how to succeed in interviews

8/4/2019 How to Succeed in Interviews

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INTERVIEWS

HOW TO SUCCEED IN IT ?HOW TO SUCCEED IN IT ?

{PREPARED BY GANESH}{PREPARED BY GANESH}


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JOB SCENARIOJOB SCENARIO

In a job scenario , every job seeker must prepare forIn a job scenario , every job seeker must prepare for

his/her interview to ensure that the probability of successhis/her interview to ensure that the probability of success

is higher than that of rejection. Following are someis higher than that of rejection. Following are some

guidelines for success in interviews :guidelines for success in interviews :


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RESUMERESUME

One of the most important factors for landing a job is your resume. It is oftenOne of the most important factors for landing a job is your resume. It is oftenthe first impression that a potential employer has of you. Therefore yourthe first impression that a potential employer has of you. Therefore your

resume must capture the employers attention within 30 seconds. Becauseresume must capture the employers attention within 30 seconds. Because

he is normally flooded with resumes. Remember your resume does not gethe is normally flooded with resumes. Remember your resume does not get

you the job , It is the interview that gets you the job.you the job , It is the interview that gets you the job.


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DOS AND DONTS FOR A RESUMEDOS AND DONTS FOR A RESUME

DosDos :-:-

Keep it concise. But mention all details relevant to the job. Yourwork experience must be mentioned in detail along with all machinery,tools, systems, etc. that you have handled or are familiar with.

Leave spaces between your experiences for easier reading.

Always mention your telephone number for easy accessibility.Always mention your telephone number for easy accessibility.


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DOS CONTDDOS CONTD

Use a laser printer and traditional type fonts like Times-Roman, Arial or Palatino.Use a laser printer and traditional type fonts like Times-Roman, Arial or Palatino.Align your resume properly. Headings should advisably be in bold type.Align your resume properly. Headings should advisably be in bold type.

Qualify and quantify what you have to offer to the organization.Qualify and quantify what you have to offer to the organization.

Include as much work information as possible. The information must be regarding theInclude as much work information as possible. The information must be regarding the

job applied for.job applied for.

Avoid personal information like height, weight etc .Avoid personal information like height, weight etc .

Print your resume on conventional white paper.Print your resume on conventional white paper.

Be honest. Never lie or pad the truth about your job duties or over stretch yourBe honest. Never lie or pad the truth about your job duties or over stretch youraccomplishment.accomplishment.

Keep the resume employer centered.Keep the resume employer centered.

Be prepared to back up all your resume notations with proof at the time of interview.Be prepared to back up all your resume notations with proof at the time of interview.


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DONTSDONTS

Do not clutter up your resume with too much unnecessary information.Do not clutter up your resume with too much unnecessary information.

Do not lie about your experience or accomplishments.Do not lie about your experience or accomplishments.

If the boss finds out that you have fabricated your experience andIf the boss finds out that you have fabricated your experience andaccomplishments, after hiring you he could sack you.accomplishments, after hiring you he could sack you.


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WRITING A WINNING RESUMEWRITING A WINNING RESUME

Determine your job search objective prior to writing the resume, this helpsDetermine your job search objective prior to writing the resume, this helps

you to structure the content of your resume linking it to that objective. If youyou to structure the content of your resume linking it to that objective. If you

write your resume without having a clear objective in mind, it is likely towrite your resume without having a clear objective in mind, it is likely to

come across as unfocused to those that read it.come across as unfocused to those that read it.

Use the principles of marketing: Think of yourself as a service provider,Use the principles of marketing: Think of yourself as a service provider,

potential employers as your customers, and your resume as a brochurepotential employers as your customers, and your resume as a brochure

about you. Market yourself through your resume. What are your featuresabout you. Market yourself through your resume. What are your features

and benefits? What makes you unique? Make sure to convey thisand benefits? What makes you unique? Make sure to convey this

information in your resume.information in your resume.


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Use your resume to obtain an interview, not a job You don't need to go intoUse your resume to obtain an interview, not a job You don't need to go intodetail about every accomplishment. Strive to be clear and concise. Thedetail about every accomplishment. Strive to be clear and concise. Thepurpose of your resume is to generate enough interest in you to have anpurpose of your resume is to generate enough interest in you to have anemployer contact you for an interview. Use the interview to provide detailedemployer contact you for an interview. Use the interview to provide detailedexplanation.explanation.

