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In an online chat with readers, Capt Partha Samai, group head of Human Resources at AGS Transact Technologies shared tips on how to crack a tough job interview.
Are you nervous about meeting your prospective employer?
While most employers are looking for a candidate who best meets the job requirements, the key is to believe in your abilities and convince the employer that you'll give it your best.
What can you possibly do to make an instant first impression on your employer?
How can you prepare yourself for that dreaded job interview?
What are the things you must avoid discussing with the hiring manager?
To help our readers make an informed career decision, Rediff.com had organised a chat with expert Capt Partha Samai, group head of Human Resources at AGS Transact Technologies.
For those who missed the chat, here's the unedited transcript:
Partha Samai: Hi! I am Capt.Partha Samai, I will be more than glad to answer your queries on preparations for interviews
Karthikeyagudu: Sir, I switched jobs 4 times in different fields in my 10yrs career, now i am planning to switch my job into ITES (Finance) industry. Is it possible, I am a MBA Finance, if I switch job does my salary part will be affected. I am looking for a good career growth.
Partha Samai: I think you shouldn’t because the interviewer will be confused with your CORE COMPETENCE this is critical for them.
Mohit-14: If you want to change your profile after 8 yrs of experience how to tackle such kind of interview?
Partha Samai: No worries. You can! If you see value in terms of learning and growth why not ! Pl go ahead if you are confident that it will DEFINITELY add value
NARESH SAHOO: Hi, I need help "'How to crack interview"'
Partha Samai: know yourself – well. Besides that you should know the organisation, the profile, the competitors and what value add you can do by joining the org. CONFIDENTLY!!
Arun Kumar: Sir,what is best answer for ‘why are you looking for change?’
Partha Samai: Depends on the Truth! If it’s for professional growth it does club financial as well. if its for family and you are moving back to your home town......may be if you are getting married.
Geetu: Should I negotiate always on relocation variable? Do all the companies give relocation variable?
Partha Samai: I am unclear on the "variable" that you are ref to. However you should seek clarity on relocation allowance other than the movers & packers cost. The relocation allowance generally supports your overheads when you move to new city it’s a one time cost
Sitaramray: Sir, how to give answer of the question ‘what are your reasons to leave previous job?’ I leave job for more opportunities.
Partha Samai: If you have left for opportunities ....Pl be specific I am sure it shouldn’t be a problem till you are not frequently changing pl.
Shailesh Sonar: I have gone through two job changes in a short span of time, I am not a job-hopper, however circumstances forced me to resign. What is the better way to tackle questions related to this?
Partha Samai: I am sure you have your reasons. But pl do stick to your new profile, else you will face problems. All the best
Avadhoot: I am working as a Manager Admin, having 17 years of experience, but the salary I am currently drawing is low as compared in the industry. When I appear for the interview they inform that your Exp. is more compared to the salary I am drawing, I was not shortlisted coz their existing Admin Executive was drawing more salary then my current salary.
Partha Samai: This is common problem especially with employees who tend to stay back in one org with low ctc and do not look out or speak to their management; one should keep a market check of similar profiles. Pl do speak to your org
Vinay Shukla: Is it okay to reveal personal or family details in the interview? Do you think it could be held against me?
Partha Samai: No !! It’s perfectly fine as long as you are honest
Sudaram: How to tackle notice period part? Most of them want to know if we can join immediately.
Partha Samai: Simple !! Check your current organisation's appointment letter, see the exit clause, table it with the HR in the org you have gone to and ask them to buy it. if your profile is CRITICAL pl tell them as a professional you want to give proper handover.
Mayank: Sir, I still fumble when someone asks: Tell me something about yourself. I don't know what to say and what not to. Please advice
Partha Samai: It’s a vital and critical question ...its a belief that a person should know himself/herself. pl do write about yourself in sequence like family....education....jobs.....and current profile.....some achievements ....!!in sequence and order pl
Mayank: How to explain lack of desired work experience?
