FINALLY, after what seems like eons since you sent your resume out, a letter, e-mail or phone call lets you know that you’ve secured a job interview. Well, congratulations.
"Sitting through a job interview is not as easy as what some people may think. Here are some other things to expect from a job interview."
But now that you’ve overcome one hurdle, it’s time for you to prepare for the next one – the one-to-one interview with the prospective employer.
Many graduates actually find the employment interview the most difficult part of the hiring process but it doesn't have to be. With enough preparation and practice, you should feel comfortable and confident enough to make it through the interview.
Preparation is always the key to a successful interview so here are a few things you can try out:
Role play
Find someone whom you feel comfortable with to play the interviewer.
Watch yourself in a mirror or use a video camera to record your actions during the role-playing
session to help you assess your skills.
Determine your strengths and areas for improvement – look out for any bad habits you might have
when you’re nervous.
It’s all in the answers
Find out what questions are commonly asked.
Practice giving brief, clear and straight answers.
Read up on the company – there might just be a company-related question or two thrown in.
Avoid frequently adding “Ummm”, “I think” or “You know?” to your answers.
Tread carefully
You need to decide what kind of questions you would like to ask your interviewer and learn where
and how to ask them.
Practice politely interjecting your questions at different points in the interview.
Ask relevant questions.
Avoid frequently adding “Ummm”, “I think” or “You know?” to your answers.
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 On Preparing For The Interview |
Getting physically ready for the interview
Pick out your interview outfit and lay it out/iron it in advance.
Take care of other time-consuming chores like polishing your shoes and trimming your nails the
day before the interview if possible
Gather all other important materials you’ll need for the interview – your certificate, portfolio and
any other relevant documents – and store them in the same bag. If possible, organise them into
different folders.
Wash your hair the night before or get up early enough to do it. Don’t go in with your hair still wet.
Get a good night’s sleep so that you can wake up bright and early to get to the interview on time.
Getting there
Find out how to get to your interview venue – get a map, ask for directions, find out about the
traffic conditions, etc.
If possible, make a practice run the day before the interview.
Find out exactly where you’ll need to go when you arrive at the company.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to give yourself time to settle down.
First impressions
It’s important to make a good impression the moment you enter the company area. Check yourself
before you step into the building. Do you look harassed or disheveled? Tidy up before you go in.
Watch how and where you park your car – you could very well be parking in your interviewer’s
reserved spot.
Be courteous and professional to everyone you meet. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the
cleaner or the receptionist plays a very small role in the company. You’ll be surprised how
some people can choose to make your life difficult if they want to – like spilling rubbish on
you, keeping you waiting even though you were first, losing your documents, etc.
Watch your diet
Have a light meal before the interview. Don’t stuff yourself until you’re all sleepy but starve
yourself either. Nothing is more embarrassing than a growling stomach during an interview.
If possible, make a practice run the day before the interview.
If you have a sensitive stomach, avoid too much dairy or spicy food before the interview. The last
thing you need a gassy tummy or having to run to the loo in the middle of the interview.
Bring breath mints and charcoal tablets along with you. Just in case.
The handshake
Make sure your hands are not sweaty when you have to shake hands
Wash your hands with cool water directly before the interview
Keep palms open and not closed
Keep a handkerchief in your pocket. Tissues may work but not if you have really sweaty palms.
Watch for tissue bits that might stick to your hands.
Have a firm handshake but don’t overdo it either.