Right attitude wins over right answer
R.C. Sharma

Rakesh, an MBA student, had passed out from a reputed university in 2001. The company placement trend was just gaining popularity. Having cleared the technical rounds, Rakesh was to face the personal interview. While the major part of the interview was smooth sailing, the final question was something Rakesh will never forget.

The interviewer asked Rakesh the similarity between a lady and a handkerchief. Thinking it as a joke, Rakesh simply smiled. He, however, thought it over and gave the first reply that came to his mind. He cleared the personal interview but never really understood why the question was asked in the first place.

Today, Rakesh is a personnel manager in a leading MNC. He often visits campuses to recruit MBA studentss. During these visits, he remembers the true implication of the question posed to him years ago. The interviewer was looking not for the right answer but the right attitude.

The candidate’s ability to handle unexpected situations and comfort level is what is matters in personal interviews through various methods, one of which Rakesh went through.

Attitude is the mindset and manner of conducting oneself. Although there are no proven steps that can help attain the right attitude, in the matter of recruitment. There are certain pertinent rules for success.

As a fresher, it always pays if one is seeking self-enrichment through constant learning. Completing one’s formal education does not mean that one stops learning. Bernard Shaw, a renowned thinker and a writer, once said: "One is a learner throughout life."

However, it is of paramount importance in the early stages of one’s career. One should be inquisitive about choosing one’s career. Besides, one should know and keep in mind the broad perspective of the industry trend.

One should be a good listener to become a good learner. Every interview, successful or unsuccessful, like every job, provides enough learning opportunities.

Having a positive and optimistic attitude in life surely paves the way for opportunities at every step. Do not worry about the consequences of failure. You also learn from failures. While applying for any job or attending an interview, bury your past failures. Remember only your achievements.

Today, companies need people who bring in dynamism, enthusiasm, energy and honesty. Being a team player is a vital aspect in any job and the companies realise that one energetic team member is a strong link in the chain and a booster for others. Hence, make the best use of your positive, cheerful and leadership qualities.

Frankly admit your mistakes and weaknesses, but be bold and confident in highlighting your strengths and achievements. People often feel shy in saying, for example, "I am one of the excellent personnel managers," when they have immense achievements to their credit to support their statement.

Being bold also means that sometimes saying, ‘I don’t know, sir," when you are not sure about the correct answer of a question posed to you by the interviewer, rather than giving a fabricated answer.

Another important, rather key, aspect that interviewers observe while interviewing candidates is whether they fit into the company culture.

Although, this is a result of years of learning and experience and available on the company’s website, it is in your own interest to fit into the organisational values and culture, sooner the better. Various factors, such as the way you dress, walk and talk with others, strengthen your fitness for organisation’s culture.

You are not a goal setter, you are a goal achiever. A goal is not something you decide and then wait for something to happen. You programme them into your own system. You have to learn to keep your goals before you continually. You live with them so that they motivate you and direct your behaviour.

It is likely that you would get your first job only after a number of attempts. Therefore, do not look at past attempts as failures. Failures are stepping stones to success. You enrich your experience from failures. Think of them as learning experiences and be better prepared for the next interview.

Interview success depends on meeting the interviewer’s expectations. An interview is your chance to strike a relationship with the interviewer, and through him, the company. Hence, understand the interviewer as much as he is trying to understand you.

Finally, remember that most organisations hire for attitude and train for talent. So, ascertain that you are keen to join the organisations for the right reasons. Try to observe the interviewer, what values he looks for in a candidate.

Explain and justify how your own values and expectations match with the company’s. Each one has his own answer and each one of those answers would be right in their own way.

In a nutshell, it is the right attitude which has an edge over the right answer.