance to get the same question papers.

1.8 What are the books we have to prepare before we go for test/ interview?
Aptitude:
Arithmetic Reasoning - R.S.Agarwal
Barron’s GRE Guide.
Shakuntala Devi, George summer puzzle books
Technical Books:
For freshers, C and C++ is enough to get a job.
Let us C, C++, Exploring C - YASHAVANT P. KANETKAR
Turbo C++ - Robert lafore (A very good guide to get basic idea about C++ and OOPS)
Complete Reference – C, C++

1.9 Where do we get the details about companies and details?
http://all-faqs.blogspot.com/
1.10 Am I suitable for IT field?
Anyone who has completed a graduation from an affiliated university is suitable for IT field.
IT field does not expect any specialization from your graduation but it expect good problem solving,
logical thinking and good communication skills. This can be achieved along with your curriculum
subjects by spending an hour per day. R.S. Agarwal is good subject oriented book for preparing
aptitude. Any MBA entrance book is suitable to prepare logical reasoning etc. In fact anyone who is not technically strong but having logical thinking skills is very much suitable for this field. It does not mean that technical people are not suitable.

1.11 Employee reference for MNC’s
If anyone need reference to attend written test or interview or forwarding resume kindly
contact any of our career guidance team members. Our career guidance team maintains the spool of reference and provides you when the need arises.

2. COMPANY TEST PATTERNS
2.1 How to prepare for Infosys?
There is nothing to worry about the Infosys written test. It is easy if you keep your mind cool.
There will be 10 questions in aptitude test, each of different marks & without multiple choices.
Duration is 1 hr & you have to get at least 7-8 correct to get short-listed. You had to put down the


procedure also in the paper. These puzzles are similar to the one in Shakuntala & George Summers. Attempt all questions, as there is no negative marking. No problem if we guess also. Mostly there will be questions on time & distance, probability, puzzles (George Summers), watch questions (related to time), escalator problem, completion of series & profit-loss questions.
Verbal is very easy. There will be 45 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 30 min.
Attempt all questions. Mostly there will be completion of sentences (20 Q), correction of sentences (10Q) reading comprehension (5Q), synonyms & antonyms (10Q).
Short listing is mainly based on aptitude not on verbal. Concentrate more on aptitude. We
can do very silly mistakes there. So be cool.
Regarding interview, firstly it’s not a technical interview. It is purely HR. It will be around
20-30 min. They will even ask 2-3 puzzles. They are easy. If we don’t answer any of them also there is no problem. You should be confident whether it is right or wrong. If you are through the written test then you will be almost through the interview. They almost select everyone in the interview. So concentrate more on the written test.

2.2 How to prepare for TCS?
There were 3 main sections verbal, aptitude and reasoning. Generally any company will not
change the question paper for a year. So, you people can give importance to 2004 Question Papers. You can collect the sample QP from the about websites. We can see QP from 1995 onwards . Preparing all those papers is enough to get placement. There will be section cut off. Aptitude any one can clear. But In verbal section only we can beat others.
Don’t miss to prepare all the verbal section from 1995 onwards. The choices given to
synonym and antonym part will be changed. But the question may be the same one. So, Open "MS WORD" and collect synonym and antonyms for all the words found in all the QP.

Regarding interview:
They check only the confidential level of the candidate. They never expect you to answer for
each and every question. All they need to check is how bold you are, how much confidence you have on you. always don’t expect questions from Areas of Interest. Always have a pleasant smile in your face and keep yourself very cool. That is more important than anything. They may sometime ask very basic questions like what is the version of WINDOWS you have worked on? But answers for them are very much important. For non-computer students the interview will be very simple. They need not worry that they don’t know much technically.
Then HR interview, you should be very careful here. They may ask very tricky questions.
Think twice before answering to these questions. The general questions in HR interview will be, why do you want to join TCS? What do you want to become after 3 years? Why TCS should take you in?

Be confident and be cool, which is enough to clear TCS interview.



