Dress Sensibly for Interview

Posted on August 30, 2010 by weblinkindia

Make your first impression not just the last but, a lasting one, by dressing appropriately for a job interview. Dress code may be different for both men and women, but needless to say that what remains same for both is dressing up sensibly. Dressing for an interview is quite different from dressing up for a party or just a hangout. It largely depends on the kind of company where you are going for an interview as per the dress code set by the employer. Obviously, if you would be dressed up sensibly, then only an employer can observe you as a professional. So, let’s examine the dress code for both men and women…

Perfect Attire for Men:

  • Suit
  • Long sleeve shirt (preferably white)
  • Belt
  • Tie
  • Dark socks
  • Conservative leather shoes
  • Neat, professional hairstyle
  • Neatly trimmed nails

Perfect Attire for Women:

  • Suit
  • Skirts with coordinated blouse
  • Conservative shoes
  • Limited jewelry (best to avoid jewelry rather than cheap jewelry)
  • Hair properly tied up & tidily combed
  • Light make-up
  • Perfume
  • Neatly manicured clean nails

Three most important aspects that must be kept in mind, while dressing for an interview:

  • Comfort
  • Practicality
  • Affordability

Check list

♦ Get your clothes ready night before the interview
♦ Polish your shoes
♦ Wear neutral make-up
♦ Don’t come off as a beauty queen
♦ Avoid showing off tattoos and piercings
♦ Chew a cool mint or gum before interview
♦ Carry your portfolio or briefcase

Even if the work environment is casual, you got to dress up professionally for an interview and leave a mark on the prospective employer. So, put the best show in front of your interviewer and let your sensible dressing do the wonders for you. We hope that the tips mentioned in the write-up are useful for you and can help you to crack any interview of your life.

Filed under: Interview Tips | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

How to Deal With a Phone Interview

Posted on August 26, 2010 by weblinkindia

A telephonic interview is usually conducted by employers or recruiters when they want to do the initial screening or have to contact out-of-station candidates. In both situations you may receive a call out of the blue and if you are unprepared, then the situation can generate panic that affects the way you conduct yourself. An upside of a phone interview is that sometimes you can even have it scheduled as per your convenience but the downside remains that you cannot see the interviewer face-to-face and have to give very concise answers. This post discusses some essential points that can lets you score well in a Telephonic Interview and make it a walk in the park.

Be Ready Before the Interview

Nothing beats the fact that preparing well in advance minimizes your chances of erroneous answers and also helps you to deal with the jitters. If there is a possibility of a telephonic interview, then prepare a list of basic questions, rehearse your answers and also summarize your basic skills and achievements.

♦ Things like your resume, pen and paper must be kept within your reach to avoid wracking your nerves when you received the call.

Practicing for a phone interview is just like a regular interview and you can easily do it with your friends and family, who can tell you more about your behavior over the phone. If possible, record your voice during such conversations to have an idea of your tone and voice modulation while letting you know where to take pauses etc.

♦ Tell your friends to call you at any random time in the day and ask questions posing as an interviewer. Believe me, it works!

During the Interview

Compose yourself right before you start talking. Remember, this may be in a comfortable setting for you but you should still maintain a high degree of professionalism in your voice and courtesies.

Pronounce each word clearly and talk at a moderate pace. Listen attentively as well and do not interrupt the interviewer in between. Keep a happy composure no matter what situation you are in as this will calm you nerves and project confidence in your personality.

♦ Address the interviewer formally and avoid lengthy answers.

Giving a telephonic interview does not mean that the standard rules do not apply; you must ask questions regarding the position etc. This conveys your interest to the interviewer and also lets them remember your profile after they have conversed with numerous people for the same.

In case you are not prepared for the interview or are busy in a meeting, you can politely tell the interviewer to give you a call later. But do state that you would definitely like to have this conversation later by suggesting a suitable time for the future.

After the Interview

Thanking the interviewer while ending the conversation is considered courteous and you can even ask questions about how you fared during the interview along with the time that you will be intimated of further proceedings.

The key here is to convince the interviewer for the second round of the interview, which would bring you face-to-face with them. So, take notes about what you were asked during the interview to be better prepared for the next round. Getting the telephonic interview right is a sure bet that the employer is already considering your profile and it means that only a few things need to be worked out when you meet them.

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Tips for Interview Follow-Ups

Posted on August 23, 2010 by weblinkindia

So you are finally done with the interview and looking forward to the much anticipated response from the concerned people that will decide your fate. It is interesting to note how so many people think that once an interview is over, then the ball is entirely in the court of the interviewers. Well, reality could not be any farther from this, as in most instances a candidate is able to increase his/her chances of getting a apposition through a smart follow-up.

