Google provides a wonderful search engine that allows you to find any information you need. However, many Googlers still don’t know how to find actual documents like resumes that are not just “samples”. Here is how you do it and I will illustrate this with an example.

The above search will return results from the Google search engine with the exact words “Product Manager” and “Resume” whose document is a file type with the Microsoft Word extension “.doc”. To search for other types of documents, simply change “.doc” to another common document format such as “.docx” or “.pdf”.

With Google providing the 10 best results on the first page, now you have a full list of real resumes that you can study and steal ideas from. It is then important to pay attention to the words that are used, the formatting, and layout of the document. Steal the ideas that will work for you and use the sample resumes to recollect information you may have missed from your own resume. Don’t let your competition upsell themselves; or don’t sell yourself short.

Please also consider reading the above book if you are heavily job-hunting. It will be a real game-changer for you. The above tip on knowing your competition is only one aspect of the job-hunting “war”. To come out on top, you need to be equipped and prepared, just like the military. Employers of today are playing on a different playing field and when companies play by different rules than the old or outdated rules that you are used to … you lose. “Headhunter” Hiring Secrets: The Rules of the Hiring Game Have Changed . . . Forever! received a prestigious 5-STAR rating on Amazon.com. You need this book.

However experienced one might be in chairing an interview but it is always good to prepare for conducting one. There are a couple of measures you can take that will ensure that the interview is conducted in a manner that will allow the interviewee to feel comfortable and perform to optimum levels. For the same to happen you are keep the surrounding quite so there are no disturbances, brief the interviewee of the purpose of an interview, tell them about the terms of confidentiality. Also prior to the interview beginning update them regarding the format that is going be followed during the interview. Before the interview finally gets underway do ask the interviewee if they have any question to ask and lastly don’t back yourself to be able to recall all the answers and proceedings of the interview. For that ask the interviewee for the permission to record the interview or then take notes as the interview progresses.

Let’s have a look at how best you can frame questions:

• The wordings of each question must be uncomplicated – There must be an option for the candidate where he can choose an appropriate answer.
• All questions must be neutral – No question should be framed in a manner where the answer will be influenced leading to either only a ‘YES’ or ‘NO’.
• General questions should be left for the end.
• When you have asked a certain professional or behavioral question pause and look for what the interviewee has to say, gauge the body language and eye contact of the interviewee to determine how well he/she deals with the subject.
• For a behavioral based question you would ideally like to ask a question wherein you can determine how well or poorly one performed under a tight situation.
• Be careful when asking technical questions – If you are asking some intricate programming language questions or asking some to solve a code as part of your interview test then be precise about the figures you have posed.

Let’s have a look at what you should avoid asking while conducting an interview:

• Any question that is based upon finding the interviewee’s personal background when it not a part of the general questionnaire is deemed as discriminatory.
• National Origin
• Religion Followed
• Color
• Disability
• Parental Status
• Are you pregnant?
• How Kids do you have?

To take your interviewing skills to the next level, you need to get training just like every other skill in life. A long time ago, I bought 96 Great Interview Questions to Ask Before You Hire as a reference material to bring me up to speed on interviewing. Till today, I frequently reference this book before every interview looking for questions to ask before seeing the candidate. This book provides an in-depth discussion on why you should ask questions like “what are your greatest strengths” and “what are your greatest weaknesses” and why the candidate’s response is important to you. This book goes beyond supplying good interview questions, but uses an analytical approach to interview candidates and pull out those “red flags”. If you want to elevate your hiring skills to the next level, this book is a must read.

The matter for the company is that they do not lose some key employees to their competitors or it also may be so that employees have learnt strategic things during their tenure and once they are hired at another organization such information and know how can be easily utilized by the competitor to negate their advancement.

Through the means of an exit interview the company would like to know what circumstances has lead to the employee deciding to quit the current organization. The exit interview has been devised to gather information about company policies, employee relationship module or work environment and thereafter in correlation to these features if any dissatisfaction to any aspect of the aforementioned things have created a situation where the employee would no longer like to be associated with them.

Sample Exit Interview Questions

Questions during an exit interview can vary widely, but here below are a few questions that will form the basis of most interviews.

Question. Kindly tell me the reason for leaving?
Response. The most common question you are like to face first up. Be honest and speak pleasantly.

Question. If presented an opportunity would you work in this organization again?
Response. They are making an attempt to judge if you have second thoughts about leaving the company and they might even ask you if you would like to relocate in other department within the organization. The decision solely rest upon you whether want a change or simply leave.

