Thursday, July 9, 2009
Commandments for Personal Interviews:
You have fared well in the written test and the group discussion.You are just a step away from admission to your dream programme -- the personal interview.
A panel of management experts, a battery of questions. Are you perspiring already?
Well, a personal interview could actually be challenging and fun if you just relax and remain focused. Think of it as a conversation between the interview panel and yourself, so enjoy it thoroughly.
To begin with, there are four main focus areas in any personal interview:
Personal details
Academic details
Your background
Current affairs
A panel of management experts, a battery of questions. Are you perspiring already?
Well, a personal interview could actually be challenging and fun if you just relax and remain focused. Think of it as a conversation between the interview panel and yourself, so enjoy it thoroughly.
To begin with, there are four main focus areas in any personal interview:
Personal details
Academic details
Your background
Current affairs
Commandments for every personal interview
Even after months of preparation, some candidates do not perform well inside the interview room.The trick is to follow the below commandments practice them during mock interview sessions diligently. You are sure to crack the personal interview.
1. Whenever the interviewer asks any questions, listen carefully. Do not interrupt him midway. Ask for a clarification if the question is not clear. Wait a second or two before you answer. And don't dive into the answer!
2. Speak clearly. Don't speak very slowly. Be loud enough so that the interviewers don't have to strain their ears.
3. Brevity is the hallmark of a good communicator. An over-talkative or verbose person is disliked and misjudged instantly, so keep it short.
4. If you don't know an answer, be honest. The interviewer will respect your integrity and honesty. Never exaggerate.
5. Never boast about your achievements. Don't be overconfident -- it is often misinterpreted by interviewers for arrogance.
6. Don't get into an argument with the interviewer on any topic. Restrain yourself, please!
7. Remember your manners. Project an air of humility and be polite.
8. Project enthusiasm. The interviewer usually pays more attention if you display enthusiasm in whatever you say.
9. Maintain a cheerful disposition throughout the interview, because a pleasant countenance holds the interviewers' interest.
10. Maintain perfect eye contact with all panel members; make sure you address them all. This shows your self-confidence and honesty.
11. Avoid using slang. It may not be understood and will certainly not be appreciated.
12. Avoid frequent use of words and phrases like, 'I mean'; 'You know'; 'I know'; 'Well'; 'As such'; 'Fine'; 'Basically', etc.
13. When questions are asked in English, reply in English only. Do not use Hindi or any other languages. Avoid using Hindi words like matlab, ki, maine, etc.
14. Feel free to ask questions if necessary. It is quite in order and much appreciated by interviewers.
15. Last but not the least, be natural. Many interviewees adopt a stance that is not their natural self. Interviewers find it amusing when a candidate launches into a new accent that s/he cannot sustain consistently through the interview or adopts a mannerism that is inconsistent with their own personality. It is best to talk naturally. You come across as genuine.
1. Whenever the interviewer asks any questions, listen carefully. Do not interrupt him midway. Ask for a clarification if the question is not clear. Wait a second or two before you answer. And don't dive into the answer!
2. Speak clearly. Don't speak very slowly. Be loud enough so that the interviewers don't have to strain their ears.
3. Brevity is the hallmark of a good communicator. An over-talkative or verbose person is disliked and misjudged instantly, so keep it short.
4. If you don't know an answer, be honest. The interviewer will respect your integrity and honesty. Never exaggerate.
5. Never boast about your achievements. Don't be overconfident -- it is often misinterpreted by interviewers for arrogance.
6. Don't get into an argument with the interviewer on any topic. Restrain yourself, please!
7. Remember your manners. Project an air of humility and be polite.
8. Project enthusiasm. The interviewer usually pays more attention if you display enthusiasm in whatever you say.
9. Maintain a cheerful disposition throughout the interview, because a pleasant countenance holds the interviewers' interest.
10. Maintain perfect eye contact with all panel members; make sure you address them all. This shows your self-confidence and honesty.
