The Interview Process

One important key to success is self-confidence.

..An important key to self-confidence is preparation.
- Arthur Ashe

At the end of this module you will be able to:

Learn about the interview process and what is expected from you in the interview.

Know about the prerequisites and essentials of preparing for the interview.

Become aware of the type of questions that will be asked from you in the interview
and how you can best answer them.

Assess your performance against standard interview evaluation parameters.

The purpose of conducting interviews:

Interviews provide companies the opportunity to assess your relevant skills, knowledge,
interests, attitude and overall personality against specific, pre-determined evaluation parameters.
If your interviewers are able to assess that you have the potential to contribute positively towards
the companys growth and handle the job competently, they will opt to select you. However,
interviews are not just an opportunity for the interviewer to assess you, but are also a two way
process. You also have the opportunity to sell your strengths, ability and skills to the interviewers
and convince them that you are the right candidate for the job. You should think of interviews as
opportunities to market yourself successfully and not as something to be apprehensive about.

Is there a formula for success?

Purely for the sake of better understanding into what ingredients are necessary for
succeeding in interviews, we can derive a success formula for interviews which may be as
follows:
Your Abilities (Knowledge + Skills + Attitude) = Needs of the Organization
This formula gives the mix of ingredients required for succeeding in interviews. The
actual proportion of each ingredient may vary according to the type of interview and the job
profile. The formula brings out the fact that, over a period of time, skills and attitudes have
assumed a higher degree of importance in the corporate sector as the selection criteria for
freshers. Most companies nowadays not only check whether a students knowledge fundamentals
are sound, but also probe beyond to evaluate their soft skills and attitudes which are crucial for
performing effectively in a job.
The corporate interview can also be defined as a two way process:
Find out what the buyer is buying

Sell what the buyer is buying

In other words, you have to find out what the employer wants and show how you can best
meet those expectations. This concept of interviews highlights the importance of essential
function of pre-interview research on industry verticals, company and job profile as well as
highlights the significance of developing and customizing your employability portfolio to best
suit the job requirements. Your key strategy should be to uncover the interviewers greatest needs
and wants before you appear for your interview.

Interviews can also be defined in terms of a basic marketing function, where you have
to consider yourself as a product that has to be positioned to match the buyers needs as closely
as possible, and as in every product, the finishing or the packaging plays an important role to
attract attention. As such, professional grooming and interview etiquette, the two basic
components which form your packaging, is also very important and have been adequately
covered in detail in this book.

Interview procedure & methodology:

Interviews are generally a multi-stage process having a series of HR and technical
rounds. You can expect some of the following types of interview rounds:

Group Interviews: In this type of interview session, students are made to sit in small
groups of 5-8 and randomly asked general questions on various aspects of their personal
profile and knowledge areas. This is an elimination round from which only the cream of
students are selected for a further one to one personal interview. This type of interview
session is conducted when the number of candidates is large and / or there is shortage of
time. Group interviews need careful handling. You have to be totally alert and quick to
respond to any question thrown at you, otherwise you may miss the opportunity. You are
selected on the basis of your speed of response, communication skills and quality of your
answer.

Stress Interviews: They are conducted for specific job profiles where work pressure is
tremendous and deadlines have to be met. They are also conducted for job profiles in
which multitasking is required or there is a continuous client interaction. Stress
interviews involve the process of putting you under a time limit to perform a group of
tasks, or simultaneously handling a variety of tasks or critical queries. Stress interviews

can also be in the form of an aggressive personal attack on your abilities or doubting your
suitability for the job, asking four or five questions in a row or at the same time, acting
rude or sarcastic, disagreeing with you, ignoring you, or simply keeping you waiting for a
long period. The idea is to test your confidence level, patience and coolness, presence of
mind and smartness of response. The key to surviving the stress interview is to remember
the 3 Cs of Interviews: Staying Calm, Cool, and Collected. If you remain calm, cool
and collected, and handle such unnerving questions or hostile treatment with finesse and
grace, it will have a positive effect on the employer. Be aware of showing negative body
language during this time such as clenching your fist, crossing your legs, frowning or
squirming in the chair. Exhibit a calm thoughtful demeanor and maintain good eye
contact while answering stress questions.

Case study based Interviews: This kind of interview is held typically for technical or
marketing students in which a case study is given, which may consist of problems in
software development and implementation or finding a solution to a marketing problem.
The focus will be on your problem comprehension and solving skills, strategic and
analytical ability, creativity and innovative ability. Questions are asked on your
understanding of the problem and discussing possible solutions. You can also be asked to
suggest alternate methods of finding the solution. In such questions, there is generally no
right answer. Its important that you take the interviewers through your thought process in
finding the solution so they can assess your analytical ability.

One to one Interviews: These are generally second stage interviews on a one to one
basis. However, scarcity of time compels most companies to use them as a front line
interviewing methodology. Such interviews are in-depth interviews which look into the

aspect of your suitability for that particular job. The interviewer will most likely be your
prospective departmental head, under whom you will be working.

Panel Interviews: A panel interview comprises of a combination of interviewers from

the HR and the heads of concerned department, i.e. marketing or technical, depending on
the job profile. The panel can also include one of the senior officers of the company. The
panel interview is much comprehensive and wider in scope, as the panel consists of
people from different departments who can ask you different kinds of questions. So be
prepared to handle all kinds of questions related to your academics, skills and
achievements, work experience, family background, willingness to work under certain
conditions, relocating, etc.

Technical Interviews: As the name suggests, they are technical in nature and may not be
just question and answer sessions. You may be asked to practically demonstrate or
display your technical skills. Technical interviews focus on analyzing your competency
for a specific skill or a set of specific skills. For example, IT stream students may be
asked to write a small program or prepare a flowchart. In some cases, the technical
interview is combined with the one to one interview, with one interviewer from the
technical side and the other from HR.

Peer Interviews
Some companies are adopting newer techniques, one of them being a peer interview,
where you are asked to intermingle with your prospective co-workers who evaluate you
at the same time according to specific parameters.

