Human Resource expert gives Advice on Interviews

Today Help and employ me blog is bringing you an exclusive interview with a human resource expert Sandamali Perera who is the Human Resource Director of Unilever Sri Lanka. She had spent many years in the human resource industry and three years she had spent interviewing people every day. We hope this would assist you in preparing for an interview.

Helpandemployme:

Hi Sandamali! You have spent three years interviewing people. What is it like to be in the interview seat?

Sandamali:

Well it was quiet interesting actually because you meet new people every single day and the experience of finding out whether the person is appropriate for the job was quiet amazing. Some people clearly had no idea what they are going to get or hadn’t done their homework which I found quiet unfortunate. You HAVE to do your homework. It’s a must.

Helpandemployme:

What do you mean by homework?

Sandamali:

It means you have to know what the company is and what they are doing. You have to be prepared for various questions about yourself, what are your plans for future and about the company.

Helpandemployme:

Please advice the readers on telephone interviewing.

Sandamali:

Oftentimes, human resources will conduct phone interviews firstly. There are no wrong answers. I see a resume as a proposal—there’s no way to demonstrate everything you’ve done. Phone interview is simply trying to find out more about the applicant as a person and match them up with the corporate culture to see if it’s a good fit. It’s best to be honest in order to determine that.

Helpandemployme:

What do you think about providing examples?

Sandamali:

Of course. Provide examples. You may say you were responsible for in “bringing in $10 million account.” But how so—exactly? I’ll drill down to get as many details as possible. The more I have to pull answers out of you, the more I make a mental note that it’s hard to get this person to communicate. Use concrete examples and say, “I have done this.”

Helpandemployme:

Does talking about teamwork gives you extra points?

Sandamali:

It’s good to be part of a team. I like when people tell me “I was part of a team.” It’s one of the keywords I look for—that you work well with a team.

Helpandemployme:

What do you think about the dress code to the interview?

Sandamali:

Dress code depends on your environment. It’s always a good idea to ask before you come in. If you don’t feel comfortable asking HR, call the receptionist and ask. Generally, a tie and sports jacket is fine for men; a dress shirt and skirt or dress pants works for women.

Helpandemployme:

Is it ok to talk about firings?

Sandamali:

It’s okay to address firings. I’d much rather have someone say, “I was terminated, and here is the reason I was given” and move on. Don’t make up excuses or bash your former employer—I might know that person!

Helpandemployme:

What else should a person do?

Sandamali:

I think it’s nice to receive a thank you—these days an email is just as acceptable as a written note. If I never hear from you, I’ll think you’re not interested.

Moreover, at the conclusion of the interview, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask, “When you do you think you’ll be making a decision?” When you get home, send an email of thanks, saying “I look forward to hearing back from you in the next few weeks.” If you don’t hear anything, send an email after a few weeks along the lines of, “Just touching base and wanted to let you know I’m still interested in this position.”

Helpandemployme:

Thank You Sandamali for your time!