Interviewing Tips

It is important that the short time you spend in a job interview could have a dramatic effect on your career prospects. First impressions really do count; many interviewers will make a decision about the interviewee in the first five minutes of conducting the interview and the rest of the time justifying the decision made. The following tips will help you on how to prepare and conduct yourself during interviews with prospective employers.

[Typical Questions] [Your Outlook] -{ [For Men] [For Ladies] } [The Do's] [The Don'ts]

Preparation for the interview:

1. Check the place and estimate the time needed for transportation to the interview place so as to be punctual for the interview.
2. Find out facts about the company - offices, factories, stores and what its products/services are: what its growth has been and what its potential will be. You can find information about companies from their web-site, the Trade Development Council library or public libraries.
3. Typical Questions
   Prepare a list of typical questions and answers such as the following:-
• Tell me something about yourself/your background?
• What kind of jobs are you looking for? What's your expectation?
• What do you know about our company?
• Why did you change jobs?
• What were your achievements in your jobs/studies (graduates)?
• Why did you choose your particular career?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• How do you spend your spare time? Your hobbies?

4. Outlook
   Your outlook is the first impression you give to interviewers, so make sure that you project a positive and good image. Check the following before you get dressed:-
• Is your hair clean & free of dandruff?
• Do you have body odor or bad breath?
• Are your nails clean?
• Is your face free of oil?

5. Dress for men
• Dark business suit - charcoal & navy are the best color
• White long-sleeved shirt
• Classic patterned, solid colored tie, avoid ties with bright colors or large patterns
• Tie should reach the belt buckle & very close to the collar when tied
• Black leather shoes
• Black, dark grey or navy socks
• Black leather belt, no suspenders

6. Dress for ladies
• Suit - navy, grey, plum, beige, dark green, claret and coca are good colors
• Matching blouses - white, off-whites, shell pink
• Simple style leather shoes, solid color
• Thin skin-colored stockings
• Matching leather handbag, not too big
• Elegant watch
• Wear simple make-up
• Do not wear perfume

1. The Do's

• Arrive on time or a few minutes early
• Turn off your mobile / pager
• Fill out the Application Form neatly & completely
• Greet the interviewer by his/her surname
• Shake hands firmly
• Sit upright in your chair, look alert & interested at all times
• Be a good listener. Follow the interviewer's leads and try to get the interviewer to describe the position & duties to you early in the interview so that you can relate your background & skills to the position.
• When you speak, come to the point and answer questions truthfully. Usually, senior managers want the "headlines" and not too much detail while functional managers want the details.
• Look your interviewer in the eye while you talk to him/her.
• Do not answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no". Explain things about yourself which relate to the position.

2. The Don'ts

• Don't make bad comments on your present or former employers/colleagues.
• Don't say more than required or "over answer" the question. Just answer honestly and tell the truth.
• Don't cover your mouth with your hand, fidget, crack your knuckles, or bounce your legs. Please stay calm.
• Always present yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Don't close the door for opportunity. You never know what will come next (for you to choose).
• Don't show your eagerness to know what range of salary, benefits, promotion prospect, etc at the first interview. It is better to wait till the employer offers the job to you and ask you about the range of salary you prefer.