11. Avoid using slang. It may not be understood and will certainly not be appreciated.
12. Avoid frequent use of words and phrases like, 'I mean'; 'You know'; 'I know'; 'Well'; 'As such'; 'Fine'; 'Basically', etc.
13. When questions are asked in English, reply in English only. Do not use Hindi or any other languages. Avoid using Hindi words like matlab, ki, maine, etc.
14. Feel free to ask questions if necessary. It is quite in order and much appreciated by interviewers.
15. Last but not the least, be natural. Many interviewees adopt a stance that is not their natural self. Interviewers find it amusing when a candidate launches into a new accent that s/he cannot sustain consistently through the interview or adopts a mannerism that is inconsistent with their own personality. It is best to talk naturally. You come across as genuine.
Mind your body language
1. Do not keep shifting your position.
2. Your posture during the interview adds to or diminishes your personality. Be a little conscious of your posture and gestures. They convey a lot about your personality.
3. Sit straight. Keep your body still. You may, of course, use your hand gestures freely.
4. Avoid these mannerisms at all costs:
- Playing with your tie
- Theatrical gestures
- Shaking legs
- Sitting with your arms slung over the back of the adjoining chair.
2. Your posture during the interview adds to or diminishes your personality. Be a little conscious of your posture and gestures. They convey a lot about your personality.
3. Sit straight. Keep your body still. You may, of course, use your hand gestures freely.
4. Avoid these mannerisms at all costs:
- Playing with your tie
- Theatrical gestures
- Shaking legs
- Sitting with your arms slung over the back of the adjoining chair.
Post interview etiquette
1. Make sure you thank the interviewers as a mark of respect for the time they have
spared for you.
2. As you rise and are about to leave, make sure you collect up your pen/ pencil/ all
other stationery.
3. After getting up, place your chair in its original position.
The last word
1. Some institutes (like the Faculty of Management Studies) ask you to deliver an extempore speech suddenly while the interview is going on. Be mentally prepared for the same.
2. Competition will be very tough. Every mistake you commit will turn into an advantage for the other candidates. Hence, be very particular about your preparation. Do not leave anything to chance or the last minute.
3. Remember you have to sell yourself in an interview.
4. Be very particular about what you write in your resume. Check and re-check your resume for facts, spelling errors, etc. Ensure that there are no grammatical errors in the descriptive type questions in the sheet.
Use these hints, and say goodbye to your interview phobia!
spared for you.
2. As you rise and are about to leave, make sure you collect up your pen/ pencil/ all
other stationery.
3. After getting up, place your chair in its original position.
The last word
1. Some institutes (like the Faculty of Management Studies) ask you to deliver an extempore speech suddenly while the interview is going on. Be mentally prepared for the same.
2. Competition will be very tough. Every mistake you commit will turn into an advantage for the other candidates. Hence, be very particular about your preparation. Do not leave anything to chance or the last minute.
3. Remember you have to sell yourself in an interview.
4. Be very particular about what you write in your resume. Check and re-check your resume for facts, spelling errors, etc. Ensure that there are no grammatical errors in the descriptive type questions in the sheet.
Use these hints, and say goodbye to your interview phobia!
BASIC SHORTCUT KEYS
The below basic shortcut keys are a listing of shortcut keys that will work with almost all IBM compatible computers and software programs. It is highly recommended that all users keep a good reference of the below short cut keys and/or try to memorize the below keys. Doing so will dramatically increase your productivity.
Shortcut Keys
Alt + F
File menu options in current program.
Alt + E
Edit options in current program
F1
Universal Help in 90% of Windows programs.
Ctrl + A
Select all text.
Ctrl + X
Cut selected item.
Shift + Del
Cut selected item.
Ctrl + C
Copy selected item.
Ctrl + Ins
Copy selected item
Ctrl + V
Paste
Shift + Ins
Paste
Home
Goes to beginning of current line.
Ctrl + Home
Goes to beginning of document.
End
Goes to end of current line.
Ctrl + End
Goes to end of document.