3. USEFUL WEBSITES
3.1 Company question paper sites
http://allplacementpaper.blogspot.com/

3.2 Technical document sites

Source Code http://examplesourcecode.blogspot.com/

C Programming http://cprogrammings.blogspot.com/

SQL Server Interview Questions with answers http://sqlserverfaqs.blogspot.com/

Oracle Interview Questions and Answers http://oracleiqs.blogspot.com/

Quality Analysis and Testing ,WinRunner ,Load Runner Interview Questions and Answers http://qualityanalysisfaqs.blogspot.com/

All companies placement papers for past 10 years http://allplacementpaper.blogspot.com/

All fresher’s resources http://allfreshers.blogspot.com/


Interview Puzzles with answers http://puzzleszone.blogspot.com/


.Net Interview Questions and Answers http://dotnetframeworkfaq.blogspot.com/


C#.Net Interview Questions and Answers http://microsoftcsharp.blogspot.com/


ASP.Net Interview Questions and Answers http://www.aspfaqs.blogspot.com/


ADO.Net Interview Questions and Answers http://www.adofaqs.blogspot.com/


VB.Net Interview Questions and Answers http://www.vbfaqs.blogspot.com/


Data structures and algorithms Interview Questions and Answers http://datastructurefaqs.blogspot.com/


Quick Test Professional Interview Questions and Answers http://qtpfaqs.blogspot.com/


WCF- WPF .Net 3.0 Interview Questions and Answers http://wpf-wcffaq.blogspot.com/


Java Interview Questions and Answers http://javaqanda.blogspot.com


SAP Interview Questions and Answers http://sapque.blogspot.com/


Mainframes Interview Questions and Answers http://mainframesfaqs.blogspot.com/


Perl, shell, vb, java, scripts Interview Questions and Answers http://scriptingfaqs.blogspot.com/


VC++ Interview Questions and Answers http://vcprofessional.blogspot.com/


VC++ and MicroSoft Technologies Job postings http://latestjobopening.blogspot.com/


Job postings from Naukri, monster http://jobcollector.blogspot.com/


Guide for Finance, investments, loans http://wise-finance.blogspot.com/


General Guides http://feedlines.blogspot.com/




3.3 Puzzle sites
http://puzzleszone.blogspot.com/

5. INTERVIEW TIPS

5.1 Common interview questions
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-related items unless
instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the
position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

2. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with
management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. I f you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an
opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.

3. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have
specific experience, get as close as you can.

4. Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have
set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.

5. What do co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase
will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.

6. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview.
Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be
mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.

8. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you
can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.

9. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on
the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be used. Relate it to your longterm career goals.

10. Do you know anyone who works for us?
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer
even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.

11. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do
not answer it. Instead, say something like, that’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

12. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you
often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself is good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag; just say it in a matter-of-fact tone? This is a key point.

13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like it to be a long time. Or
As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.

14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the
same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.

15. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong
feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the type of answer were that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.

16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do
not say yes if you do not mean it.

17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about
the people or organization involved.

18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization?
You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as
they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.

19. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other
candidates to make a comparison.

20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made?
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then
considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.

21. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A
short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.

22. What is your greatest strength?

Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to
prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude

23. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it,
you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can’t wait to get to work.

24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

25. What are you looking for in a job?
See answer # 23

26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get
you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.

27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.

28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team
player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver

29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor?
Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and
tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.

30. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don’t get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge.
You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.

31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure?
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to
the type of position applied for.

32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than
this one.

33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge, Achievement
and Recognition.

34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.

35. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures: You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your
outcomes are a success. Your boss tells you that you are successful.

36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a
chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.

37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and
philosophical implications. Just say yes.

38. Describe your management style.
Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or
consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.

39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.

40. Do you have any blind spots?
Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal
any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.

41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.

42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.

43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then,
point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.

44. What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to
subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.

45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others?
Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute
you settled.

46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.

47. Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and
work hard but enjoy your work are good.

48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no
negative feelings.

49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.

50. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the
organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? And what type of projects will I be able to assist on? are examples.

