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Indian School of Mines

 
Activity:  16 comments  353 views  last activity : 06 05 2011 02:30:51 +0000
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Don't be cocky

Confidence-i.e., appearing composed and sure of yourself as opposed to like a nervous wreck-is always an appealing quality. Arrogance, on the other hand, made 51 percent of employers want to kick an applicant out of their office on the spot. No matter how much of a superstar you were at your last job, don't make it sound as if you single-handedly pulled off every amazing accomplishment.

Little things like bringing a latte with you, pushing aside a pile of papers on an interviewer's desk so you can plunk down your portfolio, or sneaking a glance at the clock can also make you seem self-important-as if your time and stuff are more valuable than theirs are. Another minor goof they see as arrogant: leaving your sunglasses on top of your head.

Say the magic words

Of course you don't want a potential boss to think you're gunning for the role of office kiss-ass, but playing it too cool can wreck your chances. 55 percent of bosses surveyed said a lack of enthusiasm is one of the biggest mistakes that a candidate make. Seriously.

Get the right message across by using words like 'exciting' and 'interesting'. To show you mean it, read up on the company's history and the industry in general before the interview, and slip some of the things you learned into the conversation.

Don't sound rehearsed

Most of us have gotten this well-meaning advice from a career counsellor: when you're asked "What's your biggest weakness? throw out something that's actually good, like "I'm a workaholic or "I am a perfectionist and won't stop until something's done right . Yeah...whatever! 34 percent of interviewers said they definitely notice when you respond to their questions with tired cliches. Granted, you don't want to confess anything truly incriminating, but it's okay to reveal a real weakness, provided you follow it up with how you're working to correct it.

Don't fail the question test

There are only a few minutes left in the interview, and you get what seems like a throw-away: "Do you have any questions for me? Answering "I don't think so can mess up the awesome impression you just made, since 34 percent of bosses said they're turned off when candidates don't ask smart questions. Why? Doing so shows that you've been paying attention and indicates that you're evaluating them too-not just jumping at the first job opening you hear about.

Prove you're a good listener by requesting that the interviewer elaborate on something she said earlier. And use this all-time great inquiry: "What type of people excel here? It never fails to impress!

 

Courtesy: Cosmopolitan

 
16 comments on "Things not to do in an interview"
  Commented by  puneet kaushik, Operations Manager, NBFC    | 06 04 2011 11:00:21 +0000
thnks swapna for sharing such information 
  Commented by  Saibal Ray, Sr. SQA Engineer, Infotech Enterprises    | 06 04 2011 09:55:16 +0000
Good one.
  Commented by  Mohammad Bakhsh, Project Leader/Managing Consultant, Freelancer    | 06 03 2011 04:21:50 +0000
Thanks,Swapna for referral,i also add some thing not to in an interview.
5 Types of interviewers and how to prepare for them.
These are just some simple rules to follow allowing you to be more comfortable at the onset of the interview.
1.The Non-Stop Talker

You’ve seen the type – they talk more than they ask questions. This sometimes presents a vulnerable situation whereby the interviewer chats personally and sucks you into feeling comfortable enough to move with the conversation. This might lead you to state some information that you might not want to reveal at this time. Be polite and respond with friendliness as the interviewer will appreciate this quality. So carefully listen to the questions and respond in a professional manner. Wait for thoseopportunities to ask pertinent questions relative to the position or the company. It shows your interest in what the interviewer has to say and allows them to continue with their chatter.
2.The Drill Sergeant
Opposite of the chatter is the interviewer who maintains domination over the conversation by firing off a list of questions in a monotone voice. This might be a bit intimidating but their goal might be to do just that – make you nervous. Maintain your eye contact with strong earnest, remain calm and confident, look for ways to return some questions, and provide solid answers without adding chatter. Stick to the pertinent information and be ready for the continued drill.
2.Following Traditional Rules
This style of interviewing is somewhat predictable as they tend to follow a script or specific list of questions. This interviewer wants to be objective and neutral or isn’t comfortable with the interviewing process. Allow the interviewer to remain in their comfort zone by sticking with the routine. Again, listen for opportunities to ask questionsabout the position or the company – subject matter that the interviewer is knowledgeable about and willing to discuss.
4.The Newbie (the inexperienced)
Everyone has to start somewhere and encountering an ill-prepared or inexperienced interviewer can be a bit tricky. They may be new to the company or new to the hiring process but you don’t want to “take over” the conversation and leave them uncomfortable. Stay on course with the planned points and try not to ask questions that you already know they won’t have answers for. However it is your interview and if they are unable to provide enough information for your own comfort level, then perhaps ask if there is another person with whom you could schedule a discussion.

