Clearing the semester exams and securing a job is something every student’s ardent dream. One of the pivotal moments in a student’s life is attending a campus placement. It is when all their playfulness turns into nervousness.
It is a real test the outside world puts to check their implementation of theoretical knowledge to real-world applications. Does everyone pass the test? No. But can everyone crack the placement with proper guidance? Yes.
Campus placement interview is more like a serious game with difficult stages, but it is possible to score a goal! So, students, do not lose hope! By approaching companies with a positive attitude and well-prepared strategy, one can easily ace it.
All it requires is a blend of preparation, confidence and perseverance! Do you want to know the secrets of cracking an interview? The expert and experienced faculties of Takshashila University have opened the Pandora’s Box of do’s and don’ts below. Keep reading!
Campus Interview Do’s
| Do’s At A Glance! Research the companyDress appropriatelyPrepare your resumeAttend mock interviewsShowcase your skillsAsk questionsArrive on timeBody languageHave the necessary documentsFollow-up |
1. Research the company
Before the campus placement:
- Research the companies you’ve applied to.
- Find out what their mission is, what their values are, and what their recent successes are.
- Learn about the founders of these companies and what they do.
This will help you tweak your answers during the interview.
2. Dress appropriately
Your outfit speaks for yourself and is the best impression you can ever make during the campus placement. Here is what you can do:
- Dress professionally and modestly.
- Pay attention to grooming and seem well-dressed and attractive (appearance).
- Do not go underdressed.
This will help you grab the striking attention of your employers.
3. Prepare your resume
Your resume is the door to potential opportunities.
- Craft a short, well-organised, well-structured, and up-to-date resume.
- Customise your resume for each job application.
- Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements matching the position’s requirements.
- Always carry a few extra copies of the resume to the interview.
4. Try mock interviews
Since it is your first time attending an interview, you should be prepared for what you might encounter. Because practice makes a man perfect, right?
- Try answering commonly asked questions during the interview before the mirror or with a friend, family member, mentor or career counsellor.
- Pay attention to your body language, communication skills, and ability to perceive things.
- Put yourself in the employer’s shoes and work on your place of improvement.
5. Showcase your skills
When you get only a short time slot in the campus placement, you must showcase your skills to your employers to draw their attention.
- Tell them about incidents where you established problem-solving, collaborative thinking, management and flexibility skills.
- Convey how you used these abilities in your past projects or internships.
6. Ask questions
Another vital way to strike the centre of the dart is to ask questions to your employers.
- Prepare the necessary and relevant questions beforehand.
- Ask about the company’s work culture, team dynamics, and expectations.
- Avoid asking insensitive questions that can make the interviewer uncomfortable.
7. Arrive on time
Your punctuality shows your employers that you are responsible.
- Ensure you start early on your campus placement day.
- Plan your schedule accordingly the previous day to avoid any misconceptions.
- If you travel by car or bike, check for petrol or gas to prevent unforeseen problems.
8. Body language
Your body language should be more professional and confident.
- Maintain good eye contact.
- Offer a firm handshake.
- Sit in a straight posture with hands resting on your thighs.
Exhibiting positive body language is as much as significant as other verbal skills.
9. Have the necessary documents
As said, interviews are serious games, and you will not know what you will encounter next. It is always better to be prepared for everything and anything.
- Organise the necessary documents that you might need.
- Carry both original documents and their copies to the interview.
- Must-haves include academic qualification certificates, user and address identification documents, resume, portfolio, and cover letter.
10. Follow-up
Following up with the recruiting person gives them a good impression that you are genuinely interested in working with them.
- Send your interviewer a ‘thank you’ email within 24 hours of the campus placement.
- Include an appreciation note thanking them for their time.
- Let them know that you are still interested in the position and list a few pointers why they should consider you.
But ensure you do not rush the process.
Campus Interview Don’ts
| Don’ts At A Glance! Don’t arrive lateDon’t be overconfidentDon’t ignore non-verbal communicationDon’t go unpreparedDon’t ramble or give vague responsesDon’t overshare personal informationDon’t interruptDon’t use filler wordsDon’t bring up salary too earlyDon’t forget to follow up |
- Don’t arrive late: Arriving late is a complete red flag for employers. It makes them doubt your commitment and time management abilities. Plan to reach your interview place at least 10 to 15 minutes early.
- Don’t be overconfident: Everyone should have confidence in themselves. Self-confidence is the key to acing the interviews. But overconfidence can be damaging. Sometimes, employers see it as arrogant. It is always better to stay down-to-earth and be courteous during the interview.
- Don’t ignore non-verbal communication: Be concerned with how your body responds to employers’ questions. Body language, facial expressions and voice tone are equally important. Ensure you maintain a good body posture and eye contact and give a solid handshake during the interview.
- Don’t go unprepared: When you go unprepared, employers think you have not made enough to know about their organisation. Always research the organisation and its rivals before attending the interview.
- Don’t ramble or give vague responses: When you are questioned, ensure you address the topic effectively and concisely and give examples or facts to support your claims. Do not ramble or answer vaguely if you do not know the answer. It is better to admit that you don’t know the answer sometimes.