Preparing for the Interview:

Mental fear of the unknown is often what produces physical symptoms of nervousness. In
addition to preparing yourself physically, you also need to prepare yourself mentally. The best
way to prepare is to fully understand what you may face during the interviews and practice
thoroughly. Fear exists only when you are faced with the unknown. Once the process becomes
familiar through regular practice sessions, you feel more confident and positive. Therefore, you
should take pains to prepare rigorously for the interview process:
1. The best way to prepare for interview questions is to make a list of expected questions
and prepare your answers for them by writing them down.
2. Once you have put your answers down on paper, use the sound scripting techniques
explained in the chapter on Verbal Communication Skills to enhance the way you
deliver your answers.
3. Sit in front of a mirror and practice speaking the answers aloud with proper word stress,
intonations and pauses.
4. Take note of your facial expressions, eye movement, hand gestures and posture. Also
the level and pace of your voice. You can use the Non-verbal communication check list
given at the end of this module for non verbal analysis to rate yourself after each
practice session to make improvements.
5. Practice the interview etiquette of asking permission to enter, greeting, shaking
hands, asking permission to sit down and thanking the interviewer. You should be able
to perform these things smoothly and confidently without any hitch. Check yourself
against the Interview Etiquette Check List given at the end of this module to monitor
your performance.

Nonverbal communication during interviews:

Your body language says a lot about you. During the interview, how you present yourself
is as important as the way you answer the questions. As soon as you enter into the room, there
will usually be a short exchange of interview etiquette followed by an ice breaking query, which
is designed to put you at ease but these initial moments are the most opinion forming. Your body
language conveys all sorts of messages, and if you use the right body language, it will convey the
image of a well-balanced and confident individual. You have to make a great first impression
you will never get a second chance to do so. Here are some tips to keep in mind about your body
language when you prepare for an interview:

Walk in confidently with your shoulders straight and a pleasant, natural smile on your
face.

Maintain the smile while performing a firm handshake along with the brief exchange of
greeting.

Sit comfortably with a firm posture. Keep your hands folded in your lap or at your sides.
Do not lean over the interviewers table or place your hands in your pocket.

Both feet should be on the floor and you should sit straight without being stiff.

Maintain eye contact with the interviewer without staring or you might make the
interviewer feel uncomfortable.

If there's more than one interviewer, look towards the one who is talking. While you
answer, make sure to shift your glance from one interviewer to the other interviewers in
turn to include them all.

Use hand gestures only to emphasize on certain points. Do not overdo the hand gestures
or communicate without using hand gestures at all. Also, do not make very wide hand

gestures. Remember, youre in an interview and not giving a presentation to a large

audience. The best way to avoid this is to imagine a small one foot square box in front of
you and make your hand gestures within that box only.

Use active listening skills by nodding to show you're listening to the interviewer.

Keep a confident and interested facial expression. Try not to appear nervous,
apprehensive or disillusioned.

Keep a check on too frequently repeated body movements, such as making the same kind
of hand gestures all the time.

Negative Body language gestures:

Here are some negative body language gestures which you should be aware of and
completely avoid during your interview:

Crossed arms: you are revealing a defensive and reserved personality.

Crossed legs: means you are very reserved and wary.

Sitting with hands inside the pockets: means youre not sure or feel suspicious.

Sitting in a chair shaking one of the legs: You are completely nervous and
uncomfortable.

Eyes downcast or face turned down: means youre not interested or too shy and rather
be out of the room.

Leaning back in the chair with both hands clasped behind head: Usually this
signifies an analytical mood, but not to be used in interviews as it is also a gesture of
superiority.

Rubbing or touching your nose, cheek or ear when answering a question: Youre
sure hiding something or not telling the complete truth.

Rubbing the back of your head or the back of your neck: - means youre really
uncomfortable with the interview and would like to get away as soon as possible.

Making palm-down gestures: Such signs are generally reserved for authority figures.

Making a thumb up or down gesture: This is an informal symbol of non verbal

communication and to be avoided at interviews.

Steepling or clasping your hands: Displays intellectual arrogance or superiority and

should be avoided.

Folding your legs under your chair or sitting with crossed ankle: While the first one
shows an introverted tendency, the second one displays arrogance.

Nervous actions while answering questions: Biting your lip or licking them is a sign of
nervousness, and should be strictly avoided.

Verbal communication during interviews:

Verbal communication during interviews is all about the 3Cs: Confidence, Credibility and
Competence.

Confidence: The tone and pace of your voice expressively conveys the way you are
feeling. When you are nervous your pace tends to speed up, which leads to stammering,
fumbling and mispronouncing words. It may also cause you to use excessive fillers
(Um.aher.) or keep repeating a particular phrase in your answers (the most
commonly repeated word is actually). Fear can make your tone subdued and timid.
Both pace and tone need to be controlled if you want to display confidence. The best way
to control your pace and tone is to prepare and rehearse your answers well and get into a
lot of mock practice sessions.

Credibility: This comes with the kind of words you use and the way you speak. Choice
of appropriate words is important to convey your ideas and thoughts clearly. Use
communication enhancers like action verbs (given in chapter - Your Employability
Portfolio), idioms, word partnerships and emphatic expressions (chapter - Verbal
Communication Skills) to answer convincingly. Use keywords (given in chapter - The
Direct placement process) to describe your work experience or summer internship work
profile. Sound scripting techniques serve to enhance the way you speak and add to the
credibility of your answer by use of tonal variations and word stress to convey optimism,
enthusiasm, conviction and interest during the interview.

Competence: This is conveyed through how you answer the questions. Always keep
your answers brief and to the point. Listen carefully and seek clarifications if you dont
understand the question. Dont ramble keep on talking and repeating what youve
already said. You should RESPOND to questions rather than REACT. Dont make
excuses or give defensive replies. Focus on positive outcomes only and use your answers
to highlight your competencies, experience and knowledge. However, be careful not to
boast or overstate your accomplishments as it will create a negative impact. You can
convey the same thing in a positive, factual manner without sounding boastful or trying
to oversell yourself by the way you frame your sentences.
An example:
Negative impact: I have excellent selling skills. I can persuade customers easily by
telling them all about the products plus points.

Positive impact: I first understand the customers needs and offer them the best possible
solution that will fulfill those needs. This way I am able to effectively convince my
customers.
The second response shows your understanding of the selling process which is based on
understanding and satisfying the customers needs. It sounds more believable and realistic.