Question. Would you recommend this employer to friends or family?
Response. Whatever you have to say, speaking the truth is always recommended.

Question. What did you enjoy/dislike about your job?
Response. Look at answering it this way, good and somewhat bad things will always take place no matter which job you take up, why not speak more strongly first about the good time and achievements thereafter you can always in a non-disrespectful manner speak out the truth which will not hurt anyone.

Questions. What improvement should the company undertake for the betterment of the working conditions?
Response. You must make a couple of positive suggestions which you might have previously thought while facing some awakward or less than prefect aspects in the workplace. Any suggestions you make should be reasonable which can be implemented.

There will be some more questions posed to you during the exit interview, almost all shall be directed at gathering data regarding the reason for an employee quitting the company. How and what you answer to each of these questions solely depends upon you. It is best to be honest but also never vent out your grievances in such a manner that you might never be able to return to the organization even if you had a change of thought at a later stage.

When Attending An Interview be Well Dressed

You might wonder whether dressing up well for an interview have any effect on the final outcome? From psychological studies, a person has made an assessment and judgement of your character within the first 5 seconds of seeing you. No words has to be exchanged. And you shall be startled to know that in a large number of cases, it does. I have had the opportunity to interview people applying for jobs on a few occasions and I shall never forget a gentleman I once interviewed for a position. He was jobless for a couple of months and he wanted to explain to me why, thereafter he took-off his shirt so that I could see an injury mark caused when a heavy wood fell on him in the forest (this is a true story). But I couldn’t award him the job for two reasons, I could not get sympathetic and give him the job and secondly he went over the board to explain all things related to his injury but never spoke to anything regarding his past job experience that he was sorry to take of his shirt in such a manner. There was also a young lady who came to the interview wearing such in a bright red skirt so short and tight that she could hardly sit down!

What you should ideally have in mind is an attire which shall present you as being a person who has a good dressing sense for that particular occasion. Just imagine if you went to the interview in casual clothing and the remaining candidates assembled there are somewhat conservatively dressed then you could quickly be thinking of leaving the place without appearing for that interview. Thus if any sort of doubt persist then it best advised to conservatively.

Thus we list for you some tips regarding women’s & men’s attire that you would find helpful:

Women’s Interview Attire

• Avoid carrying a purse; rather use a briefcase or portfolio.
• Being conservatively dressed is ideal and shoes should have smaller heals.
• Skirts should extend past the bottom of your fingertips when your arms are by your side.
• Keep jewelry to a minium. Avoid interesting jewelry pieces that could distract the interviewer.
• A tidy hair style coupled with minimal perfume & make-up.
• Wear your makeup conservatively. You are not going to a night club to pick up guys.

Men’s Interview Attire

• Wear a conservative suit with a tie preferably solid color; avoid a bow.
• Dark socks, preferably black, with dress shoes.
• Tidy, well-groomed hair.
• Fragrant things like cologne, aftershave, hair gels should be kept to a minimal and better off if used very lightly.
• You should carry all things in a briefcase or portfolio.
• Wear very limited jewelry. A nice dress watch or no watch at all.

1. Never make the mistake of underestimating the importance of a Phone interview. Employers would generally make the phone call but some could also the interviewee to make the phone call to see how serious are they regarding this interview.

2. Your documents should with you-

• Your CAF
• Prepare answer to common question generally asked
• Personal Statement
• Prepare questions you wish to ask the phone interviewer
• A pen and blank paper to take notes

3. To inspire yourself to have a great interview you can have a poster/picture of people smiling during an interview. This way you feel relaxed and make efforts to have a smooth phone interview.

4. Be enthusiastic when you take or make the call. There are many resumes with the interviewer and the interviewer cannot see your expression so you should sound energetic & enthusiastic not dull and phony.

5. The most common questions you can expect:

• “Describe yourself” 
• “Why are you leaving your current job”
• “What goals have you set for you to achieve in life related to your occupation”
• ” Why did you opt to choose this field as a career ”  

6. Remember to do the interview in a place that’s completely silent – no eating or drinking.

7. As the phone interview draws to a close update the interviewer about any new credentials that you have on your side that weren’t included on your resume earlier.

8. Strictly avoid using the phone in ‘speaker’ mode – there could be break in voice or even the clarity might be affected thus making the conversation somewhat less pleasurable.

