INTERVIEW INTELLIGENCE
"Get to know your firm"

Having done her B.B.S from the College of Business Studies, Delhi University, an MBA degree was obviously the next in line for Divya Jindal. And this student of UBS, Panjab University, has made a mark by bagging the job with the highest annual package of Rs 8.5 lakh among the Class of 2003-05. She has been selected as Deputy manager (Domestic Mktg), Abhishek Industries Pvt Ltd, Trident group. Here, she shares experiences of her interview with the company:

"Have confidence in your abilities and do what you are good at. Try to use the interview as a platform to gather information about the company as much as to give information about yourself.

"I had previously worked as a public relations consultant and organized a couple of events for clients, so my experience stood me in good stead in facing the interview.

"I had worn a formal business suit for the occasion.

"Walk smartly, talk sense and do not be seen as trying to impress.

"During the course of the interview I'd made an observation about theirs being a 'lala' company. This provoked the interviewers into asking me: 'Then, why do you want to join us?' My response was: 'So that I can work to change this image about your company — through marketing, advertising, window dressing, etc.' That reply probably struck the right chord!

"Instead of waiting to be asked, take the initiative in telling what you can do for the company. Get as much background information about prospective employers as possible.

Give the interview your best shot. If you're not selected, you haven't given it your best."