Students’ Speak: Don’t try to bluff interviewer

By: Sachin Kumar Singh

Sometimes it also happens that the HR interview goes for a long duration as compared to that of a technical one and vice-versa. It basically depends on the profile offered and the skills which they are looking for.

Basically you can have only two types of interview, namely technical and HR interview. In most of the cases, it happens that both of them take place simultaneously one after the other, but very often it happens that you can have HR and technical interview separately in two different slots and by two different officials.

First of all, you should make sure that it’s a formal procedure, so you need to dress accordingly and you must follow basic etiquettes like wishing each and every member in the panel when you enter with proper eye-contact followed by a firm handshake with a smiling face. You should not sound too stressed as they can easily read your face.

Don’t sit until you are not asked to do the same and stand in a proper way. Don’t feel like you are going for interrogation, it’s simply an interaction between the two people.

Sometimes it also happens that the HR interview goes for a long duration as compared to that of a technical one and vice-versa. It basically depends on the profile offered and the skills which they are looking for.

The few common questions asked in an interview are:

• Tell me something about yourself?
• Why should we admit you?
• Tell me about your family members and what they do?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• From whom do you get motivated?

So, I will suggest you practice such a set of questions as it will help you a lot. Avoid using heavy vocabulary; it should be short and simple and avoid fumble,.

If you don’t know the answer of a particular question or you are confused, simply say I don’t know politely, don’t try to bluff them as that is their profession and they can simply understand whether you know or just trying to bluff them. That will result in a bad impression.

Regarding technical questions, very often they go into deep otherwise if you are clear with your basics you will ace it most of the time. Be clear with units and simple conversions.

And the most important thing is don't think that if you have answered almost all things correctly then you are going to be selected. I have seen many interviews where you think that you will get selected but ultimately that does not happen and vice-versa.

In my opinion, the most important thing which they look for is your attitude, your ability to learn, your grasping power or whether you can work in a team. So you should be cautious about that and the thing which matters the least is your marks or grades. As they have set a baseline above which everyone is eligible.

Some questions are tricky and are just to check your mindset, so avoid answering such questions like what should be your salary, whether you will opt for higher studies or not, etc.

Always attend mock interviews, as with more interactions, you will get more confident and clear with your answers.

About the Author:

Sachin Kuman Singh recently completed his Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering from KIIT, Bhubaneshwar. Currently, he is working with Simplex Infrastructures Limited as a Graduate Engineer Trainee. He is also a state-level athlete.