Secrets Of A Successful Interview

SECRETS OF A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW
By: Faizan Ahmad


Following are the secrets of a successful interview and I tell you what, they are the secrets that helped me in becoming successful as well. So I want all my prospects to read carefully and follow these tips and tools to become a successful candidate who can go through any type of interview. GOOD LUCK FRIEND!!



Interview Begins At Home:

When you know that you are called for an interview so think as if your test has already started. Make a research about that organization where you have been called for an interview. Meet your friends and see if they have some better advice for you or they can share their experience to you. You should be well prepared before going for an interview and for that you have to complete your homework first. Check out that what are the requirements for that post you have applied for and what could be the salary range so that you can make up your mind well before time. An intelligent soldier is not the one who has got all the weapons but it’s the one who knows how and when to use those weapons.





Your Magnetic Personality Counts:

Personality counts a lot, no matter what kind of field you choose to opt in. It’s the personality, which works as a magnet and attracts other people towards you before you even speak up. So pay attention towards your personality and spend some time in front of the mirror before leaving your home. It’s your interview day MAN!!! You should look fresh and feel fresh as well on the day of your interview. Take your full sleep last night and take a bath in the morning, shave well, apply some gel on your hair. Be conscious about your dressing. I always preferred to wear a suit with a matching tie. If you are wearing a plain shirt then a plain and stripped tie can look decent. But if you have decided to wear a stripped shirt then only plain tie suits you on that. Wear the clothes you love the most but for God sake don’t wear T-Shirt and Jeans~ just joking…. So your shoes should be polished and sparkling. All done? You are ready now?
LAUNCH your self!!! It’s an auction day for models!!! BRAVO!!!






A Step Ahead:

Always try to reach the required place well before time. I used to be there 20-30 minutes before the given time. And my friends this really gives a positive impact and shows that how punctual you are. Keep a mobile phone with you in case of any emergency and its must for you to have the contact number of the office where you are called for an interview. When you are there well before time then you would feel yourself a lot fresher as compare to the rest of the candidates waiting on the floor.



Just Relax Man:
Hey, I know what you must be feeling at this time when you have entered the office premises where you have been called for an interview. But don’t worry my dear, I have faced a lot of occasions like these before and I am now a rock solid in this profession. Feel relaxed, take some deep breaths but no one should notice you doing this, ok? Right, you are looking smart, looking fresh, and look around man you are the gradually becoming the center of attraction by other candidates. Wait for your call and sit in a relaxed way in front of the interviewer. Both you should sit like a lazy person nor like a tense individual, just sit relaxed and you would feel yourself that you are relaxed.




Keep An Eye Contact:

Always keep this in your mind that wherever you go, whatever you do, your body language counts a lot. Yes!! It counts a lot!! So while giving your interview, keep an eye contact with your interviewer as this shows your confidence and it also boosts your communication skills. I have seen many people who looks here and there while giving there interview and this shows a very negative sign to the person taking the interview. That person who does not makes an eye contact with the interviewer, they often do not have confidence inside them and even they do not have that courage to face the person who is taking the interview.





Attitude Takes You Even Higher:

While giving your interview right from the start till it is finished, you have to be careful about applying your linguistic skills. If your interviewer is talking to you in an unprofessional way then it does not mean you should do the same as well. You have to show your attitude on every stage of your career. Sometimes the management checks the candidate’s level of attitude by becoming a bit unprofessional or rude but it’s their duty to evaluate you so no hard feelings!!



The Most Frequently Asked Questions:

Now I will go to tell you about my experience. Obviously I would do that because its your right to know about all these facts and figures about how and when typo questions. A person like me, and experience of giving more than a 100 interviews in different multinational companies would have a very clear picture of this quiz, and of course I know how to become successful in it. There are a few questions that are asked by nearly every interviewer. I am mentioning them all in a sequential order as follows:

1. Tell me something about yourself?

In 95% cases this question is the very first to be asked by the employer. So you have to be very confident and calm while answering to this question. Just sit relaxed and go on in a medium pace. You don’t have to become a tortoise neither you are there to become a superman. Introduce yourself to the interviewer by telling him about your educational qualifications and all the experiences. Tell him/her about your hobbies and likes. The main reason of asking this question is that the employer/interviewer wants to check your confidence level and communication skills.