- Don’t overshare personal information: Though you can tell a few things about yourself during an interview, it is better to avoid oversharing personal information. Consider the campus placement interviews as very professional.
- Don’t interrupt: Follow some basic manners, like waiting for your employer or the recruiter to complete their questions, before rushing to answer. It can be considered as impolite or disrespectful sometimes.
- Don’t use filler words: Avoid using filler words like ‘um’, ‘uh’ or ‘like’ frequently. It makes the interviewer think you are less confident and cannot articulate things.
- Don’t bring up salary too early: When attending an interview through campus placement, it should probably be your first. You are a fresher in the work industry, so don’t bring up the salary topic too early in the interview process. Wait for the interviewer to initiate this conversation.
- Don’t forget to follow up: Always send a follow-up ‘thank you’ e-mail to your employers. When you do not do it, there are chances for them to filter you on the basis that you are not interested in the opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions In Campus Placement Interviews
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions in the campus placement interview.
Tell Us About Yourself.
How do you answer?
- Start by telling your educational background.
- Highlight your skills and interning or project experiences related to the job.
- Tell about your interests or hobbies to showcase your personality.
| Sample answer:“Yes, sure. I’m X. I’m doing my final semester of B.Tech. Computer Science at ABC University. During my college, I developed a solid foundation in programming languages like JAVA, Python, and C++. I am immensely interested in software development and have worked on a few projects for a startup company. I enjoy working and collaborating with other people. Besides academics, I’m passionate about trekking and art therapy.” |
What Are Your Likes And Dislikes?
How do you answer?
- Tell what you enjoy doing the most and excel at professionally.
- Be open about aspects you find difficult.
- Ensure your dislikes are not one of the job responsibilities.
| Sample answer:“When I worked on the XYZ project, I enjoyed problem-solving and was always keen to learn new things. But within the team, there was a lack of communication that delayed the progress of success. I found that challenging to handle.” |
What Are Your Strengths And Weaknesses?
How do you answer?
- Tell about your strengths relevant to the job and the company culture.
- Tell about your weaknesses that you are working on to improve now.
- Give examples for the same.
| Sample answer:“I would say ‘adaptability’ is my key strength. When I worked on the ABC project, I was quick enough to learn the new technologies and methodologies that helped me finish my portion. But I got driven by perfectionism at some point, which slowed me down. I’m working to balance striving for excellence and meeting deadlines.” |
What Is Your Ambition?
How do you answer?
- Tell about your realistic career ambition precisely.
- Ensure you are excited to talk about them.
| Sample answers:“My ambition is to become a digital marketing coach. I’m particularly passionate about online marketing and its potential. I’m enhancing my skills and knowledge in this domain by participating in various workshops, attending webinars, taking leadership roles, etc.” |
Where Do You See Yourself Five Years From Now?
How do you answer?
- Tell an answer picturising your career progression within the company.
- Tell them you are interested and excited about leadership roles and your contributions to the organisation’s growth.
| Sample answer:“In five years, I envision myself as a senior social media manager and a team lead for XYZ. I will lead talented individuals passionate about digital marketing as much as I am. I’ll have enhanced my skills related to the position and also developed strong leadership and project management capabilities. I will continue significantly impacting the organisation and contributing to its success.” |
Choose Takshashila University For A Rewarding Future
If you’re looking for a college, Takshashila University is the place to go! With 64 undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses, you have a pool of options to choose from. The campus is spread across 150 acres of land, which makes it a perfect study environment. The faculty is top-notch, so you can be sure you’ll get the best.
Plus, you can get 100% campus placement with some of the biggest companies in the world, like Wipro and IBM, TCS and Accenture. And don’t forget about the scholarships – they help students pay for their academic and athletic talents! So, don’t wait – sign up for the best!
Conclusion
The campus placement interview bridges academia and the professional world. You must approach the interview campus placement with confidence, humility and a clear commitment. By following the do’s and don’ts of the interview, you can surely succeed in the professional arena. It is a golden opportunity to set a stage for yourself. All the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many rounds of interviews are there in campus placement?
The number of rounds in an interview depends on the company’s hiring process. However, there are usually two to three rounds. It includes a preliminary round, a technical or HR interview and a final round with the CEO. During the first two rounds, you will have group discussions, written tests, multiple technical interviews, etc.
2. Is campus placement easy?
The level of cracking a campus placement depends on the individual’s preparation, skills and competition. However, thorough research, dedicated preparation and a positive attitude are required to ace the interviews successfully.
3. How to prepare for a campus interview?
Start by researching the company you are applying for and know its culture and values. Tweak your resume accordingly, attend mock interviews, and showcase your skills and experiences. Ensure you dress professionally, arrive on time and make a positive impression.
4. How to handle interview pressure?
Start by taking deep breaths, listen attentively to the questions asked and gather your thoughts before responding. If you do not know the answer, don’t panic and accept it gracefully. Honestly, it always takes you a long way and is impressive.
5. How to prepare your resume for campus placement?
Highlight relevant skills, experiences and academic achievements on your resume. Tailor your resume for every job application and keep it concise, well-structured, and error-free.
