Important Parameters of

communication

Visual Communication

Visual communication is the transmission of information and ideas using

symbols and imagery. It is one of three main types of communication, along
with verbal communication (speaking) and non-verbal communication
(tone, body language, etc.). Visual communication is believed to be the
type that people rely on most, and it includes signs, graphic designs, films,
typography, and countless other examples.

The communication which is done through sight is called visual

communication. Such as facial expression, gesture, eye contact, signals,
map, chart, poster etc. it also includes graphic design, illustration and
animation, books, print, magazines, screen-based media, interactive web
design, short film, design for advertising, promotion, corporate identity and
packaging design etc.

Visual presentation of information and data is having an increasing impact

on our practical life. In spite of having impact on our life, visual
communication is not alone sufficient for exchanging information. For
example to indicate ‘danger’ we use red sign, to indicate ‘no smoking’; we
use an image showing a lighted cigarette with across mark on it etc.

So, visual communication is a communication where the ideas and

information can be read or viewed through the means of visual aid.
Advantages of visual communication

Now-a-days, most of the business organizations are using visual

techniques to present the information. It is becoming very popular day by
day. Visual presentation is beneficial for many reasons. Some of them are
as follows:

1. Effective for illiterate receiver: If the receivers are illiterate, the

visual communication will be more effective to exchange
information. They can easily understand the information that is
presented visually.
2. Helps in oral communication: Visual techniques can be used
with oral communication. Oral communication becomes more
meaningful if graphs, pictures and diagrams are used with it.
3. Easy explanation: Everyone can explain the meaning of it very
easily. Easy explanation has made the visual techniques more
popular.
4. Simple presentation: Complex information, data and figures can
be easily presented very simply on graphs, pictures and diagrams.
5. Prevents wastage of time: Visual techniques help to prevent the
wastage of time. Written and oral communication takes much time
to exchange information. But number of receivers can be
communicated at a time through visual methods.
6. Helps in quick decision: Visual communication helps to take
quick decision. So management prefers visual techniques to
communicate with others.
 7. Popular: Visual communication is very much popular because
people do not like much speech and long explanation rather than
a chart of a diagram.
8. Others: Artful presentation, Ads impact to the information, quicker
understanding.

Disadvantages of visual communication:

There are some limitations of visual communication as follows:

1. Costly: The visual methods of communication are more costly

than those of other methods. To draw maps, charts, diagram is
costly. That is why only large company or organization can use
this technique.
2. Complex presentation: Sometimes visual presentation of
information becomes complex. The receivers cannot understand
the meaning of the presentation.
3. Incomplete method: This technique is considered as an
incomplete method. Visual presentation is not sufficient to
communicate effectively and clearly but also it can be successfully
used with oral communication.
4. Wastage of time: Sometimes visual techniques take much time to
communicate. Whereas oral communication takes no time to
exchange information.
5. Difficult to understand: Difficult to understand and requires a lot
of repetitions in visual communication. Since it uses gestures,
facial expressions, eye contact, touch etc. for communicating with
 others which may not be understandable for the simple and foolish
people.
6. Problem for general readers: General people are not prefers to
communicate through visual communication with others.
Sometimes it cannot create an impression upon people or
listeners. It is less influential and cannot be used everywhere.
7. Others: Ambiguity, situational problem, delays in taking decision.

Designing Visual Communication

Visuals got power for communication

 Enhances communication
 Better information than from text
 Audiences cultural background
 Saves time and quick idea

Principles Of Graphic Design

 Consistency
 Contrast
 Balance
 Emphasis
 Convention
 Simplicity
 Avoid ethical lapses

 Unwanted interpretation
 Provide sufficient context
 Don’t hide negative message
 Avoid oversimplifying complex situation

Choose which point is your message to illustrate

 Consider overall flow of your message

 Identify message that is complex and dull
 Look for idea to be highlighted

5 Guides For Using Photographs

 Effective – diagram or photograph

 Basic image processing tools
 Match the file
 Make sure photographs have communication

CREATING AND DELIVERING ONLINE PRESENTATIONS

Tips to create online Presentations

1. Start with the right tool. ...

2. Help everyone be on time. ...
3. Keep your slides simple. ...
4. Be clear and efficient. ...
5. 5. Make the presentation entertaining. ...
6. Use visual examples. ...
7. Encourage conversation.
Tips for Giving Great Online Presentations

1. Start with the right tool. You could ask for everyone to jump on a
conference call and email them a PDF, but then you don't really know
who's there or if they're on the right page. Collaborative software such as
Go-To-Meeting or join.me allows you to monitor who's online and makes
sure that everyone is communicating about the same slide.

