Make sure that you practice answers to the following sample questions. Be sure to provide specific examples and to focus on the positive at all times. Remember that your answers should not sound memorized, but rather organized and well thought out. Experienced interviewers can tell the difference between sincere answers and those read out of a book. Keep in mind that for all questions the best answers are honest answers.
1. "Tell me About Yourself"
(Here the interviewer is really asking you about yourself as a person, not about job skills.)
A common opener, this broad question can "throw" many interviewees. It is in fact a "sell-me" invitation. Develop a brief summation of your background leading into your interest and desire to work for the organization as well as your qualifications for the position.
This is the opportunity to sell yourself and bring to light your distinguishing attributes. An example: I thrive on challenges and change, and consider myself to be very flexible. Tell the employer something not found in your resume that you would like him or her to know, such as your abilities or accomplishments. Do not talk about family, hobbies etc…, unless they directly relate to the position.
2. What is your greatest strength?
This is a great question to show your employability skills. Talk about being a team member, being able to use various computer software etc. This question really means: "Tell me how your abilities fit what's needed for this job". Suppose the position you're applying for requires initiative. (You figured this out before hand by analyzing characteristics needed for this type of work and by analyzing their job descriptions.) Instead of simply stating, "I'm definitely a self-starter", be prepared with examples. To illustrate your initiative you might be able to say: "My present boss travels almost 40 percent of the time. I have to deal on my own with problems in customer service scheduling, expending numerous day-to-day plans".
Attempt to turn your weaknesses into strengths and explain what steps you have taken to do so. You also can use weaknesses that can be categorized or an overachiever. Try to have your requirements relate directly to the requirements of the position for which you are interviewing.
3. What is your greatest weakness?
Always choose a weakness that you are striving to improve or a weakness that can also be strength. (Ex I am still reaming various computer software since it is constantly changing. Or, I am a perfectionist, which at times may bother people who work for me but I feel nothing should leave this office until it is perfect since it is a direct reflection of the quality of our work.)
Everyone has a weakness but remember not to answer in a negative way. Turn your weakness into a positive (for example) "Because I tend to procrastinate, I have learned to work well under pressure and to always get work done on time".
If you insist you have none, you'll lose out as having no insight into yourself. Instead, choose an appropriate strength and be prepared to report it as a "weakness".
Perhaps for this job, system is essential. You might confess you can't stand work done on a piece-meal, what's today's-crisis basis. You like to plan ahead, to foresee and prevent problems. Just the "weakness" needed for the position.
Or, perhaps there is a weakness in your experience, knowledge or skills - something that is needed for the job, something you know you need to work on. Admit you weak area and state how you plan to improve in that area; i.e. course you have enrolled in, volunteer work you are doing, etc…
4. "Tell me about your Schooling"
The key to this question is to keep your reply positive. Speak well of your alma mater. You are a product of your school's educational programs. Be prepared to address questions about low grades, major changes etc…
5. Why are you leaving your current position?
Stay positive, even if you're leaving a negative situation. Employers are looking for employees with good attitudes even when working in bad situations. Complaining about your past employer will not win over a new employer. (Ex. "I am looking for a company that will give me the opportunity for better personal growth". This is much better then saying "My current employer does not know how to properly treat people, he is unfair and terrible to work with".)
Here the interviewer is trying to determine whether you had difficulties at your previous workplace which may re-occur.
Difficulty at one job, with circumstances unique to that situation, is not likely to occur again. Be honest, but do not elaborate unnecessarily. Point out the unlikelihood of similar circumstances. Point out any positive ways in which you handled the situation.
There are many legitimate reasons for leaving a job, i.e.: only a term position, promotional opportunities, change in location, change in careers, looking for more challenge, experience, lay-off, job cutbacks, etc…
6. Why should I hire you instead of another Candidate?
The employer wants proof that you are the best potential employee. (Ex. I know how an organization such as your works. I understand the right procedures and paths to follow to get the work accomplished efficiently and professionally. I am also a team player who can work well with all personalities and use these unique personalities to get the best results.)
Focus on the qualifications for which the employer is looking and the responsibilities of the position; stress how you fit these qualifications.
