People generally think that it calls for a genius to delve into song writing. Well, maybe some of the world’s greatest lyricists may have been given the distinguishing badge of being a genius; but this is not a necessary criteria. Actually, to right a tuneful verse calls for the ability to listen to the words of the heart.
The most creative people are those who set their minds aside and just perform as stenographers of their hearts. If you ask a songwriter what made him/her write a particular verse, you would hear them say ‘I am not sure, actually’. Yes, they would claim to get the seed of the idea from something they saw or experienced, but putting them into poetic words, just seemed to have happened.
Most people feel that song writing calls for a lot of effort. But it is not true, for it is often said that anything creative is the result of one’s effortlessness. Just flowing with what the heart says. This may sound repetitive, but it is true.
However, technically speaking one may need to undergo some form of formal training when churning out words to be put to tune. This is in terms of aspects such as meter, rhyming, etc. But not in terms of the lyrics
In fact most songwriters just simply pen down the words and then once hey are done with inking every word pertaining to the main theme, they polish it as per technical requirement. Most songwriters in fact do not rest until the final composition is produced, simply because they feel that somewhere the essence of their wordings may get misplaced.
So, while the lyrics are being put to tune they sit along with the composer and make the necessary changes. However, it is not always that songwriters have their lyrics put to tunes, thereby cutting an album or a single for that matter.
In fact a large number of songwriters are given assignments, whereby they are given a situation in accordance to which they need to create something. This is more so in the case of the Indian film industry where music and songs are a major ingredient of any film being made. In this case the director informs the lyricists of the situation that precedes and follows the song.
Under such circumstances, the creative freedom is curtailed to a certain extent, yet it is paying. In fact if you have penned some verses then you could scout around for some takers, and who knows in no time your song writing hobby could turn into a full-fledged career option.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Song writing contest sites
Resources for online song writing contests
jlsc.com/ - A chance for songwriters to Win prizes by submitting your original songs.
songwritingcontest.co.uk/ - UK Songwriting Contest web site. This is the UK's leading songwriting event and one of the world's major international song competitions.
songwritingcompetition.com/ - International Songwriting Competition (ISC) - An annual songwriting contest for both aspiring and professional songwriters.
ONLINE SONG WRITING CONTEST - Songwriter’s Contest is dedicated to recognize, honor, promote and advance amateurs and experienced songwriters.
jlsc.com/ - A chance for songwriters to Win prizes by submitting your original songs.
songwritingcontest.co.uk/ - UK Songwriting Contest web site. This is the UK's leading songwriting event and one of the world's major international song competitions.
songwritingcompetition.com/ - International Songwriting Competition (ISC) - An annual songwriting contest for both aspiring and professional songwriters.
ONLINE SONG WRITING CONTEST - Songwriter’s Contest is dedicated to recognize, honor, promote and advance amateurs and experienced songwriters.
Freelance writing jobs
If you are one among the people who has been looking for a part time job and has gone through the routine of diligently looking up the Classifieds ranging from the Times of India to the Midday every morning over your steaming cup of coffee/tea or run a million endless search routines on the internet, and not to forget the good old online job sites, then you might just relate to what I have to say further.
If you have managed to meander through the clutter of jobs claiming you can earn lakhs per month growing milky mushrooms (mind you, not lakh, but lakhs per month!!!!), or the ones which term multi level marketing (a slick term for simply widening the network of a dead business) as Part time jobs, and of course the ones which claim to be data processing jobs but are more interested in the initial registration fee (ranging from Rs. 750 to Rs. 3000) you will be paying them, then you might not have noticed a little unpretentious ad in the corner about freelance writing. And of course you went past it like it never existed. Reasons: First, because it didn’t claim to make you a lakhpati in a months’ time. Second, because you don’t by miles trust yourself to even write a coherent letter to your parents or siblings, so how in heaven’s name can you propose to find money in writing?
But did you know that Freelance writing could be done by almost anyone. It does not require any set of so called specialized skills in writing. The word writing is in this case highly misleading. It conjures up in the unsuspecting innocent mind images of serious writers poring over pages in a trancelike state scribbling away in an inspired moment. But freelance writing is simply like making conversation to a friend, only also penning it down and sending it to someone who can use it. It is yet another tool of marketing used by the people who will pay you for the writing.
In a career as a freelance writer, one can find a lot of flexibility in terms of timings and also the place of work. You could be anywhere and doing anything else and yet make money with a freelancing job.
And what’s more, there are various options within the broad area that you can explore. Read on to know more about the options available:
1. Freelance Copywriter
2. Freelance Resume Writer
3. Freelance Technical Writer
4. Freelance Health Writer
5. Freelance Travel Writer
6. Freelance Story Writer
7. Freelance Column Writer
8. Freelance Content Writer
Phew!!!! From all these options there will definitely be one where you have some personal opinions to offer and therefore shall be successful in writing a piece on the required topic. And if your eye has not become attuned to pick out the posts on freelance writing so far, avoid the milky mushrooms and train your amateur eye to focus on opportunities on Freelance writing. This is where the stable and guaranteed money is.
If you have managed to meander through the clutter of jobs claiming you can earn lakhs per month growing milky mushrooms (mind you, not lakh, but lakhs per month!!!!), or the ones which term multi level marketing (a slick term for simply widening the network of a dead business) as Part time jobs, and of course the ones which claim to be data processing jobs but are more interested in the initial registration fee (ranging from Rs. 750 to Rs. 3000) you will be paying them, then you might not have noticed a little unpretentious ad in the corner about freelance writing. And of course you went past it like it never existed. Reasons: First, because it didn’t claim to make you a lakhpati in a months’ time. Second, because you don’t by miles trust yourself to even write a coherent letter to your parents or siblings, so how in heaven’s name can you propose to find money in writing?
But did you know that Freelance writing could be done by almost anyone. It does not require any set of so called specialized skills in writing. The word writing is in this case highly misleading. It conjures up in the unsuspecting innocent mind images of serious writers poring over pages in a trancelike state scribbling away in an inspired moment. But freelance writing is simply like making conversation to a friend, only also penning it down and sending it to someone who can use it. It is yet another tool of marketing used by the people who will pay you for the writing.
In a career as a freelance writer, one can find a lot of flexibility in terms of timings and also the place of work. You could be anywhere and doing anything else and yet make money with a freelancing job.
And what’s more, there are various options within the broad area that you can explore. Read on to know more about the options available:
1. Freelance Copywriter
2. Freelance Resume Writer
3. Freelance Technical Writer
4. Freelance Health Writer
5. Freelance Travel Writer
6. Freelance Story Writer
7. Freelance Column Writer
8. Freelance Content Writer
Phew!!!! From all these options there will definitely be one where you have some personal opinions to offer and therefore shall be successful in writing a piece on the required topic. And if your eye has not become attuned to pick out the posts on freelance writing so far, avoid the milky mushrooms and train your amateur eye to focus on opportunities on Freelance writing. This is where the stable and guaranteed money is.
Ten hottest careers
1. Video jockeying ( VJs) is becoming a hot career option for the present generation. VJs have to be up-to-date on the latest music, videos and information about music stars and other celebrities.
2. Fashion designing is also getting trendy. This career involves creating designs as per changing trends. Most big Fashion houses, retain their own designers. Indian Fashion designers have made their mark the world over.
3. Call centres careers offer wide range of opportunities, well paid jobs for the minimum qualification and good facilities like to and fro transport, and subsidized meals make it a hot career choice.
4. A pilot career is also hot & provide opportunity to travel around the globe. This is a lucrative field & the pay is always good. However, it is a highly specialised job which requires knowledge of air navigation, interpretation of meteorological reports, operating sophisticated electronic controls, and being a leader.
5. Genetic engineering comes under the broad heading of Biotechnology. There is a great scope for people in this field as the demand for these professionals is are growing all over the world. Here, the specialisations are related to plants, animals and human beings.
6. Career as a Certified public accountant - They perform a broad range of accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting activities for their clients, who may be corporations, governments, nonprofit organizations, or individuals. For example, some accountants concentrate on tax matters, such as advising companies of the tax advantages and disadvantages of certain business decisions and preparing individual income tax returns.
7. Interior decorators as a career- They decorate spaces or areas within rooms & buildings. An interior decorator dresses spaces such as rooms, halls and corridors, offices and show places. Here, the advantage is you could take up freelance work & work at your timing convenience.
8. Career as a bridal consultant / wedding planner - They are professionals who have been trained to see to the every need of the bride from the planning process to the last dance. The demand for them is now growing.
9. Mental health counselors - They help individuals deal with addictions and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress management, problems with self-esteem, issues associated with aging, and family, parenting, and marital problems.
10. Marriage counselors - They provide guidance, therapy, and instruction to individuals and families for the purpose of preparing couples for marriage, resolving, avoiding or restoring marital harmony; or assisting in adjustment to divorce.
2. Fashion designing is also getting trendy. This career involves creating designs as per changing trends. Most big Fashion houses, retain their own designers. Indian Fashion designers have made their mark the world over.
3. Call centres careers offer wide range of opportunities, well paid jobs for the minimum qualification and good facilities like to and fro transport, and subsidized meals make it a hot career choice.
4. A pilot career is also hot & provide opportunity to travel around the globe. This is a lucrative field & the pay is always good. However, it is a highly specialised job which requires knowledge of air navigation, interpretation of meteorological reports, operating sophisticated electronic controls, and being a leader.
5. Genetic engineering comes under the broad heading of Biotechnology. There is a great scope for people in this field as the demand for these professionals is are growing all over the world. Here, the specialisations are related to plants, animals and human beings.
6. Career as a Certified public accountant - They perform a broad range of accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting activities for their clients, who may be corporations, governments, nonprofit organizations, or individuals. For example, some accountants concentrate on tax matters, such as advising companies of the tax advantages and disadvantages of certain business decisions and preparing individual income tax returns.