Use bulleted sentences in the body of your resume, rather than lengthyUse bulleted sentences in the body of your resume, rather than lengthyparagraphs. Resumes are read quickly. This bulleted sentence formatparagraphs. Resumes are read quickly. This bulleted sentence formatmakes it easier for someone to quickly scan your resume and still absorb it.makes it easier for someone to quickly scan your resume and still absorb it.To add life to your resume, use bulleted sentences that begin with actionTo add life to your resume, use bulleted sentences that begin with actionwords like prepared, developed, monitored, and presented.words like prepared, developed, monitored, and presented.


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Construct your resume to read easily. Leave margins and use a font sizeConstruct your resume to read easily. Leave margins and use a font sizeno smaller than 12 point. Limit the length of your resume to 1-2 pages.no smaller than 12 point. Limit the length of your resume to 1-2 pages.Remember, resumes are reviewed quickly. Help the reader to scan yourRemember, resumes are reviewed quickly. Help the reader to scan yourresumeresume

Review your resume at periodic intervals. It can be difficult for you toReview your resume at periodic intervals. It can be difficult for you to

highlight your successes and clearly convey all your accomplishments.highlight your successes and clearly convey all your accomplishments.Have someone review your job search objective, your resume.Have someone review your job search objective, your resume.Encourage them to ask questions. Their questions can help you toEncourage them to ask questions. Their questions can help you todiscover items you inadvertently left off your resume. Revise your resumediscover items you inadvertently left off your resume. Revise your resumeto include these items. Their questions can also point to items on yourto include these items. Their questions can also point to items on yourresume that are confusing to the reader.. Do modify your resume basedresume that are confusing to the reader.. Do modify your resume based

on this input.on this input.


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INTERVIEWINTERVIEW

Your resume has caught the eye of the person who organizes interviewsYour resume has caught the eye of the person who organizes interviewsand you have been called for the same. What do you do? Well the first stepand you have been called for the same. What do you do? Well the first step

is to gather all the information about the organization the key people in theis to gather all the information about the organization the key people in the

organization, major products or services, size in terms of sales andorganization, major products or services, size in terms of sales and

employees, major competitors, latest news reportsemployees, major competitors, latest news reports


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DURING THE INTERVIEWDURING THE INTERVIEW

Follow the lead of the interviewer initially. Greeting the interviewer by nameFollow the lead of the interviewer initially. Greeting the interviewer by nameis appropriate.is appropriate.

Do not address him/her by first name unless invited to do so.Do not address him/her by first name unless invited to do so.

Have direct eye contact.Have direct eye contact.

If the interviewer moves to shake hands, do so firmly.If the interviewer moves to shake hands, do so firmly.

Do not chew gum or smoke.Do not chew gum or smoke.

Be prepared for questions as soon as the interview starts.Be prepared for questions as soon as the interview starts.

Be aware of your non-verbal behaviour.Be aware of your non-verbal behaviour.

Maintain eye contact.Maintain eye contact.

Control nervous habits.Control nervous habits.


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DURING THE INTERVIEWDURING THE INTERVIEW

Listen to the questions and answer them intelligently and relatively quickly.Listen to the questions and answer them intelligently and relatively quickly.

Conduct yourself as if determined to get the job you are discussing.Conduct yourself as if determined to get the job you are discussing.

You may have other irons in the fire, and the interviewer is aware of that,You may have other irons in the fire, and the interviewer is aware of that,

but you want to demonstrate your sincere interest in a position with his/herbut you want to demonstrate your sincere interest in a position with his/herparticular organisation.particular organisation.

Ask questions that will provide helpful information and demonstrate yourAsk questions that will provide helpful information and demonstrate yourinterest in the position. In closing the interview, as if there is anything elseinterest in the position. In closing the interview, as if there is anything elsethe interviewer .the interviewer .

If you have communicated answers to the two questions uppermost in theIf you have communicated answers to the two questions uppermost in themind of an interviewer- why are you interested in the organisation and whatmind of an interviewer- why are you interested in the organisation and whatcan you offer? You have done all you can.can you offer? You have done all you can.

Thank the interviewer for his/her time.Thank the interviewer for his/her time.


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AFTER THE INTERVIEWAFTER THE INTERVIEW

Be sure to note the interviewer's name and address.Be sure to note the interviewer's name and address.

An easy way to do this is to ask for his/her business card.An easy way to do this is to ask for his/her business card.

Keep a record of what the interviewer said.Keep a record of what the interviewer said.

Send a follow-up letter or note to express your thanks and reiterate yourSend a follow-up letter or note to express your thanks and reiterate your

interest in the position and the organisation.interest in the position and the organisation.


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REJECTION FACTORSREJECTION FACTORS

Lack of proper career planning-purposes and goals ill defined.Lack of proper career planning-purposes and goals ill defined.