Here is your chance to really help the interviewer make a decision in your favour. Sell yourself. Quickly respond with your specific top job related skills and positive characteristics. Some ideas might be: conscientious, dependable, enthusiastic, interested in this area, strong desire to do this type of work, willing to give extra effort, can work on my own, am responsible, like to be held accountable, get along well with others, see a job through to the finish, etc…
From your research, you should have gathered information on entry level opportunities within the organization and the necessary qualifications for those positions. From your own self-analysis you will have gained insight into your strengths and accomplishments. Mention key functions of the job and discuss your skills in relation to these functions. Use experiences from previous jobs, internships, and activities as examples to support you answer.
7. How would your skills benefit this organization?
Briefly focus on the needs of the company as they pertain to the position for which you are applying. State why you believe you are qualified for the position and be confident that you are the person for the job - try to state facts and figures. For example: I have been named employee of the month three times in the past year, and I am sure that I can make the same kind of contribution here.
INTERVIEW TIPS VOL 4 SOME DO`S
The interview is the most important occasion, which proves a turning point in the life of the candidate if he is able to impress the interviewer or the Board of interview. It is therefore, essential that from the very beginning, the Candidate should, by his appearance is liable to have great impact on them in taking a decision about him. The following points will help the candidates a great deal in every interview,
* Make adequate preparation for the interview. Leave no chance for luck. Sufficient preparation for the interview will provide extra confident to the candidate.
* Take all the originals of your certificate and testimonials regarding your academic qualifications, age and experience.
* Reach the place of interview well before time. Any delay may cause unnecessary nervousness.
* Your dress should be neat, clean and tidy. The interview will require your personal appearance to be perfect before the Selection Board. So, it is very important that you should create a good impression. You should appear well-turned out and carefully dressed. The dress should be sober and well pressed and should conform to social and acceptable norms in clothing. Over dressing or under dressing should be avoided. Also avoid showy or gaudy dresses, mod belts, mufflers and sunglasses.
* The shoed should be well polished. The dress should give the impression that you are not a careless person but are smart and alert. A candidate with dirty and unpressed clothes and scattered hair will create a very poor impression on the Board. Hence, it is imperative that a candidate should comb his hair properly, and put on neat and tidy clothes which give the impression of alertness and smartness.
* Whether you wear Indian-dress or European one, your personality after dressing up should look natural. The dress should be complete and dignified, that is to say, if you are putting on a European suit you should wear a necktie, a pair of shoes and the color of the suit.
* In the summer you may wear a plain shirt or bush shirt of a sober color/design, but not a T shirt and do not roll the sleeves of the shirt. In winter you may wear a suit (with a matching necktie). Lady candidates should wear a Sari, avoiding fancy wear, e.g. maxis, bell bottoms, pants, footwear with high heels etc…
* Wear a smile! A natural and spontaneous smile befriends the interviewers. In answering or listening to a question or thanking the members, your natural smile will pay a lot!
* Be self confident, calm and composed. Always be optimistic and have a healthy and optimistic outlook on life.
* During the interview, you should bear in mind that you are being watched by the Board. So you should be at your best. While entering the chamber of the interview, knock at the door gently, wait for a few seconds and then walk straight and erect right up to the Chairman's table. Your gait should be dignified. With the Chairman and the Members of the Board with politeness and wait for the Chairman's direction before sitting. If you are not asked by the Chairman to sit, then you should ask politely for a seat. When asked to sit, occupy the chair without pulling or pushing it. Thank the Board for providing a seat for you, since courtesy always pays.
* While occupying the chair, cover the whole of the seat and not just the end of it. Your hands should be placed on your lap or no the sides and not across the table.
* While answering a question you should appear to be alive and interested with a natural facial expression, neither serious not casual. Be clear, frank, bold but courteous.
* Face the Chairman, but look at the member you are speaking to. Be alert in grasping the questions and lucid in answering them. A lively, lucid, forceful, fluent and realistic, rational and convincing answer spoken after understanding the questions properly is always beneficial to the candidate. When you are unable to understand the question, you may politely ask the member to repeat it. Interrupting the Member or the Chairman is not at all advisable.
* Admit your ignorance, if you are unable to answer a question. Apologize to the Board if you have spoken anything wrong, for as K.P.S Menon stated, "Ignorance is always excusable; and a candidate's confession of ignorance is commendable, but any attempt to cover up ignorance with pretended knowledge is reprehensible and will be easily found out…. In a candidate as a good servant, the chief virtue we expect is intellectual integrity".
