What You Need to Know About Interviews

6/26/2005 What You Need to Know About Interviews	Newsletter Home
Narsimha Prasad (Manager, Human Resources and Head – Global Entry Level Hiring and Campus Relations)

1. What are the various types of interviews?
Interviews range from telephonic and videoconferences, to the traditional face-to-face. Infact, changes in technology are such that some companies conduct interviews over the web, as well.

2. What is the dress code for an interview? Your appearance tells the employer how you see yourself and is closely associated with your professional image. Business formals are a must. Men could opt for a full-sleeved shirt, formal trousers, formal shoes and a tie. Women could opt for western formals or Indian formals. Although it is important not to over-dress, it is equally important not to be under-dressed for an interview. Remember, first impressions are best impressions.

3. How much difference is there between a telephonic and personal interview?
The personal interview is personal. It allows the interviewer to assess the non-verbal communication, body language and overall personality. Normally, a telephonic interview is carried out to assess the subject knowledge of the candidate and is for the purpose of initial screening while the personal interview assesses both, the knowledge as well as the personality. Ideally, the telephonic interview is succeeded by a personal interview.

4. What kind of preparation should a student do before an interview?
The student must know about the organization he/she is applying to and the reason for doing so. It is important that one be mentally and physically fit before the interview schedule. One should always assess if he/she is really interested in the job and if the profile meets the same. Represent fact and be sure you have back up data to prove the same. Finally, honesty and confidence are indispensable.

5. What is ‘Interview Etiquette’?
Interview Etiquette is being polite, respectful and at the same time being firm. Keep the cell phone on a silent/switched off mode. Be attentive to the task on hand.

6. What are the common errors students make while interviewing?
The most common error is lack of preparation. Arrogance, carrying an unprofessional attitude, beating around the bush, blowing one’s own trumpet and not following the etiquette of interviews is the common errors students make.

7. How can students improvise on their communication skills?
Reading habits ought to be inculcated and students should utilize their libraries for books (fiction and non-fiction), journals and newspapers. Participating in discussions debates and extempore enables the students not only to improve on diction, pronunciation but also improve the quality of their writing. Email etiquette can be improved by reading articles on the same. Presentation skills must be honed with the knowledge of MS Power Point and students should grab any opportunity to employ these skills. Finally, as the old adage goes - practice makes a man perfect.

Contributor: Narasimha Prasad (Manager, Human Resources and Head – Global Entry Level Hiring and Campus Relations)

Prasad has been with Infosys’ Human Resources Department since April 8, 1999 and operates in the capacity of Head- Global entry-level hiring and campus relations. Prasad manages a team which handles all campus (E-Schools and B-Schools) and off-campus initiatives, world-wide. Before moving into his current role, Prasad has had experience in various other HR functions, in India & US.

Prasad has a base degree in Civil engineering from Bangalore University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management, (specializing in HR) from T A Pai Management Institute, Manipal, India.