Freshers-Interview

Fresh graduates attending interviews seem to be the most confused lot. Although it is understandable that they have no clue about the kind of work they may like until they actually do it, but it always helps in doing a bit of home work before attending an interview. The answers may be framed as per the job requirements and the candidate should demonstrate suitability for the position interviewed for. Since most of the interviews are held by line managers/functional heads, it is futile to show one's programming capabilities to a Sales Head!!!

I had interviewed an interesting candidate some time ago. She was brilliant, well-networked and had the gift of the gab. She was the right candidate to join me to develop business (incidentally I am working for a well-known Indian company). However, she disclosed to me that this job would just be a temporary parking space until she got an opportunity in a functional area of her choice (software testing). This statement worked against her and she was rejected by the interview committee. It must be noted that every interviewer has his own ego as well as loyalty to his company/industry/functional area. No interviewer would like to hear that his company/department/function is a 2nd choice (this especially holds good for top-notch corporates). However, aligning one's answers to the job requirements need not mean trying to bluff your way through the interview. An MBA graduate wanted to impress us by saying that he read only english newspapers. He went to the extent of naming the newspapers--Hindustan Express, Times Group of Publication, Hindu Express--without our asking for it and made a fool of himself. It is perfectly fine if you have read only regional newspapers as long as you are updated about the current affairs.

Another major mistake committed by inexperienced candidates is attending an interview without adequately revising one's academic fundamentals or reading about the company. Most of the companies have their details hosted on the web. It is worth reading a few aspects about the company before heading straight for that interview. It is also better to be talking in sync with your resume. I met one candidate who mentioned his favourite sport to be Cricket whereas his resume mentioned Football.