2. Help everyone be on time. Nothing is more irritating than sitting online

waiting for a meeting to start because one or two people didn't show up.
Some online tools have calendaring features that can help make sure
everyone gets there on time and knows the topic. If people do show up
late, go ahead and get started so you don't inconvenience the others. Late
people can use the software to watch a recording later.

3. Keep your slides simple. Slides with lots of text are confusing and hard
to read. Worse, people won't remember much of what's on them. Use your
slides as brief reminders of the topic. Use a simple headline and three or
four bullet points to support the main takeaway. Later, your team can go
back and review the presentation and the brief slides will act as simple
reminders.

4. Be clear and efficient. Make sure the presentation is easy to

understand and concise. Each slide should represent about three or four
minutes of material, and any more than 15 to 18 slides can be
overwhelming. If you have more material, consider splitting the
presentation. Practice before you deliver your talk to make sure the order
makes sense and that you can deliver it with good articulation and at a
pace everyone can understand. The record feature on collaborative
software is a great tool for reviewing your presentation skills.

5. Make the presentation entertaining. Just because the presentation

has lots of factual information doesn't mean it has to be dry and dull. You
can add a lot of flair without making your talk unprofessional. Use stories
and humor to make it fun. Not only are people more likely to listen closely,
they'll remember more of what you told them. Whatever you do, don't be
boring!

6. Use visual examples. Words are fine but graphics are great. Find a few
pictures that are truly worth 1,000 words. Don't overload the presentation
with cutesy art unless it has a purpose truly relevant to what you need to
communicate. Taking screen shots off the Web can be really useful when
referencing online material. You can even do this in real time for time-
sensitive material. If you plan to use video, just make sure it's short and to
the point. Otherwise, just share the URL and let people watch on their own
time.

7. Encourage conversation. The great part of collaborative software is

that it allows people to communicate with the presenter and each other
during the presentation through messaging, so the talk isn't interrupted.
You should encourage your team to do this from the beginning. Watching
the online activity will give you a sense of how engaged your listeners are
and allow you to tailor your presentation along the way, if need be.
8. Set action steps. The time to start an action-step list is not during the
presentation itself. Ready this list before the presentation. When you're
done with the basic information, you can discuss the steps in an organized
way and modify them after you get feedback from the team. Make sure
everyone is clear on what they need to take away from the presentation.

9. Leave time for questions. If you set an hour for the presentation, at
least 15 minutes should be used for questions and discussion. You can
review any written questions that were left unanswered and allow for
discussion amongst the team. Don't let the questions drone on or get
redundant. Manage the session kindly, with purpose and authority.

10. End on time. People are busy and they have most likely scheduled
other activities after this meeting. Show them respect by finishing at the
designated time so they can move on. If they still have questions or want
more information, tell them they can connect with you later. But let
everyone else go. Give everyone the software link to review the
presentation if needed. Then thank all for their time and get to work.
 Applications Of Communication

Writing summer project report

The summer project is an initiative that Statkraft runs each year with 6-8
candidates from different theoretical and cultural backgrounds working
intensively together as a team for a period of 8 weeks.

A project report is often students' only tangible evidence of their summer

internship. If their efforts are to count in the judgement of their professors,
the report must describe clearly what they have done. Often, their written
reports are the basis of a strong recommendation for future employment.”

Project Report Format. Project report is a written evidence of tasks,

processes and activities that are undertaken and accomplished by the
students while pursuing their projects and implementing it.

Preparation of summer Project Report

Steps

1. Number each page in the report. ...

2. Make a cover page with the title of your report. ...
3. Include your name and internship information on the cover page. ...
4. Mention any special acknowledgements on the next page. ...
5. Include a table of contents if your report is long. ...
6. Write an abstract page outlining your internship.

To write a good project report, you just need to follow these basic
principles:
 7. Write to the Reader. Remember that you're not writing the report for
yourself. ...
8. Structure your Report. One thing all reports should have in common
is a form of structure. ...
9. Back Up your Report with Data. ...
Separate Facts from Opinion.

