Interview; Some useful Suggestions

Giving an interview can be made an exciting experience and a source of learning if one has prepared well. There are things that every job seeker must learn and prepare for, before appearing for an interview, simply because no one can predict the nature of questions expected in an interview. The rule of thumb is to prepare and practice well.

What would be the first thing that an interviewer notices after the physical appearance of a candidate?

The answer is The Body Language.

The body language includes the way we stand,walk, talk and sit, position our hands and the way we communicate. The employers in this world of cut throat competition need leaders, the decision makers who can make the market based decisions but the people with the vision and foresight to handle any crisis as best as possible, as well. An open and frank demeanor with confident personality shows the positive side of the job seeker.

When answering the questions please make sure that the answers are brief and to the point, but communicated properly and sincerely. Answer should be only to what is being asked.

Irrelevant details and personal matters must not be discussed. Lengthy answers and personal matters are not what an interviewer is looking for. The emphasis on strengths is more important than disclosing the personal problems.

Your knowledge of the company, product line and services must be complete and up to date. Not knowing about the company and related details show casual and disinterested attitude. A little homework about the company, its inception, background, products and services and work environment can prove to be very helpful in the actual interview.

You can ask relevant questions though. The interview is a good time to know the details like what would be the initial responsibilities of the new employee, what kind of training would be available, what are the performance evaluation methods adopted in the company, what could be problematic areas of this job and what is the kind of team a new employee would be working with.

The initial assessment of a job seeker if positive, results in the discussion of salary and the benefits included with the salary, but it is never a good idea to state your expected salary first. It would be better

to wait for the offer of salary from the employer. The salary is usually based on the market trends and according to the qualifications and skills necessary for the post. More chances for you to get the prevailing salary if you fulfill the necessary criteria for the job.

Your Guide Towards a Successful Career

Step 2:

Appearance for the Interview

Getting an interview call is an achievement, because that indicates the resume you sent, left the right impression on the employer who now wants to see you in person.

This is the opportunity you were waiting for, the time to present your self in person, the time to prove what you wrote in your resume, the time to face the challenge.

Right now you have equal chances of getting selected as any other candidate who applied for the same position as you did.

What is the right step to take at this stage; Dress Up appropriately for the interview.

Dressing up is one area where you can earn extra points over others easily. A Little effort to look into the culture and work environment of the company would certainly help you to choose what color to wear on the interview occasion.

For Men

The corporate culture asks for formal wear. Dark Colored suit, suitably matched neck tie, polished shoes and an over all clean, professional look is all you require. Bright colors, ill fitted suit, loose necktie will do you no good. If you have already seen the office environment and you know how people dress up for the work, try to use the information to your benefit. The more you try to blend into the company culture, the more easy it would be ultimately, for you to adjust in the new work environment.

For Women

The corporate culture for women does not define much. Most of this part of the initial preparation is left to you to decide. Please remember that what goes for men, goes for women as well. Make sure that the choice of colors is appropriate for a formal occasion. Make up and jewelry should be minimal and should help in enhancing your over all image. Being over dressed up for an interview is never a good idea.

Some General Tips

Take a clean, crisp copy of your CV with you. It is always a good idea to have a copy of your resume in case you need it, besides, it is something to hold in your hands.

Wear a watch, wearing a watch has certain benefits. A watch is an accessory that enhances the over all appearance positively. It helps giving the impression of a person who values time.

Be on time. Remember, being ten minutes early for an interview is better than being five minutes late.

Keep track of the time and leave early if the distance requires so. Being early not only gives you time to relax and catch your breath but would also show a committed and professional approach.

Resume: The First Step

Step 1:

The Pakistan’s job market is expanding. With the growth in economy, and incentives from the government, more and more Multinational Companies are venturing into Pakistan’s market. With the economic growth rate of 6.6 per cent this year, the chances are, there will be more entrants into our product and service industry and each new entry, will in turn provide a chance to our talented job seekers to get employed.

Every enterprise wants people who have the potential to become an asset. They look for people who can take initiative, who can take the business forward while taking calculated risks and managing multiple tasks, the individuals who have the vision and a strong grasp over issues related to companies and their busines

There are very few universities in Pakistan that provide career counseling to their students. Most of the job seekers learn the preparatory steps necessary in the job search when they actually start looking for a job after completing their education. For Pakistani youth, getting a job at the right time is considered the single biggest factor contributing to their financial and personal growth.

There are certain things that every job seeker needs to have and present appropriately to get noticed by the prospective employer.

The first step to take is to make a professional Resume.

Resume is your first introduction. A professionally made, well formatted , clear and concise resume gives you a definite edge over some of the not so well made resumes. The first look that a resume receives from the employer decides the course of direction for the employer and the job seeker.

Do not forget to mention the important dates, and try not to leave gaps between the dates. Remember the dates you provide in the resume and support them with the relevant documents.

Mention your skills, strengths and achievements, besides your qualification and experience. Let the employer know what you can contribute towards the collective organizational growth.

Your contact information must be accurate and up to date. Give the phone number and e mail address that can be used to reach you. Much of the initial correspondence now a days ,takes place through e mail. When you apply for a job, check you e mail regularly for any updates from the company you applied to.

Something important to remember; be completely honest about the information you provide in your resume. Lack of honesty is more harmful than lack of experience when you make your resume. Do not mention something in your resume that can not be supported through documents or can not be verified through people. Any discrepancy found in your resume, at the time of interview, at worse, will render the whole exercise futile.

The reward for a well made, attention grabbing resume is, a call for an interview.