7. Interior decorators as a career- They decorate spaces or areas within rooms & buildings. An interior decorator dresses spaces such as rooms, halls and corridors, offices and show places. Here, the advantage is you could take up freelance work & work at your timing convenience.
8. Career as a bridal consultant / wedding planner - They are professionals who have been trained to see to the every need of the bride from the planning process to the last dance. The demand for them is now growing.
9. Mental health counselors - They help individuals deal with addictions and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress management, problems with self-esteem, issues associated with aging, and family, parenting, and marital problems.
10. Marriage counselors - They provide guidance, therapy, and instruction to individuals and families for the purpose of preparing couples for marriage, resolving, avoiding or restoring marital harmony; or assisting in adjustment to divorce.
Highest paying jobs
Management is what life is all about and if you are a graduate from IIM, the sky is the limit as far as payment is concerned. While these graduates earn 7-7.5 lakhs annually in India, their salaries are a whopping Rs 4 million to 5 million abroad. Companies like Price Waterhouse and Mckinsey, which have their branches in India, offer anything between Rs 1. Million –Rs 2 million a year, Company financial analysts especially those who have passed the CFA earn anything from 11-12 lakhs annually with a lot of extra perks thrown in. Offshore Drilling with the ONGC which is a company over which the Govt has a monopoly earns profits running into several hundred crores. The employees obviously have salaries that equal the icing on the cake.
The IT scenario is thriving and with the boom of the Internet and businesses demonstrating that IT has become a critical element of their overall business strategies, salaries paid by foreign companies are in the region of more than 15 lakhs annually. Managers directly associated with the Internet command even more. Computer professionals have the going really good. As the world is edging towards a scenario that is going to be dominated by computers, these people are in great demand. Software programmers are calling the shots and command salaries that are commensurate with their skills.
Companies like Infosys and Wipro who have branches in India are willing to pay handsomely. Hewlett Packard is willing to pay a talented programmer about 10-12 lakhs per year. Outsourcing is the order of the day.
A lot of high paying tech jobs that are more expensive abroad are moved to India because of skilled labor available here. Certified computer professionals are also in great demand and can earn anything between 5-8 lakhs annually. You want to make money, then join the computer bandwagon. Who said teaching was a low paying job? Maybe colleges and schools do not pay much, but if you happen to be the owner of a coaching class, then you can make money faster than you can spend. A lucrative profession indeed!!!. The sky is the limit.
The medical profession especially the private practice has seen leaps and bounds in their salaries. Specialization has catalyzed this process and has further augmented their salaries. Their fees are so high and the procedures that they perform so expensive that the patient has to pay through his nose. Dentistry especially with individual branches like periodontics, orthodontics and the like are lucrative. Surgeons command respect and at the same time the fees for a single surgery and postoperative care can care run into a few lakhs. Well-established advocates and lawyers go easily into the top bracket. On the lighter side, we have the Indian cricketers who are paid lakhs even if they lose matches and if they win, the amounts are astronomical because the amount they get by way of advertisements and prize money, not to say free houses and land surpasses by at least 15 times the amount a hardworking individual will earn in a life time. You intuitively have to know just way the wind is blowing and if you can sail long with it, money is never going to be a problem.
The IT scenario is thriving and with the boom of the Internet and businesses demonstrating that IT has become a critical element of their overall business strategies, salaries paid by foreign companies are in the region of more than 15 lakhs annually. Managers directly associated with the Internet command even more. Computer professionals have the going really good. As the world is edging towards a scenario that is going to be dominated by computers, these people are in great demand. Software programmers are calling the shots and command salaries that are commensurate with their skills.
Companies like Infosys and Wipro who have branches in India are willing to pay handsomely. Hewlett Packard is willing to pay a talented programmer about 10-12 lakhs per year. Outsourcing is the order of the day.
A lot of high paying tech jobs that are more expensive abroad are moved to India because of skilled labor available here. Certified computer professionals are also in great demand and can earn anything between 5-8 lakhs annually. You want to make money, then join the computer bandwagon. Who said teaching was a low paying job? Maybe colleges and schools do not pay much, but if you happen to be the owner of a coaching class, then you can make money faster than you can spend. A lucrative profession indeed!!!. The sky is the limit.
The medical profession especially the private practice has seen leaps and bounds in their salaries. Specialization has catalyzed this process and has further augmented their salaries. Their fees are so high and the procedures that they perform so expensive that the patient has to pay through his nose. Dentistry especially with individual branches like periodontics, orthodontics and the like are lucrative. Surgeons command respect and at the same time the fees for a single surgery and postoperative care can care run into a few lakhs. Well-established advocates and lawyers go easily into the top bracket. On the lighter side, we have the Indian cricketers who are paid lakhs even if they lose matches and if they win, the amounts are astronomical because the amount they get by way of advertisements and prize money, not to say free houses and land surpasses by at least 15 times the amount a hardworking individual will earn in a life time. You intuitively have to know just way the wind is blowing and if you can sail long with it, money is never going to be a problem.
Monday, November 27, 2006
The Best Questions to Ask in the Interview
An interview is meant to be a two-way street. The hiring manager is interviewing you to determine whether you're the best fit for the job. At the same time, you should be asking questions to determine whether you would be happy in the position or with the company.
But once nerves take over, it's easy to forget your role. After all, you're meeting on the employer's schedule in an unfamiliar office. After listening to the interviewer's monologue about the company and role, you're asked a barrage of questions about your background and future plans " all the while praying that you're delivering the "right" answers.
By the time the employer asks if you have any questions, it's easy to be so drained and nervous you can only stammer out, "Nope."
Not asking questions, however, is passing up a chance to stand out from the competition.
"This is a great opportunity to set you apart in a positive way from other people being considered for the job," says Eddie Payne, division manager of professional staffing for recruiting firm FGP International. "Employers say they are interested in candidates who ask quality questions and make intelligent conversation based on what they know about the organization."
Before the interview, prepare a list of questions that demonstrate your knowledge of the company and interest in the position. Some good topics to cover include:
The company
Dave Stanford, executive vice president of client services for contingency and contract staffing firm Winter, Wyman Companies suggests asking:
But once nerves take over, it's easy to forget your role. After all, you're meeting on the employer's schedule in an unfamiliar office. After listening to the interviewer's monologue about the company and role, you're asked a barrage of questions about your background and future plans " all the while praying that you're delivering the "right" answers.
By the time the employer asks if you have any questions, it's easy to be so drained and nervous you can only stammer out, "Nope."
Not asking questions, however, is passing up a chance to stand out from the competition.
"This is a great opportunity to set you apart in a positive way from other people being considered for the job," says Eddie Payne, division manager of professional staffing for recruiting firm FGP International. "Employers say they are interested in candidates who ask quality questions and make intelligent conversation based on what they know about the organization."
Before the interview, prepare a list of questions that demonstrate your knowledge of the company and interest in the position. Some good topics to cover include:
The company
Dave Stanford, executive vice president of client services for contingency and contract staffing firm Winter, Wyman Companies suggests asking:
- What do you see ahead for your company in the next five years?
- How do you see the future for this industry?
- What do you consider to be your firm's most important assets?
- What can you tell me about your new product or plans for growth?
- How do you rate your competition?
The position's history
Asking about why the position is vacant can provide insight into the company and the potential for advancement. According to Annie Stevens and Greg Gostanian, managing partners at executive and career development firm ClearRock, good questions include:
- What happened to the last person who held this job?
- What were the major strengths and weaknesses of the last person who held this job?
- What types of skills do you NOT already have onboard that you're looking to fill with a new hire?
The department
Asking about your department's workers and role in the company can help you understand more about the company's culture and hierarchy. Stanford suggests asking:
- What is the overall structure of the company and how does your department fit the structure?
- What are the career paths in this department?
- What have been the department's successes in the last couple of years?
- How do you view your group/division/department?
The job's responsibilities
To avoid any confusion later on, it pays to gain a solid understanding of the position. FGP International's Eddie Payne recommends inquiring:
- What would you consider to be the most important aspects of this job?
- What are the skills and attributes you value most for someone being hired for this position?
- Where have successful employees previously in this position progressed to within the company?
- Could you describe a typical day or week in this position? The typical client or customer I would be dealing with?
The expectations
To determine how and when you will evaluated, Payne recommend advises asking:
- What are the most immediate challenges of the position that need to be addressed in the first three months?
- What are the performance expectations of this position over the first 12 months?
- How will I be evaluated at XYZ company, and how often?
The next steps
At the end of the interview, don't forget to ask:
- What are the next steps in the interview process?
For further details click on the links on this site.
Don't get discouraged
So you made it through your final round of interviews and received positive signs throughout the entire day, but when it is all said and done, you don’t receive the offer.
I’ve seen this situation happen a lot. It’s tough, but don’t get discouraged. It’s not always the end.
Remember, your recruiter is there to help you. We’re looking out for positions across the company, and in some cases, the first position you interview for just isn't the right match. When I encounter this situation, I know that I for one (as will other staffing consultants) will work with you to find a home at Microsoft. I will gladly try and find you a position within my other product groups or with other groups across the company!
There are a couple things to remember when moving forward.
1: Keep a positive attitude: Do not continue looking at this as a failure. I have had candidates who make it through the entire day and receive positive recommendations from the interviewers, yet another candidate also receives favorable feedback. In the end and for whatever reason, the group decides to extend an offer to the other candidate. This does not discredit your candidacy. We'll work to find you another spot.
2A. Keep an open mind: So you interviewed with the hiring team for an SDE role, but at the end of the day, they think you’d make a great Microsoft employee – yet they want you to meet with the SDET manager and consider an offer for an SDET role. Realizing throughout an interview day that another position may be a more appropriate match can happen, and it means the interviewers are looking out for you. Consider the new role, and in the case of SDE and SDET, remember that Development or Design is a large part of the SDET title position and only STRONG developers with a testing aptitude can make it in this role!
