General Tips To Overcome An Interview/IT/Software Salary Survey

Exclusively for Campus/Off-campus

So what if you are not a mountaineer. Or a keen hiker. You still cannot treat your interview like a careless morning trot along a jogger's path. Your jaw-jaw at the interview table is nothing less than a cautious climb up a mountain trail--which begins around your early childhood and meanders through the years at the academia before reaching a new summit in your career. And as you retrace your steps down memory lane make sure that you post flags at important landmarks of your life and career, so that you can pop them before the interview panel scoops them out of you. You don't want to be at the receiving end, do you?

Face the panel, but don't fall of the chair in a headlong rush-and-skid attempt to tell your story. Take one step at a time. Here are a few preparation tips, Remember, as a fresher you do not have anything to loose but to gain.

TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1.Tell me about yourself
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work/Study-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done well at your college and how you wanted to perform in the first job.

2. Why Should We Employ You?
For this question, your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the job. Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers. However, structure them to suit your requirements.

I have good co-ordination skills
Good analytical skills
I can persuade people to see my point of view, and get the work done
My greatest asset is my ability to motivate people
Even during emergencies, I do not loose my cool
I have good entrepreneurial skills
I have consistently met my deadlines and targets
Can say “no” to people when required to do so!
I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates, and would like to see them grow
I am a good team player
I am very flexible, and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions
I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here, give appropriate details and examples)

3. Do You Have Offers From Other Companies ?
This is of course a difficult question to answer. Obviously, you must have applied to other companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other companies already. Therefore, do not lie that you have not. However, you are on thin ice here! The interviewer could be checking your honesty. On the other hand, he/she may also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly, or is there a well-planned strategy?
Whatever your answer, it should match your career goals.

4. What Salary Are You Expecting?
Try not to get into salary details early in the interview. If pressed, you could say that it all depends on the job, and would like to talk about it after a job offer. Say this in a convincing tone. In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews, give a direct answer. Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind.

SALARY EXPECTATIONS :

1. How much do you expect?
If you have done your homework, you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid. Quote the range upfront.

2. How much do you think you are worth?
Work out how much you should be paid, given the market value of the job and your skills. If you can bring some extra skills to the table, do not hesitate to ask for more than the market value.

3. What kind of a culture are you comfortable with?
It is better to be frank about your preferences. Your interviewer will get a clear idea about your expectations.

4. Which is more important to you-salary, perks or growth opportunities?
This one will reveal the real you. So be sure what you are going to say. Above all, be true to yourself. If you think this is a negotiation move, then say clearly that you will never sell yourself short.

5. What do you know about our company?
Do not give your opinions about the company. Stick to reported facts that you have gathered from newspapers and so on. Talk about the product portfolio, size, income, and market perceptions of the company. Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview.

6. Why should we choose you over someone else?
Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your College/Project Team and highlight the quality required.

6. Your qualifications are excellent, but you may be overqualified for the position we have to offer?
Point out that more experience can never be a drawback. If you are multi-skilled, then highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people. It needs people within different departments to work together. Also emphasise that the company's future growth will be an exponential function of your experience.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK :

Interviewers usually round off by giving you an opportunity to ask questions. Treat it like a welcome opportunity.
You could ask questions like.
a) Tell me about your company.
b) Now that I have outlined my career goals, do you think you can offer me the opportunities I need?
c) What kind of training and learning can I expect in your company?
d) Describe the work culture and the management style of your company?
e) What is the long-term vision of your company?

As a fresher, current position and status can impact the way you are interviewed. Fresh Out of College

The basis on which you will be judged is your academic background, family background, and interests.
If looking for your first job, ensure that your previous experience, even if it is part-time, is noticed.
Mention projects or responsibilities you may have undertaken. This will indicate your area of aptitude.
You should be willing to put in regular hours, in line with the company's policies. The interviewer needs to know whether you can be punctual and put in full-time work.
In case you have applied for the post of management trainee, you should display an ability to adapt, and indicate all-round interests. Moreover, you should have good interpersonal skills.
You should be enthusiastic to learn, and show commitment towards the organization, as the company will be spending a lot on your training.

Bring with you :
a) Copies of your resumes
b) References and letters of recommendations.