Shift + Home
Highlights from current position to beginning of line.
Shift + End
Highlights from current position to end of line.
Ctrl + Left arrow
Moves one word to the left at a time.
Ctrl + Right arrow
Moves one word to the right at a time.
Shortcut Keys
Alt + F
File menu options in current program.
Alt + E
Edit options in current program
F1
Universal Help in 90% of Windows programs.
Ctrl + A
Select all text.
Ctrl + X
Cut selected item.
Shift + Del
Cut selected item.
Ctrl + C
Copy selected item.
Ctrl + Ins
Copy selected item
Ctrl + V
Paste
Shift + Ins
Paste
Home
Goes to beginning of current line.
Ctrl + Home
Goes to beginning of document.
End
Goes to end of current line.
Ctrl + End
Goes to end of document.
Shift + Home
Highlights from current position to beginning of line.
Shift + End
Highlights from current position to end of line.
Ctrl + Left arrow
Moves one word to the left at a time.
Ctrl + Right arrow
Moves one word to the right at a time.
MICROSOFT WINDOWS SHORTCUT KEYS
Shortcut Keys
Operating System
Alt + Tab
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Switch between open applications.
Alt + Shift + Tab
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Switch backwards between open applications.
Alt + Print Screen
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Create a screen shot only for the program you are currently in.
Ctrl + Esc
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Bring Up start button.
Alt + Esc
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Switch Between open applications on taskbar.
F2
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Renames selected Icon
F3
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Starts find from desktop
F4
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Opens the drive selection when browsing.
F5
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Refresh Contents
Alt + F4
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Closes Current open program.
Ctrl + F4
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Closes Window in Program
Ctrl + (the '+' key on the keypad)
98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Automatically adjust the width's of all the columns in Windows explorer
Alt + Enter
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Opens properties window of Selected icon or program.
Shift + F10
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Simulates right click on selected item.
Shift + Del
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Delete programs/files without throwing into the recycle bin.
Holding Shift
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Boot safe mode or by pass system files.
Holding Shift
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
When putting in an audio CD will prevent CD Player from playing.
Operating System
Alt + Tab
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Switch between open applications.
Alt + Shift + Tab
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Switch backwards between open applications.
Alt + Print Screen
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Create a screen shot only for the program you are currently in.
Ctrl + Esc
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Bring Up start button.
Alt + Esc
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Switch Between open applications on taskbar.
F2
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Renames selected Icon
F3
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Starts find from desktop
F4
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Opens the drive selection when browsing.
F5
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Refresh Contents
Alt + F4
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Closes Current open program.
Ctrl + F4
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Closes Window in Program
Ctrl + (the '+' key on the keypad)
98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Automatically adjust the width's of all the columns in Windows explorer
Alt + Enter
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Opens properties window of Selected icon or program.
Shift + F10
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Simulates right click on selected item.
Shift + Del
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Delete programs/files without throwing into the recycle bin.
Holding Shift
3.X / 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
Boot safe mode or by pass system files.
Holding Shift
95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP
When putting in an audio CD will prevent CD Player from playing.
WINDOWS KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS
Below is a listing of Windows keys that can be used on computers running a Microsoft Windows operating system and using a keyboard with a Windows key. In the below list of shortcuts the windows key is represented by "WINKEY". If you are looking for Windows shortcut keys see the above Microsoft Windows shortcut key section.
Shortcut Keys
WINKEY + D
Minimizes all windows and returns the user to the desktop.
WINKEY + M
Minimizes all windows.
WINKEY + SHIFT + M
Undo the minimize.
WINKEY + E
Open Microsoft Explorer.
WINKEY + Tab
Cycle through open programs through the taskbar.
WINKEY + F
Display the Windows Search / Find feature.
WINKEY + CTRL + F
Display the search for computers window.
WINKEY + F1
Display the Microsoft Windows help.
WINKEY + R
Open the run window.
WINKEY + Pause / Break key
Open the system properties window.
WINKEY + U
Open Utility Manager.