Required Competencies for Interviews:

Now lets look into the kinds of competencies (skills set + attitudes) that are tested during
the interviews, and how to best project these competencies in front of your interviewers.
Competencies: Skills Set
As in group discussions, skill sets vary according to the job profile and you should
highlight those competencies which are crucial for the performance of that job. If you are
applying for a sales job profile, then be prepared to be asked to sell a product or service to the
interviewer. You should be familiar with the basic principals of selling and how to effectively
display your convincing skills. Similarly for a managerial position in sales, you should also be
able to convince your interviewers about your leadership quality and team building skills with
suitable examples.
Competencies: Attitudes
Apart from skills, the set of attitudes you project matter a great deal in interviews.
Attitudes are a state of mind or disposition you have with regards to a person or thing. It is a
tendency or orientation formed through experience, habits and environmental circumstances.
Attitude is what causes people to regard an object in different ways. The classic example of this
is the glass of water illustration. Some will say it is half full and others will call it half empty.
Attitudes are conveyed both sublimely and consciously by you through your body language

and by your words. It is not enough to say you have a positive approach towards things while
sitting in a slouching manner in the chair. So make sure you convey your attitude in both your
verbal and non verbal communication during interviews. Here are some attitudes which you
should display during the interview:

Positive and optimistic frame of mind

Enthusiasm and keenness

Perseverance and dedication

Alertness and attentiveness

Adaptability and flexibility

Passion for the career stream, industry sector & job profile.

Problem solving and result oriented approach

Proactive nature

Out of the box thinking

Questions to expect in an Interview:

You can expect a wide variety of questions which assess your overall personality, from
evaluating your employability skills and motivations to the technically intricate questions
relevant to the job applied for. Questions are designed around the specific competencies required
for the position you have applied for. Remember that the whole point of the exercise is for the
interviewer is to establish three basic things about you - to determine if you have the skills and
competencies to perform the job effectively, if you are willing to perform the job well and
equally important, if you are someone they would like to work with, whether your overall
personality your appearance, grooming and etiquettes are acceptable enough or not. As such,
there are only three categories of interview questions:

Can you do the job well?

This tests your competency and knowledge for the job.

Will you do the job well?

This probes if you are motivated enough to perform the job.

Do you fit in well?

This is to judge how well you will get along with the others in the organization.
All interview questions fit into the above mentioned categories. There is a fourth category

which really does not apply to freshers and that is the question Are you affordable? As
companies visiting the campus for selecting students have a fixed salary structure which is
intimated to you during the briefing session. In case you have applied directly, before going for
the interview, research the current salary structure pertaining to that job profile in that specific
sector and quote accordingly in case you are asked about your salary expectations.
A list of most frequently asked interview questions according to various job profiles is
given in the appendix section, along with the best possible way to answer them. Go through them
and prepare your own answers accordingly.
Different styles of questioning:
It is a good idea to be aware here about the different styles of questioning and how to best
respond to each type. Corporate interviews are generally a mix of various types of interviews,
and very rarely of one kind, such as a purely behavioral, situation or case study interview. As
such it is better to focus on the different styles of questions which may be asked from you:

Specific:

Examples: What subject have you taken? Or Where did you do your summer training
from?

The best way to answer such questions is to give a straightforward, factual reply.

Open ended:

Examples: Tell us something about yourself. or Why do you want to become a

manager?
These questions encourage you to expand your answer according to your choice, and test
your ability to communicate and express your thoughts in a clear and structured manner.

Closed ended:

Examples: Are you willing to relocate? or Are you an optimistic person?

This type of question invites a yes or no answer but you can always expand slightly to give a
more suitable response.

Aggressive:

Examples: Do you think you are really suitable for this job? or Can you work late to cope
with the pressures of this job? or Dont you think your experience in summer training is
completely irrelevant for this kind of job profile?
These questions are put to put you on the defensive and under stress while responding to
them. They tend to challenge you and test your wits and confidence level. The best way is to
anticipate such questions beforehand and stay cool to give a positive response.

Hypothetical or Situational:

Examples: If you were in charge of leading a team, how would you ensure everyone met
the work deadlines? or What if there were no fixed guidelines for performing a certain
task?
Hypothetical questions are based on What if premises, asking you to project your thoughts
and ideas from an assumption. You are expected to give your response to specific,

hypothetical situations that you may face on the job. You are tested here are for your speed
and clarity of though, along with the ability to construct a logically convincing response. It
also tests your knowledge level in applying relevant skills to a hypothetical yet practical
situation.

Incidental or Behavioral:

Examples: Relate an incident in your life when you had to display your interpersonal
skills. or Give an example of your leadership ability.
The purpose behind such questions is to test your understanding and knowledge of certain
competencies and in what way you can practically apply them to real life situations. The
interviewer makes certain assumptions based on your past demonstrated behavior in tackling
different types of situations in order to predict your future responses. Keep concrete specific
examples ready for each of the relevant competencies to narrate promptly and smoothly. Do
not make it sound rehearsed or artificial. Go into details and give specific time periods and
names while you are relating the incident to sound more authentic. You can draw on
extracurricular activities such as annual festivals, competitive activities like debates and
sports in which you participated, project work, summer training assignments or any other
activity you undertook to base your examples around.
Hypothetical and Incidental Questions: The best approach:
These kinds of questions are more prevalent in corporate interviews nowadays, as they reveal
a great deal about your inherent competencies. The best way is to structure your response for
these types of questions is to use a STAR framework:

What was the Situation?

- Describe the background here: During our annual college festival Happenings in January
last year, I was entrusted with the responsibility of..

What was your Task?

- Outline your work responsibilities clearly here: I was entrusted with the responsibility of
getting sponsors for various cultural events from companies.

What Actions did you take?

- Focus here on your competencies to accomplish the given task: I used my interpersonal
skills to build a team of enthusiastic students, and motivated them to visit companies to
collect sponsorships. I was able to organize the work according to the ability and resources
of the team members and utilized my personal contacts as well to get sponsorships..
This answer clearly demonstrates to the interviewers that you know all about interpersonal
skills and team building.

What was the Result?

- Mention the outcome at the end what you achieved as a result of efforts. Give specific
figures and include a positive appraisal received from your head of department or teachers
praising your efforts.

The telephonic interview:

Generally, phone interviews are a preliminary to the actual interview. It gives a preinterview assessment to the company about the feasibility of calling you for a face to face
interview. Phone interviews are usually held when you apply directly to the company, either
online or by other means.

Preparation for a phone interview is equally important. The initial impression you create
and the way you present yourself will decide weather you will be called over for a face to face
interview. Take care of certain prerequisites which can make your interview easier to handle:

Keep your CV near the phone or on a desk if you are using a mobile to answer the
interview call, so that it's readily available to you while answering questions.

Go over your competency related examples and keep your research sheet on the company
handy.