2B: Keep an open mind: Perhaps you have convinced yourself that the only cool position at Microsoft was the one you were interviewing for which had you building the next generation “Oscillation Overthruster,” when I assure you that you will be challenged and have as much fun working on the next gen “Flux Capacitor” =) In fact, this other group may even be a better match for your skills and interests! **extra credit if you catch the commonality between these two “products” ** ;-p
When all is said and done – believe you me – if you receive positive recommendations during your interviews but fate prevents you from receiving an offer, we work our butts off to find you a home that fits both you and the company! So, Don't Get Discouraged!
For further details click on the links on this site.
I’ve seen this situation happen a lot. It’s tough, but don’t get discouraged. It’s not always the end.
Remember, your recruiter is there to help you. We’re looking out for positions across the company, and in some cases, the first position you interview for just isn't the right match. When I encounter this situation, I know that I for one (as will other staffing consultants) will work with you to find a home at Microsoft. I will gladly try and find you a position within my other product groups or with other groups across the company!
There are a couple things to remember when moving forward.
1: Keep a positive attitude: Do not continue looking at this as a failure. I have had candidates who make it through the entire day and receive positive recommendations from the interviewers, yet another candidate also receives favorable feedback. In the end and for whatever reason, the group decides to extend an offer to the other candidate. This does not discredit your candidacy. We'll work to find you another spot.
2A. Keep an open mind: So you interviewed with the hiring team for an SDE role, but at the end of the day, they think you’d make a great Microsoft employee – yet they want you to meet with the SDET manager and consider an offer for an SDET role. Realizing throughout an interview day that another position may be a more appropriate match can happen, and it means the interviewers are looking out for you. Consider the new role, and in the case of SDE and SDET, remember that Development or Design is a large part of the SDET title position and only STRONG developers with a testing aptitude can make it in this role!
2B: Keep an open mind: Perhaps you have convinced yourself that the only cool position at Microsoft was the one you were interviewing for which had you building the next generation “Oscillation Overthruster,” when I assure you that you will be challenged and have as much fun working on the next gen “Flux Capacitor” =) In fact, this other group may even be a better match for your skills and interests! **extra credit if you catch the commonality between these two “products” ** ;-p
When all is said and done – believe you me – if you receive positive recommendations during your interviews but fate prevents you from receiving an offer, we work our butts off to find you a home that fits both you and the company! So, Don't Get Discouraged!
For further details click on the links on this site.
Top 25 Interview Questions
The 25 most difficult questions you'll be asked on a job interview
Being prepared is half the battle.
If you are one of those executive types unhappy at your present post and embarking on a New Year's resolution to find a new one, here's a helping hand. The job interview is considered to be the most critical aspect of every expedition that brings you face-to- face with the future boss. One must prepare for it with the same tenacity and quickness as one does for a fencing tournament or a chess match.
1. Tell me about yourself.
Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.
2. What do you know about our organization?
You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more.
You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies.
Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons..."
Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there.
3. Why do you want to work for us?
The deadliest answer you can give is "Because I like people." What else would you like-animals?
Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development, emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.
If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn't interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn't be considering a job with that organization.
Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it's difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don't really want.
4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them.
5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?
List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive item.
6. Why should we hire you?
Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (See question 4.)
7. What do you look for in a job?
Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire to perform and be recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward opportunity rather than personal security.
8. Please give me your defintion of [the position for which you are being interviewed].
Keep your answer brief and taskoriented. Think in in terms of responsibilities and accountability. Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves before you attempt an answer. If you are not certain. ask the interviewer; he or she may answer the question for you.
9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.
10. How long would you stay with us?
Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, "As long as we both feel achievement-oriented."
11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's Your opinion?
Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so wellqualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.
12. What is your management style?
You should know enough about the company's style to know that your management style will complement it. Possible styles include: task oriented (I'll enjoy problem-solving identifying what's wrong, choosing a solution and implementing it"), results-oriented ("Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line"), or even paternalistic ("I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction").
A participative style is currently quite popular: an open-door method of managing in which you get things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility.
As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work hatppily and effectively within the organization.
13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential?
Keep your answer achievementand ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy.
14. What do you look for when You hire people?
Think in terms of skills. initiative, and the adaptability to be able to work comfortably and effectively with others. Mention that you like to hire people who appear capable of moving up in the organization.
15. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did you handle the situation?
Admit that the situation was not easy, but say that it worked out well, both for the company and, you think, for the individual. Show that, like anyone else, you don't enjoy unpleasant tasks but that you can resolve them efficiently and -in the case of firing someone- humanely.
16. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive?
Mention planning, execution, and cost-control. The most difficult task is to motivate and manage employess to get something planned and completed on time and within the budget.
17. What important trends do you see in our industry?
Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading.
18. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?
Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. where you considered this topic as you set your reference statements. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not mention personality conflicts.
The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that you were terminated. The "We agreed to disagree" approach may be useful. Remember hat your references are likely to be checked, so don't concoct a story for an interview.
19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?
Mention that you are concerned, naturally, but not panicked. You are willing to accept some risk to find the right job for yourself. Don't suggest that security might interest you more than getting the job done successfully.
20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?
Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don't cite personality problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may wonder why you remained there until now.
21. What do you think of your boss?
Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him in similar terms at some point in the future.
22. Why aren't you earning more at your age?
Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don't be defensive.
23. What do you feel this position should pay?
Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for as long as you can do so politely. You might say, "I understand that the range for this job is between $______ and $______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it." You might answer the question with a question: "Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organization?"
If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to know more about the position's responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search executive (if one is involved), or in research done as part of your homework, you can try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you.
If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, "You know that I'm making $______ now. Like everyone else, I'd like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself." Remember that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make you worth more money.
If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary question. He or she may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells you what the position pays, and you tell him that you are earning that amount now and would Like to do a bit better, he might go back to the employer and propose that you be offered an additional 10%.
If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will have to restpond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it does not really matter, that you'll accept whatever is offered. If you've been making $80,000 a year, you can't say that a $35,000 figure would be fine without sounding as if you've given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career change, however, this kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.)
Don't sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don't leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself.
But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the "final" stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.
24. What are your long-range goals?
Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Don't answer, "I want the job you've advertised." Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: 'in a firm like yours, I would like to..."
25. How successful do you you've been so far?
Say that, all-in-all, you're happy with the way your career has progressed so far. Given the normal ups and downs of life, you feel that you've done quite well and have no complaints.
Present a positive and confident picture of yourself, but don't overstate your case. An answer like, "Everything's wonderful! I can't think of a time when things were going better! I'm overjoyed!" is likely to make an interviewer wonder whether you're trying to fool him . . . or yourself. The most convincing confidence is usually quiet confidence.
For further details click on the links on this site.
Being prepared is half the battle.
If you are one of those executive types unhappy at your present post and embarking on a New Year's resolution to find a new one, here's a helping hand. The job interview is considered to be the most critical aspect of every expedition that brings you face-to- face with the future boss. One must prepare for it with the same tenacity and quickness as one does for a fencing tournament or a chess match.
1. Tell me about yourself.
Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.
2. What do you know about our organization?
You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more.
You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies.
Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons..."
Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there.
3. Why do you want to work for us?
The deadliest answer you can give is "Because I like people." What else would you like-animals?
Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development, emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.
If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn't interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn't be considering a job with that organization.
Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it's difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don't really want.
4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them.
5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?
List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive item.
6. Why should we hire you?
Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (See question 4.)
7. What do you look for in a job?
Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire to perform and be recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward opportunity rather than personal security.
8. Please give me your defintion of [the position for which you are being interviewed].
Keep your answer brief and taskoriented. Think in in terms of responsibilities and accountability. Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves before you attempt an answer. If you are not certain. ask the interviewer; he or she may answer the question for you.
9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.
10. How long would you stay with us?
Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, "As long as we both feel achievement-oriented."
11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's Your opinion?
Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so wellqualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.
12. What is your management style?
You should know enough about the company's style to know that your management style will complement it. Possible styles include: task oriented (I'll enjoy problem-solving identifying what's wrong, choosing a solution and implementing it"), results-oriented ("Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line"), or even paternalistic ("I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction").
A participative style is currently quite popular: an open-door method of managing in which you get things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility.
As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work hatppily and effectively within the organization.
13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential?
Keep your answer achievementand ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy.
14. What do you look for when You hire people?
Think in terms of skills. initiative, and the adaptability to be able to work comfortably and effectively with others. Mention that you like to hire people who appear capable of moving up in the organization.
15. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did you handle the situation?
Admit that the situation was not easy, but say that it worked out well, both for the company and, you think, for the individual. Show that, like anyone else, you don't enjoy unpleasant tasks but that you can resolve them efficiently and -in the case of firing someone- humanely.
16. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive?
Mention planning, execution, and cost-control. The most difficult task is to motivate and manage employess to get something planned and completed on time and within the budget.
17. What important trends do you see in our industry?
Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading.
18. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?
Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. where you considered this topic as you set your reference statements. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not mention personality conflicts.
The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that you were terminated. The "We agreed to disagree" approach may be useful. Remember hat your references are likely to be checked, so don't concoct a story for an interview.
19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?
Mention that you are concerned, naturally, but not panicked. You are willing to accept some risk to find the right job for yourself. Don't suggest that security might interest you more than getting the job done successfully.
20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?
Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don't cite personality problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may wonder why you remained there until now.
21. What do you think of your boss?
Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him in similar terms at some point in the future.
22. Why aren't you earning more at your age?
Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don't be defensive.
23. What do you feel this position should pay?
Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for as long as you can do so politely. You might say, "I understand that the range for this job is between $______ and $______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it." You might answer the question with a question: "Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organization?"
If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to know more about the position's responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search executive (if one is involved), or in research done as part of your homework, you can try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you.
If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, "You know that I'm making $______ now. Like everyone else, I'd like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself." Remember that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make you worth more money.
If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary question. He or she may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells you what the position pays, and you tell him that you are earning that amount now and would Like to do a bit better, he might go back to the employer and propose that you be offered an additional 10%.