WINKEY + L
Lock the computer (Windows XP and above only).
Shortcut Keys
WINKEY + D
Minimizes all windows and returns the user to the desktop.
WINKEY + M
Minimizes all windows.
WINKEY + SHIFT + M
Undo the minimize.
WINKEY + E
Open Microsoft Explorer.
WINKEY + Tab
Cycle through open programs through the taskbar.
WINKEY + F
Display the Windows Search / Find feature.
WINKEY + CTRL + F
Display the search for computers window.
WINKEY + F1
Display the Microsoft Windows help.
WINKEY + R
Open the run window.
WINKEY + Pause / Break key
Open the system properties window.
WINKEY + U
Open Utility Manager.
WINKEY + L
Lock the computer (Windows XP and above only).
EXCEL SHORTCUT KEYS
Shortcut Keys
F7
Spell check selected text and or document.
F11
Create chart.
Ctrl + Shift + ;
Enter the current time
Ctrl + ;
Enter the current date
Alt + Shift + F1
Insert New Worksheet
Shift + F3
Open the Excel formula window.
Shift + F5
Bring up search box.
Ctrl + A
Select all contents of the worksheet.
Ctrl + B
Bold highlighted selection.
Ctrl + I
Italic highlighted selection.
Ctrl + K
Insert link.
Ctrl + U
Underline highlighted selection.
Ctrl + 5
Strikethrough highlighted selection.
Ctrl + P
Bring up the print dialog box to begin printing.
Ctrl + Z
Undo last action.
Ctrl + F9
Minimize current window.
Ctrl + F10
Maximize currently selected window.
Ctrl + F6
Switch between open workbooks / windows.
Ctrl + Page up
Move between Excel work sheets in the same Excel document.
Ctrl + Page down
Move between Excel work sheets in the same Excel document.
Ctrl + Tab
Move between Two or more open Excel files.
Ctrl + Shift + !
Format number in comma format.
Ctrl + Shift + $
Format number in currency format.
Ctrl + Shift + #
Format number in date format.
Ctrl + Shift + %
Format number in percentage format.
Ctrl + Shift + ^
Format number in scientific format.
Ctrl + Shift + @
Format number in time format.
Ctrl + Arrow key
Move to next section of text.
Ctrl + Space
Select entire column.
Shift + Space
Select entire row.
F7
Spell check selected text and or document.
F11
Create chart.
Ctrl + Shift + ;
Enter the current time
Ctrl + ;
Enter the current date
Alt + Shift + F1
Insert New Worksheet
Shift + F3
Open the Excel formula window.
Shift + F5
Bring up search box.
Ctrl + A
Select all contents of the worksheet.
Ctrl + B
Bold highlighted selection.
Ctrl + I
Italic highlighted selection.
Ctrl + K
Insert link.
Ctrl + U
Underline highlighted selection.
Ctrl + 5
Strikethrough highlighted selection.
Ctrl + P
Bring up the print dialog box to begin printing.
Ctrl + Z
Undo last action.
Ctrl + F9
Minimize current window.
Ctrl + F10
Maximize currently selected window.
Ctrl + F6
Switch between open workbooks / windows.
Ctrl + Page up
Move between Excel work sheets in the same Excel document.
Ctrl + Page down
Move between Excel work sheets in the same Excel document.
Ctrl + Tab
Move between Two or more open Excel files.
Ctrl + Shift + !
Format number in comma format.
Ctrl + Shift + $
Format number in currency format.
Ctrl + Shift + #
Format number in date format.
Ctrl + Shift + %
Format number in percentage format.
Ctrl + Shift + ^
Format number in scientific format.
Ctrl + Shift + @
Format number in time format.
Ctrl + Arrow key
Move to next section of text.
Ctrl + Space
Select entire column.
Shift + Space
Select entire row.
WORD SHORTCUT KEYS
Shortcut Keys
Ctrl + A
Select all contents of the page.
Ctrl + B
Bold highlighted selection.
Ctrl + C
Copy selected text.
