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TCS Sample Paper

vamsikiranandra — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 21:53:46 +0000

Tata Consultancy Services

VERBAL SECTION

Directions for questions 1-15:Find the synonyms of the following words

1. Merry

Ans. Gay,Happy

2. Alienate

Ans. Estrange

3. Solicit

Ans. To request

4.Heap

Ans. To pile

5.Cargo

Ans. Freight

6.Momentary

Ans. Transient

7. Volume

Ans.Quantity

8.Veer

Ans.Diverge

9.Dispel

Ans.Dissipate

10.Admonish

Ans.Cautious

11.Meager

Ans.Scanty

12.Latitude

Ans.Scope

13.Latent

Ans.Potential

14.Covet

Ans.Crave

15.Discretion

Ans. Prudence

QUANTITATIVE SECTION

1. If two pencils cost 8 cents, then how much do 5 pencils cost?

Ans. 20 cents

2. Some work is done by two people in 24 minutes. One of them can do this work alone in 40 minutes. How much time does the second person take to do the same work ?

Ans. 60 minutes

3. A car is filled with four and half gallons of fuel for a round trip.If the amount of fuel taken while going is 1/4 more than the amount taken for coming, what is the amount of fuel consumed while coming back?

Ans.2 gallons

4. The lowest temperature in the night in a city A is 1/3 more than 1/2 the highest during the day. Sum of the lowest temperature and the highest temperature is 100 degrees. Then what is the low temp?

Ans.40 degrees

5. Javagal, who decided to go to weekened trip should not exceed 8 hours driving in a day. The average speed of forward journey is 40 miles/hr.Due to traffic on sundays, the return journey’s average speed is 30 m/h. How far he can select a picnic spot?

a) 120 miles
b) between 120 and 140 miles
c) 160 miles

Ans. 120 miles

6. A salesperson by mistake multiplied a number and got the answer as 3, instead of dividing the number by 3.What is the answer he should have actually got?

Ans. 3

7. A building with height D shadow upto G. What is the height of a neighbouring building with a shadow of C feet.

Ans. (C*D)/G

8. A person was fined for exceeding the speed limit by 10 mph. Another person was also fined for exceeding the same speed limit by twice the same. If the second person was travelling at a speed of 35 mph, find the speed limit.

Ans. 15 mph

9. A bus started from bustand at 8.00am, and after staying for 30 minutes at a destination, it returned back to the busstand. The destination is 27 miles from the busstand. The speed of the bus is 18mph. During the return journey bus travels with 50% faster speed.At what time does it return to the busstand?

Ans. 11.00am

10. In a mixture, R is 2 parts and S is 1 part. In order to make S to 25% of the mixture, how much of R is to be added?

Ans.One part of R

11. Wind flows 160 miles in 330 min, for travelling 80 miles how much time does it require?

Ans. 2 hrs 45 mins

12. With a 4/5 full tank a vehicle can travel 12 miles, how far can it travel with a 1/3 full tank

Ans. 5 miles

13. There are two trees in a lawn. One grows at a rate 3/5 of the other in 4 years. If the total growth of trees is 8 ft. What is the height of the smaller tree after 2 years

Ans. 1 1/2 feet

14. Refer to the figure below.A ship started from P and moves at a speed of I miles per hour and another ship starts from L and moving with H miles per hour simultaneously.Where do the two ships meet?

||—g—||—h—||—i—||—j—||—k—||—l—||

PG H I J K L are the various stops in between denoted by || . The values g, h, i, j, k, l denote the distance between the ports.

Ans. Between I and J, closer to J

15. If A is travelling at 72 km per hour on a highway. B is travelling at a speed of 25 meters per second on a highway. What is the difference in their speeds in m/sec.

Ans. 1 m/sec

CRITICAL REASONING SECTION

The critical reasoning section consists of some passages followed by 4 to 7 questions per passage. The questions are such that they require ability to read fast and comprehend. The questions asked in this section have three choices TRUE, FALSE, CAN’T SAY. Some examples of questions are given below. Please note that these passages are not the exact passages asked. The passages used a good deal of difficult words which have been removed in this reproduction. Also the passages appearing in the actual paper are much lengthier.

Directions: Answer the questions given below the passage or statement as true, false or can’t say.

PASSAGE A: My father has no brothers. He has three sisters who has two childs each.

Answer 1-5 based on the passage A

1.My grandfather has two sons .

Ans. False

2. Three of my aunts have two sons

Ans. Can’t say

3. My father is only child to his father

Ans. False

4. I have six cousins from my mother side

Ans. Can’t say

5. I have one uncle

Ans. Can’t say(uncle can be from the mother’s side as well)

PASSAGE B: Ether injected into gallablader to dissolve colestrol based gallstones. This type one day treatment is enough for gallstones not for calcium stones. This method is alternative to surgery for millions of people who are suffering from this disease.