So today, we will discuss a few Do’s and Don’ts of a follow up, to let you have a clear idea of how a simple task like this can give you the much desired edge over others.

Tip 1
The first step of a follow-up starts right after the interview is over, where you can ask the interviewer by when they will be taking the hiring decision.

A follow-up is not another task but a calculated tactic that puts you a step ahead of other candidates, especially if there were a sizable number of candidates that appeared along side you.

Tip 2
The key is to be proactive without appearing needy for the position. There are subtle ways by which you can let the interviewer know about your interest for the position and the company.

Tip 3
Get in touch with your references to let them know that they might expect a call anytime.

Tip 4
Get the names of the interviewers right and if possible, their contact numbers by asking for a business-card.

Tip 5
First contact should be made by a formal letter or rather a thank you card that shows your gratitude for being considered for the position. Do this for every person present on the interview panel and for every interview given by you. Keep the odds in your favor. Also remind the interviewer about your profile and mention your keenness for the position.

Tip 6
There is no specific or set time for calling if you do not get the feedback on your letter but ideally waiting for a week’s time is sufficient before establishing contact once again.

Tip 7
While talking to the interviewer for a follow-up; sound as much professional and polite as possible. The first question to be asked should be concerning the hiring decision. If the answer is yes, then you can get to know who has been hired for the position. But if the answer is no then you can ask that when can you give a follow-up call again or whether there is a chance of a second interview.

Tip 8
While doing follow-up with different companies, do not forget to keep the process of job-hunting active. You do not want to miss out on other opportunities just because you are confident about getting selected at one place.

Tip 9
While discussing your position with your future employer, you can definitely mention other job offers and capitalize on them to negotiate on your profile and salary.

Tip 10
Remember, for every person that you make a contact with, it is important to have a fruitful relation irrespective of whether they are able to help you out presently or not. You never know when a contact might come handy.

The basic premise of a follow-up is based on establishing a network that will give you the required edge in your career. Make the most of this strategy to keep yourself ahead, not just after an interview but also for your succession throughout your career.

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How to Deal With Exit Interviews

Posted on August 19, 2010 by weblinkindia

Yes, you must be wondering what exactly is an exit interview? Never attended an exit interview? Well an exit interview is the opposite of a job interview. An exit interview is an interview conducted by the organization of a departing employee. These interviews are generally conducted by a neutral department within the company like the Human Resource Department. If the interview is conducted by a neutral party, the departing employee would be more candid in answering questions about the company and stating the reasons for his or her departure.

Exit interviews are conducted mainly to find out the reasons for the employee’s departure. These interviews also help an organization in assessing their working conditions and in forming new policies to retain their present and future employees. Some of the most popular questions asked in an exit interview are:

  • Primary reason for leaving
  • Most satisfying aspect of your job
  • Least satisfying aspect of your job
  • Was training at job adequate
  • Were you happy with the pay and incentives
  • About your supervisors
  • How you feel about the company and what you like and dislike about the company
  • Did you face any discrimination in the company
  • Would you join the company again
  • Your overall opinion about the company

These questions, though quite easy and straightforward, require astute answers so that they are not insulting or degrading to the company’s reputation. Here are some pointers which you should keep in mind if you ever have to face an exit interview.

  • Preparation before appearing for the interview is very important. An exit interview is as important as a recruitment interview. Decide what you will say in the interview beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings later.
  • Do not use derogatory remarks against the company, your employers or your colleagues. If you are dissatisfied with someone in the company, explain that problem in the form of a situation rather than targeting that particular person.
  • Exit interview is the time when you can actually share your thoughts and opinions about the company. Whatever experience or knowledge you have gained in your job, you can transfer it to your employers.
  • Be calm and composed. It is just like any other interview so just relax and answer the questions as truthfully as possible without degrading anyone.

Appearing in exit interviews is not compulsory in all organizations but if you ever have to face one you should be aware of the do’s and don’ts of such interviews.

HR Solution in India

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Search For A Job While You Work: Some Tips

Posted on August 16, 2010 by weblinkindia

Have you ever felt that you want a new job but not at the expense of your current one? Bored of taking same orders from the same boss day in and day out? Well, why wait? Start a search jobs in india. But keep in mind that searching for a job is a job in itself and it requires you to take and avoid certain important steps. Below are provided certain tips, which may help you look for a new job while maintaining your present one:

♦ State clearly in your resume the current position you are holding in your present job. Your prospective employer might want to know the essential responsibilities you are allocated. Be sure to not give out any work details like emails or phone numbers.

