Nervous about your campus placements? Here’s what you must know

Sanya Kataria is pursuing her MBA from Apeejay School of Management in Marketing and HR.  Recently, she bagged a job with Tata Capital Finance as Sales Manager. “Getting a job offer from a company you love is always an exciting event. I am thrilled to receive this opportunity of working with TATA, it’s a renowned organisation. Tata Group is known for job security and work-life balance culture,” she expressed. In the interview, she further explains why appearance counts during an interview and shares key tips on the same. Read edited excerpts:

So, does appearance count during a job interview?  

Yes, through your outward appearance, you create your first impression during the interview. It’s the employer’s first glimpse of your judgment skills. Dressing professionally can give you a boost of confidence. Right attire for an interview shows that you’re serious about the job, respectful of the interviewer’s time, and are genuinely interested in the position. It also demonstrates an understanding of the corporate culture, and showcases you as someone who would fit easily into the workplace dynamic.

Share some tips on how to dress up for a job interview

Grooming – Your grooming is just as important to your interview as the clothes you select. Being well-groomed means being clean and smelling good. Women should avoid excessive or gaudy makeup; apply it conservatively. Select simple jewellery.

Feel comfortable – A polished, professional look is essential, but you also need to feel comfortable in your outfit.Uncomfortable clothes can distract you when you’re trying to answer the questions the interviewer asks of you.

Make a first impression – Your attire creates an impression in an employer’s mind, even before you get the chance to introduce yourself. The idea is to present yourself professionally –  preferably wearing a suit and tie, for example, is a good choice. If you look unkempt or disheveled, the potential employer can decide that you’re lazy or feel that the job isn’t that important for you. You might have difficulty convincing the interviewer. 

How did ASM groom you for the placement process?

ASM arranges placement grooming sessions for students as part of their academic curriculum to enable them to get good placement opportunities in reputed organisations. Placement grooming plays a key role when it comes to filling the gap between academics and the corporate world. Also, ASM emphasises the technical and non-technical aspects of pre-placement training, which enable candidates to crack job interviews and ace the recruitment process.

Tips to prepare for placements

Soft skills help nurture your personality holistically as well as help in enhancing aspects like negotiation, networking, and conflict resolution traits.

Work on your personality development. In addition to the above-mentioned skills, one must also focus on  learning good mannerism, speaking politely and efficiently, the nuances of corporate dressing, corporate etiquettes, and so on. All these are key to crack job interviews.

Attend pre-placement grooming sessions offered by your institute. During these sessions, various professionals from academics, industry, and training institutes, impart key tips to remember during placements. They also highlight the industry culture and  trends. These talks help mould candidates’  mindset and personality to meet industry requirements. These also give them the confidence to face the actual interviews. Also, attending guest lectures Industry-interface provides you with a much broader perspective.