5.The Inappropriate Interviewer
Fortunately not too often, there are the interviewers who inappropriately ask questions. If you encounter someone who steps out of bounds, making you uncomfortable, try to redirect the discussion back to a professional path. This shows the interviewer that you prefer to maintain the discussion around job or company-related subject matter. If their line of questioning persists, it’s best to thank them for their time and conclude the discussion.
 Then there is the one you don’t expect

Almost all interviewers fit into one of the five categories already discussed here but there may be an occasion where someone fits outside these five types. It’s unlikely, however if this happens you might want to try patterning some of their own behaviors and speech. Some hiring managers like people who remind them of themselves. In other words, adapt to their style.
  Commented by  sudhakar, Head Markering, codezene (P) ltd    | 06 02 2011 16:39:53 +0000
NICE ARTICLE. IT IS AN EYE OPENER.
swapna what ever u have X pressed may be ri8 but i am of the opinion that when one is on the floor of appearing for an interview.. ur heart bits shall definably go rise when u r in the q next for the same.. thn have a deep breathing which will give relax in ur heart bits & one will feel comfort & breathing will come down.. & thn go with full of confidence &...... 1 should try to x press to the committee members tht u r some 1 special..& give the answer with honesty & confidence..in one sentence i would say just see the movie..Three idiots..&  build ur confidence  
  Commented by  Rohit Thakur, Sr. MEP QA/QC Engineer, QA/QC INCHARGE, CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST-MEP    | 06 02 2011 14:06:55 +0000
nice article..
  Commented by  SHRIKANT MANOHAR DANKE, Consultant, Project Management Consultancy Firm    | 06 02 2011 13:29:54 +0000
Good sharing, Srirang.
Thanks for referral, Swapna.
  Commented by  Nilesh Jain, Project Manager, A Leading Media/Telecom Co.    | 06 02 2011 13:12:59 +0000
Good article.  What a co-incidence! Read today morning on yahoo!
Thnx 4 ref.
NJ'oy 
  Commented by  Rathin Deb, Freelance Retail Consultant    | 06 02 2011 12:55:22 +0000
Thanks swapna for referral. Really a simple details posted properly.
  Commented by  MD ASIF ALAM, Assistant Project Manager, U foam    | 06 02 2011 12:20:20 +0000
Thank you sir for nice and simple tip.
  Commented by  kumar chiman sinha, Research Scholar    | 06 02 2011 11:47:14 +0000
If these many things I have need to remember at the time of interview to get a job, then I will not go for a job. Nice post. Thanks for sharing. 
  Commented by  Visakh P V, Cust. Service Executive, SAS Group    | 06 02 2011 11:37:57 +0000
I must say.. This will help a lot including me a big time... thanks for posting.
  Commented by  KALIYAMOORTHY, Oil & Gas Area Coordinator, Undisclosed    | 06 02 2011 11:34:49 +0000
Thanks for referral Ms Swapna Das,
Good tips for those who aspire to get success in interview attempt. Nicely composed with a few simple traits that can make one successful.
  Commented by  Swapna Das, Assistant Professor, Govt. college    | 06 02 2011 11:18:10 +0000
Rating : +1 
Nice piece of info Sir.. Simple and useful..
thanks for your suggestion muralidharan sir
  Commented by  S. Muralidharan, Head, Project Planning/Strategy, Knowledge Foundation    | 06 02 2011 04:51:44 +0000
Good article Mr. Srirang.  I've a small suggestion to make here. We have a large Indian audience, and appreciably a number of students who are showing very keen interest in such articles. Therefore, its my humble suggestion that you have to rewrite the article to suit our Indian audience. It would be better to avoid sentences, like, "Of course you don't want a potential boss to think you're gunning for the role of office kiss-ass, but playing it too cool can wreck your chances".  
Thanks in advance for your cooperation, please.
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