What does it take?

Hello World!!

How have you been? I promised I would "pay it forward" in my post dated August 2 [Hungry and Blogging] but you know what, I just couldn't push myself out of my slumber. Dear wife is away and it is really horrible living alone. I am literally counting days when I fly over and see her again. I miss you dear!!

Well! coming back to the topic of this post, I was wondering what does it actually take to get through an interview? A couple of months and about half a dozen interviews later, I believe I have the answer. Here is how it works:
80% Preparation
5% Planning
5% Realizing your strengths
5% Understanding the question before answering (Believe me, this 5% makes quite a difference.
5% Just having a good day!

I have never been excellent at math (I am stating that euphemistically; actually horrible at math would be apt :) ) so those percentages may only be indicative. On a serious note though, understand that you may not be able to answer everything 'cause as they say, asking questions is always easier than answering them. So how do you go about giving it your best shot?
I will try to list things that work best for me.

If you are appearing for an interview as an experienced candidate:

1. Go through what you have written in that resume! Yes it is important!! 'cause you will be grilled on every letter you have written there. Be prepared to be able to explain what you have been doing.
2. Relax!! the interviewer is not a starved cannibal! If you are overtly tensed, you would fumble with even the simplest of answers. Look the interviewer in the eye when answering, and yes - if you make a mistake, admit and move on. Do not argue unless you are absolutely sure - even then, be polite if you need to correct your interviewer.
3. Have a answer ready for "Why are you changing". Let it be as honest as possible. Agreed, all of us want to earn more, but you need to enjoy what you are doing or else, you may not be able to sustain that fat paycheck of yours once your delivery starts slipping. "Looking for challenge" may be a good one but it is a bit of a cliche. Why you may be asked "How do you know you will be challenged here?" as a follow up question!
4. Browse the internet! There is a world of information out there! There are several websites that offer peer-to-peer advise on what you may be asked.
5. Know the company you are visiting More often than not, you would get to know what the company does, who are its major clients etc. Chances are, you will be asked as to what you know about the company. As an experienced candidate, it should matter to you.
6. Always project yourself as the one for the long run - In today's times, companies look for people who would stay with them for a substantial period of time. They invest in every employee and let us accept it - they are not doing it for charity! So avoid making statements which would indicate otherwise.

I know some of you might be thinking - the guy is talking common sense! I agree, but then is common sense so common after all? I can think of quite a lot of tips now that I am actually jotting it all but I will probably save it for a follow up post.

So be positive folks! I will talk to you soon.

Hungry and Blogging

Hello World!!

Seems like yesterday when I used to joke about how I can say Hello World in at least 5 languages... Before you set your brains rolling .. I am referring to computer languages. I spent many sleepless nights pondering over where my career is heading (nowhere.. said "The inner voice"); spoke to colleagues and friends I could count on to at least determine the direction I should work in to ensure I can keep paying my bills and take good care of me and my dear wife :)

Then, on an enlightened evening, I was struck with .. um mm ... well not that dramatic but it finally dawned on me that what works best for me is to stick to a technical role. So I sat down (finally.. after a lot of "This has to be done or..") with a computer and a notepad (Alas.. 5 years into IT has made my writing far from legible.. even for myself) and identified things I like doing. It was not easy.. believe me, but it was possible.

Hmmm .. looks like dust would have to come off all those books in my beautiful book rack and time would have to be spent at the computer.. not playing my favorite game but polishing my skills for interviews. After about two and a half months, countless calls, and tremendous support from Anita (my dear dear wife!) here I am with a very good offer and a HUGE sigh of relief.

Now that I have achived what I set out for, i beleive it is payback time. So, like a good netizen, I am going to "Pay it forward" by helping out troubled souls looking for a direction. At least show them the way..

So behold .. I am going to share my comb for all of you who still have hair
Oops.. picked it up from an adage I had read.. that experience is a comb that nature gives to man after he is bald... hope it makes sense now. Watchout people...

It pays to be an optmist