Answer questions 6-9 based on passage B

6.Calcium stones can be cured in oneday

Ans. False

7. Hundreds of people contains calcium stones

Ans. Can’t say

8. Surgery is the only treatment to calcium stones

Ans. True

9. Ether will be injected into the gallbleder to cure the cholestrol based gall stones

Ans. True

PASSAGE C: Hacking is illegal entry into another computer. This happens mostly because of lack of knowledge of computer networking. With networks one machine can access to another machine.Hacking go about without knowing that each network is accredited to use network facility.

Answer questions 10-12 based on passage B

10. Hackers never break the code of the company which they work for

Ans. Can’t say

11. Hacking is the only vulnerability of the computers for the usage of the data

Ans. False

12.Hacking is done mostly due to the lack of computer knowledge

Ans. False

PASSAGE C: Alphine tunnels are closed tunnels.In the past 30 yrs not even a single accident has been recorded for there is one accident in the rail road system. Even in case of a fire accident it is possible to shift the passengers into adjacent wagons and even the live fire can be detected and extinguished with in the duration of 30 min.

Answer questions 13-16 based on passage C

13. No accident can occur in the closed tunnels

Ans. True

14. Fire is allowed to live for 30 min

Ans. False

16. All the care that travel in the tunnels will be carried by rail shutters.

Ans.True

PASSAGE D: In the past helicopters were forced to ground or crash because of the formation of the ice on the rotors and engines. A new electronic device has been developed which can detect the watercontent in the atmosphere and warns the pilot if the temperature is below freezing temperature about the formation of the ice on the rotors and wings.

Answer questions 17-20 based on passage D

17.The electronic device can avoid formation of the ice on the wings

Ans.False

18. There will be the malfunction of rotor & engine because of formation of ice

Ans.True

19. The helicopters were to be crashed or grounded

Ans.True

20. There is only one device that warn about the formation of ice

Ans.True

PASSAGE E:In the survey conducted in mumbai out of 63 newly married house wives not a single house wife felt that the husbands should take equal part in the household work as they felt they loose their power over their husbands. Inspite of their careers they opt to do the kitchen work themselves after coming back to home. the wives get half as much leisure time as the husbands get at the week ends.

Answer questions 21-23 based on passage E

21.Housewives want the husbands to take part equally in the household

Ans.False

22. Wives have half as much leisure time as the husbands have

Ans. False

23. 39% of the men will work equally in the house in cleaning and washing

Ans. False

PASSAGE F:Copernicus is the intelligent. In the days of copernicus the transport and technology development was less & it took place weeks to comunicate a message at that time,wherein we can send it through satellite with in no time.Even with this fast developments it has become difficult to understand each other.

Answer questions 24-27 based on passage F

24. People were not intelligent during Copernicus days

Ans.False

25. Transport facilities are very much improved in noe a days

Ans.Can’t say

26. Even with the fast developments of the techonology we can’t live happily.

Ans. Can’t say

27. We can understand the people very much with the development of communication

Ans. False.

PASSAGE G:Senior managers warned the workers that because of the intfoductors of japanese industry in the car market. There is the threat to the workers.They also said that there will be the reduction in the purchase of the sales of car in public.the interest rates of the car will be increased with the loss in demand.

Answer questions 28-31 based on passage G

28. Japanese workers are taking over the jobs of indian industry.

Ans.False

29.Managers said car interests will go down after seeing the raise in interest rates.

Ans.True

30. Japanese investments are ceasing to end in the car industry.

Ans. False

31. People are very interested to buy the cars.

Ans.False

PASSAGE H:In the totalitariturican days,the words have very much devalued.In the present day,they are becoming domestic that is the words will be much more devalued. In that days, the words will be very much effected in political area.but at present,the words came very cheap .We can say they come free at cost.

Answer questions 32-34 based on passage H

32.Totalitarian society words are devalued.

Ans.False

33. Totalitarians will have to come much about words

Ans.True

34. The art totalitatian society the words are used for the political speeches.

Ans. False

PASSAGE I:There should be copyright for all arts. The reele has came that all the arts has come under one copy right society,they were use the money that come from the arts for the developments . There may be a lot of money will come from the Tagore works. We have to ask the benifiters from Tagore work to help for the development of his works.

Answer questions 35-39 based on passage I

35. Tagore works are came under this copy right rule.

Ans. False

36. People are free to go to the public because of the copy right rule.

Ans.Can’t say

38. People gives to theater and collect the money for development.

Ans.Can’t say

39. We have ask the Tagore resedents to help for the developments of art.

Ans.Can’t say

PYSCHOMETERIC TEST

You don’t need to fret much about this test. This test consists of 150 questions and is just a pyshcology test which should be answered confidently and doesn’t require any preparation.One must try being consistent while answering as the same questions are repeatedly asked in different forms.Also one must answer all questions.Questions are of yes,no or can’t say kind.