9. Your questions to the interviewer should not include areas like salary, working hours, benefits, security, and commute etc. If you are selected for the final round of interviewing these issues can be addressed adequately then.

10. This no joke, you must do this. Why, because if you are sitting you will unintentionally become relaxed and that will reflect in the manner you answer the question. Stand up erect and you will sound more self confident and dynamic. This also makes you more attentive to the questions that are being put across to you.

11. You must thank the speaker at the end, do not forget to say that you look forward to meet him/her in person. Also ask when you could inquire when you could expect to hear back about the formal interview.

Preparing for an interview – Look for 

• Do a complete check of the Company’s market reputation, history & achievements.
• What you would also like to do is see how well is the company positioned in the market in the area where you are looking to take up a job.
• The Company’s turnover, financial position & profit. They just might ask you about it.
• All papers should be properly arranged in a folder: CV / Resume, call letters, mark lists, degree certificates, references, experience certificates.

The Previous Day

• Make a confirmation of the interview venue. If in doubt enquire the distance, and convenient mode of transport 
• It is better to know venue location earlier 
• An important thing is that you plan what you are going to say.
• Repeat frequently to yourself what you would say about your work experience in a manner that best illustrates your past work experience, your skills & education.

The Interview Day 

• Reach the venue a minimum of 15-30 minutes prior to start of the interview 
• Get acquainted with the interview atmosphere and soak the ambience. 
• Extra baggage should be avoided
• Upon reaching there tell the concerned authorities of your being present.

Waiting Hall Behavior 

• Decorum should be maintained
• Mingle with others as this help you relax
• Avoid gossiping, flirting, making derogatory comments about other companies, smoking, chewing
• Cellphones, ipod or pagers should be switched off.




Reasons for Candidates Failing An Interview 

• Poor grooming, manners, diction and vague responses are some reasons for failing an interview and should be avoided at all cost. 
• Discourteous and lean body language 
• Monetary benefits-centric approach 
• Being late for an interview shows you are not serious about the job itself
• Unappealing resume
• Poor behavior creates a very bad impression; you are as good as risking your job.

Some Behavioral “Unfavorable” Aspects 

• Having a cynical or negative attitude.
• Not exuding confidence & enthusiasm
• Not taking responsibilities of mistakes you committed.
• Self-justification, aggressiveness 
• Appearing to be dumb found by questions or over reacting to questions 
• Not being able to show some amount of sense of humor 
• Complaining about various things and previous employers
• Not keen to start from slightly lower level job position 



While Entering The Interview Hall 

• Do not show arrogance upon entering but enter confidently
• Close the door gently 
• Greet the interviewers warmly and shake their hands only if they offer to do so.

During The Eye Interview 

• Show that you are willing to work and give them a couple of good examples of your accomplishments or task that you successfully handled on past jobs.
• Show that you are a flexible person willing to work in a new environment and are very adaptive to changes.
• Do not forget to tell the interviewers what you would like to do for their company and would be willing to walk that extra mile to achieve the Company’s goals.
• Demonstrate that you are willing to learn at your new job also tell them about any on job training you received at your previous jobs and how you fared after such training’s.
• Let the interviewer start with the questions
• Do not mind taking time to frame your answer in your mind before answering, be honest with your answers and you must exude confidence in all your answers. 




End Of The Interview 

• Sum up in a couple sentences why think you suitable for this job by stating your strengths and experience.
• If you haven’t been asked about a particular subject that you feel is amongst your strong points and will help you secure this job then do make a point to mention it. Also highlight it by the way of an accomplishment. 
• At the end if you want the job let them know strongly about it. 
• Enquire about when the position will be filled. 
• Do ask them if there will be another round of interviews

Follow Up 

• Send the thanking letter to the company the same day 
• Specify in the letter the point that was discussed 
• Thank the Placement Agency, if any 
• Thank your network source, if any 


In Case Of Stress Interviews 

• Do not get upset under any circumstance
• Do not make it evident to them 
• No matter what show that you are open to their views
• Make it a point to smile
• Do not argue, look for the moment to put across your views with proper justification

1. Prepare and over-prepare.
Don’t you like the dinner that is served to you should be well prepared, well that’s exactly what you have to do for the interview. Preparation should be done in such a way that you have thorough knowledge of the organization plus you should be able to answer all questions regarding the position related to that interview. There also is a much touted principle called, “over-preparing” which help boost confidence. The ingredients are simple gather all info regarding all possible questions that you might have to answer and then just practice them until you thoroughly familiar on all topics.

