Interviews usually consist of one or more of the following tests:
Aptitude test
Most aptitude tests for software 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.
Technical test
Technical tests will examine your ability in your skill area. They would usually be for about 2 hours.
Tests will test your fundamentals in the skill area, some of the questions will be quite tricky. Try to get a good book in the subject area and refresh your fundamentals.
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 discussion
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 test
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.
Personal interview
Personal interviews are usually conducted by Human Resources professionals. They will be trying to understand you as a person and your motivation for joining the company
. "Tell us something about yourself" is perhaps the most common first question asked in non-technical 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.
Technical interview
Technical interviews are usually conducted by a senior technical professional - usually the senior most in your functional area. It will aim at assessing your technical abilities.
Technical interviewers will often have gone through your resume in detail. They will ask you specific questions on the skills claimed by you and details of your projects.
If your claimed skills do not match your work experience - the interviewer will be confused and will ask you a question such as "Which area are you most confident in? ". Answer "Which area are you most confident in ?" honestly and back up by saying why you feel confident about it.
Sometimes the interviewer may not have had the time to go through your experience and skills and may still ask "Which area are you most confident in ?". In that case, draw his attention to the skill area mentioned which you are most proficient in and the most relevant project carried out by using that skill.
If you do not have the right answer to something -say so. No person knows everything ! You are expected to answer most of the questions - not all.
Usually, the technical interviewer will begin with simple questions and proceed to more complex ones. Be sure you get the first few right - otherwise the interview will get terminated very soon!
Technical and personal interviews may be carried out simultaneously by a panel. Try to speak more to the interviewer you are confident with - it will give you a support quarter in the panel.
There may be several round of interviews ending with the CEO of the company. The final interview will be to merely confirm your selection, however, sometimes the CEO may make an exception. Be prepared, don't be over confident.
