ZAMS HR Consultants

— The first step for many employers is to narrow the field of candidates by looking for some reason—typos, misspellings, grammatical mistakes—to discard resumes.

— Errors in a cover letter tell potential employers that you don't pay attention to details

Networking Tips

— Keep a manageable list of organization you can manage

— Develop a list of person to approach

— Call all your friends, acquaintances directly related to your field

— Monitor your network

Facts to Gather Before Interviewing

— Key people in the organization

— Major products or services

— Size in terms of sales and employees

— Locations other than your state

— Organizational structure of the company

— Major competitors

— View of the company by clients, suppliers, and competition

— Latest news reports on the company or on local or national news that affects the company

Likely Questions in Interviews

— Tell us about yourself.

— What value you can add to the company?

— What is your career goal?

— Who are your role model (s)?

— If selected, How long you will stay with us?

— What are your salary requirements?

TYPES OF QUESTIONS & How To Answer Those Typical Interview Questions

— Background Questions

1. Tell me about yourself. The answer to this question is usually with reference to the qualifications required for the position. Keep responses concise and brief and avoid being negative about previous jobs and bosses. Customize the response according to the duties and responsibilities of the position you are interviewing for.

2. What are your greatest strengths?
Keep this as job related as possible by relating to a job task/skill that you know to be an asset of yours. "I like travelling and making new friends" is not a good answer.

3. What are your greatest weaknesses?
The employer is looking for honesty here, but it helps not to be too blunt. Tone down your self-critique and say it with a smile.

4. Motive Questions
What can you contribute to this company?
Where do you hope to be in five years?
This type of question should be answered enthusiastically. Show the interviewer you are interested in the position and relate the answers to the duties and responsibilities of the job.

5. Personality Questions
What do you do in your spare time?
Present yourself as a well-rounded person. Your answer gives you dimension, describe your hobbies briefly.

6. Job Satisfaction Questions
Why are you looking for another job?
What do you like most/least about your previous job/jobs?
Why did you leave your previous employer/employers?
Never speak poorly about former employers. Be positive. You are providing clues about the environment you seek.

7. Other Questions Be Prepared To Answer
Are you willing to be transferred to another city or country?
May we check your references?
May we see some sort of a proof of your salary? (Bring along your salary slip)

Interview Tips Outside Of The Workplace

Frequently, organizations conduct interviews at restaurants, bars and even homes. Done mainly to provide a relaxed environment for both the recruiter and the candidate, it is essentially a way to get to understand and observe you better with the least amount of interruptions.

However, don't lose focus of the fact that though you may be meeting them in a bar or a drawing room, you are still being interviewed and observed carefully.

Abstain from drinking alcohol during lunch interviews. One senior manager said he conducts interviews during lunch and tests the candidate by asking them if they want a drink, it gives him an insight into the candidate. In one of the leading management institutes, short listed candidates were taken out for dinner and drinks, a number were rejected after their manners were observed as "not being up to the mark."

In a restaurant, wait for the interviewer to order his meal or drink first, and stick to ordering something you are comfortable with.

Finally, remember to relax. The reason you're being interviewed outside the workplace is to get to know you better, as a General Manager put it, " I want to see him or her in a surrounding where he can be him or herself." Well, be yourself, but just don't get carried away:)

Ask The Right Questions In Your Interview

Interviews are no longer a one-way question-answer process. Employers expect you to ask questions, indulge in a two-way conversation in order to get to know you better and assess you for the job in mind.

Don't hesitate to ask questions. Not only will it show that you're keen on the job being offered, but it will also help you determine if this is the right job for you. The research you did earlier on the company should form a basis for some of your questions.

Ask job related questions. Focus on the job, the company, products, services and people. Ask about your potential peers, subordinates and superiors. Take notes prior to the interview, write down your list of questions and take them with you. And while questioning, make sure that the employer doesn't feel he's being cross examined

Here are a few sample questions you could ask:

— What would my responsibilities and duties be?

— Describe a typical day on the job.

— What are the most difficult aspects of this position?

— Describe the department's/company's growth in the next two years?

— What is the philosophy on training and development in the company?

— How do you think I'd fit into this job/on your team/into your organization?

— What projects would I be involved in now? Within the first year?

— What would my career path be like during the next year or two?

— What would be the opportunities I'd get to enhance my skill sets?

If you like what you see make a positive statement about the position. If you are sincerely interested in the position and are satisfied with the answers given, you should ask the interviewer if he/she feels that you are qualified for the position

Dressing Right

How important is is to dress right for a job interview?