Lack of knowledge of field of specialisation - not well defined.Lack of knowledge of field of specialisation - not well defined.

Inability to express himself/herself clearly.Inability to express himself/herself clearly.

Insufficient evidence of achievement or capacity to excite action inInsufficient evidence of achievement or capacity to excite action inothers.others.

Not prepared for the interview- no research on employer.Not prepared for the interview- no research on employer.

No real interest in the organisation, just shopping around.LittleNo real interest in the organisation, just shopping around.Little

interest and enthusiasm- indifferenceinterest and enthusiasm- indifference..


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HOW TO SUCCEED IN GROUPHOW TO SUCCEED IN GROUP

DISCUSSIONSDISCUSSIONS

Group discussion is becoming a very important tool for selection. It is usedGroup discussion is becoming a very important tool for selection. It is used

for selecting candidates for admission in management courses. It is alsofor selecting candidates for admission in management courses. It is also

used for selecting young managers. As the preference is for selecting teamused for selecting young managers. As the preference is for selecting team

players, and not loners who cannot function effectively in-groups, this tool isplayers, and not loners who cannot function effectively in-groups, this tool is

progressively getting .progressively getting .

In-group discussions, it is possible for candidates to play differentIn-group discussions, it is possible for candidates to play different

roles.These roles can be grouped under three categories.,roles.These roles can be grouped under three categories.,


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GROUP TASK ROLEGROUP TASK ROLE

Group task roles are behaviours that help the group solve its problems orGroup task roles are behaviours that help the group solve its problems oraccomplish its tasks. These roles include:accomplish its tasks. These roles include:

(A) Initiator: starts discussion, suggests new ideas and solutions.(A) Initiator: starts discussion, suggests new ideas and solutions.

(B) Information Opinion Giver: Gives facts and information and shares his(B) Information Opinion Giver: Gives facts and information and shares his

own opinion with others.own opinion with others.

(C) Clarifier: Expands on ideas of others by giving examples and(C) Clarifier: Expands on ideas of others by giving examples andexplanations.explanations.

(D) Coordinator: Helps in integrating and summarizing the ideas of the other(D) Coordinator: Helps in integrating and summarizing the ideas of the othermembers.members.

(E) Orientor: suggests the direction for further discussion and defines the(E) Orientor: suggests the direction for further discussion and defines thegoal/objective of the discussion.goal/objective of the discussion.


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GROUP BUILDING ROLESGROUP BUILDING ROLES

These roles help members to function together as a groupThese roles help members to function together as a group

(A) Supporter: Praises and agrees with others.(A) Supporter: Praises and agrees with others.

(B) Harmonizer: Helps in resolving disagreements and conflicts between(B) Harmonizer: Helps in resolving disagreements and conflicts between

others.others.

(C) Tension Reliever: Makes people feel relaxed by cracking jokes and(C) Tension Reliever: Makes people feel relaxed by cracking jokes andgenerating humour.generating humour.

(D) Encourager: Encourages those who have not spoken to participate.(D) Encourager: Encourages those who have not spoken to participate.Candidates playing roles of harmonizer and encourager score better marksCandidates playing roles of harmonizer and encourager score better marks

in-group discussion.in-group discussion.


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SELF-CENTERED ROLESSELF-CENTERED ROLES

These roles satisfy an individual's needs without regard for the otherThese roles satisfy an individual's needs without regard for the other

members of the groupmembers of the group

(A) Blocker: Always rasies objections and brings up the same topic(A) Blocker: Always rasies objections and brings up the same topic

after the rest of the group have disposed it of.after the rest of the group have disposed it of.

(B) Aggressor: Criticizes others, expresses hostility and jealousy.(B) Aggressor: Criticizes others, expresses hostility and jealousy.

(C) Recognition Seeker: Boasts and tries to always seek the(C) Recognition Seeker: Boasts and tries to always seek the

attention of others.attention of others.


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SELF-CENTERED ROLESSELF-CENTERED ROLES

(D) Clown: Shows lack of involvement in the group task by cracking jokes and(D) Clown: Shows lack of involvement in the group task by cracking jokes and

passing cynical comments.passing cynical comments.

(E) Dominator: Attempts to dominate by ordering others, interrupting and(E) Dominator: Attempts to dominate by ordering others, interrupting and

imposing his own point of view.imposing his own point of view.


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BRIEFING GDBRIEFING GD

Remember the Group Discussion tests not only your communication butRemember the Group Discussion tests not only your communication butalso your listening skills .also your listening skills .