* Try to project in the mind of the selector that you have a great interest in the job for which you are being interviewed. You reason in support of your preference for the job should be solid and convincing.
* Speak in a well modulated voice pleasing to the ears of the Interviewing Officer. Be clear in your conversation. Clarity of voice, construction of meaningful sentences, proper modulation, methodological and convincing way of presenting facts all are essential for the positive results. Fast speed in speech should be carefully avoided.
* If you want to lay stress on a particular point, it is advisable to emphasize that particular word. Simple and short sentences have greater clarity and are more effective than a difficult and lengthy construction of the sentence. The sentence should be simple, short and effective. Try to answer to the point only.
* At the end of the interview await the signal from the Chairman before getting up, thank him and the Board with a smile, walk out in a natural gait, and then close the door behind you gently.
* Make adequate preparation for the interview. Leave no chance for luck. Sufficient preparation for the interview will provide extra confident to the candidate.
* Take all the originals of your certificate and testimonials regarding your academic qualifications, age and experience.
* Reach the place of interview well before time. Any delay may cause unnecessary nervousness.
* Your dress should be neat, clean and tidy. The interview will require your personal appearance to be perfect before the Selection Board. So, it is very important that you should create a good impression. You should appear well-turned out and carefully dressed. The dress should be sober and well pressed and should conform to social and acceptable norms in clothing. Over dressing or under dressing should be avoided. Also avoid showy or gaudy dresses, mod belts, mufflers and sunglasses.
* The shoed should be well polished. The dress should give the impression that you are not a careless person but are smart and alert. A candidate with dirty and unpressed clothes and scattered hair will create a very poor impression on the Board. Hence, it is imperative that a candidate should comb his hair properly, and put on neat and tidy clothes which give the impression of alertness and smartness.
* Whether you wear Indian-dress or European one, your personality after dressing up should look natural. The dress should be complete and dignified, that is to say, if you are putting on a European suit you should wear a necktie, a pair of shoes and the color of the suit.
* In the summer you may wear a plain shirt or bush shirt of a sober color/design, but not a T shirt and do not roll the sleeves of the shirt. In winter you may wear a suit (with a matching necktie). Lady candidates should wear a Sari, avoiding fancy wear, e.g. maxis, bell bottoms, pants, footwear with high heels etc…
* Wear a smile! A natural and spontaneous smile befriends the interviewers. In answering or listening to a question or thanking the members, your natural smile will pay a lot!
* Be self confident, calm and composed. Always be optimistic and have a healthy and optimistic outlook on life.
* During the interview, you should bear in mind that you are being watched by the Board. So you should be at your best. While entering the chamber of the interview, knock at the door gently, wait for a few seconds and then walk straight and erect right up to the Chairman's table. Your gait should be dignified. With the Chairman and the Members of the Board with politeness and wait for the Chairman's direction before sitting. If you are not asked by the Chairman to sit, then you should ask politely for a seat. When asked to sit, occupy the chair without pulling or pushing it. Thank the Board for providing a seat for you, since courtesy always pays.
* While occupying the chair, cover the whole of the seat and not just the end of it. Your hands should be placed on your lap or no the sides and not across the table.
* While answering a question you should appear to be alive and interested with a natural facial expression, neither serious not casual. Be clear, frank, bold but courteous.
* Face the Chairman, but look at the member you are speaking to. Be alert in grasping the questions and lucid in answering them. A lively, lucid, forceful, fluent and realistic, rational and convincing answer spoken after understanding the questions properly is always beneficial to the candidate. When you are unable to understand the question, you may politely ask the member to repeat it. Interrupting the Member or the Chairman is not at all advisable.
* Admit your ignorance, if you are unable to answer a question. Apologize to the Board if you have spoken anything wrong, for as K.P.S Menon stated, "Ignorance is always excusable; and a candidate's confession of ignorance is commendable, but any attempt to cover up ignorance with pretended knowledge is reprehensible and will be easily found out…. In a candidate as a good servant, the chief virtue we expect is intellectual integrity".
* Try to project in the mind of the selector that you have a great interest in the job for which you are being interviewed. You reason in support of your preference for the job should be solid and convincing.