Well, the final selection of a job candidate will rarely be determined by the outfit he/she wears. However, first round candidates for an opening are often quickly eliminated because they dress inappropriately. This is not to say you should go out and invest in a new wardrobe, just be sure that you are able to put together an adequately smart interview outfit. Be sure that your clothes are immaculately clean and well-fitting, that your hair-style is neat and businesslike, and that your shoes are clean and attractive. Avoid excessive jewelry, makeup, or perfume.

Possible Reasons Why You Didn't Get Called After the Interview

a)Atitude problems.
Sometimes, candidates may come across as arrogant and "know it all" in their approach. It may turn off the interviewer, and you must keep in mind that while they can afford to be self-centered, candidates cannot.

b)Appearance.
Many candidates do not consider their appearance as much as they should. First impressions are quickly made in the first three to five minutes. Dress neatly, soberly and show that you are a professional.
c)Lack of research.
It's obvious when candidates haven't learned about the job, company or industry prior to the interview. Visit the library or use the internet to research the company, then talk with friends, peers and other professionals about the opportunity before each meeting.

d)Not having questions to ask.
Asking questions shows your interest in the company and the position. Prepare a list of intelligent questions in advance.

e)Not readily knowing the answers to interviewers questions.
Anticipate and rehearse answers to tough questions about your background, such as an employment gap. Practicing with your spouse or a friend before the interview will help you to frame intelligent responses.

f)Relying too much on résumés.
Employers hire people, not paper. Although a résumé can list qualifications and skills, it's the interview dialogue that will portray you as a committed, responsive team player.

g)Too much humility.
Being conditioned not to brag, candidates are sometime reluctant to describe their accomplishments. Explaining how you reach difficult or impressive goals helps employers understand what you can do for them.

h)Not relating skills to the employer's needs.
A list of startling accomplishments mean little if you can't relate them to a company's requirements. Reiterate your skills and convince the employers understand what you can do for them.

i)Handling salary issues too soon.
Candidates often ask about salary and benefits too early. If they believe an employer is interested, they may demand inappropriate amounts and price themselves out of the jobs. Candidates who ask for too little undervalue themselves or appear desperate. Use a little tact. Know when it's right to talk money. And avoid showing how much you want the job to the point of underselling your market value.

j)Lack of career direction.
Job hunters who aren't clear about their career goals reveal their lack of direction and their inability to contribute to the growth of the organisation.

k)Just checking out.
Some applicants, particularly those in certain high-tech, sales and marketing fields, will admit they're just checking out opportunities to see their market value, and have little intention of changing jobs. This wastes time and leaves a bad impression with employers who they may need to contact in the future.
As a recruiter said "interviews are tricky, and luck plays a part too. If you haven't got the job offer, don't worry, the important thing is to learn from the mistakes. And look forward to the next interview with determination and confidence"

Salary Negotiating Tips

— Never discuss salary until you have a job offer.

— Don't forget the value of benefits and perks when negotiating a salary

— Market your competencies

— Be willing to walk away

— Don't say yes to an offer right away.

— Request for proposed offer in writing

Strategies for Negotiating During Interviews

a)Negotiate With Understanding
Remember when the negotiations are over, you’ll have to work with the person with whom you’re negotiating. Besides your future success may depend on that person. So, while you want to negotiate the best possible deal, you need to do so in a way that doesn't damage your image. At the same time, the employer's primary concern isn’t negotiating the least expensive compensation package it can get away with. Rather, their focus will be on getting you to accept the job.

b)Understand Your Needs And Those Of The Employer
To be successful in this type of negotiation, you need to examine your priorities. What do you really want? Are you comfortable with a low salary and lots of perks? Understanding your needs will also help you determine the type of company you want to work for. For example, a family-owned company may be able to offer a competitive salary and a large bonus based on results. A start-up new venture company, on the other hand, may not be able to offer market salary, but could be in a position to offer you stock options. By recognizing what an employer can and can’t do, you’ll be able to determine what issues you should press.
c)Set Your Price
Expect employers to try to purchase your talent and experience at a discount. That's what employment and compensation negotiations are: a simple "buy-and-sell" matter. And as the seller, you must set an asking price going in. Some interviewees carry along a lot of money in their wallets to feel valuable during negotiations.

d)Be Strictly Professional
Even if you admire the person you're negotiating with, remember that it's a business transaction, not a personal exchange. Separate the salary and employment issues you're discussing from how you feel about the person who wants to hire you. Remember that the outcome of your discussion will affect your family's well-being. Some executives put a family picture in their shirt or suit pocket and touch it occasionally during meetings as a reminder to stay on track, no matter how persuasive the employer is.