2. Why do you want to leave your previous job?

This is another important question that an employee seeker asks the candidate. By asking this question they want to know the exact reason that why do you decide or plan to leave the previous job or company. Now here you have to be very smart and act like a professional. You just don’t need to tell them the exact reason like you doesn't have to inform them about your serious fight with the last employer or you don’t have to say that you were caught red handed kissing the secretary or things like that. These are all your negative points and no employer/interviewer likes this type of reply because they think that if this person has shown this negative attitude in the last organization then what the surety is that this would not happen here. You can give them a couple of solid, reasonable and positive reason that the salary in the previous organization was not enough for you or you can say that the chances of growth were not there or you can even tell them that the company's office was located far away from your house and this created a lot of problem for you so that’s why you want to leave that organization.



3. Why do you want to join our company?

Another important question from the employer perspective. When an interviewer asks you this question that why do you join their organization? Your response should be based purely on solid reasons. Like you can say that it is an honor for me to become a part of this excellent organization where people love to work. You can also say that the salary package, which has been offered, sounds magnetic to you. Another appropriate response could be that you have all those guts and capabilities, which can lead their company to the heights of success. Thus all of these replies are positive in nature and this is what attracts the employer to think about hiring you and give you a chance to work in their organization.






4. Why do we hire you?

If an employer asks you that why should they hire you? Then it’s a chance for you and the right time to put all your thoughts and ideas in front of them briefly. By doing this not only you will impress them but also you will smoothen your chances of getting hired in that company. As I have mentioned before, just tell them what you are capable of? Tell them all the things you can do for their organization. Remain positive and be specific while explaining your views because even a single minor error would spoil your ambitions my friend. It is you and only you who can convince them so that they decide to appoint you on immediate basis.






5. What benefits could you bring to this organization?

This question has the similar answer as mentioned in the above lines. Tell them straight away what benefits you could bring to them and their organization. Remain focused while giving out your words. Always remember that the interviewer is cleverer than you think so don't try to act over smart in front and stay in your limits. Prove them that you are an ideal candidate to get selected and you meet all the targets and deadlines in all terms of professionalism.







6. Will you be interested if we hire you for some other post?

This is one of the trickiest questions that I have faced out of all my experiences. Most probably you would face the same type of question so be ready and don't panic. The interviewer asks this question to evaluate the mentality of the candidate like you. They want to know whether the applicant is shaky or a rock solid in taking decisions. So, my friend its time to reply with ultra confidence and tell them that you know why you are here and you know what are your objectives. Suppose if you are there to apply for the post of an accountant and the interviewer offers you a job in the capacity of a Human Resource assistant then what? What would you do? What will you say? You would not have that much time to think and the quick reply is a must. Just think and decide it now that what will be your immediate response to such a question.
Well my friend, the key here is to keep your level of integrity safe. If you are there to apply as an accountant then stick to it and do not compromise on it. If they offer you a better salary with some other post then don't agree to their terms. Remember that you have come to apply as an accountant and any other post is not your destiny.








7. What do you know about us?

They can ask you that what you know about them? They want to evaluate that how keen are you to join their party. My suggestion is that you should make a detailed research about their company and go through their website for additional information. So when you would be sitting for an interview with all the prior knowledge about their organization, this will not only boost your confidence but this will also increase your chances to get selected.









8. Where did you hear about the vacancy of this post?

This is another commonly asked question from the employer. They want to know that how did you approach them and through which medium you have come to know about the current vacancy that you have applied for. So be honest and answer their question with purity. Tell them honestly if you have reached their vacancy through any reference. And if not, inform them accordingly. If any of your friends or relatives has referred you then the chances are that you have gained half of your marks and if you are there without any reference then still there is a lot of chance for you to prove your qualities in front of the interviewer.