Ctrl + X
Cut selected text.
Ctrl + P
Open the print window.
Ctrl + F
Open find box.
Ctrl + I
Italic highlighted selection.
Ctrl + K
Insert link.
Ctrl + U
Underline highlighted selection.
Ctrl + V
Paste.
Ctrl + Y
Repeat the last action performed.
Ctrl + Z
Undo last action.
Ctrl + L
Aligns the line or selected text to the left of the screen.
Ctrl + E
Aligns the line or selected text to the center of the screen.
Ctrl + R
Aligns the line or selected text to the right of the screen.
Ctrl + M
Indent the paragraph.
Ctrl + Shift + F
Change the font.
Ctrl + Shift + >
Increase selected font +1.
Ctrl + ]
Increase selected font +1.
Ctrl + Shift + <
Decrease selected font -1.
Ctrl + [
Decrease selected font -1.
Ctrl + Shift + *
View or hide non printing characters.
Ctrl +
Moves one word to the left.
Ctrl +
Moves one word to the right.
Ctrl +
Moves to the beginning of the line or paragraph.
Ctrl +
Moves to the end of the paragraph.
Ctrl + Del
Deletes word to right of cursor.
Ctrl + Backspace
Deletes word to left of cursor.
Ctrl + End
Moves the cursor to the end of the document.
Ctrl + Home
Moves the cursor to the beginning of the document.
Ctrl + Spacebar
Reset highlighted text to the default font.
Ctrl + 1
Single-space lines.
Ctrl + 2
Double-space lines.
Ctrl + 5
1.5-line spacing.
Ctrl + Alt + 1
Changes text to heading 1.
Ctrl + Alt + 2
Changes text to heading 2.
Ctrl + Alt + 3
Changes text to heading 3.
F1
Open Help.
Shift + F3
Change the case of the selected text.
Shift + Insert
Paste.
F4
Repeat the last action performed (2000+)
F5
Open goto window.
F7
Spell check selected text and or document.
Shift + F7
Activate the thesaurus.
F12
Save as.
Shift + F12
Save
Ctrl + A
Select all contents of the page.
Ctrl + B
Bold highlighted selection.
Ctrl + C
Copy selected text.
Ctrl + X
Cut selected text.
Ctrl + P
Open the print window.
Ctrl + F
Open find box.
Ctrl + I
Italic highlighted selection.
Ctrl + K
Insert link.
Ctrl + U
Underline highlighted selection.
Ctrl + V
Paste.
Ctrl + Y
Repeat the last action performed.
Ctrl + Z
Undo last action.
Ctrl + L
Aligns the line or selected text to the left of the screen.
Ctrl + E
Aligns the line or selected text to the center of the screen.
Ctrl + R
Aligns the line or selected text to the right of the screen.
Ctrl + M
Indent the paragraph.
Ctrl + Shift + F
Change the font.
Ctrl + Shift + >
Increase selected font +1.
Ctrl + ]
Increase selected font +1.
Ctrl + Shift + <
Decrease selected font -1.
Ctrl + [
Decrease selected font -1.
Ctrl + Shift + *
View or hide non printing characters.
Ctrl +
Moves one word to the left.
Ctrl +
Moves one word to the right.
Ctrl +
Moves to the beginning of the line or paragraph.
Ctrl +
Moves to the end of the paragraph.
Ctrl + Del
Deletes word to right of cursor.
Ctrl + Backspace
Deletes word to left of cursor.
Ctrl + End
Moves the cursor to the end of the document.
Ctrl + Home
Moves the cursor to the beginning of the document.
Ctrl + Spacebar
Reset highlighted text to the default font.
Ctrl + 1
Single-space lines.
Ctrl + 2
Double-space lines.
Ctrl + 5
1.5-line spacing.
Ctrl + Alt + 1
Changes text to heading 1.
Ctrl + Alt + 2
Changes text to heading 2.
Ctrl + Alt + 3
Changes text to heading 3.
F1
Open Help.