WRITING CV (curriculum vitae)

A curriculum vitae, Latin for "course of life", often shortened as CV or vita,

is a written overview of someone's life's work. Vitae often aim to be a
complete record of someone's career, and can be extensive.

A CV (short for the Latin phrase curriculum vitae, which means “course of
life”) is a detailed document highlighting your professional and academic
history. You may be asked to submit a CV when applying for jobs in
academia or a job outside the US. CVs typically include information like:

 Work experience
 Achievements and awards
 Scholarships or grants you’ve earned
 Academic coursework
 Research projects
 Publications of your work

If you need help determining how to write a CV, it can be helpful to consult
a template. Here is additional background on the document along with an
easy-to-follow CV example template to ensure you craft a powerful
curriculum vitae that stands out to employers.

CV vs. Resume

A CV and resume are similar in that they’re both documents that

summarize your professional history, education, skills and achievements.
They’re also both documents you might provide an employer for
consideration for an open position.

It is important to note that in the United States and most of Europe,

resumes and CVs are not interchangeable. A resume is a shorter-form
document that provides a concise overview of your previous roles, skills
and details about your education. (The French word résumé translates to
“abstract” or “summary.”) A CV, on the other hand, is typically a longer,
more detailed document focused largely on academic coursework and
research.

There are a few exceptions, however. In India, South Africa and Australia,
the terms CV and resume are interchangeable.

How to write a CV

Most CVs include the following information:

 Contact information
 Academic history
 Professional experience
 Qualifications and skills
 Awards and honors
  Publications
 Professional associations
 Grants and fellowships
 Licenses and certificates
 Volunteer work
 Personal information (Optional)
 Hobbies and interests (Optional)

Some employers, especially postsecondary institutions, may offer their own

CV template and CV examples to help make sure you include all required
information in the format they prefer. Before you submit your application,
look for any special CV guidelines the employer has outlined. For example,
some institutions may require you to list only relevant coursework,
fieldwork, dissertations and professional references.

WRITING APPLICATIONS LETTERS

A letter of application, also known as a cover letter, is a document sent

with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and
experience to an employer. The letter of application is intended to provide
detailed information on why you are are a qualified candidate for the job.

Tips for Writing a Job Application Letter

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter, should be sent or

uploaded with your resume when applying for jobs. While your resume
offers a history of your work experience and an outline of your skills and
accomplishments, the job application letter you send to an employer
explains why you are qualified for the position and should be selected for
an interview.

Writing this letter can seem like a challenging task. However, if you take it
one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing application letters to
send with your resume.

Writing Guidelines for Job Application

Letters: Writing a job application letter is very different from a quick email
to a friend or a thank-you note to a relative. Hiring managers and potential
interviewers have certain expectations when it comes to the letter's
presentation and appearance, from length (no more than a page) to font
size and style to letter spacing:

Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long.

Format and Page Margins: A letter of application should be single-spaced

with a space between each paragraph. Use about 1" margins and align
your text to the left, which is the standard alignment for most documents.

Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
The font size should be between 10 and 12 points.

What to Include in Each Section of the Letter

There are also set rules for the sections included in the letter, from
salutation to sign-off, and how the letter is organized. Here's a quick
lowdown on the main sections included in a job application letter:
Heading: A letter of application should begin with both your and the
employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email)
followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include
your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature.

Salutation: This is your polite greeting. The most common salutation is

"Dear Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name. Find out more about
appropriate cover letter salutations, including what to do if you don't know
the person's name, or are unsure of a contact's gender.

Body of the letter: Think of this section as being three distinct parts.

In the first paragraph, you'll want to mention the job you are applying for
and where you saw the job listing.

The next paragraph(s) are the most important part of your letter.
Remember how you gathered all that information about what employers
were seeking, and how you could meet their needs? This is where you'll
share those relevant details on your experience and accomplishments.

The third and last part of the body of the letter will be your thank you to
the employer; you can also offer follow-up information.

Complimentary Close: Sign off your email with a polite close, such as
"Best" or "Sincerely," followed by your name.