If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will have to restpond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it does not really matter, that you'll accept whatever is offered. If you've been making $80,000 a year, you can't say that a $35,000 figure would be fine without sounding as if you've given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career change, however, this kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.)
Don't sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don't leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself.
But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the "final" stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.
24. What are your long-range goals?
Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Don't answer, "I want the job you've advertised." Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: 'in a firm like yours, I would like to..."
25. How successful do you you've been so far?
Say that, all-in-all, you're happy with the way your career has progressed so far. Given the normal ups and downs of life, you feel that you've done quite well and have no complaints.
Present a positive and confident picture of yourself, but don't overstate your case. An answer like, "Everything's wonderful! I can't think of a time when things were going better! I'm overjoyed!" is likely to make an interviewer wonder whether you're trying to fool him . . . or yourself. The most convincing confidence is usually quiet confidence.
For further details click on the links on this site.
Common Mistakes in GD
Wise men learn from others mistakes, while the less fortunate, from their own.
Here's a list of the most common mistakes made at group discussions:
Emotional outburst
Rashmi was offended when one of the male participants in a group discussion made a statement on women generally being submissive while explaining his point of view. When Rashmi finally got an opportunity to speak, instead of focussing on the topic, she vented her anger by accusing the other candidate for being a male chauvinist and went on to defend women in general. What Rashmi essentially did was to
Here's a list of the most common mistakes made at group discussions:
Emotional outburst
Rashmi was offended when one of the male participants in a group discussion made a statement on women generally being submissive while explaining his point of view. When Rashmi finally got an opportunity to speak, instead of focussing on the topic, she vented her anger by accusing the other candidate for being a male chauvinist and went on to defend women in general. What Rashmi essentially did was to
- Deviate from the subject
- Treat the discussion as a forum to air her own views.
- Lose objectivity and make personal attacks.
Her behaviour would have been perceived as immature and demotivating to the rest of the team.
Quality Vs Quantity
Gautam believed that the more he talked, the more likely he was to get through the GD. So, he interrupted other people at every opportunity. He did this so often that the other candidates got together to prevent him from participating in the rest of the discussion.
- Assessment is not only on your communication skills but also on your ability to be a team player.
- Evaluation is based on quality, and not on quantity. Your contribution must be relevant.
- The mantra is "Contributing meaningfully to the team's success." Domination is frowned upon.
Egoism Showing off
Krishna was happy to have got a group discussion topic he had prepared for. So, he took pains to project his vast knowledge of the topic. Every other sentence of his contained statistical data - "20% of companies; 24.27% of parliamentarians felt that; I recently read in a Jupiter Report that..." and so on so forth. Soon, the rest of the team either laughed at him or ignored his attempts to enlighten them as they perceived that he was cooking up the data.
- Exercise restraint in anything. You will end up being frowned upon if you attempt showing-off your knowledge.
- Facts and figures need not validate all your statements.
- Its your analysis and interpretation that are equally important - not just facts and figures.
- You might be appreciated for your in-depth knowledge. But you will fail miserably in your people skills.
Such a behavior indicates how self-centered you are and highlights your inability to work in an atmosphere where different opinions are expressed.
Get noticed - But for the right reasons
Srikumar knew that everyone would compete to initiate the discussion. So as soon as the topic - "Discuss the negative effects of India joining the WTO" - was read out, he began talking. In his anxiety to be the first to start speaking, he did not hear the word "negative" in the topic. He began discussing the ways in which the country had benefited by joining WTO, only to be stopped by the evaluator, who then corrected his mistake. Che tanaS
- False starts are extremely expensive. They cost you your admission. It is very important to listen and understand the topic before you air your opinions.
- Spending a little time analyzing the topic may provide you with insights which others may not have thought about. Use a pen and paper to jot down your ideas.
- Listen! It gives you the time to conceptualize and present the information in a better manner. Some mistakes are irreparable. Starting off the group discussion with a mistake is one such mistake, unless you have a great sense of humor.
Managing one's insecurities
Sumati was very nervous. She thought that some of the other candidates were exceptionally good. Thanks to her insecurity, she contributed little to the discussion. Even when she was asked to comment on a particular point, she preferred to remain silent.
- Your personality is also being evaluated. Your verbal and non verbal cues are being read.
- Remember, you are the participant in the GD; not the evaluator. So, rather than evaluating others and your performance, participate in the discussion.
- Your confidence level is being evaluated. Decent communication skills with good confidence is a must to crack the GDs.
Focus on your strengths and do not spend too much time thinking about how others are superior or inferior to you. It is easy to pick up these cues from your body language.
Group Discussion Tips
- Always be the initiator and concluder of the GD then being a participant.
- But if you are particaipant always try to be the most vianl/key participant.
- put points firmly and always try to get others support too.
- if you find that the discussion os going offttrack then never loose an oppurtunity to bring it back to straem this is the best point to score max.
- try to keep latest information on the topic.
- be very polite , people may try to provoke you to to get more points but try to keep cool.
- most important don't wait for your turn to speak when discussion is on. inturrupt politely if you want to put forward your points.
- last but not the least keep atab on the time given for discussion. score points by wrapping up the discussion if you feel that the discussion is heating but the time is going to be over.
- during conclusion, do end with the conclusion note. that shows your leadership quality.
Best scoring points are:
- initiation of discussion,
- always keeping/trying tokeep discussion on track
- conclusion on time
- your capability to keep your cool and listen as well as putting your points.
Group Discussion Do's and Don'ts
- Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.
- A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.
- Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.
- Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.
- Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.
- 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.
- 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.
- Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say.
- Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and fluently.
- Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.
- Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take the discussion personally.
- 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" Ch etanaS
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
For further details click on the links on this site.
Infosys Test Paper-IV
INFOSYS PAPER ON 2nd AUGUST 2006 AT RANCHI ::::
Pattern of the test was very much similar to that of the other places.
It contained:
1.10 puzzles
2.Verbal test
a)RC
b)Fill with correct words
c)A story was given.We had to fill in the blanks with appropriate verb forms.
d)Choose the correct sentence among two.
e)Choose the incorrect sentence among four.
f)Fill with appopriate phrases.
Details:
PUZZLE TEST.
Duration--60 minutes
Marks-- 50
No of Questions-10.
I think 6-7 were repeated ones.So guys please take one advice-DOWNLOAD ATLEAST 10 PREVIOUS PLACE PAPERS.I assure you that things will be easy then.Because i think to get selected in any company is to have their papers in advance.
brief idea of questions:
1) one statement was given regarding the details of age of an old man.it contained twisted information about his sons death.like I lived certain part(it was given) of my life as child, certain as youth ,certain part as bachelor.then after 5 years of marriage my son was born and my son died 4 years before my death at half my age.what is my agebut the question was vey easy.(ans was 84)
2)In a party, there one man dances exactly with 3 ladies & 1 woman dances exactly with 3 men . there are exactly two pairs are common with every men. how many people are there in party? ans 8.its easy one.
3)It was a long question.8-9 conditions were given regading grades of 4 persons.it was like a conversation of 4 friend about each others grades and we had to determine their grades.it was tough man!
4)It was to determine a five digit number.various conditions were given
a)two digits are prime
b)no repeated digits
c)digit 5 is half of digit 4
d)digit 1 is one less than digit 3
e)digit 3 is the largest.
f)digit 2 is the smallest.
g)digit 5 lies between digit 1 and digit 2.
ans is 71842
5)one question was from venn diagram.A survey was conducted among consumers who use products in liquid and powder form.one third of them dont use liquid.two fifth of them dont use powder.427 use both powder and liquidand one fifth use neither of products.what is the total no of consumers. ans 735
6)This one was based on logical resoning.it was a long question barrons type.names of five men and women were given.they go to cinema hall.conditions regarding their seating arrangement were given.it took time but it can be solved.
7)There are three teams – DoIt, ActIt & ThinkIt – playing basketball in a championship. Three friends are speculating about the result:A : Either DoIt or ThinkIt will make itB : DoIt is not going to make itC : Neither ThinkIt or DoIt will make itonly one of them turned out to be correct. Which team won?Ans: ActIt
8) There are 3 tribes. Sorobean aways speaks truth. Narobean alwaz lies. Midorean speaks truth and false alternatively but whether he speaks truth or lies first cannot be detemined.From the statements find who belongs to which tribe.A: I am a sorobeanB is a narobeanB: I am a sorobeanC is a midoreanC: I am a sorobeanA is a midoreanans: A-Midorean, B - Narobean, C - Sorobean
9) There are two trains. One from New York to Washington and second from Washington to New York. The total journey to a destination takes 5 hours. A train from New York to Washington leaves on hour at every hour The train from Washington to New York leaves an hour and on half an hour. How many trains will be passing if you are traveling from New York to Washington? Ans : 19 trains(please confirm )
10)question on clock and time.quarter of time from midnight to present when added to half the time from present to midnight gives the present time.what is the present time. ans 9:36
analysis: questions were repeated.rest were a bit tough.i managed to solve 9 questions out of 10.there was no upper cutoff.lower cutoff was around 30 marks.i scored 45 in this.
VERBAL:
Duration:30 minutes
Marks:45
No of Questions:45
Attempt the RC after solving other 40 questions coz they are damn easy.A bit of grasp on grammer can help anyone.Choosing the incorrect among 4 sentences was the only tough part.then simply read RC at one go and you can finish 5 leftover questions.I was able to answer 38 out of 45 questions correctly.
After about 2 hrs results of the written test was out.
No of candidates appeared:300(apprx).
Selected after written : 84.
As soon as results were out we were asked to appear for interviews immediately.They told in PPT that there will be no technical intrview.They asked only puzzles and some HR questions.My turn was at 3:15 pm.
I entered the room with a smiling face and greeted the HR person.The HR person was in his mid 40s.He looked very cool and asked me take the seat.
HR:So Mr Manish!introduce youself.
I: i spoke about 2 minutes confidently.
Hr:Tell me about your father and his occupation
I:told him
HR: tell about your brothers and sisters.
I:told him.