First Impressions :
There is a common saying that minds are made up within the first 5 minutes of an interview. So keep in mind these important first impression indicators. Walk in the door as if you already work there, carry yourself as though you feel perfectly comfortable with the situation. Arrive on time or a little early. In the waiting area, politely tell the receptionist who you are meeting and in a friendly way, ask where you should sit. Take slow, deep breaths to help you remain calm and focused. When introduced to the interviewer, have a firm, but not painful, handshake. Smile. Have good posture when sitting or standing. Introduce yourself in a relaxed, confident manner. Have a well-groomed, professional appearance. Project a feeling of confidence. Bring extra copies of your resume, some thing to write on and something to write with.

Human Resource Interview Tips:

The interview is an opportunity for both, the interviewer and the candidate to market themselves. The employer is selling the organization to you, and you are marketing your skills, knowledge, and personality to the employer. Remember that interviews are varied and so they cannot therefore be easily categorized.

Following are some human resource interview tips:

1. Be prepared
   Preparation increases confidence. Practice with your friends or relatives. Remember that everyone who is interviewing is not necessarily a good interviewer.
   You may prepare by reviewing magazine and newspaper articles. You may check out their web site. Read your resume before your interview. It will keep your answers fresh.

2. Location and punctuality
   Find out the location of organization. Make sure you have a map or directions as well as information of the nearest railway station.
   Arrive 5-10 minutes early. Arriving early will give you the opportunity to read some information on the company in the reception area.

3. Be professional
   Professional look always helps for good impression. Be careful about your dressing. Be aware of the company culture and ensure you dress to impress. Decide what you are going to wear the night before to avoid making the wrong choices.

4. Be polite
   Don't interrupt to the interviewer. Listen very carefully. Poor listening skills are responsible for the bad impression.
   If the interview is being conducted in a restaurant, mind your table manners. If the interviewers are serious and soft-spoken, then you should be same as interviewer. Avoid loud laughter during the interviewer.

5. Be positive
   Keep in mind that there is only one chance to make a first impression. Every company wants employees who are goal-oriented, career-driven, enthusiastic and motivated. Be the employee as they want. End the interview on a positive note. The hiring official needs to know that you are interested, enthusiastic and excited about the position and the company.

6. Be practical
   If you are experienced then the interviewer already knows your current salary and benefits package. When the topic of salary comes up state that you know they will make a fair offer.
   If you are offered the position during the interviewing process and you want the job then accept it. If the offer is not acceptable for any reason, ask for time to consider the offer.

7. Human resource interview tips - Do's

   • Have a firm handshake.

   • Be sincere and direct.

   • Introduce yourself in a courteous manner.

   • Read company materials while you wait.

   • You have to prepare for questions and listen carefully to the interviewer.

   • Ask about the next step in the process.

   • Thank the interviewer.

   • Learn about the Human Resources Analyst Program and understand the different facets of human resources.

   • You never know what the interviewer will ask you about, so be prepared to talk about anything you have included on your resume. You should be truthful about your experiences and skills.

8. Human resource interview tips - Don'ts

   • Don't show depression or discouragement.

   • Don't start the topics like salary, benefits or working hours.

   • Don't look at your watch.

   • Don't take extensive notes.

   • Don't be too serious.

9. Follow up
   Always write a thank you note immediately after the interview. If there are number of interviewers then send a copy of thank you letter to each person. Summarize your qualifications and how they meet the expectations of the position.

HR Interview Questions For Freshers:

#01 Tell me about Yourself
#02Your Greatest Strengths
#03your-greatest-weaknesses
#04 tell-me-about-something-you-did
#05Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position?
#06 The “Silent Treatment”
#07why-should-i-hire-you
#08
arent-you-overqualified?
#09
where-do-you-see-yourself after 5 years?
#10Describe-your-ideal-company
#11 why-do-you-want-to-work-at-our company?
#12 what-are-your-career-options?
#13why-have-you-been-out-of-work?
#14Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss (company, management team, etc.)…
#15 what-good-books-have-you-read?
#16Tell me about a situation when your work was criticized.
#17 what-are-your-outside-interests?
#18 The “Fatal Flaw”question
#19How
do you feel about reporting to a younger person (minority, woman, etc)?
#20On
confidential matters…
#21 Would you lie for the company?
#22 Looking back, what would you do differently in your life?
#23
Could you have done better in your last job?
#24 Can you work under pressure?
#25 What makes you angry?
#26Why aren’t you earning more money at this stage of your career?
#27Who has inspired you in your life and why?
#28What was the toughest decision you ever had to make?
#29Tell me about the most boring job you’ve ever had.
#30Have you been absent from work more than a few days in any previous position?
#39How could you have improved your career progress?
#40Give me an example of your creativity (analytical skill…managing ability, etc.)
#41What was the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced?
#42What are your goals?
#43“The Salary Question” – How much money do you want?
#44How do you define success…and how do you measure up to your own definition?
#45Tell me something negative you’ve heard about our company…