1. Will you be interested in social activities.

2. While going upstairs do you move two steps at a time.

3. Can you make friends with people of the same sex or with opposite sex also

4. Your friends consider you as a leader in your group

5. People think that your’e serious minded.

6. There are times you feel dull without any reason.

7. You host several parties

8. When relatives come to your house do you entertain them.

9. You can work for long hours without tireness.

10. In your company you want to lead the organisation.

How to Answer a Interview Questions

vamsikiranandra — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 20:48:31 +0000

Regardless of what type of question you are asked, you will find it easier to respond effectively if you keep in mind some basic question answering strategies:

You can never predict every question that you will encounter, so approach the interview with an inventory of important points. Make a list of the points about yourself that you want the interviewer to know. For example, if you were to apply for a job as a Sales Representative, you might want to list the products you have sold before, types of customers (by industry, age, etc.), languages spoken, personal experience in that industry and related knowledge (perhaps from your academic program).
Consider each question an opportunity to provide some of this information.
Don’t assume anything. You will be evaluated on your answers, not your resume. Therefore, ensure you incorporate the relevant information from your resume in your answers.
Pause a couple of seconds before you respond to each question, even if you know exactly what you want to say. Take this time to quickly plan your answer, this helps to avoid misunderstandings and produces much more concise answers.
If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification. This is expected and is preferable to providing an unsuitable answer.
If you need time to collect your thoughts – take it. When people are nervous they tend either to “draw a blank” or to babble. It is better to think for a few moments and make sure that your answer is doing you justice and that there is a point to what you are saying.
Always expand. Never answer a question with a “yes” or “no.”
The interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself. Don’t be afraid to ‘blow your own horn.’ As long as you can back up what you are saying with examples which demonstrate that what you are saying is true, you are not bragging. Third party observations can also be mentioned. For example, “My last employer told me that I was promoted because of how I handled conflicts with clients.”
Be very positive. Don’t complain about anything – from your former employer to the weather – and don’t apologize for experience that you don’t have. Just sell what you do have and let the employer decide if you have what he/she is looking for. Also, avoid negative words. For example, you would not say “I have a little experience…,” you would say “I have experience……”
Don’t be afraid to repeat important points. In fact, it is a good idea to do this

Evaluate The Interview

vamsikiranandra — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 20:46:38 +0000

After every interview it is important to evaluate your performance. This is the only way you will learn from your experiences and improve on your performance. Consider the following questions:

What positive impressions did I make? Negative? Why did I make these impressions?
Was there anything I wanted to say but didn’t?
What questions would I have liked to ask, but didn’t?
What questions would I have answered differently? How would I have changed my answers?
How do I feel about the interview?

NOTE: If you are informed following an interview that you did not get the position, it is a great idea to contact one of the interviewers to see where you could have performed better. To get candid answers, it is important that you don’t make the interviewer defensive by starting out with, “Can you tell me why I didn’t get the job?” A better approach would be, “Would you have a couple of minutes to suggest which areas could use some strengthening?”

How to Answer a Interview Questions

vamsikiranandra — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 20:44:05 +0000

Regardless of what type of question you are asked, you will find it easier to respond effectively if you keep in mind some basic question answering strategies:

You can never predict every question that you will encounter, so approach the interview with an inventory of important points. Make a list of the points about yourself that you want the interviewer to know. For example, if you were to apply for a job as a Sales Representative, you might want to list the products you have sold before, types of customers (by industry, age, etc.), languages spoken, personal experience in that industry and related knowledge (perhaps from your academic program).
Consider each question an opportunity to provide some of this information.
Don’t assume anything. You will be evaluated on your answers, not your resume. Therefore, ensure you incorporate the relevant information from your resume in your answers.
Pause a couple of seconds before you respond to each question, even if you know exactly what you want to say. Take this time to quickly plan your answer, this helps to avoid misunderstandings and produces much more concise answers.
If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification. This is expected and is preferable to providing an unsuitable answer.
If you need time to collect your thoughts – take it. When people are nervous they tend either to “draw a blank” or to babble. It is better to think for a few moments and make sure that your answer is doing you justice and that there is a point to what you are saying.
Always expand. Never answer a question with a “yes” or “no.”
The interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself. Don’t be afraid to ‘blow your own horn.’ As long as you can back up what you are saying with examples which demonstrate that what you are saying is true, you are not bragging. Third party observations can also be mentioned. For example, “My last employer told me that I was promoted because of how I handled conflicts with clients.”
Be very positive. Don’t complain about anything – from your former employer to the weather – and don’t apologize for experience that you don’t have. Just sell what you do have and let the employer decide if you have what he/she is looking for. Also, avoid negative words. For example, you would not say “I have a little experience…,” you would say “I have experience……”
Don’t be afraid to repeat important points. In fact, it is a good idea to do this

Interview Questions

vamsikiranandra — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 20:42:24 +0000

Types of Questions

Interviewers use five different types of questions – directive, non-directive, hypothetical, behaviour descriptive, and stress. Being aware of the different types can help you in the preparation stage as you build your skills inventory. It may also help you focus in on exactly what is being asked and what the employer is looking for in specific questions.

