S. B. ROY ( DIRECTOR HR)
This May, I will be completing exactly two years with C.I.E.M. Much water has flown down the Ganges,in the meanwhile. From a position of no Campus drive, we have today achieved a somewhat respectable position. One thing I am sure, even my worst critics will not Hesitate in admitting that there has been a sincere approach from My side to achieve the goal, which was benchmarked for me by our beloved Chairman, late Prasanta Sur. His golden words were that I should do whatever was within my power to place students in good organizations. I have done whatever was within my ambit and it is for the entire C.I.E.M. (Faculty, students, staff and others) to judge. In this connection one thing, which has come across repeatedly in the course of campus drives, is in regard to the overall quality of our beloved students. Whilst all the students are close to me, I would single-mindedly point out that it is the soft skill development and the overall grooming which may let us down, eventually. Reams of papers can be written on this subject, but I would like to zoom down only on some essentials, which the students should remember before entering the interviewer’s room for their final interview session, when he/she is going to make or break it,
1. Preparation and confidence are very important tips, as you have to gather as much information as possible about the Company/Organization and you must do the research well. Look at the Company's website so that you can answer intelligently and with conviction when asked about the organization.
2. Don’t saunter in- your body language must show enthusiasm and your dress should be ‘professional’ (no informal please), concentrate on the interview.
3. Do remember that first impression is the last impression- while your handshake should be firm (if called for), overall there should be an air of politeness around you. politeness does not mean weakness. Always display that you are sure of your facts and figures but do not talk BULL **** !!!!
4. Smile in one thing, which counts a lot. A good smile always please people. Eye contact without glaring is a sign of confidence. Do make eye contact with everyone in the room during the time of entry and maintain this eye contact (sweeping), when replying to a particular question.
5. Please remember that communication is a two way process. don't interrupt the interviewer when he/she is talking. Please, for god sake do not talk much-it is important to listen to the question asked and answer that question. When you limit your time of answering a question, you tend to stay focused.
6. DON’T give a limp handshake, as this is a definite sign of disinterest. Only offering the tips of the finger also shows us interest. Your handshake will be telling more about you than you know.
7. The fastest way to put yourself out of a new job is to say negative thing. NEVER state your ill feelings for your College, Faculty, or Seniors even if they are of no good !!!
8. Never ask about your package, benefits etc. in your First Interview. Wait until you have been short listed-if these details have already been disclosed during the course of PPT, it is another thing.
Please remember that in the ultimate analysis it is the overall grooming of yours, which will win the day. While nobody is saying that you should be attired in an Armani Suit or wearing a pair of Gucci,a clean well ironed shirt/trouser and well polished shoe will score for you(unless you are asked to wear the College Uniform).
Grooming has a wide repertoire and now a-days organizations after short listing/selecting you; also make you appear in a social do. For example before being taken on Company Rolls, you may be taken out to a dinner or lunch to a Multi-cuisine Restaurant. Eager pair of eyes will be watching you how you eat your Grilled Fish or a Mutton Chop/Cutlet !! Please remember that a knife used for a Grilled fish is different from a knife, which you will use for eating a Mutton chop. While taking a sizzler dish, you are required to use a napkin right from the throat area. Please remember that an organization, which is incurring an expenditure of nearly 4 lacks (CTC), will always like to hire the best available person in the market who can mix well with the social genre-well groomed, well heeled and well polished-individual! You have to have the fire in the belly to win the most coveted job being offered.
These are obviously my views, garnered over a long period of time and being exposed to some of the best corporate offices. Obviously, there can be arguments and counter arguments over the veracity of such statements and, end passing, I would only stress that while there is no straight cut formulae for winning the goal post, an honest endeavor in totality, should always be made, if you believe in what ever have been stated above.
