• Dress professionally.
• Address the interviewer with a firm handshake; know your interviewer's full name and title. In certain cases the interviewer may not prefer to shake hands ( it can be judged from the body language or the access may not be convenient ) in that case just bow respectfully.
• Be punctual.
• Have a hard copy of your resume ready with you along with licenses and certificates in case the interviewer asks for it. You can use the resume to refer during the interview.
• Look in the eye when talking or listening to the interviewer.
• Emphasize accomplishments.
• Avoid "yes" and "no" responses. Answer questions fully.
• Do not speak too fast. Speak clearly.
• Do not make any negative remarks about present or previous employers.
• Make sure your interviewer knows you are interested in the job.
• Look interested and enthusiastic when you talk.
• Finally do not forget the golden word - "Thank You".

• Be articulate. Practice asking yourself questions, and then answer them with confidence in front of the mirror. This will give you an idea of your facial expressions and pronunciation.
• Keep your answers brief and to the point.
• You must know where to stop and start while answering questions. Never talk non-stop. Control the speed of your speech.
• Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions. Understand the question and start your answer by recollecting your experiences and knowledge.
• If you are not able to understand the question clearly, ask the Interviewer to repeat it. Request for more related information if you are not sure about the answer.
• If you don't know the answer or haven't used a particular method or tool, please say "I don't know" or "I haven't experienced that situation " or " I haven't used that tool, but if given the opportunity, I can learn fast". An Interviewer will always take it positively when you admit the truth.
• While starting a conversation, introduce yourself with your first name and last name (if any) and greet your Interviewer with a "How are you" or "Hi" or "How are you doing"
• If the Interviewer discusses issues regarding country, lifestyle, weather, accommodation, language, driving, culture, politics, food and family background (rare) - answer briefly.
• Please keep a copy of your resume in front of you. The interviewer may ask about individual project details, your roles, responsibilities, major accomplishments, product advantages, techniques followed, tools used, and your involvement in that project. Refer to your resume quickly and answer the question promptly.
• Don't be nervous or panic. Be cool, enjoy yourself. Remember you have the skills the client needs.
• Never show or express unwillingness to be interviewed. Even if you are not interested in that job or client, don't discourage the interviewer especially after having started a dialogue with him/her. If you decide on another client call the Interviewer, thank him and give a valid reason for not joining.
• After successfully completing the interview process, if interviewer asks "do you have any questions?” ask! Clarify issues related to company background, place of work if hired, starting date and timings. Do not ask about the position offered, rates at this stage since those issues come under the negotiation process.
• Don't raise or talk about issues related to discrimination against race, religion, color, country and sex. These are extremely touchy topics and are best avoided.
• Don't use slang words.
• Don't stretch an argument.
• After completion of interview, say "Thanks" or "Thanks for your time" or "Thanks for your time and have a good morning/evening day" and put down the phone very slowly.
• If the interviewer makes a positive offer and you are satisfied with it, it would be nice if you said the following: "Thanks for giving me an opportunity to work with your company and I will do my best to prove my skills.....”
• If you are asked to briefly introduce your entire work experiences, take 30 seconds to explain all major points, client names and contributions you have made. I recommend you practice this by writing down the exact contents and reading it aloud in front of the mirror.
• Always be positive.
• Try to answer all questions with practical examples based on your previous experience. This way, you can recollect your experiences and prove that you have faced challenging situations in your career.
• If you feel you lack adequate communication skills, attempt to regularly converse with friends on general topics. Listen to the radio, watch discussion oriented TV programs. Talk to yourself in front of mirror and watch for, speed, lip movements and body language.
• After the interview is over, recollect what you did, how you performed. Note down where you were lacking. These points will help you better your performance the next time around.
• References always work well no matter where you are applying. Managers and HR departments will always cross check with the references you have provided. So have at least 3 references who can give them a very clear picture about your experience and skill set.
• If you are not hired, don't loose heart. There may be several reasons for the client/consulting company to reject the applicant even after a successful interview:
  • Budget constraints
  • Salary not agreeable to client
  • Client is not ready to sponsor your Work Visa and has restrictions in company corporate policies.
• Here are some common reasons for rejection along with a suggestion for improvement:
  • Lack of communication skills - actively work towards improving your communication skills.
  • Lack of leadership qualities.
  • Applicant skills and experience is not matched with client requirements - you can't do anything. You have nothing to lose. Find another Company where they can match your skills and knowledge set.
  • Not enough number of references - ensure that you have enclosed at least three excellent references.
  • Not ready to pay you what you want - before asking what you want, you need to do little market survey based on your experience. You need to go through Salary Survey and learn more about general company HR policies too.
• Very importantly, when you address the Interviewer, Use his/her first name or put Mr. before last name. This is important while writing e-mail, holding a general conversation or making a presentation.

We hope these tips will be of use to you for your next telephonic interview. Never hesitate to ask for help from others. Gather as much information as you can about the company and position you have applied for.

• Most aptitude tests for professionals check for quantitative, reasoning and verbal abilities. They will usually be multiple choice type question papers.
• Reading up mathematics textbooks and dictionaries just before the test will not help much. These abilities are cultivated over a long period of time - most questions are based on what you studied in high school.
• Practice tests can help a lot. Get hold of a few practice tests and do them 2-3 days before the actual test.
• Don't panic on the day of the test - you will do your best if you are not worried. Aim at achieving as much as you did in the practice tests.
• Try to finish as many questions as possible, if you are stuck on a difficult problem - leave it aside and proceed to the next one.

• Group discussions are meant to judge your communication and interpersonal abilities. The observers will be looking for verbal and non-verbal skills, clarity of thought, leadership abilities and other interpersonal skills.
• Usually a current topic will be taken up and a group of 8-12 people will be asked to discuss the topic.
• There is no need to prepare on specific topics. If you read the newspapers - it should be enough.
• You do not have to be the first to speak out to be noticed. It is often better for someone else to begin the discussion. However, if you are very well informed on the topic it might be a good idea to set the ball rolling.
• Listen carefully to what others are saying. It is a good idea to quote others when you speak while supporting, building or even criticising them.
• Be natural and talk normally and be yourself - it always gives the best results.

• Psychological tests are used to mainly determine your personal attributes. They will usually be multiple choice type question papers.
• There are no right or wrong answers to psychological tests - it is your opinion!
• Avoid trying to fool tests, they are usually designed to ask the same questions in different ways again and again. If you are manipulating the results will show inconsistencies and the observer might choose to ignore the test or administer another test.

• "Tell us something about you" is perhaps the most common first question asked in interviews. It might be a good idea to prepare a brief opening statement and be ready for the question. It will be a good idea to mention your education, jobs and interest in applying in your opening statement.
• Interviewers will often have gone through your resume in detail, be prepared to explain any statement made in your resume.
• Answer all questions directly and honestly, it is not a trial!
• Don't try to mask all your weaknesses - all human beings have them and so does the person interviewing you.
• "Why do you want to change a job" is another common question, be prepared for it. Honestly answer the question, if you are trying to get a better salary - say so. The lesser you conceal your motives - the easier it will be for the interviewer to make a decision. Keeping the interviewer in suspense will only lead to a postponement in decision - not a favourable decision.
• Appearance is important - dress formally or as you will usually for an important occasion.
• Appear at least 10 minutes before the interview. It makes a good impression and you also get some time to get used to the surroundings.