Directive Questions

The interviewer determines the focus of your answer. The information that the interviewer wants is very clear. If you have completed the research on yourself, this type of question should be easy to answer.

Example:	“What skills do you have that relate to this position?”
	“I have very good communication and interpersonal skills that I have refined through several summer and part-time jobs working with the public. In addition, I am fluent in both English and French.”

Non-Directive Questions

You determine the focus of your answer. The interviewer asks a general question and does not ask for specific information. The most common non-directive question is “Tell me about yourself.” When answering the question, keep in mind that the employer is interested in knowing how your background and personality qualify you for the job. In your answer, you should cover four areas: your education, related experience, skills and abilities, and personal attributes. As you talk about these areas, relate them to the job you are seeking. Decide what your response will be before starting to speak, this helps to keep responses concise.

Example:

“Tell me about yourself.”

“I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, and have recently completed the course in Volunteer Management through the Volunteer Centre of Winnipeg. These have given me a strong background in many of the principles of human behaviour and the recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers. I have experience in working with young adults in a helping capacity, both through my position as a Peer Advisor at the University of Manitoba, and as a camp counsellor at a camp for behaviourally troubled adolescents. Both of these positions involved individual counselling, facilitating discussion groups, and teaching young people about health issues – all of which relate directly to the services which I would be training volunteers to provide within your organization. In addition, I thoroughly enjoy working with young people, and can establish rapport with them easily.”

Hypothetical or Scenario Questions

When asking a hypothetical question, the interviewer describes a situation which you may encounter in the position and asks how you would react in a similar situation. This is a good way to test problem solving abilities. When answering this type of question, try applying a simple problem solving model to it – gather information, evaluate the information, priorize the information, seek advice, weigh the alternatives, make a decision, communicate the decision, monitor the results and modify if necessary.

Example:

“Suppose you are working your first day in our laboratory, and a fire at a nearby work station breaks out. What would you do?”

“Before I start working in any laboratory, I always locate the emergency equipment, such as eye washes, fire blankets and alarms. I would also review the safety protocols. So in this situation, I would be aware of these. As soon as I noticed the fire, I would shut down my experiment and if the fire is significant, I would pull the fire alarm and help to evacuate the lab. In the case of a very small flame, I would ask the staff member at that station what I could do to help, which would vary with the type of substances involved.”

Behaviour Descriptive or Behavioural Questions

This type of question is becoming increasingly popular in interview situations. It asks what you did in a particular situation rather than what you would do. Situations chosen usually follow the job description fairly closely. Some employers feel that examples of past performance will help them to predict future performance in similar situations. There is no right or wrong answer to this type of question, but keep in mind that you should relate the answer to the position. If you are interviewing for a research position, talk about a research project you completed.

Example:	“Give me an example of a work situation in which you were proud of your performance.”
	“While working as a sales representative for XYZ Company for the summer, I called on prospective clients and persuaded them of the ecological and economic benefits of recycling. I also followed up on clients to ensure that they were satisfied with the service they received. This involved both telephone and in-person contacts. I increased sales 34% over the same period in the previous year.”

When preparing for this type of questioning, it is crucial that you review the skills and qualities that the position would require and identify specific examples from your past which demonstrated those traits.

Stress Questions

Some questions will surprise you and possibly make you feel uncomfortable during an interview. For example, “Which do you prefer, fruits or vegetables?” There are many reasons why an interviewer might ask such questions. They may want to see how you react in difficult situations, or they may simply be trying to test your sense of humour. Such questions may directly challenge an opinion that you have just stated or say something negative about you or a reference. Sometimes they ask seemingly irrelevant questions such as, “If you were an animal, what type of animal would you be?” The best way to deal with this type of question is to recognize what is happening. The interviewer is trying to elicit a reaction from you. Stay calm, and do not become defensive. If humour comes naturally to you, you might try using it in your response, but it is important to respond to the question. What you say is not nearly as important as maintaining your composure.

Example:	“Which do you like better, Lions or Tigers?”
	“Oh, lions definately. They appear so majestic and are very sociable. To be honest, I think that seeing The Lion King four times has probably contributed to this!”