Prepare a written brief about yourself to respond to the very basic question 'Tell me about
yourself.'

Jot down a couple of questions you would like to ask.

Keep a pen and paper within reach for jotting down points.

Turn off the call-waiting function on your phone and put any other phone you may have
to silent mode.

If the call comes at an inconvenient time, ask if you could talk at another time.

Make sure there will be no disturbance around you at the time of taking the call.

Handling the phone interview:

The Opening

In case you are not mentally prepared or caught by surprise when the call comes, take
a breather before starting the interview. Thank the interviewer for calling and request
permission to switch off the television or the music system before attending the call.
After this, put the phone down and collect your resume and support materials, take a

few deep breaths and pick up the phone with a smile on your face. This establishes a
self control and prepares you to face the interview.
During the Interview

Its a good idea to give the interview while standing up instead of being seated. This
allows you room to pace around a little while answering questions and a little
movement takes away any nervous agitation within you. Dont overdo the pacing
around as it might make you feel breathless.

Its very natural for your mouth to dry up while answering questions. Keep a glass of
water nearby.

Make sure to smile from time to time. Smiling changes the tone of your voice and
will project a positive image to the listener.

In a phone interview, your tone and pace is the most important aspect. Keep your tone
enthusiastic, friendly and energetic. Keep a check on speaking too fast. Modulate
your voice by using sound scripting techniques. Over the phone, its also important
that your pronunciation is clear and you do not use any fillers such as umm.and
ahh.

Use the interviewers name frequently during the interview such as Mr. Gupta. You
can vary this by sometimes also using sir. Also, use the companys name a few
times during the interview.

Avoid answering in yes or no to questions and never interrupt the interviewer.

Always try to respond with a positive answer and remember the golden rule of using
the interview as a means of showcasing your competencies.

This is not a good time to mention things like salary, benefits or perks. Keep these
things for the face to face interview.

The Closing

Your objective is to set up a face to face interview. At the end of the interview, make
sure you ask for it. You can do this by thanking the interviewer for calling and
enquire when it would be possible to meet in person.

At the end of the interview, in case the interviewer asks if you have any questions, use
it as an opportunity to ask what the next step is. Dont ask any further questions at
this stage. Express your desire to work for the company and say you would appreciate
the opportunity for a face to face interview.

Post telephonic interview requisites:

Note down what question you were asked and how you answered them. This will help
you to improve yourself for the next phone interview.

In case there is no commitment from the interviewer for a face to face interview,
follow up with a thank you note/email which shows your interest in the job and
requests for a face to face interview.

How are you evaluated in the interview?

Generally, you are evaluated on an Evidence Based methodology, a procedure which
focuses on finding evidence of your past achievements in areas of knowledge, skill and
motivation. The recruiter will first identify the competencies and motivations required to perform
the job well and frame questions designed to solicit the desired response from you. You are then

evaluated on the quality of evidence you provide for each question. Therefore, you should be
ready with concrete examples which provide evidence of your competencies and motivations for
the job. Given in the appendix section is a 4-factor Interview Evaluation Form which will help
you in knowing which competencies are assessed during the interviews, and you can use it to
perform a self assessment after mock interview sessions to see where you stand.
A second method is On the Spot Demonstration method in which you have to
demonstrate your competency for the job by analyzing or solving a given problem. This is a
more common method for technical or creative job profiles, such as testing your software skills
for a programmers job. Some job profiles can contain a mix of both the methods, such as an
interview for a sales job profile in which the interviewer can also evaluate you by asking you
demonstrate how to sell a particular product to him.
Whatever kind of interview you may face, the important thing to remember is that the
only way to prepare well for interviews is to think out your responses and rehearse. Get into
mock interview practice sessions with your peers or your instructors and get them to evaluate
you and provide you the feedback for further improvements.

Interview FAQs:
Here are the answers to some general things which you may need to clarify regarding interviews:
Q1. Should I discuss about salary and perks during the interview?
If it an initial interview, then dont raise this issue unless it is brought up by the interviewers. The
initial interview is generally followed by an HR interview in which salary, allowances, perks and
the leave policies are discussed in detail. Wait for the interviewers in subsequent interviews to
bring up this issue; otherwise you can always clarify at the end of the final interview if the issue
is not raised. If you are participating in campus placements, the company will give a pre-

selection presentation in which the salary structure and perks are conveyed to you. This means
that the salary is non-negotiable and the company will offer a fixed package as conveyed to you
in their presentation, so dont raise the issue of salary in your interviews.
Q2. What if I dont understand a question?
You can always ask the interviewer to clarify by requesting politely to repeat or paraphrase the
question.
Q3. What if I dont know the answer to a question?
Its best to be honest in situations like this and say that you dont know.
Q4. Is it proper to shake hands with all the interviewers before and after the interviews?
While shaking hands is important as it displays confidence on your part, it may not be practical
when you are having a panel of 4-5 interviewers.
Q5. How do I explain any gaps in my education?
Sometimes, it may not be possible to come up with valid reasons for explaining the gaps in your
education. You can always convert this into a positive factor in your favor by stating that you
utilized your spare time in preparing and equipping yourself with the relevant knowledge and
competencies required for your chosen career. Otherwise you can give reasons which do not
reflect personally on your capability or attitude, such as family problems.
Q6. Is it all right to say that I have plans to study further?
It may not be a good idea to convey that you are planning to enroll for some full time course
after 2-3 years of working in a job. It gives the impression that you regard this job as a stopgap
measure to earn money and gain experience, not someone the company can regard as a long term
employee on whom they can invest time and money. You can say that you would like to upgrade

your knowledge and skills by enrolling for a correspondence course, or would be willing to join
some company sponsored training courses.
Q7. Should I say I have applied elsewhere?
In case the interviewer brings up this question, you can always say you are keeping your options
open.
Q8. What if I say something that mismatches with the information I have put in my CV?
Its best to avoid this situation and go over your CV and prepared answers carefully to check if
they match. This kind of situation will not generally come up if your preparation is thorough.
Q9. Can I ask if I have been selected or not at the end of the interview?
You can enquire about the next step after your initial interview. In case it is your final interview,
you can always enquire how soon they will be intimating the outcome to you.
Q10. What questions should I ask in case the interviewer asks me if I have any questions?
You can ask questions related to your training or orientation program, specific areas of job
responsibility, in house employee development programs the company may be having. Dont ask
questions on the leave policy, promotion criteria, and possibility of relocating or future monetary
benefits.