5.2 Job Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts
Here are the keys to successful job interviewing. Follow these simple rules and you should
achieve success in this important phase of job-hunting.
Do take a practice run to the location where you are having the interview -- or be sure you
know exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there.
Do your research and know the type of job interview you will be encountering. (See types of
job interviews.) And do prepare and practice for the interview, but don’t memorize or overrehearse
your answers. (See our some of the best collections of interview questions.)
Do dress the part for the job, the company and the industry. And do err on the side of
conservatism. If you’re not sure, you should consider reading our article, when Job-Hunting:
Dress for Success.
Do plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
If you are running late, do phone the company.
Do greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. This is where you make your
first impression.
Don’t chew gum during the interview.
If presented with a job application, do fill it out neatly, completely, and accurately.
Do bring extra resumes to the interview. (Even better, if you have a job skills portfolio, do
bring that with you to the interview.)
Don’t rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. No matter how qualified
you are for the position, you will need to sell yourself to the interviewer.
Do greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., and Dr.) and last name if you are sure of the
pronunciation. (If you’re not sure, do ask the receptionist about the pronunciation before
going into the interview.
Do shake hands firmly. Don’t have a limp or clammy handshake!
Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And do remember body language and
posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times. Don’t fidget or slouch.
Don’t tell jokes during the interview.
Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).
Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
Don’t smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette. And don’t smoke
beforehand so that you smell like smoke. And do brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or have a
breath mint before the interview.
Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as "like," "uh” and "um").
Don't be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence.
Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly aggressive.
Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.
Do avoid controversial topics.
Don't say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers.
Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere
manner.
Don't ever lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly. And don't over-answer
questions.
Do stress your achievements. And don't offer any negative information about yourself.
Don’t answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Describe
those things about yourself that showcase your talents, skills, and determination. Give
examples.
Do show off the research you have done on the company and industry when responding to
questions. (See our Guide to Researching Companies.)
Don’t bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.
Do remember that the interview is also an important time for you to evaluate the interviewer
and the company she represents.
Don’t respond to an unexpected question with an extended pause or by saying something like,
"boy, that’s a good question." And do repeat the question out loud or ask for the question to
be repeated to give you a little more time to think about an answer. Also, a short pause before
responding is okay.
Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never
close the door on an opportunity until you are sure about it.
Don’t answer cell phone calls during the interview, and do turn off (or set to silent ring) your
cell phone and/or pager.
Do show what you can do for the company rather than what the company can do for you.
Don’t inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other benefits until after you’ve
received an offer. Be prepared for a question about your salary requirements, but do try and
delay salary talk until you have an offer. (You might consider visiting our salary tutorial for
more tips and strategies.)
Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry. Don’t ever not ask any
questions -- it shows a lack of interest.
Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job and asking about the
next step in the process. (Some experts even say you should close the interview by asking for
the job.)
Do try and get business cards from each person you interviewed with -- or at least the correct
spelling of their first and last names. And don’t make assumptions about simple names -- was
it Jon or John -- get the spelling.
Do immediately take down notes after the interview concludes so you don’t forget crucial
details.

MOTIVATING WORDS
Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in your self, for if you don’t believe
in your self, no one else will believe in you. Create your own life and then go out and live it.
The law of averages tells us you must achieve more, if you are trying more. More, more and
more. The more self-confidence you have the less you will be affected by temporary setbacks (never final, always temporary) and short-term disappointments. The more self-confidence you have the likely it is that you will live a life full of achievement, riches, satisfaction and pure bliss.
MY FRIEND, YOU ARE EXTRAORDINARY!! The odds are greater than 50 crore to 1
against their ever being anyone with the unique combination of talents, skills, and abilities that you possess. You are unique, never forget my friend. The unbelievable achievements that you are capable of, no one knows, not even your self. Exploit your strengths and starve your weaknesses. Yes, of course there is more to it than this but not much more. "WE ARE WHAT WE THINK ABOUT!" YOU MUST! You must make up your mind to look at you honestly and make future decisions based on your uniqueness. NOW! TODAY! THIS VERY MOMENT is time to realize how extraordinary you are.
Albert Einstein used his brain.
Napoleon used his power.
Thomas Edison used his brain.
Thatz why they reached that position. Use your brain my friend. You can reach a
unbelievable position. You can.

