Fresher Jobs: Checklist For Your Fresher Job Application – Part 2 – Interactions

When you apply for fresher jobs, the first means of communication are your resume, profile and cover letter. But it just starts there. As your application is processed by the recruiters, the path to direct interactions opens up and you get into the process of being evaluated for the job on a serious note.

Read Part 1 – Communications

Once your profile is shortlisted for further processing, the first thing that you usually receive is a schedule for telephonic interview or discussion and further on to on-site evaluation through group discussions and interviews. If you are to be interviewed through video call/chat, do take care of all the things in the telephonic interview checklist and interview day checklist too. With that, take care of not making these mistakes to sail through your evaluation process without the unnecessary hitch.

Telephonic Interview Checklist 

Telephonic interviews are common when applying for fresher jobs and are equally important. They are a part of the screening/shortlisting process and can increase your chances of getting the job if received well. So, make sure to follow these rules to ‘not’ ruin your chances:

• Make sure you are in a quiet and distraction-free environment for the interview if it is scheduled. If it comes in impromptu, excuse yourself for a minute and move to a quiet place or request to schedule it later. Washrooms, kitchens, etc are some places in homes that are usually quiet.
• Make sure to be polite, clear, and comfortable while speaking. Control your excitement and give out well-thought answers/expressions. Do not interrupt the interviewer or request permission to speak if it is necessary. Follow all the basic mannerism of talking.
• It is a good practice to ask questions during interviews. Do not ask too many questions but clear your doubts as soon as possible.
• If you make mistakes while speaking, apologize. Recruiters are very understanding, especially with freshers, so be at ease. Take a few moments before you speak and speak slow, it’ll help you gather your thoughts and express easily.

Interview Day Checklist 

As a fresher, interviews are somewhat of a new experience for people. Fresher job vacancies are highly decisive of candidature based on interview performance and the conduct. So do not make unnecessary mistakes, not with the things that are almost common sense like:

• Dress as per the norms or formally, if no instructions are provided. It is best to confirm it with the person of contact.
• Be confident, relaxed, and prepared for the interview and other interactions with company representatives.
• Socialize with other candidates. This behavior is often monitored to understand candidates better and also, know about their personality.

Group Discussion Checklist 

Group discussions are usually a part of recruitment during recruitment drives. They may be conducted otherwise as well. Group discussions are conducted to check several traits like leadership quality, analytical skills, communication skills, etc. Behavior and approach often matter more than your arguments. So here is what you should take care of:

• Be calm, composed, and focussed. Do not interrupt others, follow some basic conversational manners, etc. are some things that are very important.
• Think carefully, write down short points, listen to others and take notes, and wait for your turn to speak. Be polite and address others’ arguments instead of giving counter-arguments.
• The later you speak, the more you may have to say, so be patient. Also, once the discussion has run out of turns, use polite gestures to seek permission to speak.
• Do not incite or fuel heated conversations. Maintain composure and don’t react, instead respond. How you say things matters a lot in group discussions!

Apart from the above, Salary Negotiations may take place too. Don’t put up unusual demands and you’ll be fine. Good recruiters don’t negotiate much around reasonable pay scales. Fresher jobs are a tough nut to crack and you will need to be prepared for a lot of steps and processes. Following above will make sure you don’t make mistakes with your communication, conduct, and presentation of your professional image. As of your professional image and strength, there are things you can do to overcome the lack of experience and enhance your profile as a fresher. There are many more obstacles to cross but don’t worry we have solutions to many of them!