Interview Question & Answers:

Given below are some of the most frequently asked questions during corporate interviews, with
the best possible way to answer the questions. You should customize and frame your answers
according to your personal profile, nature of job and company whose interview you are giving.
Question 1: Tell us something about yourself?
This is usually the first and one of the most important questions asked during the interview. The

way you answer this question creates a strong initial impression on the interviewer and can set
the tone for the rest of your interview. Make sure you prepare the answer to this question well
and practice speaking it aloud a few times in front of a mirror, or in front of someone who can
give you an honest, critical appraisal.
Purpose:
This question has a three-fold purpose:

How well you can market yourself as the most qualified person for the position.

What you consider more important about yourself.

Testing your communication skills.

General tips on how to answer:

Structure your Self- Presentation

Use Sound Scripting

Control your Pace & Tone

Prioritize your Information

Use action words to create a positive impact

Sequence of Information:

Name & current pursuit. (Ex: My name is .. and I am currently doing MBA from
with Marketing and Finance as my specializations.)

Career Objective & Goals align them with the corporate objectives & goals. (If
possible, give your specific short term goal, followed by your long term objectives)

Work Experience (if any) highlight responsibilities & achievements.

Summer Training / Project highlight the work profile & your contribution to the
company during that period, and the experience and practical learning you gained.

Key Skills and qualities mention those relevant to the job profile.

Special Achievements - Prizes, positions held, participation in events & competitions,

research papers presented, projects, etc.

Professional /Technical qualifications something apart from your academics, which can
also include relevant seminars and workshops attended.

Hobbies & Extra-curricular activities.

It is important to mention appropriate extra-curricular activities which add to your suitability for
the job. For example, if you are applying for a position which involves your working in a team, it
would be a good idea to mention that you enjoy playing or watching team games like cricket,
football or hockey.
Given below is a Job Profile Competency Chart depicting what skills and attitudes are
essential for which job profile:

S.No.

Job Profile

Skills & Attitudes

1.

Sales

Communication, Interpersonal, Convincing,

Assertive, Persistence, Patience, Optimism,
Enthusiastic, Result oriented, team working.

2.

Marketing

Communication, Interpersonal, Team working,

Organizing and planning, Innovative, Analytical,
Decisive, Trouble shooting, Optimistic, Enthusiastic.

3.

Finance

Analytical, Innovative, Methodical, Precise,

Rational, Detail Oriented, Critical, Broad vision and
foresightedness, planning and structuring, intuitive.

4.

HR

Communicative, Interpersonal, Judgmental,

Negotiating skills, Keen insight of human character,
Motivating, Indiscriminating, Compassionate, Good
listening skills.

5.

Technical Research

Creative, Analytical, Detail Oriented, Methodical,

Precise, Persistent, Critical, Optimistic, Intuitive,
Problem solving approach, Team working.

6.

Software Development Analytical, Detail Oriented, Methodical, Innovative,

Problem solving approach, Team working.

7.

Technical Support

Analytical, Methodical, Problem solving approach,

Team working.

8.

Customer care /
Hospitality / Client
Interaction

Communication, Interpersonal skills, patience, team

working, Empathic.

Note: Other skills may also be required for a particular job profile, but are secondary. For
example, for a Finance job, analytical ability is essential, but it is also good to have a positive
and optimistic attitude.
It is important while answering this question; you phrase your answer in such a way that brings
out the relevant qualities appropriate for that job profile. Make use of specific keywords and
phrases in your answer in order to create a better impact.
Here are some examples to give you an idea:
Question: "Tell me about yourself?"
Response for a finance job profile:
I have achieved success so far by making well-thought-out decisions based on careful analysis
of all factors. I'm a person who approaches problems with logic and sound reasoning. I would
enjoy developing appropriate systems and procedures to streamline and automate the financial
functioning of a company in an effective manner, and my goal is to gain expertise in all finance
related procedures and systems. My finance specialization in MBA and relevant summer
internship in ANZ Grindlays has provided me the technical knowledge which I can built upon,
and I am looking forward to joining a company which can provide me a platform to build a
career in finance."
Response for a marketing job profile:

I thrive on seeking out innovative solutions to challenging problems to maximize results.

Regardless of the task or challenge, I always like to give my best performance in anything I do. I
think my main strength is my ability to work well with diverse teams. I seek out opportunities to
involve and collaborate with others to perform a job effectively. This ability, combined with my
effective communication skills has always led me to success in extra curricular activities. My
marketing specialization and summer training project in identifying and developing new market
segments at Hindustan Unilever has groomed me well for a professional career in marketing. I
believe that an organization that does not change and grow will die. I would enjoy working with
your company to help define new market opportunities and evolve innovative strategies in order
to maximize the overall profitability of the organization.
Questions 2: What are your Career goals? / What do you want to achieve? / How do you
define success?/ Where do you see yourself five/ten years from now?
Purpose:

How clear are you in your purpose and if it matches with the organization's goals.

To see if you're settling for this position, or using it merely as a stopover until something
better comes along.

Gauge your level of ambition and your definition of success.

How to Answer:
Know first about the company's corporate goals, the job responsibilities and organizational
structure before answering this question and customize your career goals accordingly. Your
answer should be task focused and not self-materialistic. Project yourself as someone who can
develop the relevant expertise and experience to perform wider work responsibilities and

functions in the future, whom the company can depend upon to contribute towards its
growth, instead of just obtaining higher monetary benefits and promotions for your self.
Many candidates answer this question by elaborating upon their own future benefits and personal
achievements such as promotions, higher salary and incentives which gives a very selfish,
narrow ambition. Instead, focus on higher work responsibilities and wider contribution to the
company with respect to your job.
A lot of candidates make the mistake of saying that their goal is to start their own business.
While being an entrepreneur is an admirable ambition, it is the wrong sort of answer to give
during a job interview, as your prospective employers are looking to develop you into a corporate
asset in the future, not in someone who may gain experience at their expense and then leave the
job to start their own business.
It may be a good idea to give a break up of your immediate short term goals and your long term
goals. Short term goals are always specific and target oriented. If youre giving an interview of a
marketing job profile, focus on achievement of targets, expanding the client base of the company,
brand promotion and development of sales team, etc. For a technical job profile, it could be
successful testing and implementation of new software or meeting the project completion
deadlines.
Question 3: Who is your role model? / Who inspires you the most?
Purpose:
What qualities you consider important for success, and if they are relevant to the job profile.
How to Answer:
Mention a person from the relevant trade a well know, non controversial figure. Be clear on
why you admire that person their qualities, skills and achievements which should be relevant

to the job profile.

