MADE BY : PRASHANSA MADAN

Be Calm! Be Cool! Be Composed! Be Confident! Be Consistent! Be Competent!!

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? The aim of this question is to test your foresightedness and also gauge if you plan for the future. Stick to professional goals and aspirations while answering. The interviewer does not want to hear about a dream vacation you plan to take, or the industry you would like to be in. Talk about company related objectives. This is an opportunity for you to show that you want to succeed in the company and are keen on creating a career path there. Sample answer: As your company has a strong performance-based culture, in five years I see myself playing a key role of Brand Manager, working on your marketing initiatives.

What if you don't make it in this interview? This is often used as a stress question to check your spontaneity. The idea is to see if you have a back up plan and how you handle rejection. You need to be assertive and confident while answering this question. You can say you will be disappointed, adding that you will continue to move ahead in your career with the same enthusiasm and vigor. Sample answer: I will be disappointed if that happens, but will work on specific feedback and try again when the opportunity presents itself.

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/Study-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done well at your college and how you wanted to perform in the first job.

Why Should We Employ You? For this question, your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the job. Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers. However, structure them to suit your requirements.

Why Should We Employ You? (contd) I have good co-ordination skills Good analytical skills I can persuade people to see my point of view, and get the work done My greatest asset is my ability to motivate people Even during emergencies, I do not loose my cool I have good entrepreneurial skills I have consistently met my deadlines and targets Can say “ no ” to people when required to do so! I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates, and would like to see them grow I am a good team player I am very flexible, and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here, give appropriate details and examples)

Do You Have Offers From Other Companies ? This is of course a difficult question to answer. Obviously, you must have applied to other companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other companies already. Therefore, do not lie that you have not. However, you are on thin ice here! The interviewer could be checking your honesty. On the other hand, he/she may also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly, or is there a well- planned strategy? Whatever your answer, it should match your career goals.

Which is more important to you-salary, perks or growth opportunities? This one will reveal the real you. So be sure what you are going to say. Above all, be true to yourself. If you think this is a negotiation move, then say clearly that you will never sell yourself short.

What do you know about our company? Do not give your opinions about the company. Stick to reported facts that you have gathered from newspapers and so on. Talk about the product portfolio, size, income, and market perceptions of the company. Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview their websites

Your qualifications are excellent, but you may be overqualified for the position? Point out that more experience can never be a drawback. If you are multi-skilled, then highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people. It needs people within different departments to work together. Also emphasize that the company's future growth will be an exponential function of your experience.

Are you a team player? Very much so! In fact, I ’ ve had opportunities in both athletics and academics to develop my skills as a team player. I was involved in ……… at the state/college level, including leading my team during the past year -- I always try to help others achieve their best. In academics, I ’ ve worked on several team projects, serving as both a member and team leader. I ’ ve seen the value of working together as a team to achieve a greater goal than any one of us could have achieved individually. As an example …….…!

Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved? Never major ones, but certainly there have been situations where there was a disagreement that need to be resolved. I ’ ve found that when conflict occurs, it ’ s because of a failure to see both sides of the situation. Therefore, I ask the other person to give me their perspective and at the same time ask that they allow me to fully explain my perspective. At that point, I would work with the person to find out if a compromise could be reached. If not, I would submit to their decision because they are my superior. In the end, you have to be willing to submit yourself to the directives of your superior, whether you ’ re in full agreement or not. An example of this was when……………..!

What is your greatest weakness? I would say my greatest weakness has been my lack of proper planning in the past. I would over commit myself with too many variant tasks, then not be able to fully accomplish each as I would like. However, since I ’ ve come to recognize that weakness, I ’ ve taken steps to correct it. For example, I now carry a planning calendar in my pocket so that I can plan all of my appointments and “ to do “ items. Here, let me show you how I have this week planned out …………….! (Lack of Time Management Skills, Financial Planning also can be cited as answers)

What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have? The key quality should be leadership -- the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them, the person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. A manager should also be a positive role model for others to follow. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I ’ d like to tell you about a person who I consider to be a true leader…….....!

Are You A Good Leader? Your interviewer is looking to ascertain whether you can manage or lead well in your job and how you deal with the people who work under you. Perhaps you could answer this question along the lines of “ I feel that my team leading qualities are exceptional. I am always firm but fair with the people who work for me and find that I get a good deal of respect by operating in this manner ”.

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

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, Recognition

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.

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.