Shift + F3
Change the case of the selected text.
Shift + Insert
Paste.
F4
Repeat the last action performed (2000+)
F5
Open goto window.
F7
Spell check selected text and or document.
Shift + F7
Activate the thesaurus.
F12
Save as.
Shift + F12
Save
Mouse Shortcuts
Description
Click, hold, and drag
Selects text from where you click and hold to the point you drag and let go.
Double-click
If double-click a word selects the complete word.
Double- click
Double-clicking on the left, center, or right of a blank line will make the alignment of the text left, center, or right aligned.
Double-click
Double-clicking anywhere after text on a line will set a tab stop.
Triple-click
Selects the line or paragraph of the text the mouse triple-clicked.
Ctrl + Mouse wheel
Zooms in and out of document.
Click, hold, and drag
Selects text from where you click and hold to the point you drag and let go.
Double-click
If double-click a word selects the complete word.
Double- click
Double-clicking on the left, center, or right of a blank line will make the alignment of the text left, center, or right aligned.
Double-click
Double-clicking anywhere after text on a line will set a tab stop.
Triple-click
Selects the line or paragraph of the text the mouse triple-clicked.
Ctrl + Mouse wheel
Zooms in and out of document.
INTERNET EXPLORER SHORTCUTKEYS
Shortcut Keys
Description
Alt + Left Arrow
Back a page.
Alt + Right Arrow
Forward a page.
F5
Refresh current page / frame.
F11
Display the current website in full screen mode. Pressing F11 again will exit this mode.
Esc
Stop page or download from loading.
Ctrl + Enter
Quickly complete an address.
Ctrl + N
Open New browser window.
Ctrl + P
Print current page / frame.
Description
Alt + Left Arrow
Back a page.
Alt + Right Arrow
Forward a page.
F5
Refresh current page / frame.
F11
Display the current website in full screen mode. Pressing F11 again will exit this mode.
Esc
Stop page or download from loading.
Ctrl + Enter
Quickly complete an address.
Ctrl + N
Open New browser window.
Ctrl + P
Print current page / frame.
FRONTPAGE SHORTCUT KEYS
Shortcut KeysDescription
Ctrl + C
Copy selected text.
Ctrl + X
Cut selected text.
Ctrl + P
Paste selected text.
Ctrl + K
Create a hyperlink.
Ctrl + B
Bold highlighted selection.
Ctrl + I
Italic highlighted selection.
Ctrl + U
Underline highlighted selection.
Ctrl + L
Left align the text.
Ctrl + R
Right align the text.
Ctrl + E
Center the text.
Ctrl + /
Display HTML tags.
Ctrl + S
Save document.
Ctrl + Tab
Switch between open web pages.
Ctrl + Ins
Enter Line break.
Ctrl + Enter
Move cursor above or below a table.
Ctrl + Shift + B
Preview in web browser window.
Ctrl + Shift + <
Decrease font size.
Ctrl + Shift + >
Increase font size.
Ctrl + Del
Deletes word to right of cursor.
Ctrl + Backspace
Deletes word to left of cursor.
Ctrl + C
Copy selected text.
Ctrl + X
Cut selected text.
Ctrl + P
Paste selected text.
Ctrl + K
Create a hyperlink.
Ctrl + B
Bold highlighted selection.
Ctrl + I
Italic highlighted selection.
Ctrl + U
Underline highlighted selection.
Ctrl + L
Left align the text.
Ctrl + R
Right align the text.
Ctrl + E
Center the text.
Ctrl + /
Display HTML tags.
Ctrl + S
Save document.
Ctrl + Tab
Switch between open web pages.
Ctrl + Ins
Enter Line break.
Ctrl + Enter
Move cursor above or below a table.
Ctrl + Shift + B
Preview in web browser window.
Ctrl + Shift + <
Decrease font size.
Ctrl + Shift + >
Increase font size.
Ctrl + Del
Deletes word to right of cursor.
Ctrl + Backspace
Deletes word to left of cursor.
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