One of the biggest mistakes to make here is to name a non related personality, which causes a
job profile skill set mismatch. One student during an interview session for a brand promotion
executive of a mobile company, named Mother Teresa as the person he admired the most. You
can imagine the grilling he was put through to justify his choice of role model with respect to the
job profile. No doubt, on a personal level, Mother Teresa may be a perfect example to emulate,
but professionally, it will not be suitable to pick her as a role model.
Questions 4: Why do you want to join our company? / Why do you want to
enter this particular career? / Describe your ideal company and job profile.
Purpose:
To test your general awareness about the company, job profile & sector and your motive in
pursuing that career line or joining the company. To see if you will prove to be a long term player
in this field who will stick through the ups and downs.
How to Answer:

Emphasize on the long term growth prospects in that particular career.

What you admire most about the company.

Positive growth prospects of the industry segment.

How the companys corporate goals and field of business fits in with your personal career
aspirations.

How your skills and qualities make you the ideal person for the job profile/career line.

This answer needs careful thinking, as giving short term, temporary reasons for entering into a
particular career stream may put a question mark against your maturity level and soundness of

your choice. During the interview sessions for a major hotel chain, several students cited the
good growth prospects in the hospitality industry due to the 2010 Commonwealth Games as a
reason for wanting to pursue a career in the hotel industry. This is an example of a short term
point of view upon which to base a career decision on. The interviewer asked the candidates who
gave this answer that what will happen after the Commonwealth Games would there not be an
overcapacity in the hospitality sector afterwards which may lead to a slump in occupancy and
rentals? None of the candidates were able to give a satisfactory reply to this. So it is better to
focus on long term trends in the industry.
Similarly, you have to give solid, long term reasons for joining the company. Superfluous
answers such as the company being a market leader, having a good product range, brand image,
appealing advertising, etc. will show that you have not given a deep thought to why you wish to
join the company. These are temporary things which may change over time. Emphasize on the
core values, long term vision and corporate objectives of the company, which remain unchanged.
Elaborate how your personal goals can be best fulfilled while working in the company, and how
the company offers you the best working environment for achieving your ambition.
During a campus interview session of HUL, one student emphasized upon the companys
excellent work culture as his reason for wanting to join. While there was nothing wrong in that
answer, a bit of in depth probing by the interviewers revealed chinks in the candidates
knowledge of the work culture of HUL. The student had no clue of the companys work culture
or HR policies. So, be careful to back whatever reasons you give by concrete facts.

Question 5: Why do you think you are suitable for this job? /Why should we hire you? /
How can you convince us that you are the best candidate for the job?

Purpose:
Testing your confidence level and checking if you have understood the job requirements well and
what it takes to perform the job.
How to Answer:
By now you can see how critical it is to apply the strategy of uncovering the employers needs
before you answer questions. If you know the employers greatest needs and desires, this
question should be a cakewalk for you.
Elaborate upon each of the position's requirements and follow it with a reason why you meet
that requirement well, and that you have the necessary key skills required. Be absolutely
confident and positive when you answer this question as it your confidence which is being tested
here. Show your long term commitment to the company and your passion for that career.
An example:
As I understand the job requirements, you are first and foremost looking for someone who can
manage the sales and marketing of your retail channel. You need someone with an exposure to
distribution channel marketing, and this the area where Ive done my summer internship in R
Com, where I was given the opportunity to handle the existing distribution channel as well as
seek out opportunities to develop new markets . I believe this exposure to channel marketing
during my summer internship has prepared me well for this job profile. I know I have effective
communication and interpersonal skills to manage the job well and my ability to establish a
quick rapport with people make me the ideal candidate for the job. I have been told I can be
pushy without being offensive, and I believe that is what is required to push sales in a retail
channel. You also need someone who can expand your retail channel, for which an energetic,

enthusiastic and confident fresher like me can achieve. Also, this job profile suits my personal
ambition to make a long term, stable career in channel marketing.
Question 6: What is your greatest weakness? / Where could you use some improvement?
Purpose:
This is a potential trap and can eliminate you to make you admit a fatal flaw within you to
disqualify you.
How to Answer:

Turn your weaknesses into strengths. E.g. - Being impatient but this also leads you to
drive yourself hard to achieve things more quickly. Or being too pushy sometimes.
However, this often leads you achieve results in difficult situations.

Specify those weaknesses only that do not disqualify you for the job. Don't mention
things like being lazy, dishonest, careless or short tempered.

Give a weakness which you have already resolved or taking steps to improve. E.g. - Lack
of computer skills, for which you are taking a special course in MS Office.

Some weaknesses you can mention:

Impatience, inadequate exposure to a working environment(being a fresher), lack of technical
skills which you are resolving by taking a course, tend to push people too hard for success, being
too much of a perfectionist, being restless and wanting to be on the move (for marketing jobs),
dislike paperwork and writing reports (for marketing jobs).
Question 7: What are your greatest strengths?
Purpose:
This question seems easy, but be careful here. You don't want to come across as egotistical or
arrogant. Nor is this a time to be humble.

How to Answer:
As mentioned earlier, if you know your interviewers greatest wants and needs - you should have
this list as your greatest strengths and always give corresponding examples of how this strength
has helped you achieve something in the past.
Some students during campus interviews or mock interview practice sessions give standard,
routine strengths which are not actually strengths but basic character requirements, such as being
honest, hardworking, disciplined, punctual, etc. Mentioning these things as strengths should be
avoided, as these things are expected from everyone as part of their character, and need not be
highlighted. As a general guideline, here are some common positive traits which can be used for
all sorts of job profiles:

Positive attitude, good sense of humor, being a self starter, definiteness of purpose,

ability to walk the extra mile for results, being a good listener, good communication skills,
having an eye for details, good character judgment, ability to interact well with others, quick
learner, being work savvy.
However, it would be best to mention those strengths which are job specific, those which can
help you perform more effectively in that job.
Question 8: If we select you, how do you see yourself one year from now?
Purpose:
One reason interviewers ask this question is to see if youre settling for this position, using it
merely as a stopover until something better comes along. Or they could be trying to gauge your
level of ambition.
How to Answer:
Reassure your interviewer that youre looking to make a long- term commitment, that this

position entails exactly what youre looking to do and is something what you can do
extremely well according to your skills and aptitude. Give specific roles and responsibilities you
would like to accomplish within one year, as per your job profile. Your answer should be focused
on what specific tasks you would successfully be able to perform during that period of time and
what would be the results or benefits to the company. You can also specify work related
experience and knowledge you would like to acquire within that time.
Question 9
Give me an example of your creativity (analytical skillmanaging abilityselling skills,
etc.)
Purpose:
This question asks you to demonstrate relevant skills necessary for the job by giving a practical
example from your past. You can take an example from your professional field, academics or
extra-curricular activity or any personal incident which brings out the application of the skill
asked about. The worst offense here is simply being unprepared. Your hesitation may seem as if
youre having a hard time remembering the last time you were creative, analytical, etc.
How to Answer:
You should have a specific example or two, which illustrates your relevant strengths, chosen
from your most recent activities. You should memorize this example well and be able to
recite it without any hesitation.
As explained earlier, use the STAR framework for answering such questions:
S- What was the Situation?
T What was your Task?
A What Actions did you take?

R What were the Results?

Question 10: What type of people do you work with most effectively and the least? / What
qualities impress you most in colleagues?
Purpose:
To find out how well you would fit in with the other employees of the company, and what you
consider to be the most admirable qualities to cultivate.
How to Answer:
Focus on the positive qualities of other people here instead of negative ones:
Example: "I tend to work well with people who are confident and straightforward and who
are motivated and optimistic
instead of : I dislike working with lazy, conceited, or indecisive people.
Make sure you mention only those qualities which are relevant to the job profile.
Question 11: What are the essential qualities of a good team worker? / What skills are
required to lead a team? / Name 3 essential qualities which are necessary for good
interpersonal relationships/ What is important for being an effective manager?
Purpose:
This question is asked to test if you have a clear understanding of the various roles you will have
to perform as part of your job, or the skills you will have to demonstrate.
How to Answer:
It's best to make a list of qualities essential for being a successful team worker, manager or a
leader. Be brief and specific in describing each quality and explain why you consider each
quality important. Try to give some practical examples or illustrations from the life of renowned
personalities or from your own personal experiences. You can also use well known quotes to

emphasize your point.

Question No 12: Why are manhole covers round? / What color is your brain? / What do
you worry about? / If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?
Purpose:
The point is to see how creative you can be, are and see the way your mind works. It also tends
to get an insight into your personality.
How to Answer:
There is no right or wrong answer to this type of question. In fact, the recruiter is not concerned
about the accuracy of your answer, but how and what you answer. Check how your answer
reflects on you first. Does it show your analytical frame of mind? Or a creative one? Does it
show you as a go-getter? An action-oriented person? Again, what quality you want to depict in
your answer depends on your job profile. Be sure to explain why you answered the way you did.
Question 13: The Stress Inducing Questions: Why weren't your grades better? / What
would you do if I told you that I thought you were giving a very poor interview today?/
Don't you think your summer training experience is totally irrelevant for this job profile?
Purpose:
Question like these are asked to put you under stress and test your confidence level. They can be
hard hitting and can completely demoralize you if you are not prepared for them.
How to Answer:
Keep your chin up! Be absolutely confident when you answer such questions and try not to show
that you are experiencing stress. Try to answer as analytically as possible, admitting your
shortcoming and focus on steps you have taken to overcome them. If you lack in one thing, relate
how your other strengths adequately compensate for it. Remember, nobody is expected to be

perfect. It's more your positive attitude which will carry you through while answering such
questions.
An MBA with 3 years relevant working experience was told at a job interview: But we only
take IIM pass outs in this company. The candidate replied: Then I'm sure, sir, your company
is losing out on hiring professionals with relevant work experience and skills, which cannot be
developed at any management school, no matter how top grade it is.
In another incident, a fresh engineering candidate was asked by the interview panel - Aren't you
from that University which is notorious for its rowdy student union activity? This candidate was
taken aback, but he countered with illustrating his University's strengths and renowned
personalities who had been pass outs of the University.
The point is that, no matter what, keep a positive attitude and a keen mind to come up with a
quick witted response. Keep yourself well informed on all aspects related to your career and
academic life. You never know what information might come in handy one day, as in the case of
the engineering candidate.
Question No. 14: The SALES JOB PROFILE Question: Can you sell me this pen? / How
will you convince me to buy something?
Purpose:
This question is very specifically asked in a sales job profile, obviously, to test your skills in
selling and convincing others.
How to Answer:

Utilize the most important principal of all great salesmanship find out what people want then
show them how to get it.

Use the well known AIDAS principal to conduct your sales pitch Attention, Interest, Desire,

Action, Sale.

If your interviewer tests you by fighting every step of the way, denying that he wants to purchase
what you are trying to sell, dont fight or argue with the interviewer. Make sure to ask for
references at the end.
Question No. 15: How will you deal with an irate customer?/ How do you deal with
unreasonable demands made by a customer? /
Purpose:
How you react when others lose their temper or become upset is important in certain job profiles,
especially in the services sector/ BPO sector, where you have to constantly interact with
customers.
How to answer:
Give an example of a time when you were faced with a difficult person and how you handled
it. Your answer should illustrate your maturity, diplomacy, and awareness of the needs and
feelings of others, while at the same time adhering to the organization's rules and policies.
Question No. 16: Have you ever met any targets? If so, how did you achieve them? / Give
an example of any target oriented work you have accomplished.
Purpose:
To check if you are a performance oriented person or not who can deliver results.
How to Answer:
Give an example of any performance oriented work you have done. It is best to give some
example of time bound project work/assignment/any activity handled in the past in which the
outcome was measurable and elaborate upon how you managed to achieve it using your skills.
Question No. 17: What type of contacts do you have? / What is your family background? /

Are you a member of any social group or club?

