5 Illusions about Interviews- Busting the myths

After  years of studying, you are armed with your cherished degree or qualification. It is time to go and realize your dreams. But there comes yet another exam! Whether you are a student of distance learning programs or full-time classes,

Now that’s enough to make anyone nervous, and mull over doubts like, “What if I don’t fit in with the vision of the ideal employee that the organization is looking for?”

While you might assume that the employers have already scanned everything about you, here is a startling insight from David Couper, Career and Executive Coach and author of ‘Outsiders on the Inside: How to Create a Winning Career … Even When You Don’t Fit In!’. He states, “In reality, most interviewers are not prepared for the interview. They usually just wing it based on their own experience.”

Here are 5 popular illusions interviewees have:

1.“Tell me something about yourself” is about your interests: A common assumption is this famous catch-all question. If you think they are interested about your hobbies, dismiss that thought immediately. Grab the opportunity to highlight your capabilities, qualifications and why you are fit for the role.

2.You need to stand out to prove your mettle: The fact is, those at the other side of the table are usually looking for someone who can work along with them without complaining too much. According to Couper: “Interviewers are looking for someone who can do the job, fit in with the culture and not cause trouble. If you can demonstrate that you can do that, you will get the job.”

3.“Where do you want to be/see yourself in five years?” is about your life goals: Another common question thrown during interviews  The ideal answer would be to tell them about your ambition, how you think the company might be able to help you, and that you’re willing to stick with them.

4.Qualifications are all they need to know: Of course, qualifications matter but not much during interviews. As long as you’re eager for the job and appear to be friendly, you have got a good chance to crack the interview.

5.Your values are different from that of the organization: Your values and ambitions must be aligned with that of the organization for you to get that appointment letter.

Learn how to crack that long awaited interview with workshops on “Mastering the Interview” by Welingkar’s Hybrid PGDM Programs.

WHY PROFESSIONALS MUST NOT IGNORE FINANCIAL PLANNING

The times, as always, are changing, and the future will certainly be different. The prospects of a successful life full of abundance and security have to travel through many years and stages of life. So when young professionals start out on their careers, or when working executives wish to achieve growth, they must also adopt financial planning as an integral part of living their dream life.

A carefully thought out financial plan revolves around many wider objectives – housing and marriage, higher education, job changes, starting one’s own business, tackling emergencies, and retirement. Add to it further complexities such as moving abroad or taking a career break, and the importance of having money to back it all up grows.

Unfortunately, many professionals either lack basic financial literacy, or do not consider it of much importance. A 2012 survey conducted in the US by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards revealed only 31 percent decision makers had a financial plan in place. The figure for having a plan to tackle emergencies stood at 35 percent.

How financial road-maps make a difference

Whether you are beginning your professional journey, or are in your middle-life stages, financial planning can make long-term goals look concrete. Apart from being a life savior in critical times, it can also help you achieve more.

Some of the benefits of financial planning are:

• Making short and long-term goals clear and achievable
• Enforcing habits of saving with optimized expenditure
• Making your hard earned money grow with investment portfolio
• Providing protection to assets
• Moving your safely through life stages with adequate financial back up

Financial planning is not the preserve only of the smart and savvy, or the super rich. It is an essential tool for professionals in all walks of life as well as business. In the book ‘Financially Fearless’, author von Tobel states, “Just as in personal finances, being very thoughtful, having a plan for almost everything is a crucial financial skill in business.”

So irrespective of the course you are studying, healthcare management or an MBA in media or travel and tourism, learn the basics of financial planning today and hone your financial planning skills with workshops  by Welingkar’s Hybrid Distance Learning Programs and keep your future financial roadmap ready.