Seven Commandments for Success in Campus Interviews :

Campus Interview … Hmm… is what one looks forward to with enthusiasm, fear and excitement towards the beginning of the final year .

For some it's a make or break, atleast that's the way it's looked at and for some it's a matter of pride. The constant thought in one's mind is - what shall make this click! What is it that the interviewer is looking in me!

Here's what we look for when we visit the various campuses. This by no means is an exhaustive list but is a good indication of the expectations and the mean s to meet these.

1. Know Thyself

Not everyone is good in each and every field. Each one of us has our fortes and weaknesses too. But that's not a stumbling block! What we look for are people who know their area of specialization and are an expert in it. Therefore, it pays to be a master in some fields if not the jack of all.

The most common mistakes many make is to profess knowing a field of which they know little about. Remember that huge and bulky resumes are as tough to read as they are to make. So, identify your skill set, and keep your resumes simple and straight. Know your limits and polish on your strengths.

2. Testing What You Know and NOT What You Don't.

Many interviewers may ask the student the subjects that she/he wishes to be interviewed upon. Eureka !! Here's a golden opportunity. Answer this wisely! Never end up choosing a difficult subject that you know only little about, rather choose the one you are most confident of.

3. Rack Your Brain - Analyze

The interview is not just limited to testing your knowledge base, but we are also interested in knowing your ability to apply it. Often questions that need to be solved then and there are asked. Now keep in mind - the right answer is not the only thing being looked at. The focus area is also the way in which you attack the problem i.e. approach to problem solving is equally important.

So, remember to put your thinking caps on!

4. Ask for Help!

Murphy chooses to strike at the appropriate time! In spite of the fact that you may know something very well, it might just slip your mind. After all, heavy preparation does takes its toll. Who better to ask for help than the poser of the question (of course, don't try this too often!)!

Remember the interviewer is not there to grill the confidence out of you, but to bring forth the best in. Just in case you are stuck, ask for a hint. Things might just click. Also, stay alert for clues.

5. What are your biggest accomplishments

You may like to begin your reply with: "Although I feel my biggest achievements are still ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with……I made my contribution as part of that team and learnt a lot in the process".

It will be a good idea to close your answer with also specifying what attributes and circumstances made you succeed.

6. Be Calm, have Clear Verbal and Sound Non-Verbal Communication

Calmness shows emotional maturity. True, being calm in a job interview is a difficult proposition, but then that is where it is required! Calmness does not imply being unenthusiastic or apathetic during the interview, but knowing that you are nervous and not letting it come in the way. A clear verbal communication implies clarity of the thought process.

One should also watch out for the impressions made in non-verbal communication. Body language and facial expressions can assist you in establishing a good rapport with the interviewer. Pauses, silences and gestures may all indicate what you mean, understand, or would like to emphasize.

7. Two-Way Exchange Process

The interview process is a two-way exchange of information. Make sure you also understand about the company, its activities, job requirements. The company is in need for good candidates and you need a good company to launch your career.

Interview is an opportunity to present yourself and your skills to your best advantage. Make sure you make the most out of it. And YOU are the best one to do it!!

How to Face GD

A group discussion consists of:

1. Communication Skills
2. Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
3. Capability to co-ordinate and lead
4. Exchange of thoughts
5. Addressing the group as a whole
6. Thorough preparations

Communication Skills

The first aspect is one's power of expression. In a group discussion, a candidate has to talk effectively so that he is able to convince others. For convincing, one has to speak forcefully and at the same time create an impact by his knowledge of the subject. A candidate who is successful in holding the attention of the audience creates a positive impact.

