Dated March 30, 2005
Do you have the qualifications and personal characteristics necessary for success in your chosen career? My answer to this question in a job interview was: Yes, I feel my work experience and college education have given me what it takes to succeed. On a personal level, I have excellent people skills, am an active listener, and I posses strong ethical decision-making attributes. Was my answer adequate?
Sushmita Sahni
Hyderabad
Your answer is appropriate in the sense that it addresses some of the specific skills you possess, but you need to do a better job of showcasing your accomplishments.
You should remember why employers ask such questions. They want verification that you really possess the qualifications necessary for the job. So, you have to have an advance mental checklist of key accomplishments and how these accomplishments prepare you for the position. Research into specific requirements of the position is critical here.
A clear presentation of how your skill set matches (or exceeds) what the employer is seeking is advisable.
It is always better to showcase your skills rather than informing that you possess such and such skill. In other words, rather than stating that you have these various skills, quote examples of one or more situations where your specific skills get highlighted.
Be aware of the importance of employer research as it comes in handy when you are attending an interview. Then, when the employer asks the inevitable question about knowledge of the company, not only can you please them with the information gathered, but also make a point by the depth of your research. And you can be assured that employers love it.
I had an interview last month, and it went very well. While I was about to leave, the employer told me that he and the company would miss a great opportunity if they don't hire me. But, I have not heard anything as yet from them. What do I do, should I call them?
Aparna
Madurai
While on a job-search, you always need to follow-up with the prospective employer. Employers want to hire go-getters, people who have an interest and desire to work for them, and that's what following-up does.
It shows the employer that you are keen on working for their company. Job seekers must be proactive in their job-search - not reactive, waiting for the employer to contact you.
One way would be to simply state that you wanted to call and see if there was anything else the company needed.
Follow-up after job interviews is essential, and it always starts with a thank-you note or letter. You also have to be in periodic contact with the hiring manager.
But, do not panic because you have not heard back yet... many employers have really stretched the hiring process - partly to be sure they have found the best candidate and not overlooked anyone and partly due to budgetary issues.
I am on the lookout for better opportunities and my problem is with my current work schedule. I find it difficult to attend job interviews. How do I also keep my current employer from becoming suspicious while I search for a new job?
Vijay Raghav
Tiruppur
The best solution would be to try and schedule interviews after "work hours". If a potential employer is truly interested, he will be willing to schedule interviews as per your request. You could also try the "lunchtime" interviews, but they do not work well.
If those times don't work for you, and if you are truly committed to making a change, you might as well go on a holiday and try to attend a few interviews.
Your current employer coming to know about your efforts could always land you in deep trouble. If you have a good relationship with your supervisor, you might consider talking to him or her about putting some flexibility in your schedule to allow you to take the time out for interviews.
In one of the interviews I attended, I was asked how marketable is my experience, and whether I possessed any experience relevant to their kind of work. Why would anybody, even an HR person, ask me something like this?
Vinitha Pandey
New Delhi
Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather information about each other. The employer wants to know if you, the applicant, have the skills, knowledge, self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job. At this point, you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your résumé. He or she also wants to determine whether or not you will gel with the organisation's current employees and philosophy.
The interviewer probably thought you needed to show that you were motivated, flexible and culturally sensitive, and could adapt to new circumstances and cultures.Your answer would also have demonstrated your communication skills.
Different degrees and types of experience make you more marketable to som employers and less to some others. While it is often tempting to speak in generalities, your concern shouldn't be what may end up being most marketable to most employers, but rather one that will end up being most marketable to the employers that you are targeting.
Could you please describe what conducive work atmosphere is? I was at a total loss when the interviewer posed this question? What's the best answer?
Vasantha Gowri
Vizag
Without a clear idea of the company's office environment, you run the risk of saying the wrong thing.
Keep this answer short, base it on your previous role and mention conscientious factors such as 'a professional team', 'not too noisy', 'well equipped', etc.
It must be pleasant and conducive to concentrate and enable one to carry out work uninterrupted; workspace should be tidy and ventilated; the place should not be cramped with too many people; and must allow employees to exercise their right to privacy.
Your working atmosphere must be conducive to creativity and hence one must be able to get along with co-workers. It is quite interesting to work with people of different strata as it offers scope for you to learn a lot.
The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to The C&K Management LTD. PO Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
Sushmita Sahni
Hyderabad
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