2. If you don’t know admit it.
If at anytime during the interview you are faced with a dilemma of not knowing something then don’t hesitate in admitting the same. You could also ask the recruiter to rephrase the question for you again and yet if you remain unsure of your reply you will be better of admitting that you do not know the answer. After all not everyone is a genius to know every answer.

3. Make sure your responses match your claims.
It is quite common that you could have had some kind of on job training during your previous job, or you could have taken extra coursework to qualify for a particular position. Your resume would reflect that surely and the license or certification will be there as well. While speaking about such a qualification do not overstate the facts but just subtly build upon it as your strength.

4. Speak about your strengths with confidence.
The interviewers will certainly discuss with you about your weaknesses & strengths. Thus it is of great importance that you not only know about your strengths but are also able to emphasize such strengths that can have an impact on the job you have applied for. Do not rush through at all as this is your chance to create a massive impression. Also speak about a previous true circumstance where your alertness or grasp of human behaviour help you achieve success. You should be aware that the panel is a highly educated one so do not overstate the facts. You will be asked about your weaknesses, but there’s nothing to feel ashamed of. Rather say something positive like ‘I’m willing to learn always’; this will really have a positive overall impact.

5. How best to describe your weakness as strengths.
This question is routinely asked by the interviewers to know what thoughts you have about your weaknesses and are you arrogant or not (“I think I don’t have any weaknesses”), and if at all you have the intent to do away with such weaknesses. There’s just one way to go about this, present a positive impression to the interviewer. You can do that by telling about a previous weakness that you have successfully over come and you are absolutely sure of overcoming the exiting ones. Or then talk about a weakness that will really act as strength. So if you know that this organization is tough on employees with mediocre performance, then you can say, “I have this weaknesses where at times I can get impatient with people who won’t perform to optimum levels & give 110%.” So this way your “weakness” could land to the job.

6. Speak Softly.
During your interview you must approach a conversation or answer by speaking slowly and softly than you usually do. If you are heard well means your words are getting across clearly. You might be nervous but there you are not bound by time to leave the interview hall, so will yourself the best chance to be heard clearly by the panel.

7. Speak about your aim and display enthusiasm.
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?” this is a routinely asked question with different variations. Previously answers like “I would like to be in a senior position in this company,” but with the ever evolving job profiles industry requirements something on the lines like- “I would work enduringly to become qualified in all aspects of this industry” would be more appropriate. Also never sound overburdened by trying to grow. Speak in a manner that exuberate enthusiasm, that you are confident as well happy to discover new aspects of the industry. You will reap the benefits of projecting yourself as being one who is enthusiastic about the job

8. Be Friendly.
You might be very cordial and exceptionally bright but if you cannot gel with the others as a team then you might become a loner. Also during the interview do not attempt to get to friendly with the interviewer; he might want you to leave in a hurry.

9. You would like to interview the interviewer.
Some unknown conditions might warrant a few applicants to settle for anything offered then they aren’t going to get the best jobs either. Good and foresighted interviewers shall respect your knowledge about the organization and the prized attached to such a job. The onus is on you that you really decide on the package you would like to settle for. For instance, you could have a fifty grand plus figure in your mind at the start, but if you can gauge future growth opportunities are coming soon then you could bargain to settle for something less.

10. End on a positive note.
In case of the interview not turning out to be the way you planned it, leave the place on a positive note. Convey your thanks to the panel & that you look forward to hearing from them soon. Another positive thing you can say that its was a challenging but rewarding day. Make eye contact panel members and shake hands as well. This will create a good impression against if you leave without saying a word.

Here below we have listed sample questions that are commonly asked when one is applying for Operating System Engineers job.

• What functioning does a Linux OS system feature?
• What do the terms processor, compiler, assembler, loader stand for?
• What does DRAM stand for? What is its data storage form?
• Explain step 1 onwards the various stages of software development?
• What is the difference between a RAM and ROM?
• What is the difference between a Complier and Interpreter?
• Briefly explain the various stages involved in Lexical analysis?
• What different functions can Syntax phase perform?
• List 5 differences between Micro-Controller and Micro- Processor?
• List the different levels of job scheduling in operating systems.
• Real-Time System, what is it?
• Hard and Soft real-time systems, what is the difference between the 2 time systems?
• How does a real-time system help us achieve greater efficiency?
• What is a mission critical system ?
• When 2 processes are sharing the same memory in a distributed system, What is it called?
• When a process is waiting for an application to occur in what state the processor is said to be?
• What do you mean by deadlock?
• Microkernel and macro kernel, what is the difference between the two?
• Give an example of microkernel.
• Bottom up methodology, when is this method put into use?
• Top down methodology, when is this method put into use?
• Write a small dc shell script to find number of FF in the design.