.Signature: End with your signature, handwritten, followed by your typed

name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your
contact information.
Simple Formatting Using a Template

Overwhelmed by all these formatting and organization requirements? One

way to make the process of writing a job application easier is to use a job
application letter template to create your own personalized job application
letters for applying for a job. Having a template can help save you time if
you are sending a lot of application letters.

Be sure that each letter you send is personalized to the company and
position; do not send the same letter to different companies.

Tips for Writing an Effective Letter

 Always write one. Unless a job posting specifically says not to send
a letter of application or cover letter, you should always send one.
Even if the company does not request a letter of application, it never
hurts to include one. If they do ask you to send a letter, make sure to
follow the directions exactly (for example, they might ask you to send
the letter as an email attachment, or type it directly into their online
application system).
 Use business letter format. Use a formal business letter
format when writing your letter. Include your contact information at
the top, the date, and the employer’s contact information. Be sure to
provide a salutation at the beginning, and your signature at the end.

 Sell yourself. Throughout the letter, focus on how you would benefit
the company. Provide specific examples of times when you
demonstrated skills or abilities that would be useful for the job,
especially those listed in the job posting or description. If possible,
 include examples of times when you added value to a company.
Numerical values offer concrete evidence of your skills and
accomplishments.
 Use keywords. Reread the job listing, circling any keywords (such as
skills or abilities that are emphasized in the listing). Try to include
some of those words in your cover letter. This will help the employer
see that you are a strong fit for the job.

 Keep it brief. Keep your letter under a page long, with no more than
about four paragraphs. An employer is more likely to read a concise
letter.
 Edit, edit, edit. Employers are likely to overlook an application with a
lot of errors. Therefore, read through your cover letter, and if possible
ask a friend or career counselor to review the letter. Proofread for any
grammar or spelling errors.

Sample Job Application Letter

This is a job application letter sample. Download the letter

template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the
example below.

Group Discussion

Group" is a collection of individuals who have regular contact and frequent

interaction and who work together to achieve a common set of goals.
"Discussion" is the process whereby two or more people exchange
information or ideas in a face-to-face situation to achieve a goal. The goal,
or end product, maybe increased knowledge, agreement leading to action,
disagreement leading to competition or resolution or perhaps only a
clearing of the air or a continuation of the status-quo.

"Group Discussion", popularly labeled as GD, is a methodology used by an

organization (company, institute, business school, etc.) to gauge whether
the candidate has certain personality traits. GDs form an important part of
the short-listing process for recruitment or admission in a company or
institution. In this methodology, the group of candidates is given a topic or a
situation, typically given some time to think about the same, and then
asked to discuss it among themselves for a specific duration (which may
vary from one organization to another). As in a football game, where you
play like a team, passing the ball to each team member and aim for a
common goal, GD is also based on teamwork, incorporating views of
different team members to reach a common goal.

So, a group discussion refers to a communicative situation that allows its

participants to share their views and opinions with other participants. It is a
systematic exchange of information, views and opinions about a topic,
problem, issue or situation among the members of a group who share
some common objectives

The process followed in GD:

In any B-schools or MNC’s, the selectors will select the students randomly
based on the number. For a group usually, 8-10 members were selected. A
topic is given and around 3-5 minutes of time is given to prepare. The
duration of the discussion is based on the group, topic, college to college
and organization to organization. Only on a few parameters, the
assessment is done. The parameters such as content, supporting others
point, giving relevant examples, latest updates or news, eye-contact,
conclusion and behavioral traits.

There is no secret or any rules for preparing GD. Before going for GD
one has to consider a few points.
1. Be up-to-date on the latest information such as news and trending topics
in the market.
2. Make a habit of reading newspapers, books and magazines so that in-
detail information is provided.
3. The simple way to remember the content for a longer period is to watch
videos for 2-3 times.
4. Later on, select a topic and speak for yourself in front of the mirror.
(Make assessment for yourself).
5. Even be aware of different topics such as sports, political news,
technology news, economics and market-related news.

How to perform GD?

When a topic is given just think over it; under which category the topic is. It
might be related to life, current affairs, technology, political news and any
other trending topic in the market. So, think about the topic and frame the
sentence in your own words to speak. When you are speaking you need to
agree or disagree with the other points and you need to give a proper
reason to it. But, don’t deviate/ mislead from the topic. Make others also
speak & give chance to them to put the points into the discussion.
For suppose if you are leading the group:
1. Introduce yourself & give a brief note on the topic.
2. Make a start on a positive note.
3. Discuss the pros and cons of the topic and how to overcome them.
4. Make everyone speak.
5. Support other points.
6. If the group members are deviating from the topic it is your responsibility
to bring them back.
As you are leading the group you need to conclude by summarizing all the
points which were discussed.