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How would you describe yourself/tell me about yourself?How would you describe yourself/tell me about yourself?

What is the role of the Executive in an organisation?What is the role of the Executive in an organisation?

What principles do you use to motivate people?What principles do you use to motivate people?

What is the most exciting thing happening in the area of business today?What is the most exciting thing happening in the area of business today?

What was your most interesting/ least interesting assignment ?What was your most interesting/ least interesting assignment ?

What/who was your favourite/least favourite subject/professor? Why?What/who was your favourite/least favourite subject/professor? Why?

What have you found to be the toughest aspect of management?What have you found to be the toughest aspect of management?

How do you think a friend/professor who knows you well would describeHow do you think a friend/professor who knows you well would describeyou?you?


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What do you like best/least about your last superior (if previously employed)?What do you like best/least about your last superior (if previously employed)?

Describe the relationship that should exist between a manager and subordinates?Describe the relationship that should exist between a manager and subordinates?

How do you handle the different ability levels of your colleagues and subordinates?How do you handle the different ability levels of your colleagues and subordinates?

Have you established any long-range goals and objectives? When and why did youHave you established any long-range goals and objectives? When and why did youestablish these goals? How are you preparing yourself to achieveestablish these goals? How are you preparing yourself to achieve

them?them?

What additional subjects, apart from your area of specialisation, would you feelWhat additional subjects, apart from your area of specialisation, would you feelcompetent to perform and at what level?competent to perform and at what level?

Tell me your views on Performance Management.Tell me your views on Performance Management.

In what professional organisations do you hold membership?In what professional organisations do you hold membership?

What are your plans for future improvement of professional skills?What are your plans for future improvement of professional skills?


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Why did you choose the Management Profession of Marketing /Finance/ Personnel/Why did you choose the Management Profession of Marketing /Finance/ Personnel/MIS/ MS stream?MIS/ MS stream?

What would be the ideal philosophy of a business organisation for you? 19. DescribeWhat would be the ideal philosophy of a business organisation for you? 19. Describea situation in which you encountered a problem and tell me how you dealt with it.a situation in which you encountered a problem and tell me how you dealt with it.

Describe a project on which you worked which had a very short deadline. How didDescribe a project on which you worked which had a very short deadline. How didyou meet that deadline?you meet that deadline?

What do you do with your leisure or vacation time? What special interests do youWhat do you do with your leisure or vacation time? What special interests do youhave?have?

What is your philosophy of business?What is your philosophy of business?

How would you handle a person who is a consistent behavioural problem in yourHow would you handle a person who is a consistent behavioural problem in your

company?company?


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Describe a situation which you considered stressful. What role didDescribe a situation which you considered stressful. What role didyou play. Describe how you dealt with the situation.you play. Describe how you dealt with the situation.

What factors are most important to you in a job?What factors are most important to you in a job?

Do you have a geographical preference?Do you have a geographical preference?

Why? What ties do you have at your preferred location?Why? What ties do you have at your preferred location?

Describe your most positive/rewarding experience in your collegeDescribe your most positive/rewarding experience in your college

life?life?

Describe your most negative/trying experience in college?Describe your most negative/trying experience in college?


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Why did you select to attend your particular institute?Why did you select to attend your particular institute?

What abilities do you possess that would make you a contributing memberWhat abilities do you possess that would make you a contributing member

of this organisation?of this organisation?

How would you resolve a conflict between subordinates, superiors, andHow would you resolve a conflict between subordinates, superiors, and

yourself?yourself?

What are your greatest concerns about your first year with ourWhat are your greatest concerns about your first year with our

organisation?organisation?


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HOW TO SELECT AN ORGANISATIONHOW TO SELECT AN ORGANISATION

The various factors one must consider before signing-up with one's newThe various factors one must consider before signing-up with one's newemployers. (Ideally, one should consider these factors even before applyingemployers. (Ideally, one should consider these factors even before applying

for candidature to any organisation):for candidature to any organisation):


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INDUSTRYINDUSTRYOne should be very clear about the type of industry the organisationOne should be very clear about the type of industry the organisation

is in i.e. where exactly the industry is in its life-cycle: sunrise (e.g.is in i.e. where exactly the industry is in its life-cycle: sunrise (e.g.insurance, biotech, IT/telecom services); growth (e.g. mobile/cellularinsurance, biotech, IT/telecom services); growth (e.g. mobile/cellular

services, media, entertainment) , saturation (e.g. chemicals,services, media, entertainment) , saturation (e.g. chemicals,

scooters, colour TVs); or decline (e.g. textiles, black & white TVs).scooters, colour TVs); or decline (e.g. textiles, black & white TVs).

