Interview Advice

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Be well prepared before you attend any interview study the job description, the company you are going for the interview and your CV itself. Your few minutes of preparation can make changes and that intern makes your dream come true. Personality, confidence, enthusiasm, a positive look and excellent interpersonal and communication skills count heavily in UAE. You will welcome in a friendly atmosphere and prepare your mind to accept any nationality as interviewer. Most of the company calls you for more than one round of interview and few multinational companies even move for aptitude test. Screening by the consultancy for the junior positions is common in UAE but senior positions interview done directly by the HR head and head of the concern department.

One key to success is to use every means at your disposal to develop effective job interview skills. Selective presentation of your background, thoughtful answers to the interview questions, well- researched questions about the organization and an effective strategy to market yourself. Understand that there is no magic to interviewing; it is a skill that you can learn and improve with practice.

Initial screening

The hr department conducts more of an introduction talk and last for 20-30minutes and here most questions will ask related on your company, visa issues and personal. The hr mainly analyse your communication skills and presentation of your views.

Detailed interview

Can be called as a technical interview, the interview is more subjective, detailed oriented; you can expect questions based on your CV and a thorough analysis of your skills and abilities is done by the interviewer. The interview can be panel interview or done by the head of the concerned department.

Interview preparation tips

A well study of the nature of the job, company, current industry trend is required prior to any interview. Prepare probable questions that might ask and write down the same, like ‘tell something about yourself’, you can plan the answer well before, this never means to recollect and answer. The more you know about the job, department, the more positively you can answer to the questions.
Think about the questions that you need to ask to the interview team.
Get as many as information from the recruitment consultants they are the right persons to lead you because they have a direct touch with client and even with the interviewer.
Do not forget to carry few copies of your CV and photocopies of your testimonials.
Arrange your time well enough, attend the interview on time and if you are late inform the company they can understand the traffic issues in UAE.
First impressions are very important; your first minutes of the interview definitely influence to take a decision for the interviewer.
Greet each member in the panel if possible using their names, smile, shake hands this make you establish a contact and build rapport.
Maintain body language, keep positive eye contact while answering to the questions glance occasionally at others on the team as well, rather focusing only on one person.
Understand the question. In addition, allow yourself time to think rather than rushing to the answer but thinking must not take too much time, focus on the answers and avoid diverting from the topic.
Do not hurry to wind up the interview and avoid looking to the watch frequently.
Ask questions about the job, your responsibilities and duties, avoid questions on salary and benefits in the early process.
Do not criticize former employers or current colleagues during the interview. This will give the impression that you are disloyal or have a tendency to blame others.
If you are unclear about the asked question or you need clarification on the question be open and ask. ”I am not sure I understand the question”, “would you mind repeating the question”, this makes you to focus on your answer rather than answering in a wrong way.
Be positive, show your enthusiasm, your answers, voice, gestures say that you are interested in the job. Avoid negative words and phrases throughout the interview like ‘limited’, ‘very little’, ’no idea’, ‘all I did was’,’ don’t know’........etc. You need to be open if you don’t know on a particular subject I have not used this specific accounting soft ware, but I have used a number of other accounting packages from last 4 years.
Your last impression is also important; thank the team for giving a chance to know the company and for their valuable time.

Telephonic Interview Tips

It is common now a days the concept of telephonic interview many multinational companies do go for telephonic interviews where usually the candidates located in other countries. This interview allows the recruiter to assess his technical knowledge and communication skills. Usually you will be informed well advance for the interview.

Find a place where you will be comfortable to talk over telephone, if using mobile phone ensures it is fully charged. Avoid other disturbances and inform your family or colleagues not to disturb.
Be a good listener, focus on what you offer and can do.
Sit with a copy of your CV, which you send to the company. If you are expecting technical questions ensure that you have all the details of your earlier projects. It’s not sound good if you fail to recollect on the project.
In case you need to change the interview time, inform the company in advance or inform your recruitment consultant. Avoid last minute reschedule, it leaves a bad impression to say that you could not prepare and would like to reschedule the interview.
Respond the questions within 60 seconds focus on the answers and do not let the employer to lose interest.
Do not take the help of anyone during the interview, it will divert your focus and even employer may overhear.
At the end thank the interviewer for his valuable time