HR:Your percentage is good in 10th(89%) but it dipped to 81(%) in 12th.can you expain why
I:make any excuse.like i utilised my time in othher works
HR:what was your rank in AIEEE.
I:i told him it was 11602.
HR:at 11602 you got BIT MESRA!
I: sir i was offered Polymer for the first year.but i worked hard and honestly to earn good grade points in two semesters.then i changed my branch to EEE.
HR:you have left some blank spaces in your form??
I:(we had to fill a form before written!please fill it with care.coz they pay attention to it)sir this is a colomn for passport and i will apply soon for it.
HR:then you shoud write NA(not applicable)
I:sorry sir i forgot(with a smile)
HR:tell me about your birthplace.
I:told
HR:what are your hobbies that are different from others??
I:sir i like playing volleyball,watching F1,Quizzing and "informations"
HR:is "information" is your hobby?
I:yes sir i love to collect informations from various sources and diversified fields.i try to analyse them.
HR(he looked impressed):ok Mr Manish!Define leadership.
I:just whatever came to mind i just spoke for 2 minutes.
HR:what qualities a leader should have?
I:I told some qualities.
HR:Tell me two instances where you acted as leader.
I:sir i was volleyball school captian in class 8.team had seniors also.so i had to manage them.again in my project work in 6th sem i took the initiative.
HR:Ok!what are ethics and morals in your opinion?
I:{i was not expecting this kind of question)sir to me ethics and morals means to be respectful to our elders,underprivilegd,society and nation and blah blah.......
HR:ok solve this puzzle.(he drew a simple figure and asked to count the no of squares)
I:i easily did.
HR:Wall is 30 m high.frog climbs 3m and slips 2 in one hr.what is the time to reach the top.
I:i almost instantly replied 28.
HR:one bag 10 red.other 20 blue.to take out 1 red and 1 blue how many balls to be taken out.
I:answered it.
HR:tell the diameter of earth.
I:told it is 6400*2=12800km.
HR:he asked me hand over my resume.then he wished me good luckIt was such a cool interview i cant imagine how nicely it went.
For further details click on the links on this site.
Pattern of the test was very much similar to that of the other places.
It contained:
1.10 puzzles
2.Verbal test
a)RC
b)Fill with correct words
c)A story was given.We had to fill in the blanks with appropriate verb forms.
d)Choose the correct sentence among two.
e)Choose the incorrect sentence among four.
f)Fill with appopriate phrases.
Details:
PUZZLE TEST.
Duration--60 minutes
Marks-- 50
No of Questions-10.
I think 6-7 were repeated ones.So guys please take one advice-DOWNLOAD ATLEAST 10 PREVIOUS PLACE PAPERS.I assure you that things will be easy then.Because i think to get selected in any company is to have their papers in advance.
brief idea of questions:
1) one statement was given regarding the details of age of an old man.it contained twisted information about his sons death.like I lived certain part(it was given) of my life as child, certain as youth ,certain part as bachelor.then after 5 years of marriage my son was born and my son died 4 years before my death at half my age.what is my agebut the question was vey easy.(ans was 84)
2)In a party, there one man dances exactly with 3 ladies & 1 woman dances exactly with 3 men . there are exactly two pairs are common with every men. how many people are there in party? ans 8.its easy one.
3)It was a long question.8-9 conditions were given regading grades of 4 persons.it was like a conversation of 4 friend about each others grades and we had to determine their grades.it was tough man!
4)It was to determine a five digit number.various conditions were given
a)two digits are prime
b)no repeated digits
c)digit 5 is half of digit 4
d)digit 1 is one less than digit 3
e)digit 3 is the largest.
f)digit 2 is the smallest.
g)digit 5 lies between digit 1 and digit 2.
ans is 71842
5)one question was from venn diagram.A survey was conducted among consumers who use products in liquid and powder form.one third of them dont use liquid.two fifth of them dont use powder.427 use both powder and liquidand one fifth use neither of products.what is the total no of consumers. ans 735
6)This one was based on logical resoning.it was a long question barrons type.names of five men and women were given.they go to cinema hall.conditions regarding their seating arrangement were given.it took time but it can be solved.
7)There are three teams – DoIt, ActIt & ThinkIt – playing basketball in a championship. Three friends are speculating about the result:A : Either DoIt or ThinkIt will make itB : DoIt is not going to make itC : Neither ThinkIt or DoIt will make itonly one of them turned out to be correct. Which team won?Ans: ActIt
8) There are 3 tribes. Sorobean aways speaks truth. Narobean alwaz lies. Midorean speaks truth and false alternatively but whether he speaks truth or lies first cannot be detemined.From the statements find who belongs to which tribe.A: I am a sorobeanB is a narobeanB: I am a sorobeanC is a midoreanC: I am a sorobeanA is a midoreanans: A-Midorean, B - Narobean, C - Sorobean
9) There are two trains. One from New York to Washington and second from Washington to New York. The total journey to a destination takes 5 hours. A train from New York to Washington leaves on hour at every hour The train from Washington to New York leaves an hour and on half an hour. How many trains will be passing if you are traveling from New York to Washington? Ans : 19 trains(please confirm )
10)question on clock and time.quarter of time from midnight to present when added to half the time from present to midnight gives the present time.what is the present time. ans 9:36
analysis: questions were repeated.rest were a bit tough.i managed to solve 9 questions out of 10.there was no upper cutoff.lower cutoff was around 30 marks.i scored 45 in this.
VERBAL:
Duration:30 minutes
Marks:45
No of Questions:45
Attempt the RC after solving other 40 questions coz they are damn easy.A bit of grasp on grammer can help anyone.Choosing the incorrect among 4 sentences was the only tough part.then simply read RC at one go and you can finish 5 leftover questions.I was able to answer 38 out of 45 questions correctly.
After about 2 hrs results of the written test was out.
No of candidates appeared:300(apprx).
Selected after written : 84.
As soon as results were out we were asked to appear for interviews immediately.They told in PPT that there will be no technical intrview.They asked only puzzles and some HR questions.My turn was at 3:15 pm.
I entered the room with a smiling face and greeted the HR person.The HR person was in his mid 40s.He looked very cool and asked me take the seat.
HR:So Mr Manish!introduce youself.
I: i spoke about 2 minutes confidently.
Hr:Tell me about your father and his occupation
I:told him
HR: tell about your brothers and sisters.
I:told him.
HR:Your percentage is good in 10th(89%) but it dipped to 81(%) in 12th.can you expain why
I:make any excuse.like i utilised my time in othher works
HR:what was your rank in AIEEE.
I:i told him it was 11602.
HR:at 11602 you got BIT MESRA!
I: sir i was offered Polymer for the first year.but i worked hard and honestly to earn good grade points in two semesters.then i changed my branch to EEE.
HR:you have left some blank spaces in your form??
I:(we had to fill a form before written!please fill it with care.coz they pay attention to it)sir this is a colomn for passport and i will apply soon for it.
HR:then you shoud write NA(not applicable)
I:sorry sir i forgot(with a smile)
HR:tell me about your birthplace.
I:told
HR:what are your hobbies that are different from others??
I:sir i like playing volleyball,watching F1,Quizzing and "informations"
HR:is "information" is your hobby?
I:yes sir i love to collect informations from various sources and diversified fields.i try to analyse them.
HR(he looked impressed):ok Mr Manish!Define leadership.
I:just whatever came to mind i just spoke for 2 minutes.
HR:what qualities a leader should have?
I:I told some qualities.
HR:Tell me two instances where you acted as leader.
I:sir i was volleyball school captian in class 8.team had seniors also.so i had to manage them.again in my project work in 6th sem i took the initiative.
HR:Ok!what are ethics and morals in your opinion?
I:{i was not expecting this kind of question)sir to me ethics and morals means to be respectful to our elders,underprivilegd,society and nation and blah blah.......
HR:ok solve this puzzle.(he drew a simple figure and asked to count the no of squares)
I:i easily did.
HR:Wall is 30 m high.frog climbs 3m and slips 2 in one hr.what is the time to reach the top.
I:i almost instantly replied 28.
HR:one bag 10 red.other 20 blue.to take out 1 red and 1 blue how many balls to be taken out.
I:answered it.
HR:tell the diameter of earth.
I:told it is 6400*2=12800km.
HR:he asked me hand over my resume.then he wished me good luckIt was such a cool interview i cant imagine how nicely it went.
For further details click on the links on this site.
Infosys Test Paper-III
THIS IS INFOSYS 99 FROM IITBHU
q1) a frog jumps 3 ft comres bacfk 2ft in a day in how many day it will come out of 30ft deep well (2 marks )ns ans 28 day
q2) A-B=C D/E=F G+H=I C.F=I ANS A=9,B=5,C=4,F=2.
Q3)when the asctual time pass 1hr wall clock ic 10 min behind it when 1 hr is shown by wall clock, table clock shows 10 min ahead of ih when table clock shows 1 hr the alarm closck goes 5minbehind it,when alarm clock goes 1 hr wrist watch is 5 min ahead of it assuming that all clocks are correcrt with actual tinme at 12 noon what will be time shown by wrist watch after 6 hr ans---5:47:32.5 (n X 60 )50/60 X 70/60 X 55/60 X 65/60
q4)a soft. engr just returned from US has eaten too mucgh fat &put a lot of weight everfy sunday he starts walking 4 km/hr on level ground then up at 3 km\hr then back down hill at 6km\hr then again on level grounggd at 4km\hr till he reaches his destination if he returned home at 9 p.m. e what distance did he covered ans 24km it is aslo asked in some parer fingd half of the dist covered by hoim in this case ans 12km
q5 ] one family promblem was there in wich varios relations are givern ans is correcr 3 families
q6] one question was about cards 4 persons play yjthe game of cards cards are of 4 colour yellow green blue,red fing colours of playing cards which are hiddeden ans remember the sequence yellow,yellow,green,blue,probably frob gre
q7] one very easy question just solve two eq, about ages i rembemer only ans boy=10yrsor girl =4 yrs or vice versa pl. check it
For further details click on the links on this site.
q1) a frog jumps 3 ft comres bacfk 2ft in a day in how many day it will come out of 30ft deep well (2 marks )ns ans 28 day
q2) A-B=C D/E=F G+H=I C.F=I ANS A=9,B=5,C=4,F=2.