Opening Questions

These are often non-directive questions as the employer wants to see where you will go with your answer. You should mention your relevant background, education, experience, skills, and personal attributes. Always keep in mind the position which you are applying to, and link the information to it. This is not the bulk of the interview, so keep the answer relatively brief and to the point. The most common opening question is “Tell me about yourself.” Another less common opening question is “What can I do for you today?” This question “throws” many people as one’s first reaction might be to think “What do you mean? I’m here for an interview!” This could be considered a type of stress question. Maintain your composure, and answer the question as completely as you can.

Example:	“What can I do for you today?”
	“I’d like to discuss with you my qualifications for the position of horticultural assistant. I believe that I am very well suited to this position because I have related education, experience, and skills.”

Negative Questions

In a negative question, the employer asks you to identify a weakness in yourself or to describe a situation in which you performed poorly. If you are asked a negative question, answer honestly, but always turn it around and end on a positive note. If you are asked to identify a weakness, you do have to identify one. However, don’t choose a weakness that is central to the job and that will eliminate you from the competition. Further, always state what you have done to overcome the weakness and/or demonstrate how it’s not such a bad thing after all. If you are asked to identify a situation in which you performed poorly, choose one that is not closely related to the duties you would be performing on the job. Also, be sure to state what you learned from that mistake, and how you would handle the situation differently next time.

Example:	“What is your greatest weakness?”
	“I find it difficult to speak in front of groups. However, to develop my confidence and public speaking ability, I have joined Toastmasters International. I have given numerous speeches over the past five months and have already noticed a big improvement.”

Example:

“Give me an example of a work situation in which you were not proud of your performance.”

“A number of years ago I was working as a salesperson in a lumber and hardware store. One day, a customer came in and began complaining about the prices. He wanted me to give him a large discount on some merchandise. I explained that I did not have the authority to do that and suggested he speak with the manager, who was unfortunately not in that evening. The customer became verbally abusive, at which point I told him that I could no longer be of assistance to him, and left the sales floor. I learned that I could have taken more responsibility in ensuring the customer’s needs were met by taking his name and number, and promising to have the manager phone him, for example, and I also learned that every customer is valuable to any business. Now, given the same situation, I would take the time to understand the person’s needs – perhaps a similar, less expensive product would have done the job and would have ensured that the customer felt valued by the company.”

Example:	“Your GPA is rather low, why is that?”
	“If you look over the last two years, you’ll see that it has dramatically improved over that time. As I got into this area of study, I became much more focussed, and my marks reflect this. The overall GPA however, is pulled down by my first two years.”

Illegal Questions

Sometimes employers ask questions that violate the Human Rights legislation relating to employment. It is important to understand that Human Rights legislation exists at both the federal and provincial levels, and is not necessarily consistent across all provinces. Which legislation an employer falls under depends on the nature of the company. For example, working at a local biological research laboratory may fall under provincial jurisdiction while a nuclear research facility would fall under federal. To verify which law an employer would fall under, or for more information, you can:

contact Student Employment Services, or
contact either the Manitoba Human Rights Commission at (204) 945-3007 or the Canadian Human Rights Commission at (204) 983-2189

Often, employers may not be aware that they are breaking the law, thinking that they are simply making conversation. You have every right to refuse to answer an illegal question, but be aware that if you do refuse to answer in a confrontational manner, it may have an impact on the interviewer’s impression of you.

There are many illegal questions that an employer might ask. Protected subjects include: race, religion, age, marital status, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, family status, national or ethnic origin, handicap or disability. Examples of some of these are:

“What is your maiden name?”“Is your spouse subject to transfer?”

“What religious holidays will you be unable to work?”

“Are you planning to have children?”

“Where did you learn to speak English?”

“Tell me about the health problems you have had in the past.”

“Where were you born?”

Some options in responding include:

1) Attempt to address the issue that the employer is likely concerned with

Example:	“Do you have children?”
	“If you’re concerned about the overtime, that won’t be a problem for me, my family life has never interfered with my ability to do a job.”

2) ‘Bounce’ the question back at the employer

Example:	“How old are you anyway?”
	“Are you concerned that I may not have enough experience?”

3) Ask the employer directly to explain the question’s relevance

Example:	“Were you born in Canada?”
	“How might that relate this job?”

How you handle these types of questions is really a personal decision. Some people might feel comfortable answering; others may not. Many people find it best to “work around” the question, as with the afore-mentioned options.

NOTE: For students applying for employment outside of Canada, remember that the legality of enquiries made by potential employers varies greatly throughout the world.

Salary Questions

When responding to a question which asks you to state your salary expectations, it is important that you have done your research and that you are flexible. If you know what others in similar types of positions earn, you can back up your request with that information. You should always suggest a range, as some organizations may offer other opportunities (such as training or potential advancement) that may make it worthwhile to accept less than you normally would. Also, consider factors such as access to a company vehicle. Student Employment Services has information on salary ranges for many different professions.

