Fresher's Experience

There have been way too many suggestions on how to crack an interview. Trust me, they're all correct. They lead in the same direction but ultimately comes down to you, you and only you.

I recently got placed in Wipro...My first interview and I nailed it. I'm currently doing my 6th semester of Computer Science & Engineering and I sat for the interview just last Monday...6 days ago. Now, what would a person barely 20 years of age have to tell? A lot.

First of all, the aptitude test.
It's actually no big a deal, if you think about it. Most of the questions in the aptitude papers have been repeated. You'd have seen it somewhere before. Atleast once. Go through the company's old question papers for a better idea, and you'll understand what I'm saying.

English, in some of the papers, is a bit tough, otherwise, it's cake walk. You need to have your basics right and it also helps if your vocabulary is in the medium to high range. If you're preparing for GRE, CAT, GMAT etc. don't worry...it's ten times easier in the aptitude paper. Technical questions need concentration, whether you're a good progammer or not. You need to spend more time here. Analytical skills..the name speaks for itself. Just read the question carefully, some three to four times, even more if you like. You can figure out most of the answers for this section by just analysing the question. Make sure you don't skip any part of the question.

Next, the technical round.
Most companies prefer to ask you basics about programming languages and the basics of your chosen domain only. They do not want more.  If you are a rank holder, or atleast have managed a distinction all through, BE WARE !! The interviewer normally expects you to know as much as your marks. If you've got a 90, he'll expect very good answers from you.

Try mapping what you've learnt to real life. Applications of everything is a must. If you have block diagrams, learn them. Remember examples for almost everything. If you've done research on some topic or done a project be sure to mention them at some point of time.  When express your area of interest be sure to pick subjects that you know very well or atleast have an interest in.

Those in the IT field, remember, you need to be perfect with C, C++, Operating Systems, RDBMS, Data Structures. This is the least amount you're expected to know.  Since I have an inclination towards networking and crytpography, I mentioned them, though I have not officially studied any of the subjects. This too I said and the interviewer just asked some questions to make sure if my interests were genuine.  Answer to the point and DO NOT lead the interviewer to ask more questions, especially if you're unsure of your answers.

HR round (GD also covered here)
This is possibly the only round for which you need no preparation.  You're being profiled here. Exactly like a criminal but in a less harsh way (no physical abuse, that's all).

Be prepared to face any sort of question.
Most HR interviewers start off with a handshake. This itself speaks a lot about the person you are.
Lose the attitude if you have one, but keep your dignity and wits about you at all times. If you feel that you cannot or do not express yourself very well, speak slowly...but not too slow, mind you. Sit straight and maintain a smiling face. Do not show your irritation at the type of questions being asked.
For example, the HR interviewer asked me why I spoke Engligh with an accent. She went on to say that she thought I was using 'big' words (words she did not understand) only to impress her.
My response - "I am being the same person I have always been ma'am. No pretense and no intention to use words to impress. I have been speaking like this from the very beginning."
She immediately pursued the 'big' words part. Again my reply was firm. "I have a passion for English, nothing else. It seems to be a habit I inculcated. It is not something I'm trying to do, it's in born."
Now, most of you might think that this is not the way to answer. But sometimes it's the only way. You need to be able to judge the interviewer. You need to figure out what sort of answers they want to hear.

The interviewer then went into detail about my writing skills and my unheralded passion for a language when the field I'd chosen was technology. It was just a way of confirming my answers. Nothing else. This sort of cross checking is common so be consistent in what you say and do not hesitate much. Be brutally honest, if necessary.

Group discussion is again a spot of bother for many people. Why? Because they are not well informed. You need to be up to date with current issues and what lead to these issues.
Don't make up stories and do not be aggressive. It's all about portrayal of oneself. GD is something you need to practice with friends. Do this with a group of people who're very good in communication or those who speak with content and both. Note the differences. Those who speak well may not have knowledge and those with knowledge don't know how to express themselves. There are cases when one is good at both. That's who you've to be.

Understand what you're saying before you say it and don't blurt out nonsense.

Overall, the interviewer is trying to gauge your confidence level and your communication skills. But do not be credulous and believe that if you can talk your way out of anything you'll make it through. It helps to be able to wiggle out of situations, but mind you. It's even better if you use your mind the right way to wiggle out. That's what matters more.

I'm just a person who went through a gruelling interview process, beginning at 8 in the morning and wrapping up at six that evening. It was an experience of a lifetime and the joy the announcement of your name at the end of the day brings you is incomparable. Just remember, be thorough, be good and be perfect in what you say. It's the only way you'll sail through on the top.

You needn't take my word for it, I'm not even in the industry yet. I'm still a student. Three more semesters to go. But I faced it. I know what is expected from a fresher. That's why this long article.

Thank you and good luck !!
May the forces be with you.

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