Crossing the fence
Being successful in an interview is the starting point in any career. You need to be able to answer the questions correctly and in a confident manner. However, thats easier said than done. Its very common to get nervous while facing a panel of experts. Though there are no sure-shot tips that will make you go through the process smoothly, there surely are some guidelines that can be followed. These guidelines can be divided into two categories:Before the interview
- Go through the university/company profile carefully and find out what they are looking for in a candidate.
- Get in tough with some employees and try to learn more about the job requirements.
- Go through your earlier projects and make sure you can answer all questions related to them.
- Prepare a few lines for introducing yourself to the interview panel.
- Try to catch some successful friends and have a few rounds of mock-interview.
- Be thorough with your CV/resume.
During the interview
- Be properly dressed and talk confidently.
- If you are feeling nervous, drink some water and take a few deep breaths. Try to relax!
- Answer only those questions that are known to you. The panel members will be smart enough to pick-out incorrect statements. If you do not know an answer, it is better to say "sorry".
- Listen to the questions carefully before starting to answer.
- Always remember that the interview is not about "you", it is always about "them". Sense what the panel is looking for and then accordingly serve them the best you have.
Though passing through an interview is tough, it is not the toughest thing you are going to encounter. As Irving Berlin once said, "The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success. Talent is only a starting point in this business. You've got to keep on working that talent". Here is an interesting set of strategies that can help you in handling life in a better way:
Winning Strategy from the Mahabharatha
Last but not the least, in any situation, always remember the first among the 11 rules of life given by Bill Gates, "Life is unfair -- get used to it!"
