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- Be articulate. Practice asking yourself questions, then
answer them with confidence in front of the mirror. This
will give you an idea of your facial expressions and pronunciation.
- Keep your answers brief and to the point.
- You must know where to stop and start while answering
questions. Never talk non-stop. Control the speed of your
speech.
- Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions. Understand
the question and start your answer by recollecting your
experiences and knowledge.
- If you are not able to understand the question clearly,
ask the Interviewer to repeat it. Request for more related
information if you are not sure about the answer.
- If you don't know the answer or haven't used a particular
method or tool, please say "I don't know" or "I
haven't experienced that situation " or " I haven't
used that tool, but if given the opportunity, I can learn
fast". An Interviewer will always take it positively
when you admit the truth.
- While starting a conversation, introduce yourself with
your first name and last name (if any) and greet your Interviewer
with a "How are you" or "Hi" or "How
are you doing"
- If the Interviewer discusses issues regarding country,
lifestyle, weather, accommodation, language, driving, culture,
politics, food and family background (rare) - answer briefly.
- Please keep a copy of your resume in front of you. The
interviewer may ask about individual project details, your
roles, responsibilities, major accomplishments, product
advantages, techniques followed, tools used, and your involvement
in that project. Refer to your resume quickly and answer
the question promptly.
- Don't be nervous or panic. Be cool, enjoy yourself. Remember
you have the skills the client needs.
- Never show or express unwillingness to be interviewed.
Even if you are not interested in that job or client, don't
discourage the interviewer especially after having started
a dialogue with him/her. If you decide on another client
call the Interviewer, thank him and give a valid reason
for not joining.
- After successfully completing the interview process, if
interviewer asks "do you have any questions ?",
ask! Clarify issues related to company background, place
of work if hired, starting date and timings. Do not ask
about the position offered, rates at this stage since those
issues come under the negotiation process.
- Don't raise or talk about issues related to discrimination
against race, religion, color, country and sex. These are
extremely touchy topics and are best avoided.
- Don't use slang words.
- Don't stretch an argument.
- After completion of interview, say "Thanks"
or "Thanks for your time" or "Thanks for
your time and have a good morning/evening day" and
put down the phone very slowly.
- If the interviewer makes a positive offer and you are
satisfied with it, it would be nice if you said the following:
"Thanks for giving me an opportunity to work with your
company and I will do my best to prove my skills....."
- If you are asked to briefly introduce your entire work
experiences, take 30 seconds to explain all major points,
client names and contributions you have made. I recommend
you practice this by writing down the exact contents and
reading it aloud in front of the mirror.
- Always be positive.
- Try to answer all questions with practical examples based
on your previous experience. This way, you can recollect
your experiences and prove that you have faced challenging
situations in your career.
- If you feel you lack adequate communication skills, attempt
to regularly converse with friends on general topics. Listen
to the radio, watch discussion oriented TV programs. Talk
to yourself in front of mirror and watch for, speed, lip
movements and body language.
- After the interview is over, recollect what you did, how
you performed. Note down where you were lacking. These points
will help you better your performance the next time around.
- References always works well no matter where you are applying.
Managers and HR departments will always cross check with
the references you have provided. So have at least 3 references
who can give them a very clear picture about your experience
and skill set.
- If you are not hired, don't loose heart. There may be
several reasons for the client/consulting company to reject
the applicant even after a successful interview:
- Budget constraints
- Terms with medical staffing company are not agreeable
to client
- Salary not agreeable to client
- Medical staffing company is getting better offer for
you from a different client.
- Medical staffing is not willing to send you because
of short term assignment.
- Client is not ready to sponsor your Work Visa and has
restrictions in company corporate policies.
- Here are some common reasons for rejection along with
a suggestion for improvement:
- Lack of communication skills - actively work towards
improving your communication skills.
- Lack of leadership qualities.
- Applicant skills and experience is not matched with
client requirements - you can't do anything. You have
nothing to lose. Find another Company where they can match
your skills and knowledge set.
- Not enough number of references - ensure that you have
enclosed at least three excellent references.
- Not ready to pay you what you want - before asking what
you want, you need to do little market survey based on
your experience. You need to go through Salary Survey
and learn more about general company HR policies too.
- Very importantly, when you address the Interviewer, Use
his/her first name or put Mr. before last name. This is
important while writing e-mail, holding a general conversation
or making a presentation.
I hope these tips will be of use to you for your next
telephonic interview. Never hesitate to ask for help from
others. Gather as much information as you can about the
company and position you have applied for.
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