Q3)when the asctual time pass 1hr wall clock ic 10 min behind it when 1 hr is shown by wall clock, table clock shows 10 min ahead of ih when table clock shows 1 hr the alarm closck goes 5minbehind it,when alarm clock goes 1 hr wrist watch is 5 min ahead of it assuming that all clocks are correcrt with actual tinme at 12 noon what will be time shown by wrist watch after 6 hr ans---5:47:32.5 (n X 60 )50/60 X 70/60 X 55/60 X 65/60
q4)a soft. engr just returned from US has eaten too mucgh fat &put a lot of weight everfy sunday he starts walking 4 km/hr on level ground then up at 3 km\hr then back down hill at 6km\hr then again on level grounggd at 4km\hr till he reaches his destination if he returned home at 9 p.m. e what distance did he covered ans 24km it is aslo asked in some parer fingd half of the dist covered by hoim in this case ans 12km
q5 ] one family promblem was there in wich varios relations are givern ans is correcr 3 families
q6] one question was about cards 4 persons play yjthe game of cards cards are of 4 colour yellow green blue,red fing colours of playing cards which are hiddeden ans remember the sequence yellow,yellow,green,blue,probably frob gre
q7] one very easy question just solve two eq, about ages i rembemer only ans boy=10yrsor girl =4 yrs or vice versa pl. check it
For further details click on the links on this site.
Infosys Test Paper-II
> The Questions are follows>
1. Number of null pointers in any binary tree = n+1
2. max(t1,t2,...tn) = pipelining
3. 50% -DBETXXXXXX - density
4. print (Head(T))> Traverse(left(T))> print (Head(T))> Traverse(right(T)) - ans: none of the above
5. Boolean expn Evalvate
6. Common subexpn : - ans : a + e
7. LRU : 1, 2, 3.
8. Tr. Delay - 10000 bits ans. 10.01
9. Grammar of Number of shift / reduce operator : ans. 4
10. CPU scheduling 9,8 ?
11. if even x/2> else p(p(3x+1))> > 2^k + 1: 3 . 2^(k-1) clarify this with sans
12. allocation ans: (ii) only
13. swapping : ans: reference only
14. Compiler - related Qn.
15. LAN frames - ? related Qn.
16. parameter passing (35,20)
17. sliding window protocol> - BUFFER SIZE large
18. kernel mode - deallocate resource
19. logic circuit> ans . Minimum OR = 3
20. Combinatorics related
21. priority scheduling
22. cobegin> begin x = y; x= x+1; y= x> begin x =y; z= z+1; y= z> coend> > ans. Number of values possi = 2
23. 2 bits flip / 2 bits exchange> > ans : the word with one '1'> > 24. any addr> K^+ v(a) + 2I - 2a> > clarify with SANS.> >
For further details click on the links on this site.
1. Number of null pointers in any binary tree = n+1
2. max(t1,t2,...tn) = pipelining
3. 50% -DBETXXXXXX - density
4. print (Head(T))> Traverse(left(T))> print (Head(T))> Traverse(right(T)) - ans: none of the above
5. Boolean expn Evalvate
6. Common subexpn : - ans : a + e
7. LRU : 1, 2, 3.
8. Tr. Delay - 10000 bits ans. 10.01
9. Grammar of Number of shift / reduce operator : ans. 4
10. CPU scheduling 9,8 ?
11. if even x/2> else p(p(3x+1))> > 2^k + 1: 3 . 2^(k-1) clarify this with sans
12. allocation ans: (ii) only
13. swapping : ans: reference only
14. Compiler - related Qn.
15. LAN frames - ? related Qn.
16. parameter passing (35,20)
17. sliding window protocol> - BUFFER SIZE large
18. kernel mode - deallocate resource
19. logic circuit> ans . Minimum OR = 3
20. Combinatorics related
21. priority scheduling
22. cobegin> begin x = y; x= x+1; y= x> begin x =y; z= z+1; y= z> coend> > ans. Number of values possi = 2
23. 2 bits flip / 2 bits exchange> > ans : the word with one '1'> > 24. any addr> K^+ v(a) + 2I - 2a> > clarify with SANS.> >
For further details click on the links on this site.
Infosys Test Paper-I
GEORGE SUMMERS puzzle books are suggested. -----------------------------
INFOSYS TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED. -----------------------------
Question Paper -------------- Part 1. ------
(1) 9 cards are there. u have to arrange them in a 3*3 matrix. cards are of 4 colors.they are red,yellow,blue,green. conditions for arrangement: one red card must be in first row or second row.2 green cards should be in 3rd column.Yellow cards must be in the 3 corners only. Two blue cards must be in the 2nd row. Atleast one green card in each row. Solution:
Yello Red Gren
Blu Blu Gren
Yello Gren Yello
2. 4 cards are placed on a table, each card has two colors. U don't know the color of the back side of eachcard.4 persons A B C and D are sitting on the table before the cards. They can see Red, Green Red and blue .Out of the 4 poeple 2 always lie. They see the color on the reverse side and give the following comment A: Yello/green B: Neither Blue/nor Green c: Blue/Yello D: Blue/ Yello find out the color on the other side of the 4 cards.
3.Red and brown tribes [FROM BARRONS GRE] Conditions to get married with each other.
4. Venn diagram regarding Rich, muscular, soft-skinned, employed, etc.,( Refer BARRONS GRE GUIDE)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART 2. -------
1. SAKUNTALA DEVI'S PUZZLE BOOK : PUZZLES TO PUZZLE YOU. problem no: 3. ( Brothers and Sisters) A family I know has several children. Each boy in this family has as many sisters as brothers but each girl has twice as many brothers as sisters. How many brothers and sisters are there?
ans: 4 boys and 3 girls.
2. No. of animals is 11 more than the no. of birds. If the no. of birds were the no. of animals and no. of animals were the no. of birds( ie., interchanging no.s of animals and birds.), the total no. of legs get reduced by one fifth (1/5). How many no. of birds and animals were there?
ans: birds:11,animals:22
3. In a soap company a soap is manufactured with 11 parts. For making one soap you will get 1 part as scrap. At the end of the day u have 251 such scraps. From that how many soaps can be manufactured?
ans: 22 + 2+ 1 = 25.
4. 2 * *
3 * * No. 7 does not occur in this
----------------
5 * * multiplication.
* 4 *
* * 3 Find the product.
----------------
* * * * *
----------------
--------------------------------------------------
ans 2 8 1
3 2 2
-----
5 6 2
5 6 2 0
8 4 3 0 0
---------
9 0 4 8 2
---------
5. There is a 5digit no. 3 pairs of sum is eleven each. Last digit is 3 times the first one. 3 rd digit is 3 less than the second. 4 th digit is 4 more than the second one. Find the digit.
ans : 25296.
6. There are five thieves, each loot a bakery one after the other such that the first one takes 1/2 of the total no. of the breads plus 1/2 of a bread. Similarly 2nd, 3rd,4th and 5fth also did the same. After the fifth one no. of breads remained are 3. Initially how many breads were there?
ans : 31.
7.ESCALATOR PROBLEM OF SAKUNTALA DEVI 'PUZZLES TO PUZZLE'book. Problem No: Problem 27( Down the escalator)
ans : the no of steps in the stair way : 46.
8.Harbour line and Main line Problem of Sakuntala Devi Puzzle book.
Ans : 4/5. ( More Puzzles book)
9.There are some chicken in a poultry. They are fed with corn One sack of corn will come for 9 days.The farmer decides to sell some chicken and wanted to hold 12 chicken with him. He cuts the feed by 10% and sack of corn comes for 30 days. So initially how many chicken are there?
10.Two people X & Y walk on the wall of a godown in opposite direction. They meet at a point on one side and then go ahead. X after walking for some time, walks in opposite direction for 15 mtrs.Then again he turns back and walks in the original direction. What distance did Y walk before they met again, if X walks 11 mtrs by the time Y walks 8 mtrs.
11.Problem from SAKUNTALA DEVI 'PUZZLES TO PUZZLE U'. Problem no: 23( Walking back to happiness.)
The walking time : 55 mins.
For further details click on the links on this site.
GROUP DISCUSSION BASICS
Many companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people. The GD is to check how you behave, participate and contibute in a group, how much importance do you give to the group objective as well as your own, how well do you listen to viewpoints of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own. The aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication, non-verbal behaviour, conformation to norms, decision-making ability and cooperation. You should try to be as true as possible to these aspects.
What is the normal duration of a GD?
A GD is generally of 15-20 minutes duration.
How many panel members are there to evaluate?
There are usually 3-4 panel members to evaluate.
Is there time given for preparation after the topic is given and before starting the GD?
Usually some time (2-5 minutes) is given to collect one's thoughts, but there could be instances when this does not happen, so it is best not to bank on this.
Should I address the panel or the group members?
Don't ever make the mistake of addressing the panel members. The GD is between you and the other members, not the panel members. You must avoid even looking at the panel members while the GD is in progress. Just ignore their existence.
What is the seating arrangement like?
It could be semi-circular, or circular, or seating along side a rectangular table, depending upon the venue. It is best not to bother about trivial issues like this, which you have no control over.
How should I address the other group members?
If you are initiating the discussion, you could do so by collectively addressing the group as "Friends". Subsequently, you could use names (if the group has had a round of self-introduction prior to starting the discussion and you remember the names) or simply use pronouns like "he" or "she".
Suppose I have a lot to say on the topic, should I say all of it?
You would not be looked upon favourably if you kept speaking all the time and did not listen to anyone else. Contrary to the misconception, the person who talks the most is not necessarily the one who is judged the best. The quality and not the quantity of your contribution is the success factor.
