How to Prepare for the Job Interview
By Puan Elia Talib and Faridah Hameed.
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etting invited to a job interview often brings up two very different emotions – Elation for having been chosen, quickly followed by Anxiety because now you have to face a group of strangers and sell yourself effectively to them! This article will help you deal with these two emotions by giving you some simple, common sense ways on how to prepare and perform at an interview. BEFORE THE INTERVIEW There are five areas you need to look into before you even step into the interview room. Additional Research Assuming you did the research before you sent out your résumé and cover letter, now’s the time to make sure you check the latest information about the company that just offered you an interview. This is most easily done by visiting the company website. Update yourself about the company, the major players, its projects and expansion plans. Some interviewers will ask what you know about the company. Others will ask why you want to work with them. These are common questions, so rehearse what you will say. Videotape yourself during a rehearsal (if possible) and practise the various ways you can answer the following questions:
Did you have trouble getting here? Tell me about yourself Why do you want to work with us? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What extra-curricular activities did you do at university? 7) What do you understand by the word management? 8) How do you think you can contribute to this company? 9) What problems did you have at college and how did you solve them? 10) Give me an example of your teamwork skills? 11) Do you have any questions? Know where you’re going & who you will be seeing Confirm the date, time and address of the interview. Often, this is done when the company calls to let you know you have been short-listed for an interview. Sometimes, a company can call you up just the day before, so make sure you ask the right questions. Some companies have several branches, so don’t assume you know which one the interview is being held at. Call up and reconfirm. Get the full address, contact phone number and the full name of the person who will be interviewing you.
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)
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THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW Arrive early Plan your journey so that you arrive at least 15 minutes - preferably 30 minutes - before your interview. This is to ensure you are still on time even if there are traffic jams or any other unexpected traffic situations. Also, you will understandably be quite nervous, so the waiting time gives you the opportunity to relax and get your thoughts organised. Bring copies of work done This is a great opportunity to showcase work you have done. You should have photocopies of your certificates. Get the name right Make sure you know the correct name, pronunciation and job title of the interviewer. Ask, if you don’t know. Listen carefully when they introduce themselves (repeat it or ask if you did not hear properly!) and say ‘hello’. Wait for the interviewer to show you where to sit. A firm handshake It may seem like a small detail, but it’s an important one. Many people have what’s called a ‘dead fish’ handshake or ‘limp’ handshake. Please don’t be one of them. Practise the handshake – by gripping the other person’s hand firmly and shaking it once or twice. Also, if you have sweaty palms, make sure you wipe your hands before you enter the interview room. Eye contact Some people have a hard time maintaining eye contact. Maybe it is family upbringing or culture, but in the business world eye contact is an important measure of your trustworthiness and confidence. If you have problems with this, get a friend to help you practise. The first impression The interview begins the moment you walk into the office. The interviewer is sizing you
up by your dressing and grooming, by the way you walk, how you carry yourself and how you greet him or her. After a bit of opening chit-chat or warmup, the questions begin. It almost always begins with Tell Me About Yourself. Don’t answer by telling to refer to your résumé. The reality is that this question is not so much about what’s in your résumé. Instead, the interviewer want to see how well you speak, and how confidently you can describe yourself – basically, how you communicate. He or she is also waiting and watching to ask you questions related to what you say about yourself. You may be asked to elaborate on a certain experience or to give examples of some situations. Body language Sit comfortably, with your back straight, and maintain good eye contact throughout the interview. This displays confidence and energy. Also, don’t cross your legs. Avoid shaking your legs or looking elsewhere while the interviewer is talking to you. Be polite Don’t save your politeness for the interview. Be on your best behaviour from the moment you step into the building where the interview is going to happen. You never know who you may bump into in the elevator or walking down the hall, and whether that person will have an influence on whether you get hired or not. Keep your answers simple Listen carefully to the questions and respond with direct answers. If you understand the question or don’t know the answer, say so. Don’t ramble Sometimes, the interviewer will keep silent after you have answered a question. This can be uncomfortable, but refrain from jumping in to fill the ‘dead air’. Avoid words like “um, uh, like, well, err”. If you are nervous, take a
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deep breath and try to relax. Take your time before you speak. Be prepared with questions When the interviewer asks, “Would you like to ask anything?” or “Do you have any questions?” what is your response? If you , just smile and say “No, nothing” you will not , make the best impression. You could say “no, nothing at this time, thank you” but , ideally, be prepared with at least one intelligent question, such as “I understand the company has around 300 employees. Is that right?” (You ask because you want to know the latest size of the company. A good question is,“What kind of training or orientation programme does a fresh graduate have (in this company)?” How much? You may be tempted to ask the salary when the interviews asks if you have any questions. Don’t. While salary can be an important consideration in your job search, don’t be controlled by it. It’s more important to listen and provide reasons why you should be hired. Don’t talk about money first. If the interviewer brings it up, be prepared. Do your research about market rates for the job you are interviewing for. So if he or she asks you what salary you are expecting, you can say: “I understand that the market rate for a fresh graduate in a company of this size (or in this industry) is …”
When can I know? Ask politely when you can expect an answer. Make sure you have the name and contact details of the person who interviewed you. If you do not hear from him or her at the agreed time, don’t assume you didn’t get the job unless you are specifically told this. Otherwise, follow up. Prepare for the runaround We have heard complaints from some fresh graduates that some companies seem to interview them with no other purpose than to see ‘what’s out there’ – they don’t actually have a vacancy. This is obviously unfair, but as far as we know reputable companies don’t do that kind of thing, not least because interviewing takes up valuable time. If you are unlucky enough to be given the runaround, please let us know.
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