Few tips for GD:

1. Grooming (appearance)
2. Be a good listener & support or add to the other points. (But don’t
interrupt in middle)
3. Speak loudly and clearly.
4. Try to be the first and the last speaker of the discussion.
5. Be confident while speaking (analyze with numbers if you know & it has
to be fact).
INTERVIEWS

An interview is a conversation where questions are asked and answers

are given.[1] In common parlance, the word "interview" refers to a one-on-
one conversation between an interviewer and an interviewee. The
interviewer asks questions to which the interviewee responds, usually so
information may be transferred from interviewee to interviewer (and any
other audience of the interview). Sometimes, information can be transferred
in both directions. It is a communication, unlike a speech, which produces a
one-way flow of information.

Interviews usually take place face-to-face and in person, although modern

communications technologies such as the Internet have enabled
conversations to happen in which parties are separated geographically,
such as with videoconferencing software,[2] and telephone interviews can
happen without visual contact. Interviews almost always involve spoken
conversation between two or more parties, although in some instances a
"conversation" can happen between two persons who type questions and
answers back and forth.

Interviews can range from Unstructured interview or free-wheeling and

open-ended conversations in which there is no predetermined plan with
prearranged questions,[3] to highly structured conversations in which
specific questions occur in a specified order.[4] They can follow diverse
formats; for example, in a ladder interview, a respondent's answers
typically guide subsequent interviews, with the object being to explore a
respondent's subconscious motives.[5][6] Typically the interviewer has some
way of recording the information that is gleaned from the interviewee, often
by writing with a pencil and paper, sometimes transcribing with
 a video or audio recorder, depending on the context and extent of
information and the length of the interview. Interviews have a duration in
time, in the sense that the interview has a beginning and an ending.

let us see what are the most effective interview skills!

1. Research the company. This is not an option! ...

2. Analyze job description. ...
3. Brush up basics. ...
4. Prepare for tests. ...
5. Prepare for potential interview questions. ...

6. Be punctual ⏰ ...

7. Be attentive. ...
8. Speak clearly.
let us see what are the most effective interview skills!

1. Research the company. This is not an option! ...

2. Analyze job description. ...
3. Brush up basics. ...
4. Prepare for tests. ...
5. Prepare for potential interview questions. ...

6. Be punctual ⏰ ...

7. Be attentive. ...
8. Speak clearly.
Best interview questions and answers

1. Tell me about yourself.

Your interviewers will likely start out with a question about you and your
background to get to know you. Start by giving them an overview about
your current position or activities then provide the most important and
relevant highlights from your background that make you the most qualified
for the role. If you’d like, it is generally acceptable to include some light
personal details about things like your pets, hobbies or family. Doing so can
help you be more memorable and personable to the interviewer.

Example: “Currently, I serve as the assistant to three of the company’s five

executive team members including the CEO. During my time at the
organisation, I have been recognised for my time management skills,
writing abilities and commitment to excellence.

From my 12 years of experience as an executive assistant, I’ve developed

the ability to anticipate roadblocks and create effective alternative plans.
My greatest value to any executive is my ability to work independently,
freeing up their time to focus on the needs of the business.

It’s clear that you’re looking for someone who understands the nuances of
managing a CEO’s busy day and can proactively tackle issues. As
someone with a sharp eye for detail and a drive to organise, I thrive on
making sure every day has a clear plan and every plan is clearly
communicated.”
For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Tell Me
About Yourself.”

2. How would you describe yourself?

When interviewers ask you to talk about yourself, they’re looking for
information about how your qualities and characteristics align with the skills
they believe is required to succeed in the role. If possible, include
quantifiable results to demonstrate how you use your best attributes to
drive success.

Example: “I am a vigilant and proactive Security Officer working to ensure

safe, secure and orderly environments. I’m also a lifelong learner always
seeking out the latest security equipment and techniques to patrol
buildings. Lastly, I am thorough in documenting all incidents and actively
making suggestions to management about security improvements and
changes.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “How Would
You Describe Yourself?”