Example:	What kind of salary are you looking for?”
	“The Student Employment Services at the University of Manitoba has statistics that show most _______________ start anywhere between $26,000 and $32,000 per year. I would like to earn towards the upper end of that range based on my three summers experience in the field and high marks in my academic program, but I am also interested in what opportunities the position offers.”

Salary Negotiations

When entering into discussions of salary, benefits, etc., it is crucial that you know your market value before you enter that room! As the above example illustrates, salary surveys can help. Another avenue is to speak with people working in that particular industry, and ask for a range (don’t ask individuals for their specific salary). As well, prior to negotiations, consider what your lowest acceptable salary would be, keeping in mind factors such as the different ‘costs of living’ in various locations.

Be prepared to justify any salary you suggest. To do this, cite your relevant experience, training and past achievements as in the above example. You may want to suggest a salary range, and then immediately ask the employer what the range for the position is.

If you are concerned that your previous position’s low wage might affect the salary which you are offered today, be ready to discuss your skill level at present. You may now be completed your program, have had considerable related experience or added specific skills to your inventory.

Finally, if your negotiations involve productivity bonuses, profit sharing or something similar, it is fine to ask for details such as, “In the past, how have people in this or similar positions benefitted from these? Such programs would certainly affect my desired salary.”

Interview Process

vamsikiranandra — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 20:05:22 +0000

There are many different types of interviews designed to serve different purposes or situations. Regardless of the type of interview, most will incorporate the following stages: establishing rapport, exchanging information, and closing the interview. Pay attention to the job titles of the interviewer(s). This can help you decide how much technical detail to provide in your responses.

Establishing Rapport

This is a very important part of the interview because while establishing rapport, first impressions are made, and the tone of the interview is set. Some people suggest that the decision to hire is greatly influenced by the first five minutes of the interview. A good interviewer will introduce him/herself, and take the lead. Follow his or her lead – if they are chatty, be chatty; if they are formal, be formal. Some employers use what seems to be casual conversation to get to know you on a more personal level – this may be crucial to a hiring decision!

Smile and maintain eye contact. This is one way of communicating confidence, even if you don’t feel it.
If the interviewer offers his or her hand, shake it firmly. If they don’t, it is appropriate to offer yours.
Wait until the interviewer sits or offers you a seat before sitting down.
If the interviewer is making small talk, participate. Keep your answers short and positive.

Exchange of Information

This is the bulk of the interview. It is your opportunity to let the interviewer know what you have to offer, and your chance to learn more about the organization.

When you answer a question, look the interviewer in the eye.
Be aware of the interviewer’s reactions. If he or she looks confused, ask if you can clarify anything.
Be aware of what your body is saying. Avoid closed postures. Sit upright, but not stiffly. Try to find a comfortable position as that will make you feel more relaxed.
Control your nervous habits. Don’t swing your foot, talk with your hands (to an extreme), or fiddle with jewellery, buttons, pens, etc.
Show that you are interested in the job by asking questions.
Try not to appear bored or anxious. Don’t look at your watch.

Closing the Interview

When the interviewer is done gathering the information that is needed, he or she will ask if you have anything to add, or if you have any questions. This is your opportunity to mentally review your inventory of skills and make sure that you have communicated everything that you wanted to. If any of your questions have not been addressed during the course of the interview, now is the time to ask them.

Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration.
Ask when you can expect to hear from him/her.
If it is not known when a decision will be reached, ask if you can phone in a week’s time to inquire about the progress.
If the interviewer offers his/her hand, shake it firmly. Otherwise, it is fine to offer yours first.
If not already discussed, you can offer to leave a sample of your work, or portfolio if you have one.

Interview Preparation

vamsikiranandra — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 20:03:31 +0000

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview. If you haven’t done your homework, it is going to be obvious. Spend time researching and thinking about yourself, the occupation, the organization, and questions you might ask at the end of the interview.

Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that you will know what you have to offer an employer. It is very important to develop a complete inventory of skills, experience, and personal attributes that you can use to market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process.

In developing this inventory, it is easiest to start with experience. Once you have a detailed list of activities that you have done (past jobs, extra-curricular involvements, volunteer work, school projects, etc.), it is fairly easy to identify your skills. Simply go through the list, and for each item ask yourself “What could I have learned by doing this?” “What skills did I develop?” “What issues/circumstances have I learned to deal with?”

Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories – technical and generic. Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job. For a laboratory assistant, technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures, slide preparation, and scientific report writing. For an outreach worker, technical skills might include counselling skills, case management skills, or program design and evaluation skills. Generic skills are those which are transferable to many work settings. Following is a list of the ten most marketable skills. You will notice that they are all generic.

