Dear PhDscholar,
Its good that you have received a call letter for attending an interview. I wish you goodluck!
Members have already given you good input. I would like to mention a few other things:
Please see questions below that I have borrowed from "TopGrading" (and also implement the same). This is for freshers.
Give me a feel for what kind of College it was and generally what were your college years like?
What school / college activities did you take part in?
What sort of grades did you receive, what was your class standing, and what were your study habits like?
What people or events during your college might have had an influence on your career?
Were there any special awards, honors, special achievements during your college years?
What were your high points during your college years? (They will Look for leadership initiatives, and particularly what competencies the interview exhibits now while discussing those years)
What were your low points, or least enjoyable occurrences, during your college years?
Give me a feel for any jobs you held during your college years (summer internship / part-time job)
What were your career thoughts toward the end of the college?
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Apart from the above:a few tips from my end
Interviewers like pleasing / cheerful candidates. But make sure you are not overly cheerful (I had one such candidate for interview and felt he was only a Blah Blah)
Be confident with your views. If at all you have any questions, ask them with confidence. For example, if you have heard that the company is trying to venture in new areas, instead of asking "I heard you are going to invest in other areas" or "Are you really going to diversify"? - you could ask: I was trying to learn about your group from the net / magazine, and it was interesting to hear that you have plans to diversify. I would be really happy to learn about that if you could share some details..
Instead of asking " Do you think I can grow with you?" you can ask "Based on the conversation I feel its a brilliant opportunity, I would be interested in learning about my future opportunities from internal growth with this company"
So you got my point right? Never ask with a doubt..
Be confident – never fear for representing your skills. After all, you were called for an interview because you have already passed the first screening round! So - be cheerful and converse with confidence.
Inventory your accomplishments (sometimes you tend to forget to mention a few important events when you are being interviewed, so be prepared)
Be realistic when you are asked for Salary expectations. Make a thorough study on what is the standard salary for people in your profession. Let the Organization know that you are also willing to negotiate
What made you chose the specific position and apply for it (please don’t give answers like – I was called, and so I came (or) I don’t know I am just alright with any job! (or) I am a fresher so I am ready to do any job) Be specific on the career aspect, cite examples what made you feel that you could excel in the profession you have chosen to attend an interview for. No one will want to hire you if you have no purpose of being there!
Please bear this is mind too - Over confidence or Blowing our own trumpet can ruin the day!