Purpose:
To see if you are an outgoing type of person who can interact well in a social setting, and for a
sales job profile, to check out if you can start performing from DAY1, using your network.
How to Answer:
Be honest here. Don't exaggerate to get the job because you will be soon caught out once on
the job. Instead to fulfill this expectation, start cultivating a personal network, or take up
memberships of business forums and groups, especially if you're keen on a sales job.
Question No. 18: The Hypothetical questions: How do you organize and plan for major
projects? / How do you usually go about solving a problem? / If you are put in charge of
organizing a business meeting with a team of 4 employees under you, how would you do it?/
How would you expand business in a new territory? In a competitor dominated
territory?
Purpose:
The purpose is to test how you would respond under certain pre-defined situations and
environments, which can come across in the job profile you are aspiring for.
How to answer:
Here you need to prepare your answer carefully Your answer must demonstrate a logical
problem solving approach combined with innovative thinking. Use this as an opportunity to
demonstrate your skills and aptitude for accomplishing the task. You must show clearly what
skills and abilities are required to perform the job and how you will utilize these skills to
accomplish the task.
Again, use the STAR framework to give your response however, the Situation and Task will

already be defined for you in the question. What you need to do is to give what Action will you
take and what will be the Result of your actions.
Questions No. 19: How do you spend your free time? / How do you stay current? / What do
you enjoy in your spare time? / Do you live a balanced lifestyle? / What extracurricular
activities did you participate in during your college ?
Purpose:
What you do in your spare time gives a very good idea about your personality, way of
thinking and attitude towards self development. The interviewer is trying to assess if your overall
personality is suitable for the job profile.
How to answer:
You should try to convey that you spend your free time constructively towards self
improvement or in learning new things. How you answer to these questions can reveal a lot
about your personality and attitude. A spare time pursuit of going out and socializing, shows you
as an outgoing and extrovert person fit for a marketing or sales job, while pursuing chess as a
hobby might show you to be an analytical, problem solving person. Similarly, watching or
playing field games such as cricket, hockey or football shows you enjoy team activity and may
prove to be a good team player.
Also, in several companies there are specific games and activities pursued by employees as part
of the corporate culture, which you should be knowing about if you intend to work in such
companies.
Question No. 20: Do you think there is too much exposure in films & cinemas nowadays?
/ Do you believe in Ghosts? / What do you think of the global warming situation?
Purpose:

The idea here is to explore your sense of judgment, taste and preference towards general topics,
how well informed you are, can get your view point across clearly and how balanced is your
personality.
How to answer:
You are being asked to give your opinion on various issues here. Make sure you are well
informed and give convincing arguments to support your viewpoint. It is advisable not to take an
extreme viewpoint of things, but show that you have an open mind towards things.
Question No. 21: What are your plans for continued study? / Are you planning to explore
your career options further? / Are you planning to go for further studies?
Purpose:
This is to check if you are using the job as a short term gap to prepare for your studies, or simply
grabbing an opportunity which has come your way while your real aim is to study further.
How to answer:
Be careful here as future plans to leave the job and continue studies could eliminate you.
Companies want employees who will stick to the job in the future. So whatever plans you have
for further studies, convey that they will be part time or correspondence.
Question No. 22: Looking back, what could you have done differently in your life? / What
changes would you make in your past life if given the opportunity?
Purpose:
While this question can be asked to make you admit some life influencing regrets or mistakes in
your past decisions or actions, which may continue to affect your work in the future, it can also
be asked to find out if you are introspective and analytical enough in critically reviewing your
past performance in order to improve things in the future, a quality which should exist in good

managers and leaders.

How to Answer:
This question can be answered in two ways. One is to be realistically introspective. Admit that
nobody is perfect, and definitely, if one reflects back on a previous decision or action, one can
always analyze how past decisions and actions could have been improved or performed in a
better way. Give some specific example where you think you could have made a better decision
or choice in your past which may have led to a better situation, but it should not be something
drastic.
Another way to answer this question is to indicate that you are a happy, satisfied and optimistic
person and that, in general, you wouldnt like to change anything.
Example: Its been a good life so far, rich in learning and experience, and the best it yet to
come. I wouldnt like to change a thing, if I have to go back and do it all over again.
This kind of answer shows your confidence and your optimism.
Question No. 23: How have your past qualifications prepared you for this job? / Do you
think your qualifications are suitable for this job?
Purpose:
Youre being asked here to give a run down on your past achievements and how each one is
relevant to the job youre applying for. What theyre judging is whether youre a focused person
who has invested time to prepare for this specific job profile or not.
How to Answer:
You can prepare for this question by jotting down beforehand how each of your academic
qualifications, vocational courses done; seminars and workshops attended have been useful in
developing the relevant knowledge and skills for that specific career line.

Question No. 24: Would you be willing to lie for the company?
Purpose:
This question puts you in a dilemma and forces you to choose between loyalty and personal
integrity. It may be intended to make you feel uncomfortable or stressed.
How to Answer:
You should try to avoid choosing between the two values, and make a positive statement which
effectively covers both the aspects.
Example: I would never do anything to cause harm to the company.
However, if pressed to make a choice, always choose personal integrity as it is more highly
considered.
Whatever the outcome of your initial interview, remember to consider it as a learning experience
and try to analyze how you could have improved your performance. Make notes of the areas
where you felt you faced a problem in answering. Try to improve and overcome your
deficiencies while preparing for the next interview. Dont get disheartened by a negative
outcome. Very few of the executives in the corporate sector actually clear their first interview.
But if you make a constant effort for self improvement, you are bound to get selected.

There are two time in life when you are totally alone;
just before you die and just before you go in for a
job interview.
Igor Poporich

1. Interview Etiquette Check List

1.

Permission

2.

Greeting

3.
4.

Shaking
hands
Thanking

5.

Smiling

When first entering the room

When wanting to sit down
After entering the room
After approaching the interview
desk
After sitting down
At the end of the interview
While entering the room
While shaking hands

May I please come in

May I please sit down
Good morning/afternoon, sir or maam
(as the case may be)
Nice to meet you, sir or maam
Thank you, sir or maam
Thank you for your time, sir or maam

2. Interview Body Language Check List

1.
2.

Approach
Posture

3.

Eye Contact

4.

While answering questions

6.

Hand
Gestures
Hand
position
Leg Position

7.

Movements

During the interview

8.

Involuntary
actions

During the interview

9.

Facial
expression
Exit

During the interview

Confident, unhurried and poised

Straight and easy stride
Upright without being stiff or slouching
Looking at all the interviewers instead of
glancing down or upwards
Not too exaggerated, only occasionally to
emphasize key points
By the side of the body or slightly on the
desk while sitting
Straight and extended slightly, without
crossing them or pulling them below the
chair
Avoid:
Scratching/ rubbing any part of body
Shaking leg
Settling the hair
Avoid:
Licking lips
Biting the lip
Tapping fingers
Clearing throat
Confident and attentive

After the interview

Confident, unhurried and poised

5.

10.

Entering the room

Entering the room
Sitting on the chair
While answering questions

While entering the room

Sitting on the chair
While sitting on the chair