What is your routine work schedule?
Such a question could be posed to a hiring manager. Through this query you show that you would like to know about the company and a day in the life of this company.

Could I know why you opted to work for this company?
Through the means of this question the interviewer has the opportunity to “sell” the company and if happy with this organization shall elaborately speak of the positives aspects of working in this company.

In case I am hired, what position do you think I would given, any specific area or division?
If you have taken time out to get yourself well versed about the company, its services or products and other operations through the company website, then do make it a part of your question.

How do employees with skills similar to mine progress in this company?
Through this question you show that you are thinking of a long term association with them and would like to know how well your future & interests will be served here.

Is there an on job training or mentoring program?
You show you have the desire to continue to learn and grow.

Could you update me on the kind of internal and external training available?
You show that you would like to keep pace with marketplace developments professionally.

What is the general culture in the company?
This question allows the recruiter & you to gauge whether or not the two of can gel together.

What kind of strategic planning does your company follow, if any? Who is responsible for such decisions?
Your intension here is to know the working pattern of this organization and whether there are any pre-laid plans or strategic direction that they want to achieve.

What industry trends will occur in this company?
You would like to inquire that how receptive is this organization to welcoming new changes in work methods and making use of technology in various fields to fuel growth and improve lifestyles and work efficiency of its employees.

What makes your firm different from its competitors?
Here you want the interviewers to tell you about all the positive features of their organization. You would ideally like them briefly tell you about the steps the company plans to take or has already put in place to increase market share, or improve qualities and services. The recruiter could also tell you that new hiring is taking place as part of the plans to positioning the company in a new way. They would also probably tell you about the superior work environment at their company.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to you, but your first impression does count a lot. Let’s take a common real life situation, you are going to meet your date for the 1st time and you’ve never seen each other in person, as you approach him you realize he’s not just meant for you, he has dressed so ruggedly that you can’t stand him. In that split few seconds you have made a decision. Now back to the interview, the recruiter will judge you on many accounts, like body language, dress code, how confidently you approach them, etc. There is an instinct that follows right when you see someone approach you, that person for some reason might approach in a friendly manner but how receptive you are to his approach matters too. Different signals are radiated by us and these depend on things like our dressing sense to body language. Body language is giving a firm hand shake, walking in smartly and then comes being well dressed. It’s always best to be clean and neutral!

Dress Code – What Clothes Should You Wear For Your Job Interview?
This can be a tricky situation when it comes down to deciding what to wear for a job interview. Being conservatively dressed is always the best call, while mean wear their smartest suit and tie women on the other hand wear either a nice skirt and blouse or a suit. But with changes in time, if you have applied for job in an IT firm then the dress code could be smart but casual – whereas if you have applied for a job in a firm of Solicitors, Accountants or Insurance Brokers then you are better off with a dress code that is formal, so you have to make a call depending on the work environment. In case the job you have applied for is an internal one there will be a standard of outfit most probably.

Hygiene and Grooming
Even if you are the sartorial embodiment of the perfect candidate, this can let you down. Both female as well as make should be clean-shaven, fingernails spotless & hair neatly cut and clean. Avoid overpowering perfumes and aftershaves – ventilation in the interview room may not be able to cope.

If an overall view is taken then you would be better off dressed as good as anyone, means dressed as good as you can. Thus once you are aware of the environment that prevailing in the company you should dress accordingly but a little smarter. Look out for what the other employees are wearing and go one step smarter.

With The Suit
Pick a clean-cut, 3-buttoned classic in subdued colours eg, charcoal grey.Shoulder-enhanced power suit should avoided, more so bright colours.

Shirt
Wear a smart shirt even if it won’t be too visible under the suit, for females a nice blouse to compliment that suit. If Europe’s largest image consultancy is to be believed then the colour of your shirt shall create a psychological effect on you and the interviewer.

Shoes
Wear black shoes only, clean & polished.Grandiose boots on either sex are frowned upon, so are excessively priapic heals.