♦ Don’t use your company time to search for jobs as your boss is not a fool and might notice your prolonged absences from your seat or cubicle. Look through classifieds or jobs online after work or on weekends.

♦ If you are posting your resume on online job sites, then be sure to choose the “hide your contact information” option. You don’t want your current employer to see your resume staring at his face on an online job site.

♦ DO NOT list your current employer as your reference. Imagine being called by your boss for a pleasant chat ending in you losing your job.

♦ Make sure to schedule any interviews before or after work so as not to miss your work. It would help to mention this directly to your potential employer as he/she would appreciate the fact that you are sincere towards your work.

♦ Do not insult or disregard your current employer in your job interview as it conveys a sense of disrespect towards your superiors, which might create a negative impression in the mind of your potential employer.

♦ You can request your potential employer to keep your job search confidential and not to contact anyone from your current company.

♦ Last, but definitely not the least, keep your focus and work hard at your current job as you have to maintain a proper balance between your job and your job search.

Keep the above mentioned points in mind as they would be effective in helping you in searching for a job along with keeping your current job secured.

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Long Resume For The Top Notch Position

Posted on August 12, 2010 by weblinkindia

Been rejected by a recruiter because of a boring biography length resume? Or ever been rejected because your resume contained as little information as an ID card? What, then, is the correct size of a resume? The size of a resume depends on the kind of job you have applied for and also the post. If you are a fresher and have applied for a relatively lower position in a company then make your resume as brief as possible but with all the relevant information stated clearly. So, what about the long length resumes? Long resumes are written if you are applying for special kinds of jobs and for specific positions. Following are the cases in which you can write longer resumes:

  • If you are applying for a high ranking position, it certainly requires you to write a long resume. It is legible to write a longer resume in this case because as the position you have applied for is a high-ranking one, the number of candidates who have applied for this job must also be few. Fewer candidates mean longer time is devoted to each candidate so it is safe to write a long resume as that is what the recruiters would be expecting. Your resume should contain all the details of your total job experience, job responsibilities and also your achievements.
  • In case you are applying for an Academic or Scientific position, you will need to write a longer resume. A longer resume will help as these types of positions require full details of your educational qualifications, your published works to prove your credibility and also your related work experience. If there are certain technical aspects related to these then be sure to include all the details of your technical qualifications, abilities and your experience in that field. Just be sure to not exceed the length of the resume to more than two pages.
  • There are cases when employers demand a lengthier resume depending on the kind of position you have applied for, which can be high or low ranked.

In the above mentioned cases, it becomes essential to write lengthier resumes as they are a passport to your perfect job destination.

Academic or Scientific Position

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Avoiding Illegal Questions In An Interview

Posted on August 9, 2010 by weblinkindia

The first question an interviewer generally asks you is “Tell something about yourself.” Within this single question provide as much personal or professional information that you are willing to let the interviewer know. There are certain ethics, which the interviewer and the interviewee have to follow. The interviewee for example cannot ask direct questions unless he is given the permission to do so and cannot avoid necessary questions. There are certain questions which you, as an interviewee, have the right to not answer. These are generally called illegal questions.

Some of the major illegal questions are:

  • Questions related to your name like asking the meaning of your name or asking last name or maiden name are considered illegal. An interviewer does not have the right to ask these questions.
  • Questions related to your age, unless you are under the age of 18, are considered illegal. An interviewer cannot directly or indirectly ask questions related to your age.
  • Questions related to your nationality like about your native language, your parental background, your birthplace or your country of origin are considered illegal. You have the right not to answer them.
  • Personal questions related to you height, weight or some disability are completely illegal.
  • Interviewer should not ask questions related to your religion or cultural background.
  • Questions related to you marital status or about your children, if you have any, are not legal and you have the right to avoid them.
  • Your legal background should not be made the topic of the interview and should be ably avoided by you.

Though some questions asked are point blank and some are asked indirectly, you have the right not to answer either. Some of the best ways to avoid answering such questions are:

  • The first thing you should do on being asked an illegal question is to politely avoid it and try to change the topic. If the interviewer was genuinely curious and did not realize the personal nature of the question, he or she will take the hint and change the cue.
  • Another thing to do if you are asked a discriminatory question is to tell them politely that they are asking an illegal or discriminatory question.
  • After telling the interviewer about your comfort level in answering that question, if he/she still insists on knowing the answer, then instead of hanging around or pondering what to do, simply exit the interview.
  • There are other legal options as well. You can consult an employment lawyer about the legality of the interview procedure.

Keep the above mentioned points in mind while appearing for an interview so as to avoid any uncomfortable situations at the time of the interview.