* Speak in a well modulated voice pleasing to the ears of the Interviewing Officer. Be clear in your conversation. Clarity of voice, construction of meaningful sentences, proper modulation, methodological and convincing way of presenting facts all are essential for the positive results. Fast speed in speech should be carefully avoided.
* If you want to lay stress on a particular point, it is advisable to emphasize that particular word. Simple and short sentences have greater clarity and are more effective than a difficult and lengthy construction of the sentence. The sentence should be simple, short and effective. Try to answer to the point only.
* At the end of the interview await the signal from the Chairman before getting up, thank him and the Board with a smile, walk out in a natural gait, and then close the door behind you gently.
INTERVIEW TIPS VOL 4 QUESTIONS GENERALLY EXPECTED
Five years ago, when asked to describe your management style, you could impress an interviewer by talking about using performance-management techniques, setting expectations, measuring feedback and rewarding performance - evidence that you knew how to manage. Now the situation is more complicated- and more urgent. In addition to showing that you're a capable leader, you must prove that you know how to encourage individuals to work together to accelerate problem-solving. In the past, team-building was recognized primarily for its ability to shape culture. However, given today's accelerated pace, you must show that you understand how to navigate in a complex environment, where how well you work with other parts of the organization is what ultimately produces results.
In the end, all interviewing boils down to one simple query, whether it's asked overtly or simply implied: "Will this person make the company a better place?" show that the answer is yes, and you'll ensure that you're the one who gets the nod.
Stay positive in all your answers. Promote your skills. Watch your body language. Interviewers are looking at body language while you are in an interview. If you are slouching, swinging your legs and playing with your hair, it will give the interviewer the feeling you are not a self-confident person. You always want to sit straight up, pay attention and make sure you are not doing any nervous gestures.
Questions Generally Expected in an Interview
Q1) Tell us something about yourself
* Your name
* Your educational qualification (name of the degree; name of university)
* Your professional qualifications
* Your hobbies (do not state many hobbies)
* Your aim in life
Q2) Tell us something about your family
* Your father and his profession
* Your mother and her profession / homemaker
* Your younger brother / sister, elder brother / sister (just mention) and if you are the youngest talk about yourself in the end.
Q3) Why do you want to join a call center?
Don't
It was my childhood dream; never use statements like this. You can never plan your career in your childhood.
'To meet different people and not peoples'. They will get an impression that all you want to do is make lots of friends rather than being interested in the job.
Do's
You may say that the job gives you an opportunity to interact with people from all different walks of life and different parts of the world.
Say it enhances your career - it widens your horizons.
It gives you a chance to be directly involved with people and help them arrive in better shape
Q4) What is so special about you that you should be chosen for this job?
Don't
Never use statements like 'I' think I'm good' or I can do well
Never tell your shortcomings or weakness like being short tempered.
Do's
Always be positive in your approach
Always tell your strong points
Being confident
Doing your work with full dedication
Having faith in your abilities
In the end, all interviewing boils down to one simple query, whether it's asked overtly or simply implied: "Will this person make the company a better place?" show that the answer is yes, and you'll ensure that you're the one who gets the nod.
Stay positive in all your answers. Promote your skills. Watch your body language. Interviewers are looking at body language while you are in an interview. If you are slouching, swinging your legs and playing with your hair, it will give the interviewer the feeling you are not a self-confident person. You always want to sit straight up, pay attention and make sure you are not doing any nervous gestures.
Questions Generally Expected in an Interview
Q1) Tell us something about yourself
* Your name
* Your educational qualification (name of the degree; name of university)
* Your professional qualifications
* Your hobbies (do not state many hobbies)
* Your aim in life
Q2) Tell us something about your family
* Your father and his profession
* Your mother and her profession / homemaker
* Your younger brother / sister, elder brother / sister (just mention) and if you are the youngest talk about yourself in the end.
Q3) Why do you want to join a call center?
Don't
It was my childhood dream; never use statements like this. You can never plan your career in your childhood.
'To meet different people and not peoples'. They will get an impression that all you want to do is make lots of friends rather than being interested in the job.
Do's
You may say that the job gives you an opportunity to interact with people from all different walks of life and different parts of the world.
Say it enhances your career - it widens your horizons.
It gives you a chance to be directly involved with people and help them arrive in better shape
Q4) What is so special about you that you should be chosen for this job?
