INTERVIEW ZING FOR PO: An Introduction

We know you all are preparing hard for your interviews. Well you should after all it is an Opportunity for which you all have been working hard for.

So how do we make the most of this opportunity and convert it into a job?

Before we get there we need to understand the answers to a few questions.

• What is the purpose of taking an interview?
• What are the questions that the interviewers usually ask?
• How to be the driver of the interview?
• How much to say, what to say and when to say?

See the main purpose of these interviews is to have a look at the candidate's mindset, abilities, confidence and clarity of mind. 
To see whether the person is fit to fill the position, is the person able to handle the pressure of the interview and at the same time hold his own in side the room..

The interviewers do not have a list of questions per say that they stick to,  infact they like to keep the interview very organic, i.e they like it when the candidate themselves drive the interview. This gives them an insight into the candidates mind. They usually frame their questions based on the words and answers that the candidates use, keeping a close track of what you say.

So how can you be the sole driver of the interview?

You need to frame your answers in such a way that YOU lead the interviewer to the next question that YOU want them to ask and not what they would ask you . So basically use those words and topics which you are sure of and can easily handle questions on them.
Say for example- they ask you about your hobbies.

Suppose You like listening to music ,
Now on an average there are 2 types of people:
One Who are very passionate about music, i.e the know everything about what they listen to, be it the singer, the music director, etc. If you fall in this category, then feel free to confidently frame your answer in a way that they ask more about this field.

Now for the 2nd category of people who just like listening to music, should frame your answer in such a way that it becomes clear to them that you just enjoy good music be it from any genre. 
By saying this you give direction to their mind, silently you make them aware of your preference.
This should be the case for every other question. Basically you have to take charge of your interview silently , yet humbly. 

Now what should be your role in an interview?

• Your role is basically to go out there and market yourself, have to prove them that you are the person for the job. But this does not mean that you go out and boast. Rather you have present your qualities in a way that they get a glimpse into your persona through your eyes.
• Prepare well but speak in a limited way.
• Also never assume anything in advance, listen to the interviewers carefully, trying to analyse the intention of their question, and what is it that they want to hear.

We understand that many of you face the problem of nervousness, under confidence and other issues.But dear friends you need to keep in mind that this interview is a very important opportunity for you , and it is not worth it to lose out despite having the capability, just because you get nervous.
Remember friends you are just one step away from becoming a PO, so might aswell prepare yourself for the post.

You Will Because You Can

Good Luck!