AMITY UNIVERSITY
CSS EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
SEM 5
Interview Skills
Compiled by Dr. Shalini Sharma
Before the Interview
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Research the company and the position you’re applying for.
Research common interview questions and practice your answers.
File all requested paperwork for the interview including your resume, an application,
references, identification, etc. Extra copies of your resume and a portfolio (if applicable) are
also good to bring.
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Brush up basics: Along with an impressive personality, you also need excellent subject knowledge.
Whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional, you can expect certain tough questions. Brush
up your subject fundamentals if you are a fresher.
Prepare for tests: Do prepare for any written tests, activities, and/or presentations that may be mentioned
in the job posting. This way, there will be no surprises during the interview and you will be mentally
prepared for it.
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On the day of interview
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Interview mode
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Don’t wait till you reach the interview room to be polite and professional. Switch on your
interview mode as soon as you enter the interview venue.
Be it with the person at the reception desk and any other staff member, be on your best
behaviour from the minute you reach the office. You never know who all have a say in your
job.
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Map out how to get to the location before the interview, and plan to arrive 10 minutes
early. If something happens and you must be late, phone the office as soon as you know
that you are running behind.
Be polite and cordial to everyone you meet; you never know whose opinion will count.
Offer a firm handshake and make eye contact when meeting someone.
Repeat the person’s name to help you remember it.
Appearance: Employers can reject candidates even before getting down to their resume.
Looks and appearance do create an impression on the employers. Following points should
be kept in mind:
 Formal attire – Wear formal dress which should be properly ironed. Pastel colors are
preferred during interviews.
 Men: Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks. White is still the safest and the best color for
shirts. The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather. Also acceptable: pale
shades such as beige, blue, and other pastels.Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the
sleeves. Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an interview or any business purpose.
Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your executive image.
 Ties (Optional): But if you do wear one, choose a conservative pattern. Solids, small
polka dots, diagonal stripes, small repeating shapes, subtle plaids and paisleys are all
acceptable.
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Get the right fit – Nothing is more disorderly than a sloppy candidate for interviewers.
An ill-fitting suit, or just a little too loose or tight attire for an interview says a
lot about your character in personal life.
Don’t go overboard with accessories – Remember you want your interviewer to be
concentrating on what you’re saying, so go easy on add-ons.
Only Subtle makeup
No Strong whiffs – Too much perfume or too little deodorant can both be big turnoffs. So, make sure you smell nice, but neutral.
No Piercings and tattoos
During the Interview
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Maintain good body language
 A lot of communication is indeed non-verbal. And this is critical in an interview. In
fact, 33% of employers figure out within the first 90 seconds of an interview whether
they will hire someone.
 Slouching in your seat, sitting in a laidback position or being fidgety can go against
you. Instead, sit upright and keep a smile on your face.
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Maintain good eye contact during the interview.
Approach the interview with enthusiasm about the job and the company.
Stress your achievements and talents.
Give detailed answers to questions with examples. Explain how you would go about
tackling the assignments and challenges of the position.
Have an opinion when asked.
Answer questions like, “What’s your biggest flaw?” intelligently, but honestly.
Show off any research you’ve done about the company, position, and industry with
examples or educated questions.
Take time to think about how to answer an unexpected question. You can repeat the
question to give yourself a little extra time.
Prepare to answer questions about your salary requirements.
Ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry. It pays to prepare a few
before the interview.
DON’TS:
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Dress too casually, too flamboyantly or in revealing clothing.
Arrive smelling (too much perfume, cigarette smoke, etc.).
Bring anyone else with you to the interview (a parent, spouse, friend, child, pet, etc.).
Address your interviewer by his or her first name until invited to do so. Don’t assume you
know how to pronounce their name, either; it’s better to ask the receptionist to be sure. Don’t
assume that a female interviewer is a Mrs. or a Miss; use Ms. unless told otherwise.
Slouch, fidget, or yawn while being interviewed. Don’t chew gum or bring food or drink into
an interview.
Tell jokes.
Be aggressive.
Speak negatively about your current or former company, boss, or co-workers.
Lie.
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Bring up personal or family problems.
Answer your cell phone, check messages, or text during an interview.