3. What makes you unique?

Employers often ask this question to identify why you might be more
qualified than other candidates they’re interviewing. To answer, focus on
why hiring you would benefit the employer. As you don’t know the other
applicants, it can be challenging to think about your answer in relation to
theirs. Addressing why your background makes you a good fit will let
employers know why your traits and qualifications make you well prepared.

Example: “What makes me unique is my experience of four years in retail.

Because I’ve had first-hand experience fielding shoppers’ questions,
feedback and complaints, I know what customers want. I know what it
takes to create a positive consumer experience through marketing.”

4. Why do you want to work here?

Interviewers often ask this question as a way to determine whether or not
you took time to research the company and to learn why you see yourself
as a good fit. The best way to prepare for this question is to do your
homework and learn about the products, services, mission, history and
culture of this workplace. In your answer, mention the aspects of the
company that appeal to you and align with your career goals. Explain why
you’re looking for these things in an employer.

Example: “The company’s mission to help college graduates pay off their
student loan debt speaks to me. I’ve been in that situation and I’d love the
opportunity to work with a company that’s making a difference. Finding a
company with a positive work environment and values that align with my
own has remained a priority throughout my job search and this company
ranks at the top of the list.”
5. What interests you about this role?
Like the previous question, hiring managers often include this question to
make sure you understand the role and to give you the opportunity to
highlight your relevant skills. In addition to thoroughly reading the job
description, it can be helpful to compare the role requirements against your
skills and experience. Choose a few things you particularly enjoy or excel
at and focus on those in your answer.

Example: “I’ve been passionate about user experience design for most of
my professional career. I was excited to see this company uses Adobe
products because I’m well versed in the entire suite. Also, I’m a huge
advocate for applying agile workflows to design. I think it’s the most
effective way to tackle large projects. I was able to successfully build and
launch an agile process in my previous role as UX manager and we saw
considerable improvements in project speed.”

6. What motivates you?

Employers ask this question to gauge your level of self-awareness and
ensure your sources of motivation align with the role. To answer, be as
specific as possible, provide real-life examples and tie your answer back to
the job role.

Example: “Making a true difference in the lives of my patients and their

families motivates me to strive for excellence in everything I do. I look
forward to seeing my patients’ reaction when we get a positive outcome
that will change their lives forever. That’s why I became a nurse and why
I’m pursuing a position in pediatrics.”

7. What are you passionate about?

Much like the previous question about motivation, employers might ask
what you are passionate about to better understand what drives you and
what you care most deeply about. This can help them understand whether
you are a good fit for the role and if it fits into your larger goals. To answer,
select something you are genuinely passionate about, explain why you’re
passionate about it, give examples of how you’ve pursued this passion and
relate it back to the job.

Example: “As an experienced, service-oriented professional with more

than a decade of experience working in boutique salons, I thrive on
creating a welcoming environment for all clients and providing the highest
quality skincare services. My specialised training, along with my
interpersonal skills, has helped me become adept at developing long-term,
trusted relationships that help to build a loyal client base. These
relationships are the reason I’m excited to go to work every day.”

8. Why are you leaving your current job?

There are many reasons for leaving a job. Prepare a thoughtful answer that
will give your interviewer confidence that you’re being deliberate about this
job change. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of your current or
previous role, focus on the future and what you hope to gain in your next
position.
Example: “I’m looking for an opportunity that gives me the ability to build
closer, long-term relationships with clients. In my current role, the sales
cycle is so short that I don’t spend as much time building a rapport with my
customers as I’d like. Relationship-building is one of the reasons I chose a
career in sales and I look forward to working with a company in which that’s
a top priority.”

9. What are your greatest strengths?

This question gives you an opportunity to talk about your technical and soft
skills. To answer, share qualities and personal attributes and then relate
them back to the role for which you’re interviewing.

Example: “I’m a natural problem solver. I find it rewarding to dig deep and
uncover solutions to challenges. It’s like solving a puzzle. It’s something
I’ve always excelled at and something I enjoy. Much of product
development is about finding innovative solutions to challenging issues,
which is what drew me to this career path in the first place.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What Are
Your Strengths And Weaknesses?”