e)Understand The Dynamics Of The Particular Negotiations
Sometimes you’ll have skills that are in great demand. And sometimes, you may be one of several qualified candidates the company would be happy to hire. Sizing up the situation and understanding the relative position of each party will help you determine when to press your advantage and when to back off.

f)Never Lie, But Use The Truth To Your Advantage
It’s not only wrong to lie, but in employment negotiations, it’s ineffective. If you lie during negotiations, sooner or later you’re likely to be caught. Once you are, even if you don't lose the offer, you’ll be at a tremendous disadvantage, and your credibility will always be suspect. On the other hand, total candor won’t be rewarded. You’re under no obligation to blurt out everything you know. You can determine what you want to say and how you want to say it, and try to put everything in its most positive light. Rehearse it the night before in front of the mirror.

g)Use Positive Language
Never say "never" or "no" to an employer's offer. If the company is resisting your requests, use neutral-sounding words to describe your position by saying that you find the offer "disappointing," "unfortunate," "surprising" or "unacceptable." You also might try asking an employer to reconsider its offer, or ask for additional time to consider the terms to keep the door open to favorable changes. The point is to avoid words that make you sound angry or unwilling to negotiate further. The process should continue until you arrive at a satisfactory agreement, unless you blow it prematurely. Remember negotiations should leave you and the prospective employer happy, ultimately you will have to work together, and all this will have bearing on your future relationship.
h)Use Uncertainty To Your Advantage
The more information you convey to a potential employer about your bottom line, the more likely it will limit what you get. Before making an offer, a company typically tries to determine what it will take for you to accept the position. With that information, the prospective employer will be able to determine the minimum package it needs to offer. While they may not offer you as little as they can get away with, if you’ve divulged too much information, they likely won’t offer you as much as they might have otherwise. By disclosing exactly what your current compensation is or exactly what it would take to get you to leave your job, you’ll force a potential employer to make its best offer.
i)Focus On Your Goals Not Victory
Many times in negotiations, the act of winning becomes more important than achieving your goals. And it’s also important not to make your future boss feel as if he’s lost in the negotiations. You’ll have gained little by negotiating a good deal if you alienate your future boss in the process.

j)Know When To Quit Bargaining
The one sure way to lose everything you’ve obtained is to be greedy. There comes a point in every negotiation when you’ve achieved everything you could have reasonably expected to gain. While most companies will want to treat you fairly and make you happy, few companies want to hire a greedy hanger on. This may even cause the offer to fall through, or mar your image. Employment is an ongoing relationship. Job negotiations are the starting point for your career with a company. Get too little and you’re disadvantaged throughout your career there; push too hard and you can sour the relationship before it begins.
k) Get Written Confirmation
Getting something in writing provides closure and prevents any misunderstandings between you and an employer. Take charge of this process by writing a letter spelling out the details of the deal you've agreed to while they're fresh in your mind after the interview. It prevents misunderstandings that might result from poor memories, changed circumstances or, at times, bad faith on the part of an employer.

Should not make the following mistakes TO AVOID Selection by rejection committee! (Based on Reports from 153 firms)
1. Poor personal appearance.
2. Lack of interest and enthusiasm: Passive and indifferent.
3. Over emphasis on money: interested only in best package offer.
4. Condemnation of past employers.
5. Failure to look at the interviewer when conversing.
6. Limp, fishy handshake.
7. Unwillingness to go where sent.
8. Late to interview.
9. Failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time.
10. Asks no questions about job.
11. Indefinite response to questions.
12. Overbearing, over aggressive, conceited with superiority or "know it all complex."
13. Inability to express self clearly: Poor voice diction, grammar.
14. Lack of planning for career: no purpose and goals.
15. Lack of confidence and poise: nervous ill at ease.
16. Failure to participate in activities.
17. Unwilling to start at the bottom-expects too much too soon.
18. Makes excuses, evasive, hedges on unfavorable factors in record.
19. Lack of tact.
20. Lack of courtesy: ill mannered.
21. Lack of Maturity.
22. Lack of vitality.
23. Indecision.
24. Sloppy application blank.
25. Merely shopping around.
26. Wants job for short time.
27. No interest in company or industry.
28. Low moral standards.
29. Cynical.
30. Lazy.
31. Intolerant: strong prejudices.
32. Narrow interests.
33. Inability to take criticism.
34. High pressure type.

Follow-up Tips

— Thank you letter

— Express appreciation

— Mention the Step of your interview and the position for which you were interviewed

— Express continued interest in the position and the company.

— Close your letter with a longing to be the part of the company

General Practices Selection is an elimination process

CONCLUDE:

Remember your final selection depends on:

· •Your competence

· •Your commitment

· •Your culture (adaptability)