9. Do you know anyone who is currently working for this organization?

This question is a type of verification if any of your relative is already working in their organization. If yes then this can raise your chances of getting a success and if you do not know anyone working their then you have to struggle a lot to prove yourself and show them your solo identity.








10. Do you have any plans for further studies?

This is another question which is asked by most of the employer and the reason for asking is to know whether how long you will be able to work for them. Like if you have planned for your further education, then the chances are those the employer drops the idea to hire you, because you might leave their organization any time without any prior notice. So, if you have already planned for any future studies then do not disclose it in front of the interviewer, as this will give a positive impact on the employer and they might decide to hire you.





11. Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years time?

The management asks this question so that they could know about your vision. If you are able to tell them exactly what you are capable of and what are your future plans and visions, then this would definitely impress the person interviewing you. This shows that how clear you are regarding your thoughts and perceptions. It is mostly observed that person with a clear state of mind, an exonerated point of view and an absolved idea has the maximum chance of getting employed in that company. Management wants the type of person who possesses the qualities of leading their team by an example.







12. Do you agree to get relocated ?

If a company has more than one branch in different cities, then most probably they ask you this question. There could be multiple reasons of asking such questions. They might want you to work for them in any other city or they might plan to relocate in near future etc.. if you think that you can relocate your self , then do not take a second guess and immediately say yes to this question, and yes means that you have agreed to relocate yourself as per company's terms and conditions. If you are unable to relocate your self, then frankly say no to the interviewer.














13. Describe your strength and weakness in a few lines?

You must know about your strong and weak points, the things you are firm in, and your feeble points. When an employer asks this question then you should act as honestly as you can, so that a bridge of trust is created. You must let the interviewer know about all your strength and with that tell him a couple of points about your weakness.





14. Who motivates you?

Who is your ideal? Who is the one you are inspired of? Infact every one in this world has someone as an ideal or a role model, so if the interviewer asks you about your ideal then you should frankly tell him about that person who motivates you. Your answer to this question actually reflects your very own personality, for example, if you have applied for the post of hr executive, then your ideal should not be a dancer or singer.






15. How many years do you plan to stay with our company?

The management is primarily concerned about the time period that a newly hired employee has planned to work for them. So the interviewer asks you this question so that he can be sure of your permanent status of employment in his company. You can support your answer by saying that it would your pleasure to work for his company for as long as possible. Always remember that you should not give any specific time frame to continue your job in this company, e.g. for two years or four years, because this puts a bad impression on the management.








16. What do you do in your spare time?

This is a very entertaining question. The employer wants to know about your hobbies and the things you do in your spare time. Be frank and honest with them and let them know it, e.g. playing video games, any sports, going to a gym, jogging, gardening, watching movies, listening to music etc. your hobbies actually reflect your nature and personality. Once again, be honest to your self and the person sitting in front of you.





17. What is your current expected salary?

The most important question of all, this question is asked by nearly all the interviewers and you should be prepared to answer this question. Before going for an interview, you should make a deep research in finding the current salary packages for the post you have applied for. For that, you can search different websites, specifically jobsites, and newspaper classified sections. You should also consult with one your experienced professional friend or relative who is currently working in some company. Remember one thing: never ever initiate this topic; your answer should not be in any type of figure. Instead you should say you have no idea about the salary, and with that you should ask the interviewer that what he is offering. If the employer still forces you to say it in words, then put a range on the table, for example, you are expecting two to three thousand dollars, or five to six thousand dollars (salary range differs from one post to another and depends on current forex. rates). Once again, never ever give out any specific figure when it comes to the salary range.








