1.
Be articulate. Practice asking yourself questions, then answer them
with confidence in front of the mirror. This will give you an idea
of your facial expressions and pronunciation.
2. Keep your answers brief and to the point.
3. You must know where to stop and start while answering questions.
Never talk non-stop. Control the speed of your speech.
4.
Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions. Understand the
question and start your answer by recollecting your experiences
and knowledge.
5. If you are not able to understand the question clearly, ask the
Interviewer to repeat it. Request for more related information if
you are not sure about the answer.
6. If you don't know the answer or haven't used a particular method
or tool, please say "I don't know" or "I haven't
experienced that situation " or " I haven't used that
tool, but if given the opportunity, I can learn fast". An Interviewer
will always take it positively when you admit the truth.
7. While starting a conversation, introduce yourself with your first
name and last name (if any) and greet your Interviewer with a "How
are you" or "Hi" or "How are you doing".
8. If the Interviewer discusses issues regarding country, lifestyle,
weather, accommodation, language, driving, culture, politics, food
and family background (rare) - answer briefly.
9. Please keep a copy of your resume in front of you. The interviewer
may ask about individual project details, your roles, responsibilities,
major accomplishments, product advantages, techniques followed,
tools used, and your involvement in that project. Refer to your
resume quickly and answer the question promptly.
10. Don't be nervous or panic. Be cool, enjoy yourself. Remember
you have the skills the client needs.
11. Never show or express unwillingness to be interviewed. Even
if you are not interested in that job or client, don't discourage
the interviewer especially after having started a dialogue with
him/her. If you decide on another client call the Interviewer, thank
him and give a valid reason for not joining.
12. After successfully completing the interview process, if interviewer
asks "do you have any questions?", ask! Clarify issues
related to company background, place of work if hired, starting
date and timings. Do not ask about the position offered, rates at
this stage since those issues come under the negotiation process.
13. Don't raise or talk about issues related to discrimination against
race, religion, color, country and sex. These are extremely touchy
topics and are best avoided.
14. Don't use slang words.
15. Don't stretch an argument.
16. After completion of interview, say "Thanks" or "Thanks
for your time" or "Thanks for your time and have a good
morning/evening day" and put down the phone very slowly.
17. If the interviewer makes a positive offer and you are satisfied
with it, it would be nice if you said the following: "Thanks
for giving me an opportunity to work with your company and I will
do my best to prove my skills..... "
18. If you are asked to briefly introduce your entire work experiences,
take 30 seconds to explain all major points, client names and contributions
you have made. I recommend you practice this by writing down the
exact contents and reading it aloud in front of the mirror.
19. Always be positive.
20. Try to answer all questions with practical examples based on
your previous experience. This way, you can recollect your experiences
and prove that you have faced challenging situations in your career.
21. If you feel you lack adequate communication skills, attempt
to regularly converse with friends on general topics. Listen to
the radio, watch discussion oriented TV programs. Talk to yourself
in front of mirror and watch for, speed, lip movements and body
language.
22. After the interview is over, recollect what you did, how you
performed. Note down where you were lacking. These points will help
you better your performance the next time around.
23. References always works well no matter where you are applying.
Managers and HR departments will always cross check with the references
you have provided. So have at least 3 references who can give them
a very clear picture about your experience and skill set.
25. Very importantly, when you address the Interviewer, Use his/her
first name or put Mr. before last name. This is important while
writing e-mail, holding a general conversation or making a presentation.
I hope these tips will be of use
to you for your next telephonic interview. Never hesitate to ask
for help from others. Gather as much information as you can about
the company and position you have applied for.
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