10. What are your greatest weaknesses?

It can feel awkward to discuss your weaknesses in an environment where
you’re expected to focus on your accomplishments. However, when
answered correctly, sharing your weaknesses can show that you are self-
aware and want to continuously get better at your job—traits that are
extremely attractive to many employers. Remember to start with the
weakness and then discuss the measures you’ve taken to improve. This
way, you’re finishing your answer on a positive note.

Example: “I sometimes have trouble saying ‘no’ and end up overwhelmed

by my workload. Earlier in my career, I would take on so many projects that
I’d work evenings and weekends. It was stressful. I realised this was
counterproductive so I started using workload management tools and
setting better expectations for myself and my teammates.”

11. What are your goals for the future?

Often, hiring managers ask about your future goals to determine whether or
not you’re looking to stay with the company in the long term. Additionally,
this question is used to gauge your ambition, expectations for your career
and your ability to plan ahead. The best way to handle this question is to
determine your current career trajectory and how this role plays into helping
you reach your ultimate goals.

Example: “I would like to continue developing my marketing expertise as

well as my leadership skills over the next several years. One of the reasons
I’m interested in working for a fast-growing start-up company is that I’ll have
the ability to wear many hats and collaborate with many different
departments. I believe this experience will serve me well in achieving my
ultimate goal of leading a marketing department someday.”
12. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Understanding how you imagine your life in the future can help employers
understand whether the trajectory of the role and company fits in with your
personal development goals. To answer, provide general ideas about the
skills you want to develop, the types of roles you would like to be in and the
things you would like to have accomplished.

Example: “In five years, I’d like to be an industry expert in my field with the
ability to train and mentor students and entry-level designers. I would also
like to gain specialised knowledge in user experience to be a well-rounded
contributor working with design and marketing teams on large scale
projects that make a difference in the company and to the global
community.”

13. Can you tell me about a difficult work situation and how you
overcame it?
This question is often used to assess how well you perform under pressure
as well as your problem-solving abilities. Keep in mind stories are more
memorable than facts and figures so strive to ‘show’ instead of ‘tell’. This is
also an excellent opportunity to show your human side and how you’re
willing to go the extra mile without being asked.

Example: “It was the first day of my boss’s two-week vacation and our
agency’s highest-paying client threatened to leave because he didn’t feel
he was getting the personalised service he was promised. I spent my lunch
hour on the phone with him talking through his concerns. We even
brainstormed ideas for his next campaign. He was so grateful for the
personal attention that he signed another six-month contract before my
boss even returned from her trip.”

14. What is your salary range expectation?

Interviewers ask this question to make sure your expectations are in line
with the amount they’ve budgeted for the role. If you give a salary range
exceedingly lower or higher than the market value of the position, it gives
the impression that you don’t know your worth. Research the typical
compensation range for the role on Indeed Salaries and request for the
higher side of your range. Be sure to let the hiring manager know if you’re
flexible with your rate.

Example: “My salary expectation is between INR XX,XXX and INR

XX,XXX, which is the average salary for a candidate with my level of
experience in this city. However, I am flexible.”

15. Why should we hire you?

While this question may seem like an intimidation tactic, interviewers
generally bring this up to offer you another opportunity to explain why
you’re the best candidate. Your answer should address the skills and
experience you offer and why you’re a good culture fit.

Example: “I have a passion for application development that’s grown

stronger over the course of my five-year career. The company’s mission
aligns with my personal values and from my limited time in the office, I can
already tell this is the sort of positive culture in which I would thrive. I want
to work for a company that has the potential to reshape the industry and I
believe you’re doing just that.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Why Should
We Hire You?”

16. Do you have any questions?

This might be one of the most important questions asked during the
interview process because it allows you to explore any subject that hasn’t
been addressed and shows the interviewer you’re excited about the role.
By this point, you’ll likely have already covered most of the basics about the
position and the company so take time to ask the interviewer questions
about their own experiences with the company and gain tips on how you
can succeed if hired.

Example: “What do you love about working for this company? What would
success look like in this role? What are some of the challenges people
typically face in this position?”

Much like preparing for a test in school, the best way to succeed in your
interview is to study and practice. Do research on the company and the job
and practice your talking points until you feel confident about your answers.
The more you prepare, the more likely you are to leave a lasting impression
and outperform fellow candidates.