Even seemingly sunrise/growth industries have changed their statusEven seemingly sunrise/growth industries have changed their status

abruptly and in a very short period of time (classic example beingabruptly and in a very short period of time (classic example beingthe dotcom world.the dotcom world.


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THE MANAGEMENT TEAMTHE MANAGEMENT TEAM

One has to get a lot of information on the quality & competence levels of theOne has to get a lot of information on the quality & competence levels of thetop management team; the management's philosophy, work culture, ethics,top management team; the management's philosophy, work culture, ethics,

image in professional circles etc.image in professional circles etc.


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THE JOB PROFILETHE JOB PROFILE

This must be in line with one's core experience, core competencies andThis must be in line with one's core experience, core competencies and

professional ambitions. The job location and designation must be clearlyprofessional ambitions. The job location and designation must be clearly

spelt out and mentioned in the appointment letter. One should in no wayspelt out and mentioned in the appointment letter. One should in no way

compromise on this for short term gainscompromise on this for short term gains


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THE ORGANISATION LIFE CYCLETHE ORGANISATION LIFE CYCLE

STATUSSTATUS

Even in a growth industry, there are a lot of organisations going down-hillEven in a growth industry, there are a lot of organisations going down-hill

(e.g. Maruti in automobile industry or NOCIL in speciality chemicals(e.g. Maruti in automobile industry or NOCIL in speciality chemicals

industry). One has to get a fix on an organisation's SWOT analysis, itsindustry). One has to get a fix on an organisation's SWOT analysis, its

product/service status (image, performance) vis--vis its competitors, itsproduct/service status (image, performance) vis--vis its competitors, its

core competencies and its medium to long term plans.core competencies and its medium to long term plans.


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THE ORGANISATIONS FINANCIALTHE ORGANISATIONS FINANCIAL

HEALTHHEALTHA very important factor. Even if the organisation has recently sufferedA very important factor. Even if the organisation has recently suffered

financial reverses, reasons for the same must be ascertained. (The reversesfinancial reverses, reasons for the same must be ascertained. (The reverses

could be due to major investments made in expansion, technology, VRScould be due to major investments made in expansion, technology, VRS

etc. and these need not necessarily be seen in a negative light)etc. and these need not necessarily be seen in a negative light)


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THE ORGANISATIONS HR PRACTICESTHE ORGANISATIONS HR PRACTICES

One must get information on the satisfaction levels of employees of theOne must get information on the satisfaction levels of employees of the

organisation and the attrition levels experienced by the organisation vis--organisation and the attrition levels experienced by the organisation vis--

vis its competitors and the industry at large. Further, one's own professionalvis its competitors and the industry at large. Further, one's own professional

goals and ambitions (short term and long term) must be in sync with whatgoals and ambitions (short term and long term) must be in sync with what

the organisation has to offerthe organisation has to offer


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THE SALARY AND HYGIENE FACTORSTHE SALARY AND HYGIENE FACTORS

These too must be in sync with one's short term and long term goals. YouThese too must be in sync with one's short term and long term goals. You

must have a total clarity on the salary being offered (tax implications,must have a total clarity on the salary being offered (tax implications,

tangible/intangible) .tangible/intangible) .

To summarise, a lot of research and work has to be done for identifying it.To summarise, a lot of research and work has to be done for identifying it.


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INFORMATION OF THE COMPANYINFORMATION OF THE COMPANY

SOURCESSOURCES

One should access and study all sources of company information (productOne should access and study all sources of company information (productbrochures, annual reports, press releases, websites, information on thebrochures, annual reports, press releases, websites, information on the

parent company/promoters etc.). To the extent possible and before signingparent company/promoters etc.). To the extent possible and before signing

up with an organisation, one should interact with as many employees andup with an organisation, one should interact with as many employees and

customers/dealers of the organisation as well as visit the organisation'scustomers/dealers of the organisation as well as visit the organisation's

offices/manufacturing & service facilities.offices/manufacturing & service facilities.

This requires time and patience. The initiative has to come from one's selfThis requires time and patience. The initiative has to come from one's self

for this and one must not be compromising on the efforts required to do this.for this and one must not be compromising on the efforts required to do this.


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TO SUMMARIZETO SUMMARIZE

After all, it is your own career you are planning. A lot is at stake. A wrongAfter all, it is your own career you are planning. A lot is at stake. A wrong

move, can have a lifelong adverse impact on your professional and careermove, can have a lifelong adverse impact on your professional and career

plans and achievements.plans and achievements.

how to succeed in interviews

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