Interview Preparation Guidelines for Freshers

Some resume writing tips

• The first important thing is your resume should not have any grammatical or spelling mistakes. We see many resumes without any proper alignment of the text. Use a good font and size.
  
• For a fresher it is always must to mention their percentages in the resume. Some people mention only for their highest degree and not for all. This is not acceptable in most of the companies. Try to keep your highest degree as the first in the table.
  
• Your e-mail and phone number should be visible at first sight. Please do not expect HR to search and find your mail-id in the resume. Some people keep their mail-id in the header of the doc. Try to avoid this practice. Double check your mail-id and phone number before sending your resume.
  
• Save the mail in your sent items whenever you apply to a company.
  
• Do not apply to multiple companies in one mail. If you cannot avoid it at least use "BCC" instead of "To"
  
• Do not keep your passport number in the resume, nobody will ask for that.
  
• Do not keep more than three pages in your resume.
  
• Make sure that your resume contains at least two very good projects but do not keep more than three. Generally two are enough. The more the projects you keep the more the questions you face.
  

Preparation

You must be familiar with C, C++ and basic JAVA concepts

Following is the descending order of number questions from each subject interviewer will ask.

• Data Structures (Very important) - Try to exercise simple programs on all types of data structures
  
• Operating systems - Should be familiar with all basic concepts and definitions, try to learn some OS algorithms
  
• Computer Networks (TCP/IP, ISO-OSI, Congestion, etc...)


• DBMS (Basic definitions, Normalization with examples)

Software Engineering (s/w paradigms, types of testing and its definition and SDLC)

Apart from the above you should exercise RS Agarwal Objective Aptitude, Sukunthala Devi Puzzles and some math and English in old GRE book.

For a fresher no one will ask for J2EE, .NET and some other software in the market. Once you are selected they will train you according to their requirement. Please remove it from your resume unless if you get a call based on those software.

Interview

The most important thing is CONFIDENCE. Just attend the interview that you will get the job.

• Be clear in your answers

• Ask twice if you are unable to understand the question

• Use paper if you are unable to explain. It is always easy explaining using a paper
  If you do not know something, say frankly. But the answer should not be "NO" to basic questions.
  
• Try to know about the company before attending the interview.
  
• If a company is working on networking concentrate more on Computer networks and Data structures. You should plan your preparation according to the area of working.
  
• You should be very familiar with your projects. Please do not keep some application projects in your resume if you are an engineer. This is ok for MCAs.
  
• Please keep in mind that interviewer does not know anything about your projects, he will ask questions only from your explanation. Be well prepared about your projects.
  
• I have personally seen many resumes got rejected in my company even after they cleared the written test because of bad resume and projects.

• For management and HR rounds you should expose yourself that taking you into their company will be a big asset to them

• Try to know about the company history, their area of working, no.of people, number of countries they work, CEO of the company and etc... Everything is available in their web site.
  
  
  
  Do not keep hopes on trying on a fake experience; many companies started doing background verification...
  
  You can work hard if you can just imagine software life, money and comforts you are going to get...Interviews are always simple it just depends on how confident you are...
  
  BE CONFIDENT and TOMORROW WILL BE YOURS
  

Interview Etiquette

First impressions can make or break an interview. Your clothes, hairstyle, gestures, and anything else an interviewer sees before you open your mouth make your first impression. Some estimates are that the first 30 seconds determine success or failure. Recruiters do not expect you to have a large career wardrobe. Buy a suit that looks good, fits well, is made well, and that will not bore you if you wear it every day for a week during recruiting season. However, there is more to "suiting up" for an interview than just wearing a suit.

Your Hair:

A hairstyle that looks great with "college casual" may not work with a suit. Trim those ragged edges! Tame those tresses! Get that hair out of your eyes and off your collar! Women: if you need a big barrette for a pulled-back style, chose a simple one. Men: melt down those spikes!

Your Shoes:

Shine 'em! Men: if you are buying a new pair, wing tips with laces are more professional than slip-ons or loafers. Women: If you are not accustomed to walking in heels, scuff the soles with an emery board so that you do not slip. Then, wear your sneakers to class and change right before the interview.