18. Are you currently working somewhere and why you are switching your job?

This is a very personal question but very commonly asked by employers. They want you to give a straight answer to this question. If you are working somewhere then frankly tell them where you are working and your post at that place. Give them a positive and appropriate reply. Do not give answers such as 'you had a fight with the boss' or 'you were caught red-handed with the secretary' or 'you were a bad employee' etc. this can say that 'the previous salary package was very low' or 'you are here for better growth' or 'this company has a very big name' etc









19. What will you do if you are offered a better salary package from any other organization?

Well, this depends on the time when I would get any offer. Its hard to predict for the future but yes I am definite about one thing that you would not have any problems form my side as long as I am working for this company. Why should one leave a place which gives satisfaction in terms of salary and perks.






20. Can we contact your previous employer for any references?

Yes sure you can contact my previous employer and you can have any type of reference. I can provide you with the contact details as well if required. This confidence shows that your past is very clear and you are a dedicated and sincere employee.

































Don’t Argue My Friend:

Sometimes it does happen that the conversation gets out of the normal track and enters your personal life where you could be possessive at times. So no issue with that my dear, if you think that the interviewer is making you irritate, just tell him with due respect and in a very polite way that you are not feeling comfortable with this way and this can bring the things in a normal discussion. I have seen many people giving interviews and arguing with the interviewer and ended in finishing their career before it even started. So don’t get yourself involved in these tiny issues and move ahead towards your target of passing your interview.




Pay Attention:

Always pay attention towards the interviewer. Listen to him/her, focus on what is said, and try to learn the things even if it’s your interview. The person, who is taking your interview, may be he/she is the owner of that firm or some one very important in there. So you have to impress that person who is taking your interview and you can do this by paying attention towards, focusing, staying calm and polite throughout your conversation and so on.





Feel Confident:

If you have that confidence then it means you have made half of your way. You would do everything right in the interview only when you have adjusted yourself in that office environment by raising your self-confidence. The confidence and the satisfaction are the key factors that lead you to the height of success.



Don’t Sell Yourself:

Many people think that they might get a success in the interview if they sell themselves by letting down in front of the interviewer. But I tell you what the fact is; person who tries to sell itself gives a very bad impression on the interviewer. So don’t do it ever!! Keep yourself steady and move along to see what the other has got to offer you. It’s a two way process my friend, if you have been called for an interview then it’s the company’s need as well to hire some shiny stars to their organization and that’s why they have conducted these interviews. If they like you, they would keep you and if they don’t like you then the doors are open for you and for them. Selling yourself is not an option anywhere!!



Avoid These My Friend:

When giving your interview, you have to follow these few important steps and always keep these points in your mind otherwise you can face a few a problems.

1. Interviewer Is Not Your Friend.
2. Interviewer Is Not Your Guide.
3. Interviewer Is A Professional So Act Like One.
4. Interviewer Is Always on The Company’s Side.
5. You Don’t Expect Any Extra Favors From This Side.




Do This For Sure; Its Your Right:

There are a few points that you have to keep in your mind throughout the interview. Ask the initial interviewer that what type of work you are supposed to perform in their organization? You can also ask that what could be the salary packages and perks offered to you if you are hired. Ask that what is the objective of their organization? What is the level of satisfactory work, which is done by the cream employees? Hence all these questions will raise your value in the eyes of the interviewer and they would notice a very positive attitude in you and then the chances are high that you become one of those lucky winners. Wow!!!





No Question In The End:

This is the most important part of the whole interview where most of the decisions are made. Nearly every interview ends up with this question asked by the interviewer; “Do you have any question?” And what I have observed by going through these experiences is that people who say yes and asks a question are rejected. So if you have any questions in your mind, you just try to get their answers during the interview and you should have these skills of doing this. You should be cleared about each and everything as the interview comes to an end. When the interviewer asks you that “Do you have any question?” then you should reply him with these words with a smile “No Sir/Madam, you have cleared every thing to me in the interview. Thank you very much”.
And this gives a very good impression to the interviewer because they don’t like people who keep on asking questions but the management likes the one who asks lesser questions and do more work for their organization. GOOD LUCK!!!

Faizan Ahmad

Skype: faizan153