Analytical/Problem Solving
Flexibility/Versatility
Interpersonal
Oral/Written Communication
Organization/Planning
Time Management
Motivation
Leadership
Self-Starter/Initiative
Team Player

Often when people think of skills, they tend to think of those they have developed in the workplace. However, skills are developed in a variety of settings. If you have ever researched and written a paper for a course, you probably have written communication skills. Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of a team player and leader. Don’t overlook any abilities you may have.

When doing the research on yourself, identifying your experience and skills is important, but it is not all that you need to know. Consider the answers to other questions such as:

How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position?
What are my strong points and weak points?
What are my short term and long term goals?
What can I offer this particular employer?
What kind of environment do I like? (i.e. How do I like to be supervised? Do I like a fast pace?)
What do I like doing?
Apart from my skills and experience, what can I bring to this job?

Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation. This is necessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the experience and skills required for that occupation, you must first know what those requirements and duties are. With this information uncovered, you can then match the skills you have (using the complete skills/experience inventory you have just prepared) with the skills you know people in that occupational field need. The resulting “shortlist” will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interview.

It is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position, or those similar. There are several ways to find out about an occupation:

Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human Resources/Personnel) or check with Student Employment Services. If you are responding to an advertisement, this may also supply some details.
If you belong to a professional association related to the occupation, use its resources. These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars. It is also a good way to meet people working in the field.
Conduct information interviews with people working in the field.
Read articles about people in the occupation, and articles written by people in the occupation. Sources include newspapers, magazines and the internet.
Find out what the future trends are in the area. Is technology changing the job?

Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization, the better prepared you will be to discuss how you can meet its needs. Some of the characteristics that you should know about an organization are:

Where is it located?
How big is it?
What are its products and who does it serve?
How is the organization structured?
What is its history?
Have there been any recent changes, new developments?

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information. Most medium- to large-sized organizations publish information about themselves. You can access this a number of ways:

On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library
The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories
Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by searching by industry and company name
Finally, you can visit or phone the organization and request some information on their products, services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small, or fairly new, there may not be much information published. In this case, it will be necessary to do an information interview. Contact someone within the organization, introduce yourself, explain that you are considering moving into the field, and ask if it would be possible to meet with him/her to inquire about the company/organization and about what exactly the position would involve.

Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research, you are now ready to prepare questions to ask the interviewer(s). Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily available in company literature. Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate your genuine interest in the position. Be careful how many questions you ask, however, as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run. Pick your questions with care – this is your chance to gather information, so ask about what you really want to know. Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you may have discovered. This is one of the most effective ways to compare different employers, so for issues of particular importance to you (for example, whether they support staff upgrading), you should ask the same questions of each employer. Some sample questions are:

What are the most significant factors affecting your business today?
How have changes in technology most affected your business today?
How has your business/industry been affected by the recession?
How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years?
What future direction do you see the company taking?
Where is the greatest demand for your services or product?
Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company?
Which department feels it the most?
How do you differ from your competitors?
How much responsibility will I be given in this position?
What do you like about working with this organization?
Can you tell me more about the training program?
Have any new product lines been introduced recently?
How much travel is normally expected?
What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance?
Will I work independently or as part of a team?
How did you advance to your position?
What are the career paths available in this organization?
When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position?

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals who are interested in the position – and asking this question definitely helps to demonstrate interest on your part. Exercise judgement when asking questions to an employer. When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile, one would not ask the question “What is the history of your company and how was your company started?” You can find the answer to this question in the company’s annual report or articles in magazines/newspapers. However, small- and medium-sized companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may be difficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry. This question is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer.

Types of Interview

vamsikiranandra — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 20:02:16 +0000

Panel/Board Interviews

Candidates are interviewed by two or more individuals. This process is commonly used by governments and large organizations. It is important to maintain eye contact with the person asking the question and give an answer with an example to support it. Always acknowledge the other interviewers’ presence by making eye contact while answering rotating questions. Direct your attention at the beginning and end of your response to the person who asked you that question. The questions asked in the interview are often set out in advance. The board may already have decided which answers they will accept/prefer for the questions. Ignore note-taking by board members. Obtain employers’ names prior to the interview and use them during the conversation.

One-On-One Interviews

Candidates are interviewed by one person. These interviews tend to be more informal, however, it always depends on the employer’s style. The interviewer will often have a series of prepared questions, but may have some flexibility in their choices. It is important to maintain eye contact with the person interviewing you.

Impromptu Interviews

This interview commonly occurs when employers are approached directly and tends to be very informal and unstructured. Applicants should be prepared at all times for on-the-spot interviews, especially in situations such as a job fair or a cold call. It is an ideal time for employers to ask the candidate some basic questions to determine whether he/she may be interested in formally interviewing the candidate.