Your Fragrance:

Wearing any type of fragrance to an interview is not recommended. However, if you insist on being aromatic, do not wallow in it! Too many people are both allergic to or turned off by one scent or another, and your interviewer is sure to be one of those people.

Your Accessories:

Nothing that jangles, clangs, dazzles, shimmers, or attracts more attention than you do.

Your Glasses:

Eye contact is important during an interview, so make sure your glasses are clean.

Your Pen:

Buy a fresh new pen for the interview. A nice pen will make a better impression than your chewed up BIC.

Should a man wear an earring?

Perhaps. But if you do, understand that most recruiters will think that an earring does not fit the company's image. You will have to be a very dynamic candidate to get past the "earring thing". It is probably best to interview without it.

Should a woman wear her engagement ring?

Sure. Questions about a candidate's marital status are almost certainly illegal. If the subject comes up, you can get the interview back on course by asking if marital status is one of the qualifications for the job. However if you do not want your wedding ring to be an issue at all, leave it at home.

So start dressing......up for the interview..... :-)

Reasons for REJECTION in Interview

There may be many reasons for your REJECTION.

But we are compiling few common and general points......for the rejection here.

1. Poor attitude.

Many candidates come across as arrogant. While employers can afford to be self-centered, candidates cannot.

2. Appearance.

Many candidates do not consider their appearance as much as they should. First impressions are quickly made in the first three to five minutes. (For more info regarding Appearance, refer to the message 'Interview Etiquette' which I am going to post in the next post).

3. Lack of research.

It's obvious when candidates haven't learned about the job, company or industry prior to the interview. Visit the library or use the Internet to research the company, then talk with friends, peers and other professionals about the opportunity before each meeting.

4. Not having questions to ask.

Asking questions shows your interest in the company and the position. Prepare a list of intelligent questions in advance.

5. Not readily knowing the answers to interviewers' questions.

Anticipate and rehearse answers to tough questions about your background, such as recent termination or an employment gap. Practicing with your spouse or a friend before the interview will help you to frame intelligent responses.

6. Relying too much on resumes.

Employees hire people, not paper. Although a resume can list qualifications and skills, it's the interview dialogue that will portray you as a committed, responsive team player.

7. Too much humility.

Being conditioned not to brag, candidates are sometimes reluctant to describe their accomplishments. Explaining how you reach difficult or impressive goals helps portray you as a committed, responsive team player.

8. Not relating skills to employers' needs.

A list of sterling accomplishments means little if you can't relate them to a company's requirements. Reiterate your skills and convince the employer that you can "do the same for them".

9. Handling salary issues ineptly.

Candidates often ask about salary and benefit packages too early. If they believe an employer is interested, they may demand inappropriate amounts and price themselves out of the jobs. Candidates who ask for too little undervalue themselves or appear desperate.

10. Lack of career direction.

Job hunters who aren't clear about their career goals often can't spot or commit to appropriate opportunities. Not knowing what you want wastes every body's time.

11. Job shopping.

Some applicants, particularly those in certain high-tech, sales and marketing fields, will admit they're just "shopping" for opportunities and have little intention of changing jobs. This wastes time and leaves a bad impression with employers they may need to contact in the future.


Take care of the above specified reasons.......and see that those will not let your job go away from you.....TAKE CARE

Commandments to be follwed for a personal interview

You have fared well in the written test and the group discussion.You are just a step away from admission to your dream program -- the personal interview.

A panel of management experts, a battery of questions. Are you perspiring already?
Well, a personal interview could actually be challenging and fun if you just relax and remain focused. Think of it as a conversation between the interview panel and yourself, so enjoy it thoroughly.
To begin with, there are four main focus areas in any personal interview:

* Personal details
* Academic details
* Your background
* Current affairs


Commandments for every personal interview

Even after months of preparation, some candidates do not perform well inside the interview room.The trick is to follow the below commandments practice them during mock interview sessions diligently. You are sure to crack the personal interview.