Don't
Never use statements like 'I' think I'm good' or I can do well
Never tell your shortcomings or weakness like being short tempered.
Do's
Always be positive in your approach
Always tell your strong points
Being confident
Doing your work with full dedication
Having faith in your abilities
TRANSFORMING YOUR PASSION
Do you know you can transform your passion into PROFIT? "YES,of course" if you believe in your ability of achieving this. However,it would be a dream in futility hoping to turn your PASSION TO PROFIT in a venture of your dream if you don`t START.
You have to START because talking alone without working towards realizing your dream is never enough.
Remember, anybody who hopes to build a thriving business has to start somewhere. The truth is that if you don`t start, you won`t start. Do away with the reasons why you cannot start and embrace reasons why you can start and create a business propelled by a burning passion to make a difference.
Don`t say "I DON`T HAVE THIS, I DON`T HAVE THAT"and so have it postponed. Understand that all you have now is what you need to start, and what you don`t have you don`t need. Starting is the first step towards attainment. You don`t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
Some people complains of having no office hence, they won`t start.
"HAVING NO OFFICE? Start from you home",
"HAVING NO MONEY? Start with the little you have",
Find ways of giving your ideas wing to fly.
Never ignor the days of little beginnings, small beginnings are often the room that births great enterprises. You may start by offering your services for free. This one secret method most organizations apply by giving out some of their products to people for free. Doing this,telling people and giving a face to your services can also help to jump start your business.
Your starting small should not entail reveling in mediocrity. Excellence should be your driving force. One of the reasons the growth of some businesses are stunted is because the owners downplay the place of excellence and focus entirely on making profit. Strive to be worl-class in your service delivery. Every positive effort yields success, and to be successful, you have to give more and better service that is expected of you.
Pause, think and review your program-plans. Ask yourself what and what you need to apply. Learn new things to aid you achieving your goals. Don`t stop learning, because when you do, you start becoming lean in your business pursuit.
Your mind is a vital equipment for the attainment of your passion. Your dream is stunted in size and scope when the mind of the host is stunted in growth. START SOMETHING TODAY AND WATCH YOUR PASSION TURNS TO PROFIT.
Please send us your comment if you are motivated by this blog. AlwayS visit http://trueloveforum.blogspot.com
You have to START because talking alone without working towards realizing your dream is never enough.
Remember, anybody who hopes to build a thriving business has to start somewhere. The truth is that if you don`t start, you won`t start. Do away with the reasons why you cannot start and embrace reasons why you can start and create a business propelled by a burning passion to make a difference.
Don`t say "I DON`T HAVE THIS, I DON`T HAVE THAT"and so have it postponed. Understand that all you have now is what you need to start, and what you don`t have you don`t need. Starting is the first step towards attainment. You don`t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
Some people complains of having no office hence, they won`t start.
"HAVING NO OFFICE? Start from you home",
"HAVING NO MONEY? Start with the little you have",
Find ways of giving your ideas wing to fly.
Never ignor the days of little beginnings, small beginnings are often the room that births great enterprises. You may start by offering your services for free. This one secret method most organizations apply by giving out some of their products to people for free. Doing this,telling people and giving a face to your services can also help to jump start your business.
Your starting small should not entail reveling in mediocrity. Excellence should be your driving force. One of the reasons the growth of some businesses are stunted is because the owners downplay the place of excellence and focus entirely on making profit. Strive to be worl-class in your service delivery. Every positive effort yields success, and to be successful, you have to give more and better service that is expected of you.
Pause, think and review your program-plans. Ask yourself what and what you need to apply. Learn new things to aid you achieving your goals. Don`t stop learning, because when you do, you start becoming lean in your business pursuit.
Your mind is a vital equipment for the attainment of your passion. Your dream is stunted in size and scope when the mind of the host is stunted in growth. START SOMETHING TODAY AND WATCH YOUR PASSION TURNS TO PROFIT.
Please send us your comment if you are motivated by this blog. AlwayS visit http://trueloveforum.blogspot.com
INTERVIEW TIPS VOL 3
Like i promised to furnish you with information on the basic tips to facing an INTERVIEW, i strive to making this a reality and if you can adhere to this piece of infornation, you are sure bet of grabing that job. What does it take you to get this? absolutely nothing.