Second Interviews or Follow-Up Interviews

Employers invite those applicants they are seriously considering as an employee following a screening or initial interview. These interviews are generally conducted by middle or senior management, together or separately. Applicants can expect more in-depth questions, and the employer will be expecting a greater level of preparation on the part of the candidate. Applicants should continue to research the employer following the first interview, and be prepared to use any information gained through the previous interview to their advantage.

Dinner Interviews

The interviews may be structured, informal, or socially situated, such as in a restaurant. Don’t be the only one at the table to order an alcoholic drink, and if you have an alcoholic drink, stop at one. Decide what to eat quickly, some interviewers will ask you to order first (don’t appear indecisive). Avoid potentially messy foods, such as spaghetti. Be prepared for the conversation to abruptly change from ‘friendly chat’ to direct interview questions, however, don’t underestimate the value of casual discussion, some employers place a great value on it.

Telephone Interviews

Have a copy of your resume and any points you want to remember to say nearby. If you are on your home telephone, make sure that all roommates or family members are aware of the interview (avoids loud stereos, etc.). Speak a bit slower than usual. It is crucial that you convey your enthusiasm verbally, since the interviewer cannot see your face. If there are pauses, don’t worry, the interviewer is likely just making some notes.

Group Interviews

Employers bringing several candidates together in a group situation to solve a problem are testing your ability to work in a team environment. They want to know how you will present information to other people, offer suggestions, relate to other ideas, and work to solve a problem. In short, they are testing your interpersonal skills. It is difficult to prepare for this type of interview except to remember what is being testing and to use the skills you have to be the best team player and/or leader you can be. Some employers will take you to meet the staff who would be your co-workers if hired. This is a very casual type of interview, but leaving a positive and friendly impression is no less critical.

Selection Guidelines For Tata Consultancy Services

vamsikiranandra — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 20:01:07 +0000

Firstly, TCS has several levels of tests/interview in their selection

procedure.

1. Aptitude test (generally online test) consisting of three sections,

verbal abilities, quantitive abilities and logical reasoning abilities. In

verbal, u r asked antonyms of several words in english language, similar but

less exhaustive than GRE verbal section. Quantitive consists of class X

level mathematical skill testing problems. loogical reasoning will ask you

yes/no/can’t say type qstns based on a paragraph. u will have to read

through the paragraph fast but efficiently understanding only the main pith

of the written material.

regading the words, they ask the same words over and over again. So,

memorise the word meanings from all the papers that i have put up. U will surely get all of them common. In case, u have given GRE, don’t bother abt this section

at all. All words are common. Each section is time limited. I have forgotten the exact time division. So u can not afford to waste too much time on any one section.

2. Psychometry: When u clear the above three section, u will be allowed to

appear for psychometry. Its 150 qstns to be answered in 30 min. Always

remember to give POSITIVE and CONSISTENT answers since the same qstn repeats with a different sentense construction sometimes later. Try to hide -ve

traits in ur character as like being impatient, getting bored easily,

distracted easily, feeling uneasy in a gathering of many people, unsocial

and over talkative nature, etc. They ask qstns like whether u wld make

friendship with a person of opposite sex, feel insomnia without reason,

consistently brood over a mistake u did in the past, the type of person u r,

etc etc. what u r actually is not important, what qualities wld make ur

employers happy is important.

3. After u clear psycho, is ur technical interview. Qstns come mainly from

the projects, experiences u have gathered. They check ur resume and the blue

form and ask qstns from there. Even sometimes they test ur logical ablities

by asking puzzles like the type they ask at Infy. get through with the

project works and stuff and be smart and reply confidently.

4. Clearing technical inter will make u elligible for HR interview which is

also the final stage. Qstns are various types, including ur background, ur

hobbies, etcx etc. They are known to harrass people with their hobbies. so,

whatever hobbies u write, plzz be through with it and prepare so that u can

answer qstns from ur hobbies. Like if u say singing, plzz get through with

ur scale and technical things related to singing etc. If u like reading,

plzz be prepared to name a few novels and face qstns on those novels. Also,

they might try to embarras u by asking qstns of personal and slightly

indecent nature like abt ur boyfriend, ur affairs(if any) etc. Stay calm and

answer them with a smiling face. Keep eye contact. Don’t get provoked by any

means.

Thats abt all. They take a week or so to announce results. So have patience

and hope for the best.

Interview Purpose

vamsikiranandra — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 19:59:33 +0000

The interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather information. The employer wants to know if you, the applicant, have the skills, knowledge, self-confidence, and motivation necessary for the job. At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume. He or she also wants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organization’s current employees and philosophy. Similarly, you will want to evaluate the position and the organization, and determine if they will fit into your career plans. The interview is a two-way exchange of information. It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselves. The employer is selling the organization to you, and you are marketing your skills, knowledge, and personality to the employer.