Knowledge and Ideas Regarding a Given Subject

Knowledge of the subject under discussion and clarity of ideas are important. Knowledge comes from consistent reading on various topics ranging from science and technology to politics. In-depth knowledge makes one confident and enthusiastic and this in turn, makes one sound convincing and confident.

Leadership and Coordinating Capabilities

The basic aim of a group discussion is to judge a candidate's leadership qualities. The examiner withdraws and becomes a silent spectator once the discussion starts. A candidate should display tactfulness, skill, understanding and knowledge on varied topics, enterprise, forcefulness and other leadership qualities to motivate and influence other candidates who may be almost equally competent.

Exchange of Thoughts

A group discussion is an exchange of thoughts and ideas among members of a group. These discussions are held for selecting personnel in organisations where there is a high level of competition. The number of participants in a group can vary between 8 and 15. Mostly a topic or a situation is given to group members who have to discuss it within 10 to 20 minutes.

Points to Remember

• Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and technology is helpful.

• Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.

• Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.

• If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later.

• A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.

• A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral.

• Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.

• Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.

• Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.

• Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or her.

These are some of the sub-skills that also get assessed with the skills mentioned above:

• Clarity of thought

• Group working skills (especially during a group task of case study discussion)

• Conflict handling

• Listening and probing skills

• Knowledge about the subject and individual point of view

• Ability to create a consensus

• Openess and flexibility towards new ideas

• Data based approach to decision making

GD Do's

• Do's

1. Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.

2. A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.

3. Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.

4. Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.

5. Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.

6. Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with someone else's point and then move onto express your views.

7. Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you do not give valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.

8. Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say.

9. Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and fluently.

10. Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.

11. Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take the discussion personally.

12. Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: `I strongly object' or `I disagree'. Instead try phrases like: `I would like to share my views on…' or `One difference between your point and mine…' or "I beg to differ with you"

13. Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to say "let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say," or "Raghu, let us hear your views" - Essentially be subtle), and listen to their views. Be receptive to others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.

14. If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion where you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.

15. Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and presence of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating certain members, and creativity.

India FRESHERS - IT/Software Salary Survey

Company	Salary in Indian Rupees
Accenture	2.1 Lacs Per Annum
Adobe	5.7 Lacs Per Annum
Amazon	7.5 Lacs Per Annum
Attrenta	4.8 Lacs Per Annum
Caritor	2.0 Lacs Per Annum
CISCO	4.0 Lacs Per Annum
Computer Associates	4.5 Lacs Per Annum
CTS	2.1 Lacs Per Annum
DE Shaw	6.0 Lacs Per Annum
Deloitte	7.0 Lacs Per Annum
Fiorano	5.0 Lacs Per Annum
Flextronics (HSS)	3.0 Lacs Per Annum
Google	12.0 Lacs Per Annum
GE	3.0 Lacs Per Annum
HCL	2.0 Lacs Per Annum
Hexaware	2.1 Lacs Per Annum
IBM	2.5 Lacs Per Annum
Impulsesoft	4.5 Lacs Per Annum
Interra Systems	4.6 Lacs Per Annum
Induslogic	4.2 Lacs Per Annum
Infosys	1.8 Lacs Per Annum
Kanbay	2.25 Lacs Per Annum
Kritical	5.6 Lacs Per Annum
MBT	2.5 Lacs Per Annum
Microsoft	7.8 Lacs Per Annum
Mindtree	3.0 Lacs Per Annum
Motorola	3.6 Lacs Per Annum
Oracle	4.2 Lacs Per Annum
Patni(PCS)	1.7 Lacs Per Annum
Perot Systems	2.5 Lacs Per Annum
Polaris	2.0 Lacs Per Annum
SAP Labs	4.0 Lacs Per Annum
Samsung	4.6 Lacs Per Annum
Satyam	2.25 Lacs Per Annum
STM	4.5 Lacs Per Annum
Sun Microsystems	5.0 Lacs Per Annum
Syntel	2.05 Lacs Per Annum
Tata Elxsi	1.9 Lacs Per Annum
Tavant	3.6 Lacs Per Annum
TCS	1.8 Lacs Per Annum
T-Mobile	8.0 Lacs Per Annum
Trilogy	7.5 Lacs Per Annum
Verizon	3.0 Lacs Per Annum
Virtusa	2.4 Lacs Per Annum
Wipro	2.1 Lacs Per Annum