Placement Consultancy in India

Filed under: Interview, Interview Tips | Tagged: , , | 2 Comments »

Winning the Ground War at Work

Posted on August 5, 2010 by weblinkindia

In the current scenario, workplace is no less than a battlefield where every day you meet new challenges or targets. The most important thing in any war is a full-proof strategy. That same war strategy has to be applied at your workplace as well. The trick is to learn to combat the challenges thrown on you. How you combat a certain challenge and how effective is the approach towards that challenge determines your place in a company or an organization. Let us march through the various challenges you can face at your workplace and find the most effective way of combating them. There can be challenges related to your assigned work, software related problems, time management problems and problems related to office tools and supplies. Let us go through each one by one.

  • Know Your Work- The most important thing about working in an organization is having complete knowledge of the work that is assigned to you. If you are not aware of your responsibilities, then your opponents can take advantage and surge ahead, leaving you to look after your would-be-successful-career if you had shown more dedication towards your work.
  • Software Related Problems- In every office there are skilled and unskilled workers. Unskilled are not necessarily unskilled in everything but in areas, which are not related to their field. One major war you can face in a company is having knowledge about subjects and areas, which are not related to the work assigned to you. It is the world of technology, where everything is done on computer and everything is connected by the Internet. There are people who are well aware of how to use computers but are unaware about its other functions and software. This is where you can win the war. You be the LETS-GO-TO-ABC type of person to whom everyone comes with their software related problems. It requires just a little extra time and effort.
  • Time Management Problems- Time is irreversible. You must never let go of an opportunity and in the same way never let go of time. The most important thing at your workplace is the management of time. Everything done at its proper time is appreciated but anything done too early or too late is regarded worthless. Learn to manage your time while undertaking your assigned work. Don’t think your boss is not noticing your frequent phone calls or the number of times you have left your seat to get beverages or use the washroom. Do everything in its proper time and you would have won the biggest battle of all.
  • If your boss is asking you for a notepad, get him a notepad not a notebook. Learn to differentiate between different office tools and supplies. Be aware of all the office tools and supplies so that you are able to get and find the appropriate one when asked to do so. Your ability to fulfill the demands of your boss can help you win many wars in the short and the long term.

Follow the above mentioned points and consider the work war won. These are some the major points to be kept in mind besides others, which must be important as well but not more so.

Computers/IT Jobs in India

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Make or Break Your Career: Phrases To Be Avoided In A Resume To Get A Perfect Job.

Posted on August 2, 2010 by weblinkindia

Have you heard of the phrase “First impression is the last impression”? Yes, it can be rightly construed that the first impression you make on a person is always the last. Well, maybe not always the last but the first impression you make is certainly the one that has a lasting impression. Would you like the company of a person who has lied to you on your first meeting or someone who is so impressed by himself or herself that they are completely oblivious of anyone else? Surely, the answer would be NO. The same goes for your ‘Resume’.

Your resume is basically your passport for getting a job. If the information in a passport is wrong, then of course you cannot enter another territory and the same goes for a resume. If you represent wrong or undesirable information in your resume, you can say bye-bye to a job forever. A good resume can get you a job in 10 seconds and a bad one, well, it would not take even 5 seconds for you to be rejected.

There are certain key phrases, which are essential to be written in a resume and certain others, which are a total no-no in a resume.
Avoid these….

  • “I am ….” “I have…” “I will….”:  Do not write in your resume, “I am a hardworking person…etc etc”. These phrases “I am”, “I have” or “I will” are not suitable for a resume. It can be written in a cover letter, but a resume has to be short, to the point consisting of brief, crisp sentences. You are presenting your credentials to the recruiter, you are not advertising yourself. So, if you want to impress the recruiter with your resume, avoid the use of these phrases.
  • “Good Communication Skills”:  It is not for you to decide how good or bad a conversationalist you are. Writing in a resume that you have good communication skills but behaving in a contradictory manner in the interview can really hamper your chances of getting a good job. The interviewer is a trained person and he/she can see through any façade that you are trying to put up. Let them decide how good or bad you are.
  • “Good leadership Qualities”: Do not write in your resume that you are a good leader. Companies are looking for an employee, not a dictator. Do not be imperious rather present yourself as someone who is willing to work under others and is not always on a lookout for leading others.

Avoid long phrases and Narratives

You are presenting your credentials to the interviewer not telling your life history. Short and crisp sentences in a resume is the order of the day and if you write long sentences and phrases, then you may as well write your biography and give it to the recruiters.

If you keep all the above mentioned points in mind, then be sure of getting a good and deserving job. Rather than boasting about yourself in your resume, present yourself positively to the recruiters and it won’t be long before you are given due credit for it.

Filed under: Perfect Job, Resume Tips | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

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