Should I encourage others to speak up?
Do not directly put someone who is consistently silent on the spot by asking him/her to speak up. If someone has been trying to speak and has a good point but is cut off constantly, you may encourage him/her to continue with her point as you would like to hear her out.
Are the group members supposed to keep track of the time or will the panel keep track?
It would be good if you are conscious of the time, but not to the point of getting so distracted looking at your watch that you do not contribute to the discussion.
Some example:-
1. Is coalition politics here to stay?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Nature of coalition politics. Indecisiveness of elections. No particular party is getting the peoples mandate. Advantage of coalition politics in enabling formation of government. Flipside of coalition politics- a party with a handful of seats become powerful. Government falls before tenure. Fresh elections each time. Suggest a way out of this problem, for e.g.: once a party pledges support to a coalition, it will not withdraw its support until it has watched a governments performance for at least three years...etc The future -will it only have coalitions ,emerging political trends...etc...
2. Does India need a dictator?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
The current political structure. Drawbacks of it. Bureaucracy, layers in decision making, anarchy. Dictatorship would mean centralized power and faster decision making. But, country run on whims and fancies of an individual. Freedom on individuals could be clamped..etc....Present a balanced argument for and against and take up your position on the issue.
3. Is India moving away from a secularist state?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Define secularism.Constitution calls our country such a state, but how things have changed over the last 50 years.Spread of nationalism. Division into majority and minority groups-e.g. benefits given to minority groups perceived as a threat by others. Role of non-tolerant neighbors in fuelling fundamentalism. It is a passing phenomenon. We have the national character to overcome this....Points along these lines can be discussed.
4. Education in India-or the lack of it.
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Discuss current education system. Discuss our sociological structure.Poverty which forces kids to drop out to supplement family income.Vicious circle-poverty due to lack of education and vice versa.Suggest solutions to get out of this-for e.g., governments are doing a commendable job with the midday meal schemes but we need more of such efforts. Going down further , why restrict it to government alone? why cant private people, NGOs and other voluntary bodies come forward to do the same? How about tapping corporate funds for such causes .....etc.....
5. What ails Indian sports?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
A nation of 950 million, we fail to produce great champions barring the occasional Vishwanathan Anand or Geet Sethi. Sports system steeped in bureaucracy. Overriding popularity of cricket leading to neglect in other sports.Traditionally , sports not accorded much importance by us as a career. Need to develop sports from the primary school level-"catch em young". Various incentives to be given to budding sportsmen like academic credits, sports in lieu of a few other subjects etc. Development of sports infrastructure, making it amenable and affordable...etc.....
For further details click on the links on this site.
What is the normal duration of a GD?
A GD is generally of 15-20 minutes duration.
How many panel members are there to evaluate?
There are usually 3-4 panel members to evaluate.
Is there time given for preparation after the topic is given and before starting the GD?
Usually some time (2-5 minutes) is given to collect one's thoughts, but there could be instances when this does not happen, so it is best not to bank on this.
Should I address the panel or the group members?
Don't ever make the mistake of addressing the panel members. The GD is between you and the other members, not the panel members. You must avoid even looking at the panel members while the GD is in progress. Just ignore their existence.
What is the seating arrangement like?
It could be semi-circular, or circular, or seating along side a rectangular table, depending upon the venue. It is best not to bother about trivial issues like this, which you have no control over.
How should I address the other group members?
If you are initiating the discussion, you could do so by collectively addressing the group as "Friends". Subsequently, you could use names (if the group has had a round of self-introduction prior to starting the discussion and you remember the names) or simply use pronouns like "he" or "she".
Suppose I have a lot to say on the topic, should I say all of it?
You would not be looked upon favourably if you kept speaking all the time and did not listen to anyone else. Contrary to the misconception, the person who talks the most is not necessarily the one who is judged the best. The quality and not the quantity of your contribution is the success factor.
Should I encourage others to speak up?
Do not directly put someone who is consistently silent on the spot by asking him/her to speak up. If someone has been trying to speak and has a good point but is cut off constantly, you may encourage him/her to continue with her point as you would like to hear her out.
Are the group members supposed to keep track of the time or will the panel keep track?
It would be good if you are conscious of the time, but not to the point of getting so distracted looking at your watch that you do not contribute to the discussion.
Some example:-
1. Is coalition politics here to stay?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Nature of coalition politics. Indecisiveness of elections. No particular party is getting the peoples mandate. Advantage of coalition politics in enabling formation of government. Flipside of coalition politics- a party with a handful of seats become powerful. Government falls before tenure. Fresh elections each time. Suggest a way out of this problem, for e.g.: once a party pledges support to a coalition, it will not withdraw its support until it has watched a governments performance for at least three years...etc The future -will it only have coalitions ,emerging political trends...etc...
2. Does India need a dictator?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
The current political structure. Drawbacks of it. Bureaucracy, layers in decision making, anarchy. Dictatorship would mean centralized power and faster decision making. But, country run on whims and fancies of an individual. Freedom on individuals could be clamped..etc....Present a balanced argument for and against and take up your position on the issue.
3. Is India moving away from a secularist state?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Define secularism.Constitution calls our country such a state, but how things have changed over the last 50 years.Spread of nationalism. Division into majority and minority groups-e.g. benefits given to minority groups perceived as a threat by others. Role of non-tolerant neighbors in fuelling fundamentalism. It is a passing phenomenon. We have the national character to overcome this....Points along these lines can be discussed.
4. Education in India-or the lack of it.
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Discuss current education system. Discuss our sociological structure.Poverty which forces kids to drop out to supplement family income.Vicious circle-poverty due to lack of education and vice versa.Suggest solutions to get out of this-for e.g., governments are doing a commendable job with the midday meal schemes but we need more of such efforts. Going down further , why restrict it to government alone? why cant private people, NGOs and other voluntary bodies come forward to do the same? How about tapping corporate funds for such causes .....etc.....
5. What ails Indian sports?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
A nation of 950 million, we fail to produce great champions barring the occasional Vishwanathan Anand or Geet Sethi. Sports system steeped in bureaucracy. Overriding popularity of cricket leading to neglect in other sports.Traditionally , sports not accorded much importance by us as a career. Need to develop sports from the primary school level-"catch em young". Various incentives to be given to budding sportsmen like academic credits, sports in lieu of a few other subjects etc. Development of sports infrastructure, making it amenable and affordable...etc.....
For further details click on the links on this site.
Basic Interview Questions
1. Tell me about yourself
Keep your answer short and focused on your professional life. This is not the time to bring up relationships, childhood experiences, family etc. A brief history of education, career and special interests is what is called for here. End it with why you are interested in this particular job
2. Why are you applying for this particular job?
Show interest and demonstrate that you have researched the job and know what you are getting into. Bring up evidence from past work/studies that support your interest in this role and any skills you have acquired in preparation for the role. You can say something like 'I would like to work for a leader in innovative network and telecommunications solutions and my college degree in computatational mathematics has given me a solid background for this role. Mention the value -added you can bring to the job.
3. What do you know about our company?
Indicate what you have learnt from your research activities -from theirannual reports, news papers, word of mouth, other employees etc.Use this to flatter them and show that you have done your homework..
4. What makes you qualified for this particular job?
Again, explain that you are very interested in the job and demonstrate what it is about your past experiences, education and qualifications that makes you ideal for the job. Show enthusiasm and support your answers with evidence wherever you can (eg. my summer internship at Citibank gave me broad exposure to the area of equity analysis and I think I can apply many of the tools I learnt there in this job). Elaborate on all the past experiences and skill sets that make you suitable for the job. In cases where your past experience is not directly relevant, you can still find elements of it that can be useful. Play up team skills, computer skills, leadership roles, specific courses and independent research activities that can be useful to the job at hand to show your initiative even where you don't have directly relevant job experience.
5. What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Demonstrate key strengths, skills and personal characteristics.
6. Why should we hire you?
Because you have all the experience/ traits/ credentials demonstrated in 3 and in addition to being qualified, you are enthusiastic, intelligent, hardworking, flexible and willing to learn. Also mention any key relationships you may have that may assist you in the job.
7. What do you look for in a job?
Be honest. Also mention keywords such as challenging, steep learning curve, good work culture, demanding, rewarding, opportunities for advancement and growth, team environment, opportunity to build and maintain client relationships etc.
8. Why are you looking to make a career change?
Mention your interests and make sure you bring up all skills/ experience however insignificant that can support your move in this new direction. It is quite common in this day and age to make a career switch. You need however to show that you have very carefully thought about the change, have a strong interest in the new career and can use some of your previous skills/ education/ relationships to make that move.
9. Why did you leave your last job?
Do NOT use this as an opportunity to badmouth past employers or peers or talk about a failure of any sort. Any of these answers are acceptable: you were looking for a new challenge, your learning curve had flattened out in the previous job and you were looking for a new learning opportunity, the company or department were restructuring, you were ready to start something new after achieving your career goals at the previous company etc.
10. Why do you want to work for us (as opposed to the competitor companies)?
Demonstrate that you know something about the company, that you believe they are leaders/ innovators in what they do, or you think their work culture is exactly what you are looking for, or you like their product(s) or you have friends who work there and have always been attracted to the company etc. Flatter the company and show you know something about it.
11.How long will it take you to start making a meaningful contribution?
Show that you are enthusiastic and willing to learn and will put in all the hours and effort necessary to learn the ropes and start making an immediate contribution. Indicate that your past experiences/ skills/ credentials will enable you to make an immediate contribution at some level while you quickly learn all new aspects of the job. An Interviewer wants someone who is willing and able to learn and will make a return on his investment sooner rather than later.
12. What are your strengths?
See 14 below. In addition, keywords such as good team player, work very well under pressure, very creative, very strong quantitative or computer skills, and very strong client relationship skills may be appropriate depending on your chosen field.
