Views on the Interview

Case Study 1

The BEWARE Factor in Action

I sent two gentlemen for an interview at an Autopart company in Noida. One of the persons shortlisted, a Malayali, was extremely intelligent and had the gift of gab. He was very impressive. At 5 pm, I got a thank you call from the other candidate — he had collected the offer letter.

I was surprised. He was just an ordinary guy. I spoke to the interviewer that night. "Gupte, you have selected the wrong man. Malayali was a much more suitable boy." "You are right, Mr. Mahajan — Malayali is so intelligent and conversant with inventory management that I will lose my job in 3 months flat." This is the BEWARE factor. The hiring manager is not interested in suicide.

Another recent incident: a candidate sitting idle for 17 months. In the final round, interviewed by an MD of a 200-crore company. When asked about his sales figures, he revealed the entire number 2 operation of his previous company in graphic detail. Result? "This boy is not dependable at all. He is spilling the company beans everywhere. I hire him and probably next month I will have enforcement raids."

Case Study 2

RELATING — The Art of Building Comfort

The same candidate's resume was converted to world-class level. He met the HRD head. Sufficient research had been done on the company, its mission, the MD and the HRD head through the net and other means.

He steered the conversation to a mutual friend from the HRD head's MBA institute. He talked appreciatively about the institute, then turned the discussion to spirituality. The HRD head divulged his own spiritual connection. Now he was a friend with common interests. No more interviews — it was now a friendly discussion. The HRD head had mentally decided to hire this newly found "long-lost brother."

Eureka! Offer letter at RSM level. This is RELATING.

The Mr. Disaster Analysis

What a Mock Interview Revealed

Mr. Disaster has a resume that creates a stellar first impression. But a lot of reasons to reject him popped out during the mock interview. Polished interview skills are required in abundance to secure the job offer. Lengthy and fruitless job search with a great resume means it is time to sharpen interview skills.

• ✗ Late arrival. He arrived 10 minutes late. Always arrive on time — never more than 10 minutes early (desperation) and never late (disrespect). Do a trial run if you're unsure of the location.
• ✗ Limp handshake. A limp handshake speaks of disinterest. Arms pumping too vigorously is equally bad. A firm, full handshake is the right approach.
• ✗ Inappropriate attire. A crimson tie from another era. No matter how casual the company, dress to impress. Be conservative, contemporary and neutral. Avoid loud colours, excessive perfume and worn accessories.
• ✗ No spare resume copies. He had only bad photocopies. Always arrive with a professional portfolio containing 5–8 crisp copies of your resume, a pad, a pen and a prepared list of at least three references.
• ✗ Incomplete answers. When asked "How many people report to you?" he simply replied "14." A better answer: "14 people report to me and we all get along well. We work together as a great team to market our products more aggressively and garner a larger market share." Too little leaves interviewers annoyed.
• ✗ Poor posture. He was slouching. Stand and sit erect. Show energy and enthusiasm. A slouching posture looks tired and uncaring.
• ✗ Rambling answers. He spoke at length without reaching a point. Taking too long to answer direct questions creates the impression: this candidate just can't get to the point.
• ✗ Criticising current employer. The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things about your current or past employers. Even if your last boss was Mogambo the villain — NEVER state your ill feelings about him. Always prepare a positive spin on past experiences.