1. Whenever the interviewer asks any questions, listen carefully. Do not interrupt him midway. Ask for a clarification if the question is not clear. Wait a second or two before you answer. And don't dive into the answer!

2. Speak clearly. Don't speak very slowly. Be loud enough so that the interviewers don't have to strain their ears.

3. Brevity is the hallmark of a good communicator. An over-talkative or verbose person is disliked and misjudged instantly, so keep it short.

4. If you don't know an answer, be honest. The interviewer will respect your integrity and honesty. Never exaggerate.

5. Never boast about your achievements. Don't be overconfident -- it is often misinterpreted by interviewers for arrogance.

6. Don't get into an argument with the interviewer on any topic. Restrain yourself, please!

7. Remember your manners. Project an air of humility and be polite.

8. Project enthusiasm. The interviewer usually pays more attention if you display enthusiasm in whatever you say.

9. Maintain a cheerful disposition throughout the interview, because a pleasant countenance holds the interviewers' interest.

10. Maintain perfect eye contact with all panel members; make sure you address them all. This shows your self-confidence and honesty.

11. Avoid using slang. It may not be understood and will certainly not be appreciated.

12. Avoid frequent use of words and phrases like, 'I mean'; 'You know'; 'I know'; 'Well'; 'As such'; 'Fine'; 'Basically', etc.

13. When questions are asked in English, reply in English only. Do not use Hindi or any other languages. Avoid using Hindi words like matlab, ki, maine, etc.

14. Feel free to ask questions if necessary. It is quite in order and much appreciated by interviewers.

15. Last but not the least, be natural. Many interviewees adopt a stance that is not their natural self. Interviewers find it amusing when a candidate launches into a new accent that s/he cannot sustain consistently through the interview or adopts a mannerism that is inconsistent with their own personality.It is best to talk naturally. You come across as genuine.

Mind your body language!

1. Do not keep shifting your position.

2. Your posture during the interview adds to or diminishes your personality. Be a little conscious of your posture and gestures. They convey a lot about your personality.

3. Sit straight. Keep your body still. You may, of course, use your hand gestures freely.

4. Avoid these mannerisms at all costs:

• - Playing with your tie
• - Theatrical gestures
• - Shaking legs
• - Sitting with your arms slung over the back of the adjoining chair

Post interview etiquette

1. Make sure you thank the interviewers as a mark of respect for the time they have spared for you.

2. As you rise and are about to leave, make sure you collect up your pen/ pencil/ all other stationery.

3. After getting up, place your chair in its original position.


The last word

1. Some institutes (like the Faculty of Management Studies) ask you to deliver an extempore speech suddenly while the interview is going on. Be mentally prepared for the same.

2. Competition will be very tough. Every mistake you commit will turn into an advantage for the other candidates. Hence, be very particular about your preparation. Do not leave anything to chance or the last minute.

3. Remember you have to sell yourself in an interview.

4. Be very particular about what you write in your resume. Check and re-check your resume for facts, spelling errors, etc. Ensure that there are no grammatical errors in the descriptive type questions in the sheet.

Use these hints, and say goodbye to your interview phobia!

ALL THE BEST for the JOB ASPIRANTS......

Job Interviewing Do's and Dont's

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 over-rehearse 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.

Interview Tips

Common interview questions

These are some of the common interview questions.These are provided to give you an idea of the questions that will be asked in an interview.Most of the questions will be from this but not limited to this.There may be some questions which will be specific in your context.

The answers here, are a better way of answering these questions.Remember there is always a BEST answer rather than a Better answer.You can answer these questions in the BEST way possible.

We gave these answers as an attempt to give you an idea,so that you can prepare the best answers from our better answers.Anyway give them a try.

Note: Some of the questions here are not applicable for FRESHERS,but they are helpful to you.So prepare for the questions which are applicable in your scenario

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. Example :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 long-term 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?

Stay away from a specific job. You can say :"A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to work."

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.

You can also say:"I expect my work to be rewarded to its worth"

It means you are saying real worthy work is always rewarded

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.
If you want more examples on what questions to be asked in an interview? Check them here