Job interviews: How to make the best impression

Photographs: Dominic Xavier/ Rediff.com

It is said that the first impression leaves a lasting impression. The impact of first impressions is very important, especially if it's a job interview.

So how do you make sure you're putting your best foot forward?

What do recruiters look for in candidates during an interview?

How should you go about negotiating your salary?

To answer these and other related questions, Ashutosh Sinha, Director, India Recruitment, Convergys, hosted a chat with Get Ahead readers on October 13. For those of you who missed the chat, here's the unedited transcript:

Ashutosh Sinha says, Hi, This is Ashutosh Sinha and I am ready to take your questions

AnandRamesh asked, Hi Ashutosh,Does Formal dressing during the interview really matter?

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Most companies don't require it but its a good practice to wear formals in the interview as it leaves a positive impression.

vipul asked, Hi, can you please tell 3 most important things that employers look??

Ashutosh Sinha answers, 1. Stability 2. Good communication skills 3. Thinking on the feet/ good apptitude

KKKK asked, How you can gauge the mood of the interviewer?

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Always start the interview with a greeting and smile on your face. If the interviewer does not seem to be responsive or in a good mood do not get hassled because he is probably doing it to test you. Stay focused on the questions and respond confidently. Don't fib if you don't know the answer.

sunil tanwar asked, what is the best colour for impression

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Formal blues with a black jacket/ trousers.

sunil tanwar asked, which is the best time of interview?

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Whenever you are fresh and alert.

asif asked, how i can get a good job

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Please focus on your target industry and work towards it by training yourself.

Is it okay to say you don't know an answer?

Sue asked, What do empoyers look for in experienced people? I want to grow in my career

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Employers look for evident examples of how you handled failures and challenging situations and what have you learnt from them. This reflects truly on how valuable your experience is.

roshan asked, how to present oneself before the interview panel?

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Always be sharply dressed and fully attentive to the questions being asked. It is important to understand the context of the questions.

roshan asked, what does the panel look into for recruiting an engineer

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Good practical knowledge and good soft skills like communication and aptitude apart from the degree.

AnandRamesh asked, Hi Ashutosh, Is it fine to say no, if one does not know the answer of the question rather than saying yes and answering wrongly. Would this be drawback for interviewee if he does not know the answer.

Ashutosh Sinha answers, It is always good to be honest if you don't know the answer otherwise chances are you will get caught in a later question which will lead to spoiling your good answers as well.

vipul asked, Strength and weakness i think every employer asks. most of the times i feel confused between these questions. Can u pl. guide how to elaborate ourseleves?

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Smart way is to refer to your appraisal and genuinely think of the strengths and weaknesses you have as guided by your supervisor.

andrews asked, hi, As a fresher, what's more important for impressing the interviewer?

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Thinking on feet and giving good examples of your application of knowledge to real business situations.

Tips to land a job

ahsan asked, i am jobless what i do

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Please don't get demotivated. Try to reflect if there is a skill mismatch on your qualifications/ experience and jobs available in the market. If you can gauge which is the closest skill on which you can retrain yourself it will help to bridge the gap between the employer and yourself.

ddd asked, can you please tell me three most important things that employers look??

Ashutosh Sinha answers, 1. Stability 2. Good communication skills 3. Thinking on the feet/ good apptitude

ramesh asked, Hi. Ashutosh how can we judge whether the interview has gone in our favour. Does "our hr will get back to you" have any meaning?

Ashutosh Sinha answers, It's hard to gauge how interviews went. Always give it your best shot by preparing well for it, by giving honest responses and answering questions in a way that reflects your experience correctly.

Ratish asked, I am working in a company as a quality manager. please suggest how to crack the next interview as i get nervous during that time.

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Refer to the response in the previous question and whenever you feel nervous imagine that you are the expert in that interview being consulted by people sitting across the table. Don't hesitate to ask for glass of water and take deep silent breath to let go off your nervousness.

shrikant asked, Things to do while negotiating for salary?

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Always have a logical approach around your expectations and weigh the overall opportunity with money - never the opportunity or money in a silo.

amarsingh asked, i am BE production and just completed piping design diploma but i couldnt get job , what is problem , id there any ressesion remain in market

rakesh asked, hi! am a electrical engg, want a good job in a multi-national company

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Focus on your target companies which look for your qualification. If you are a fresher its better to take the job in a smaller company than remaining jobless. Once you gain some experience in a smaller company, bigger MNCs will value your experience when you apply.

rvrn14 asked, I am working as export manager looking after operations and logistics in bulk cargo. Can you advise me better options where I can apply.

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Also try for retail warehousing sector, logistics management companies and container handling companies.

ramy asked, how can a fresher convince the recruiter for the lack of experience particularly in IT field, I am a BCA graduate sir

Ashutosh Sinha answers, Use examples closest to your understanding of applications to your experience.

More