The psychologist Abraham Maslow says the story of the human race is the story of men and
women selling themselves short. The great majority of people tend to compare themselves
unfavorably with others. They dwell on there own weaknesses and limitations and they usually end up with far less then they are really capable of. Instead of taking control of their life and enjoying high levels of self-esteem, self-respect and personal pride, the average person just gets by from day to day. GOD put you here on this glorious earth to do more than "just get by." If self-confidence and the self-esteem that goes with it is so desirable, why is it so few people have enough self-confidence to live the lives that are possible for them?
From time to time, (rarely) we have seen people with naturally high levels of self-confidence.
These people have gone on to achieve extraordinary things. In studying the lives of these superachievers we have found that "some" of them started out with high levels of self-confidence, which they learned from there parents, quite fortunately, in early childhood. But, most of them started out like most of us with down deep feelings of inferiority and inadequacy. Because of criticism and lack of love and other mistakes parents made in early childhood, we grow up with little self-esteem and feel less than others.
The starting point in developing a high level of self-confidence and in reality becoming an
EXCELLENT human being is to think through and to decide upon your valves. For example, what is really, really important to you? How do you define values? Having defined a clear set of values, not vague, not unsure, but clear, concise, values will cause you to develop the convictions and enthusiasm necessary for self-confidence. Your starting point toward higher self-confidence and personal greatness is to clarify your values for yourself. Ask yourself what you truly believe in! (?) What do you stand for? What will you not stand for? What would you pay for? Work for? or even DIE FOR????
Make your own list and remember, unshakeable self-confidence comes from unshakeable
commitment to your values. When deep down inside yourself you know you will never violate your highest principles you experience a deep sense of "personal power" and confidence that
empowers you to deal with life openly and honestly and with complete self-confidence in almost
every human situation.
Did you know that Edison failed over 9000 (that’s thousand) times before perfecting the light
bulb! How many of us would have thrown in the "proverbial" towel at 20 failures, 150 failures or at the 8000th failure. After Edison had invented and produced the light-bulb a reporter asked him how it felt to fail over 9000 times. Edison replied, "I was glad I found 9000 ways not to invent the light bulb! From this point forward Edison went on to receive 1,093 patents, more than any other person in U.S. history.


Read as many books, and magazines that are positive inspirational and motivational as you
possibly can. Study the lives of the people who have a positive message to share with all of us, nd
especially in the given field you have chosen to be great at.

Nothing in life that is worthy is ever too hard to achieve, if you have the courage to try it
and you have the faith to believe. Faith is a force that is greater than knowledge or power or skill.
"The secret of success in life is for u to be ready for your opportunity when it comes."
"Success comes in cans, not cannot."
"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure."
"Self-trust is the first secret of success."
"Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."
"We can succeed at almost anything for which we have unlimited enthusiasm."
Dear friend, you should get Strength to battle with difficulties and overcome them. You
should get Patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished. You should hope enough to
remove all anxious fears concerning the future.
Emotional decisions come from the heart, thinking ones from the brain. You should not take
any emotional decisions. This is the age we all take only emotional decisions. Ask your brain always, it will tell you, what is correct and wrong.
To have a positive day keep the following in mind:
1. Every problem has a solution.
2. Failures always lead to learning something you can use later.
3. Many times you must take a step back before u take two steps forward.
4. After a crisis is always an opportunity.
5. You control your thoughts and feelings.
6. You make the choices that determine your fate.
Michael Jordan wordings. (He is famous US basket ball player.)
1. I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I have been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.
2. I can accept failure, but I can’t accept not trying.
3. I have always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don’t do things halfheartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results.
4. If you are trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I have had them; everybody has had them.
5. Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.

9. AT ANY COST DON’T LET YOUR HOPE DOWN, WE ARE HERE
TO SUPPORT YOU
Always keep in mind that ‘what do you want right now?' 'What is lacking behind YOU to get
that?' 'What has to be done to get as early as possible?'
To overcome all the above mentioned questions, always there is only one thing with
you...That is 'Continuous hard work without loosing rays of hope'....You should not lose your hope even you didn't get job after a month or two months or even a year(Just for sake I am telling
this)...But no one will do that...You should not stop initiation (whatever you have to do to get job) or approach towards getting job from your side ...You just have to keep on trying to achieve whatever you want?...I am sure you will do that because you are in that situation and also I can support you to the extend I can...See if you think you can always you can...Isn't it?...
Don't loose your hope and always have positive attitude in your mind...Think always about
getting job and do something related to that (which can add value to get a job. we will also help you what you need to do. Nothing should be there in your mind apart from getting job.
For example, If you walking along the road suppose you are seeing an advertisement during that time even that is not related to yours but you should be able to notice or something has to be triggered on your mind regarding your job...Because opportunities can come in any way, you should aware and should not miss that one...It won't come again...To really understand this I can tell you N number of examples even from my friends circle and from my own experience also...You don't attend courses by paying 30 to 50 thousand.....This is I am telling you from my own experience...Because even I didn't know how to type in computer keyboard also I didn't attend for any courses when I got selected into TCS...You don't have to worry about technical knowledge for a fresher....The company which hires you will give you lots of training in software. Just you have to prepare to clear the written test and interview to get into the company.