Facing the Employment Interview for the First Career Opportunity

Facing the Employment Interview for the First Career Opportunity

“Inter + View = view between (2 participants).”

 “View between whom?”

 The answer is, between the future employer, and the prospective candidate! The company and you!

Getting a job is not the same as building, or making a career. 

Don't aim to get any job, anywhere.  Plan your career. Do what you love to do. But what you love to do must be socially acceptable and commercially needed by many people.

 Maybe you love to do more than one thing!

Simply sacrifice the other options and choose only one.  Human society works on the principle of ‘division of labour’ and individuals specializing in a narrow field of work. The option that you sacrifice and let go, is your opportunity cost. To help you understand the idea of opportunity cost, I would like to share an old adage;

“You cannot have (eat) your cake and also keep it!” 

 Any person cannot have more than one career option simply because it would be very stressful. However, one can keep the second option as a hobby. Every career comes with its own pressures, politics and risks. Hobbies help professionals unwind, chill and de-toxify their minds.

 An interview is an occasion to demonstrate your specialist knowledge, skills, aptitude and attitude.

Being shy, reserved or arrogant is not acceptable.

You decide which city you wish to work in!

Everyone has responsibilities towards their parents, guardians and even grandparents!  Choose the city with these future responsibilities in mind.

 Identify the best three companies in your chosen city.

In the long run, in any industry, only the top three companies survive. You better make your career with one of them, if not the best one!

 Request a reference for your CV.

Reference is a person who is not in any way a relation of yours.  These are responsible people connected to the industrythat you wish to join, and they also happen to know you personally.  The best reference for a student would be a professor teaching the course that you have specialization in. The other better references   may include the Managers that you trained under, during your internship.  If nothing works out, try requesting a college senior working in the same industry, with the same specialization.  References could also be gained through the family and friends.  Reference is needed so you can submit your application to the HR department. These references are also checked after the interview process. It is important that these people remember your name and other relevant details, in order to supply the right kind of information to the HR department during cross-checking. It should be now clear to you that you must take permission before putting somebody as a reference in your application documents.

 Be punctual on the date of interview.

Make every effort to reach the place of interview 30 minutes before the time indicated in the call letter. This gives you enough time to touch upon your appearance, get familiar with the layout of the place and also, overcome somewhat the natural anxiety before any interview. Relax your mind with deep breathing exercises. It is okay to be nervous!

 What to carry?

 A neat professional folder,  CV,  photos,  photo copies of certificates and essential stationery items like pen,  pencil,  scribbling pad,  gem clips,  stapler,  glue   etc.

 What to wear? 

Light coloured formal wear.  Dark coloured suits are usually worn by superiors.

 What to do in advance?  

Research the company website. Practice the FAQs.

Do’s	Don’ts
Proper etiquette.	Beg for a job!  Be arrogant!
Be punctual.	Fashionable appearance!
Listen to questions very carefully.	Waste time!
Speak clear, loud and at medium pace.	Mumble; speak too fast or without pauses.
Focus on your skills, experiences and competencies.	say negative things of people,  institutions etc.

 Summary of thoughts:

Reaching the interview stage itself is a mark of a capable candidate. Not everyone gets the privilege to be interviewed by professional managers. Try and focus on your skills, knowledge, experience, expertise, support network and a balanced attitude.  This will go on to prove to the interviewers as to why you are one of the best choices for that position, or line of work.

 Do not hesitate to ask for clarifications and feedback etc. However, avoid irritating the panel with too many of them! Common sense is always needed. Best of results…

 Presentation by Praveen Jha

 Senior Lecturer

 Institute of Hotel Management, Hajipur (Patna)

 Vaishali, Bihar, India.

You can ask questions in the comments section. Thanks for reading this far!