Interview Approach

Get RID of THE "MENTAL BLOCK",Don't ASSUME,Don't Fear !

There are quite a few in this world who feel intimidated about interviews.Ofcourse everyone is human this is bound to happen.Even the great Tiger Woods once said "The day i feel i am not nervous when on the golf course,I'll Quit".However there is a limit to it.The best way to prepare for an interview is to "know what you are doing well currently ", " to be able to put across the work and achievements if any like no one has done before", "going with a great body language" and "smile as much instead of sulking with a thought of will i get through or not". I feel it is important to attend an interview without expecting much about the results.Yes, everyone likes to succeed but never get demotivated on rejection as there are other places "destined for you".I'd prefer to use "rejection" than "failure" as the latter has a real strong meaning which i believe is not in sync with what happens at "such interviews".

I'm sure there are a myriad of articles on how to deal with situations on rejection and my take on this is no different.On being rejected the right thing to do is ask the interviewer on how one could improve further,note down the questions and reflect back on them using books or the net.At times it is required to have a go at the interviewer as most of them try to put on the fake attitude and be arrogant.NEVER ASSUME THE INTERVIEWER KNOWS THE BEST.Give them a damn and move on ! Forget the past unless you have messed it up with an interview at "GOOGLE" or "APPLE".You have thousand's of companies which "will" need you-Trust me! Another thing hard to understand is the candidates including me(initially) having a concrete mind cribbing "Oh...! what did they ask in technical","can you please tell me the questions".While it is imperative to be good technically in any field, my experiences have taught me that "Technical (Unix,C,C++) is not the end of the world and never assume you will get an offer letter with "Tech knowledge"..To speak well and generate positive vibes is important at times.It happened at a couple of interviews which i'd say were the best that i've faced till now.

Another thing i've noticed is some not willing to take "that extra step" towards applying for similar positions or different positions.I believe its of no use cribbing about "who'll give me that position which is different?","I have no experience how will someone take me in" and so on.Stop assuming you are not good enough.Instead make an effort to take that extra step irrespective of the outcome and maximize the opportunities coming your way.Trust me once you do it you'll feel confident on :

a) taking that "step" which you were apprehensive about and can do the same if required in future.
b) finding different ways to think.

There's no harm in "TRYING" though.

I believe INTERVIEW and MARKETING are pretty much similar , except that the medium varies.And to SELL one requires the following:

1) The PRODUCT - "Its me,you or any TOM DICK HARRY".
2) The CUSTOMER -" End user is the company which is hiring you".
3) ATTRIBUTE OF THE PRODUCT - "Each one of us have an attribute we possess, identify them".
4) Customer In/Product Out - Let the customer know the right attributes ,explain how these would help in growth".

End of the day it boils down to marketing oneself well with the right attributes be it an interview or dating a girl.

Approaching an Interview :

1) Make sure the the profile on job-sites is updated every 3 days or once a week.Thanks to my friend who passed on this tip to me.Reason being , i presume the CV's are sorted on the latest modified time and not updating for weeks could well mean the profile could go unnoticed and find yourself wondering "why the heck am i not getting calls?,"Oh my profile is not good enough i guess!".

2) Prepare well on what you know and in case you are being asked something unfamiliar , present yourself in a way that you can learn and do it if given a chance."DO NOT BLUFF".If the interviewer makes a fuss out of it tell them its no "rocket science".

3) Dress well and possess a fine body language even if not confident of clearing the interview.Fearing will not help in anyway.

4) Its all well to be rejected. If so STOP MAKING EXCUSES because all this would help is probably get sympathy from your friends and NOTHING ELSE.

5) Never try and force yourself into understanding a topic which you've never done in the past with just a day or two to go for the interview. Tell the panel that you are willing to work hard and provide instances of how you did it in the past(small or big) or how you intend to do it in future.

6) If rejected make sure to know the exact reason for chucking you out unless you feel you truly don't deserve getting through the next round of interview.

7) Reflect back on all the achievements happened in the past - small or big.You have done it before , so you can do the same again- its no BIG DEAL !

All the Best.

Cheers,
Kutlu..