11 Tips to Handle your First Campus Interview
Interview on campus … Hmm … this is what you look forward to at the start of the year with optimism, fear and excitement.
Some people think it is a make-or-break, and some think it’s a matter of pride. In one’s mind, the constant thinking is what ‘s this click! How does the interviewer look at me?
This is what we seek when we visit different campuses. This is not a complete list but a good example of what they expect and how they are to be met.
Here are some tips about your first interview with the software company:
1. Know your topic
Written examination: written testing in campus interviews is usually designed to examine, as well as critical reasoning skills, the candidate’s knowledge on their key technical subjects. CS students, for example, should be prepared with Operating Systems, data structures, programming, design compilers, etc.
During the interview: It is necessary for you to know the fundamental elements of programming for the interview after having cleared up the written exam. Interviewers usually request basic algorithms for search and sorting. Typically students can not answer basic questions like ‘C sorting bubble.’ Know your subject well enough to avoid this mistake.
2. Aptitude and logical thinking
Aptitude test is one of the first hurdles to be crossed for even the principal interview on campus. This includes an examination of logical ability, numerical problems and an essential test of communication.
It would help to do that by taking mock tests in advance. Speed is generally the key to cracking these tests and it is only possible with practice. It is generally fun to prepare for aptitude tests so that it should not be a problem in fact.
3. Build your competencies in communication
You would definitely be given an initial edge by being well versed in your subject, but communication skills are equally important. You know you are well-informed, but the interviewers don’t. They need to convince themselves that you are the right person for the job. Surely good communication would help you convey that.
Lost in Translation: I recall distinctly my high school English teacher pointing out a problem common to all non-native English speakers. She said, “We prefer to think and then translate it into English in our regional language.” Our original process of thinking is conditioned on being in our native language. This is why many people stammer during a formal English conversation, or incorrectly phrase sentences.
A few things can help you tackle the problem:
- Get into the habit of reading newspapers and books. This would keep you updated with world affairs, in addition to strengthening your vocabulary.
- Have group chats with your peers. If you get out of your comfort zone (i.e. have chat sessions with people outside your immediate friend circle) it also helps to create a trust for public speaking. You are way too comfortable with friends to be able to evaluate yourself honestly. You can always start with your friends and widen the circle afterward, though. This would not only help you build confidence but also improve your analytical skills.
Listening Skills: Hearing is a very important communication aspect. It’s great if you have a killer vocabulary and an impressive style of oration, but without listening any conversation is incomplete. Make sure you answer effectively in the interview after you have fully understood the issue.
4. Company research in detail
One benefit of a campus interview is that before the actual selection process starts, companies introduce themselves. However, the right planning is not harmful in advance! Just do some homework; for example, if the organization recently wrote headlines, find out what they were for.
5. Know the scope of your project
Your project is something you should be putting your best efforts into. The interviewer would expect you to learn only the most basic concepts about this.
6. Let’s be honest
This may be your first interview on campus, but it will not be the first time the interviewer has conducted one. It won’t take a lot of time to find the loopholes/lies in your CV for a skilled interviewer and once he does it won’t be pleasant.
Only note, knowledge is enormous and weaknesses are tied to you. The interviewer is considerably too experienced to think otherwise. So, just send in whatever you know your best. If you’re truthful about your shortcomings you’d be rewarded for chances.
7. Keeping eye-contact
It still functions like a charm, this old recipe for trust. A successful way to let the interviewees know you are both on the same page is to make clear eye contact. Recall, for everybody the first interview is amazing. Take a positive energy interview always. Self-confidence is a trait that employers admire highly. However, without looking conceited, it is necessary to look confident.
8. Get professional assistance
This is particularly recommended if you have a bit of trust. You will identify and focus on your particular deficiencies with qualified support instead of beating around the bush.
Many experts in the job consulting sector have amusing interviews with business leaders so that their students can experience first-hand before the day. You can choose someone who gives this service if you decide to take professional assistance.
9. How to deal with uncomfortable questions?
Do not become defensive when the interviewer asks you something wrong. Treat your campus interview with such situations very intelligently. The interviewer assesses the ability and the response to unpleasant circumstances more often than not. It is the kind of stuff that is made for stress interviews.
10. Should not get yourself into an interview
Don’t moan during an interview about your unfair life. The interviewer is not a therapist to you. He is simply trying to find someone who is perfect for the job. A short long-tail just concentrates on your skillset and how you can bring value to the organization.
11. Prepare to answer common questions in advance
But remember, the rehearsing shouldn’t sound.
Imagine this: 2 minutes into the interview, when asked, “Tell me more about yourself,” you are still adapting to the scrutinizing views of the group. While it sounds relatively easy, it is one of the hardest questions to answer. Now you wouldn’t want to stammer, but you also don’t want to parrot your CV back to the interviewer. Prepare for those questions in advance to avoid last-minute meltdowns.