13. What are your weaknesses?
Do NOT mention key weaknesses here. This is not the place to say you are bad at meeting deadlines or you never mastered high school mathematics etc. Turn this question around to your benefit. For example, you are 'overambitious' or 'extremely attentive to detail' or 'like to take on too many projects'. Make it sound positive.
14. What are your career goals?
Show you have thought forward and are committed to your career.
15. How would you describe yourself?
Any of these are good examples of attributes employers are looking for: intelligent, hardworking, quick to learn, enthusiastic, honest, efficient, productive, ambitious, successful, and compassionate (in the medical fields)
16. How would your colleagues describe you?
Do not bring up anything negative here.
17. How would your boss describe you?
They will check references anyways so bring up the most positive attribute you can think of about yourself eg hardworking, honest etc. and leave it to your Boss to say anything to the contrary.
18. What did you most like/ dislike about your past job?
Do not use this to badmouth past jobs/ employers. Keep it light and in your favour eg I outgrew the job, there wasn't a clear career progression, I wasn't learning anything new etc. Ideally, you will have loved your last job and would like to achieve the same kind of success and job satisfaction in a more challenging area as you have now 'outgrown' that job and are ready for 'new challenges'.
19. Describe a situation in your past where you showed initiative?
You could describe any new methods you came up with to do your job or to save money for the company or to turn around a bad situation. It can be something as simple as changing a filing system, or establishing a relationship with a vendor that saved your department a lot of money. If you are in sales, you may want to talk about how you brought in that big account. Creatives may talk about how they came up with that cutthroat image or design that brought in the business.
20. What were your main responsibilities in your last job?
Have these ready and list them all. Dwell on the ones that are most relevant to the new job. This answer should be smooth and practiced.
21. What do you consider your greatest accomplishments?
Many of us have one or two milestones in our career that we are very proud of eg. that early promotion, that 'huge' deal we brought in, the design we came up with, the costs we saved, the revenues we increased, the people we trained, a new invention or process we came up with etc. Examples of accomplishments may be: 'Reduced costs by X%; or renamed and repositioned a product at the end of its lifecycle, or organized and led a team to do do XYZ, or achieved sales increase of X% etc. If you are a fresh college graduate, talk about extracurricular activities, leadership roles and grades.
22. Do you work better in teams or independently?
Show that you are a proactive team player and like to bounce ideas off others and get input; however you are very capable of working independently (give examples).
23. How do you work under pressure?
Well. Give evidence.
24. What other jobs have you applied for?
Don't mention jobs in different career directions (eg advertising and investment banking). Do however bring up any other offers or Interviews from competing firms.
25. How did you do in college?
Keep it positive. It's okay to say you were very busy making the most of college and were very involved in sports, activities, social life etc. Employers want human beings not robots. Mention the areas you did very well in even if it was just one or two courses you excelled in. They will check for themselves.
26. What kind of hours would you like to work?
Employers want to see flexibility. Indicate you are willing to put in whatever hours are necessary to finish the job. Do however mention any constraints you have eg. you would like to be home to pick your kids up from school at 3:30. Most employers are willing to work around your constraints if you show flexibility on your side as well.
27. Do you have any questions for me?
YES you do. Questions engage the Interviewer and show your interest. Ask questions that show you know something about the company or the job, that you are planning ahead, that you are anxious and willing to learn the ropes and that you are committed to the position.
For further details click on the links on this site.
Keep your answer short and focused on your professional life. This is not the time to bring up relationships, childhood experiences, family etc. A brief history of education, career and special interests is what is called for here. End it with why you are interested in this particular job
2. Why are you applying for this particular job?
Show interest and demonstrate that you have researched the job and know what you are getting into. Bring up evidence from past work/studies that support your interest in this role and any skills you have acquired in preparation for the role. You can say something like 'I would like to work for a leader in innovative network and telecommunications solutions and my college degree in computatational mathematics has given me a solid background for this role. Mention the value -added you can bring to the job.
3. What do you know about our company?
Indicate what you have learnt from your research activities -from theirannual reports, news papers, word of mouth, other employees etc.Use this to flatter them and show that you have done your homework..
4. What makes you qualified for this particular job?
Again, explain that you are very interested in the job and demonstrate what it is about your past experiences, education and qualifications that makes you ideal for the job. Show enthusiasm and support your answers with evidence wherever you can (eg. my summer internship at Citibank gave me broad exposure to the area of equity analysis and I think I can apply many of the tools I learnt there in this job). Elaborate on all the past experiences and skill sets that make you suitable for the job. In cases where your past experience is not directly relevant, you can still find elements of it that can be useful. Play up team skills, computer skills, leadership roles, specific courses and independent research activities that can be useful to the job at hand to show your initiative even where you don't have directly relevant job experience.
5. What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Demonstrate key strengths, skills and personal characteristics.
6. Why should we hire you?
Because you have all the experience/ traits/ credentials demonstrated in 3 and in addition to being qualified, you are enthusiastic, intelligent, hardworking, flexible and willing to learn. Also mention any key relationships you may have that may assist you in the job.
7. What do you look for in a job?
Be honest. Also mention keywords such as challenging, steep learning curve, good work culture, demanding, rewarding, opportunities for advancement and growth, team environment, opportunity to build and maintain client relationships etc.
8. Why are you looking to make a career change?
Mention your interests and make sure you bring up all skills/ experience however insignificant that can support your move in this new direction. It is quite common in this day and age to make a career switch. You need however to show that you have very carefully thought about the change, have a strong interest in the new career and can use some of your previous skills/ education/ relationships to make that move.
9. Why did you leave your last job?
Do NOT use this as an opportunity to badmouth past employers or peers or talk about a failure of any sort. Any of these answers are acceptable: you were looking for a new challenge, your learning curve had flattened out in the previous job and you were looking for a new learning opportunity, the company or department were restructuring, you were ready to start something new after achieving your career goals at the previous company etc.
10. Why do you want to work for us (as opposed to the competitor companies)?
Demonstrate that you know something about the company, that you believe they are leaders/ innovators in what they do, or you think their work culture is exactly what you are looking for, or you like their product(s) or you have friends who work there and have always been attracted to the company etc. Flatter the company and show you know something about it.
11.How long will it take you to start making a meaningful contribution?
Show that you are enthusiastic and willing to learn and will put in all the hours and effort necessary to learn the ropes and start making an immediate contribution. Indicate that your past experiences/ skills/ credentials will enable you to make an immediate contribution at some level while you quickly learn all new aspects of the job. An Interviewer wants someone who is willing and able to learn and will make a return on his investment sooner rather than later.
12. What are your strengths?
See 14 below. In addition, keywords such as good team player, work very well under pressure, very creative, very strong quantitative or computer skills, and very strong client relationship skills may be appropriate depending on your chosen field.
13. What are your weaknesses?
Do NOT mention key weaknesses here. This is not the place to say you are bad at meeting deadlines or you never mastered high school mathematics etc. Turn this question around to your benefit. For example, you are 'overambitious' or 'extremely attentive to detail' or 'like to take on too many projects'. Make it sound positive.
14. What are your career goals?
Show you have thought forward and are committed to your career.
15. How would you describe yourself?
Any of these are good examples of attributes employers are looking for: intelligent, hardworking, quick to learn, enthusiastic, honest, efficient, productive, ambitious, successful, and compassionate (in the medical fields)
16. How would your colleagues describe you?
Do not bring up anything negative here.
17. How would your boss describe you?
They will check references anyways so bring up the most positive attribute you can think of about yourself eg hardworking, honest etc. and leave it to your Boss to say anything to the contrary.
18. What did you most like/ dislike about your past job?
Do not use this to badmouth past jobs/ employers. Keep it light and in your favour eg I outgrew the job, there wasn't a clear career progression, I wasn't learning anything new etc. Ideally, you will have loved your last job and would like to achieve the same kind of success and job satisfaction in a more challenging area as you have now 'outgrown' that job and are ready for 'new challenges'.
19. Describe a situation in your past where you showed initiative?
You could describe any new methods you came up with to do your job or to save money for the company or to turn around a bad situation. It can be something as simple as changing a filing system, or establishing a relationship with a vendor that saved your department a lot of money. If you are in sales, you may want to talk about how you brought in that big account. Creatives may talk about how they came up with that cutthroat image or design that brought in the business.
20. What were your main responsibilities in your last job?
Have these ready and list them all. Dwell on the ones that are most relevant to the new job. This answer should be smooth and practiced.
21. What do you consider your greatest accomplishments?
Many of us have one or two milestones in our career that we are very proud of eg. that early promotion, that 'huge' deal we brought in, the design we came up with, the costs we saved, the revenues we increased, the people we trained, a new invention or process we came up with etc. Examples of accomplishments may be: 'Reduced costs by X%; or renamed and repositioned a product at the end of its lifecycle, or organized and led a team to do do XYZ, or achieved sales increase of X% etc. If you are a fresh college graduate, talk about extracurricular activities, leadership roles and grades.
22. Do you work better in teams or independently?
Show that you are a proactive team player and like to bounce ideas off others and get input; however you are very capable of working independently (give examples).
23. How do you work under pressure?
Well. Give evidence.
24. What other jobs have you applied for?
Don't mention jobs in different career directions (eg advertising and investment banking). Do however bring up any other offers or Interviews from competing firms.
25. How did you do in college?
Keep it positive. It's okay to say you were very busy making the most of college and were very involved in sports, activities, social life etc. Employers want human beings not robots. Mention the areas you did very well in even if it was just one or two courses you excelled in. They will check for themselves.
26. What kind of hours would you like to work?
Employers want to see flexibility. Indicate you are willing to put in whatever hours are necessary to finish the job. Do however mention any constraints you have eg. you would like to be home to pick your kids up from school at 3:30. Most employers are willing to work around your constraints if you show flexibility on your side as well.
27. Do you have any questions for me?
YES you do. Questions engage the Interviewer and show your interest. Ask questions that show you know something about the company or the job, that you are planning ahead, that you are anxious and willing to learn the ropes and that you are committed to the position.
For further details click on the links on this site.
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