This INTERVIEW TIPS was given to me by a good friend and i thought it wise sharing it with you for free. Like every other ebook, you are either ask to download, register or purchase before it can be given to you.
However, we have decided to offer this for a zore fee to every interested individual. It cost you nothing. Only visit this site @
* Before you go for any interview, always learn to find about the company.
* Do not take a chance to make any guesses about the company.
* Dress smartly. Do not wear brightly colored clothes for an interview. Do not wear any big prints or colored flowers and leaves on your attire.
* Gentlemen please check that the socks you wear blend with the trouser and are in contrast to the color of your trouser.
* Do not wear any thick chains or big pendants. Do not wear any raashi rings, chunky bracelets, earrings etc…
* Shoes to be well polished, in good condition and should co-ordinate with your clothes.
* Dress formally; wear neatly ironed clothes for an interview.
General:
Look poised, comfortable, neatly dressed.
Talk softly yet clearly.
Be courteous, smile, be helpful, take initiative, and maintain eye contact,
pay attention.
Listen and understand, apologize, Take corrective measures, follow-up.
No vulgar jokes and do not make any racist remarks.
No slang's like 'ya', 'guy', 'male', 'female' etc…
Listen first, understand and then reply.
Look at the person while you speak.
If you do not know something, admit it, don't make guesses.
Points to Remember
* When you enter the room DO NOT look down. Look at the people sitting to interview you.
* Keep in mind and wish accordingly
(1 lady / 1man… Good Morning ma'am / sir)
(2men / 1lady….Good Morning gentlemen/ ma'am)
(2men / 2ladies…Good Morning ladies and gentlemen)
(More than above count… Good Morning everybody)
* If the interview panel introduce themselves say "It is a pleasure meeting all of You"
* After you have been questioned you can say "It was a pleasure talking to you; have a nice day"
* When you are given a topic for group discussion first say "Good morning/afternoon/evening", mention your name and then start.
* Always update yourself with the latest happenings and events around the world. Read the newspaper of the particular day on which you have your interview.
* When asked a question never lie about the same or make wild guesses.
This INTERVIEW TIPS was given to me by a good friend and i thought it wise sharing it with you for free. Like every other ebook, you are either ask to download, register or purchase before it can be given to you.
However, we have decided to offer this for a zore fee to every interested individual. It cost you nothing. Only visit this site @
http://trueloveforum.blogspot.com,for up-dates on this very topic and other related articles. Your comment also would useful to enable us improve on our subsequent topics.
* Before you go for any interview, always learn to find about the company.
* Do not take a chance to make any guesses about the company.
* Dress smartly. Do not wear brightly colored clothes for an interview. Do not wear any big prints or colored flowers and leaves on your attire.
* Gentlemen please check that the socks you wear blend with the trouser and are in contrast to the color of your trouser.
* Do not wear any thick chains or big pendants. Do not wear any raashi rings, chunky bracelets, earrings etc…
* Shoes to be well polished, in good condition and should co-ordinate with your clothes.
* Dress formally; wear neatly ironed clothes for an interview.
General:
Look poised, comfortable, neatly dressed.
Talk softly yet clearly.
Be courteous, smile, be helpful, take initiative, and maintain eye contact,
pay attention.
Listen and understand, apologize, Take corrective measures, follow-up.
No vulgar jokes and do not make any racist remarks.
No slang's like 'ya', 'guy', 'male', 'female' etc…
Listen first, understand and then reply.
Look at the person while you speak.
If you do not know something, admit it, don't make guesses.
Points to Remember
* When you enter the room DO NOT look down. Look at the people sitting to interview you.
* Keep in mind and wish accordingly
(1 lady / 1man… Good Morning ma'am / sir)
(2men / 1lady….Good Morning gentlemen/ ma'am)
(2men / 2ladies…Good Morning ladies and gentlemen)
(More than above count… Good Morning everybody)
* If the interview panel introduce themselves say "It is a pleasure meeting all of You"
* After you have been questioned you can say "It was a pleasure talking to you; have a nice day"
* When you are given a topic for group discussion first say "Good morning/afternoon/evening", mention your name and then start.
* Always update yourself with the latest happenings and events around the world. Read the newspaper of the particular day on which you have your interview.
* When asked a question never lie about the same or make wild guesses.
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