Partha Samai: I am a firm believer of "knowledge" you should at least have academic knowledge of the questions being asked and the confidence to put things in practice....this will sail you through, else he wouldnt be interviewing you
K Ganesh: What is the current percentage of salary hike as per Industry Norms and upto how much percentage it can be negotiated
Partha Samai: Depends on your profile. if its general then 15 per cent to 20 per cent is normal. If your in niche profile then you can negotiate your price.
Vaibhav Jain: I generally forget everything as what to say at the time of interview. How to over come this?
Partha Samai: Please practice and rehearse your own achievements. I don’t see any reason why you should have to forget things about yourself. be bold and confident - you can do it !!
Vaibhav Jain: Thanks a lot for your response. I usually go blank in a crowd of 2-3 people though I want to discuss a lot. Afterwards I realise about it.
Kavita Bavekar: What to do if job description is different from that being interviewed for?
Partha Samai: Don’t worry !! Ask politely if they have found you better for the role they are discussing? may be true as many talents do fit in right when met in person.
Jinny: Sir, what is the best time to discuss compensation and benefits?
Partha Samai: Ideally it should come from the interviewer’s side. As that’s the sign that he/she wants to take it forward closer to hiring you
Alex: What qualities are employers looking for?
Partha Samai: Self motivated and smart workers.
Alex: If interviewer asks, 'Will you stay back late if there is an emergency?' how to reply?
Partha Samai: Say YES! S/he is testing your dedication and zeal
Mustafa: Sir, how to explain gap years in your CV?
Partha Samai: I am sure all of us have reasons, starting from higher studies, health, family issues, accidents, pink slips, etc etc be honest and straight.
CD: What to look for if no interview calls are received past nine months for a jobless candidate?
Partha Samai: pl do start approaching the organisations directly and personally leave your profiles with maximum consultants.
Vijay: How to give answer of this question? What job and activities have you done that make you suitable for this position? kindly advise.
Partha Samai: When you face this question, you must understand that the interviewer is checking your confidence wrt your competence, hence give out your initiatives & achievements in the field that you’re being interviewed for. This has to be in a order else he/she will be lost.
Suman Singh: Should we say truth every time while in the interview? I know it will create problem in the interview? How to deal with this type of situation?
Partha Samai: YES. If you tell the TRUTH you don’t have to remember anything!! it DEFINITELY boosts your confidence.
Shaadik Choudhary: Dear Sir, I was working in the broking firm but coz of recession they thrown out of us from company. Since then i am working in call center but i want to get back. I hd given 4-5 interviews n they told me that u hv long 3yrs gap. How to tackle it? I want to get it back in the same field. I am still up to date with my works wich i was doin earlier. Plz guide.
Partha Samai: The best way is to restart from firms which are not so known brands. This will help you as a new base. Keeping yourself updated with your field is a MUST. Re-apply with this new base after a span of 1 year. Else you will have no justification to jump.
Ankit Dave: What is a Personality Profile Psychometric Test?
Partha Samai: This test is designed to get a "DESIRED" score helping the hiring team to conclude that a candidate is FIT for the particular profile. Pl note that all psychometric tests are mutually exclusive for definite personality results
Salim: How would the interviewer describe the ideal candidate for the position?
Partha Samai: Best fit is directly related to the experience/education and relevant experience. The interviewer would always give these three parameters to the hiring team, as most of the time Managers do not want to experiment hence would expect a plug & play talent!
Kavita Bavekar: How to handle SALARY wala part? How to negotiate it? It seems very difficult for me.
Partha Samai: If the compensation is defined by your consultant then it makes your life easier. Else you should see the trade off, which means if you are joining post October you might not be eligible for an increment in that cycle, hence ask for industry norm 15% 15% of your non participation in the PMS. if you are relocating then pl do weigh out the cost of rentals, school change and other overheads
Eklavya Jain: How to impress the interviewer???
Partha Samai: Be systematic in answering, answer to the point, try to be more objective in your answers.
Photograph: Gangplank HQ/Creative Commons