10 Interview FAQs
- Ravishankar Sahu –
Associate Director, CDC
Prepare your answers – Create your stories
With the most logical and acceptable guidelines
Content
Tell us about yourself/ Introduce yourself Why do you want to join us?
What are your Strengths? What motivates you?
What are your Weaknesses? What is your salary expectation?
Why should we hire you? What makes you a good team player?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Anything you wish to ask us?
1. Tell us about yourself/ Introduce yourself
Not what the Resume already says
It is called a personal interview for a reason
Help them understand your personality!
The HRs want to know if you will fit into their
company culture.
Whether you will cope up with the people
already working with them? – Friction affects
Productivity
Match Making!
Use the Script – Tell a Story – An interesting one!!
My name is _____, I am born and brought-up in ____ city. I come from a nuclear/ joint family. My
father is a ___(occupation) and my mother is a ___ (occupation). I completed my schooling from ___
school, and I am indebted to my teachers/ school for ____ (something important that you got from
your school). Apart from academics, I was vey active in sports/drawing/music/dance/____ and
represented my school at ___ level. (highlight achievement if any).
During my early childhood I came across my cousin/ uncle working for Google/___ and was really
impressed with his/her corporate life. Since then I was firm on carving a life in the corporate for
myself. I completed my graduation in ____ and learnt my way into managing tasks and situations in
various events like _____. As a final year project/ internship we worked on _____ and it was an
insightfully learning experience.
I worked hard to secure an admission in MIT WPU for the exposure it gives to the business world via
various national and international events on business, research, innovation and politics. I did my
internship at ____ and handled ___ along with my research project on ____.
2. Strengths -
Knowledge Based:
Acquired from Edu. or Experience
Languages, computer skills, technical know-how, etc.
Transferable Skills:
Portable skills, can be taken from one job to another.
Communications, people skills, Analytical/ Problem HOW CAN YOU CLAIM THAT THEY ARE
Solving skills, etc. YOUR STRENGTHS?
Personality Traits: Keep the stories ready to prove how you
displayed such qualities.
Your unique qualities
Dependable, Reliable, Creative, Disciplined, Determined,
etc.
BUT NOT – Friendly, Punctual, Hard working
3. Weaknesses – Shortcomings I am working on!!
Areas of your professional life you need to improve upon.
Support with your previous experiences:
1. Too straight forward – Improving via constructive
feedback
2. Can’t say no! – People take undue advantage so learning
to do it positively.
3. Not organized – Started using planner since six months
4. Public Speaking – MBA presentations have been helpful
5. Reaction to situation – Taking a pause, breathing
techniques have helped.
4. Why should we hire you?
Study the website in depth
Study the Job-description in detail
Match your qualifications, qualities,
achievements, and skills with the JD
Prove why this company has been a dream
company for you? – Refer to latest news
Convince that you are keen on learning and
being mentored by top leaders of the Co.!
Examples
Post connecting the dots from the job-description add either -
1. I think my experience or my project work in the industry along with my ability to work
autonomously make me a good match for this position.
2. I have a suitable experience via my summer internship and academic projects. My superior
communication ability would make me a good fit for this position.
3. If hired, I will bring my hands-on experience, leadership abilities, and strategies to enhance
profitability to this position.
4. I am keen on learning & mentored early on in my career and subsequently grow with the
company in the next five to ten years.
5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Are you ambitious/ challenger?
Goal Oriented/ Hungary for Success
Normally such qualities are appreciated!
Know the career path in the field/ industry you are
applying in!
Mention how you want to grow with the company
that you have applied for!
6. Why do you want to join us?
Time to show the amount of research you have
put in!
Avoid any negative comment about your current
employer or competitors.
Maybe the company operated in your chosen
sector (I love cars & automobile)
It provides a clear and structured growth path
and learning opportunities for a fresher.
The reputation of the company, Glassdoor
reviews, etc.
7. What motivates you at workplace?
Keep it positive and a non-superficial answer
like:
A healthy work environment
Clear goals
A great team
An experienced Mentor
8. What is your salary expectation?
Doesn’t apply for campus placements
Off-campus, do not hesitate
Check industry averages
15–20% raise usual for experienced
Can’t ask for too low or too high
Not a ball-park figure – but a band
9. What makes you a good team player?
Team players, Leadership, Patience, emotional
intelligence, etc. are all highly desirable traits
among corporate employees
Do not just claim, prove with true experiences
from events, situations, negotiations, project
work hurdles, problem solving, task
completion, etc. where people and formal
situations were involved.
10. Anything you wish to ask us?
Keep it a formal conversation
Sound cheerful, polite, and interested in the
company.
Example:
It will be pleasure to have a feedback of
today’s interview!
What is the culture like at ___ ?
Can you help me understand the career
path in ____ ?
Ravishankar Sahu
prof.ravishankar
