Monday, June 30, 2008

How to Prepare for a Job Interview

Now that I’m in a job hunt, I have to get myself prepped up for interviews. It is important to be prepared because it will show when the interviewers asks you questions and giving blank looks aint going to earn you any brownie points. When I was studying, looking for a job didn’t seem so hard. All I thought I had to do was send in my resumes to a few companies and wait for their call. Boy, I was wrong! Just sitting and waiting did not get my anywhere so a different approach has to be taken. More initiative into calling and emailing them expressing my interest works better than just waiting.

So here’s a few tips for attending interviews:

1. Resume & Cover Letter – make sure they are spelling and grammatically error free. It doesn’t give a good first impression to note mistakes on your “selling point”. This is afterall the first document the HR department receives prior to scheduling to meet you for an interview.

2. Company Background – This can be found mainly on their website. The amount of information may be overwhelming but the key items to look for is the company history (which country are they from and current headquarters) and company mission

3. Attire – dress to impress. First impressions count very heavily as you may only see your interviewer once and it’s best to create a good hence positive and lasting impression. Invest in a pair of black shoes, slacks and a good fitting collared shirt. Ties should match the attire and pls skip those sleezy smiley faces ties, those will not work! Girls, do not wear make-up 3 inches thick unless you’re applying for a job that has such requirements.

4. Be prepared with answers. Some questions will pop up and it’s best to be prepared. Popular questions include:

a) Tell us about yourself.

b) Why did you choose our organization?

c) Your strength and weaknesses

d) Why should we hire you over the next qualified person?

Answer with sincerity and while it is great to highlight on your strengths and keen interest, do not exaggerate as you may come across as a show-off or arrogant.

Well, that should set you up for a decent interview. One more very very important thing to note, Be On Time. Its alright if you’re early but never come in late. In a case of emergency, it is best to call and give them a heads up. Interviewers also have their jobs to do and can’t spend the whole day waiting. If they do and seem snappy, you know why. Good luck then!

PS: I was in the newspapers again, on New Straits Times last Saturday for the Made of Honour Premiers. Will blog bout it later :)

15 comments:

Azzam?? said...

woww... you're so pump up with getting a job eh?? =D good good.. if u dont mind me asking, what course did u do? and owhh.. those jobstreet etc etc could really give you some directions on that. all the best ya.. and of course, carry a big smile (a professional one) for the interviews.. it helps! ;p

xniquet said...

that's hot...looking forward for the next post, i hope there will be pictures ya?

Ohkulala said...

azzam: i studied chemical engineering. yup, am looking into that too :) thanks

xniquet: pics? i'll try :)

yuhhui said...

Job hunting shouldn't be a problem to u. You got great looks, good body and a nice height for modelling. Should try more of that. Can get loads of $$$ fast. =) Sigh.. poor me.. only 17 ringgit in my bank. Mati aku..

Simon Seow said...

You're fehmes. No need to look for job, job will look for you.

Ohkulala said...

yuh hui: i wish i could but the moment the word modeling exits my mouth, my family frowns at the idea. so no modelling or ads for me. :(

simon: no la, where got famous? the famous one is you!! i think its a bit of both, i look for the job and the job looks for me.

Azzam?? said...

i think the modelling stuffs u can do it on the side.. meaning only taking jobs on weekends and what not (after u get your permanent job of course) =D

Ohkulala said...

azzam: actually, i wouldnt mind pursuing modeling part time but there are parental barriers in my case. i might take it up when i actually am away from home. lol

yuhhui said...

Actually the modeling field isn't as bad as how people think it is. Just gotta be careful. Why not when you go for auditions, ask your mom/ bro/ bf to come along like how I asked my bf to come along when I went for modeling? That way, they r able to see it for themselves that it's atcually not that bad. Hehe.. You really have the height, bod and looks. I foresee a future in the modeling line for you. LOLX

Azzam?? said...

aaaa... u can bring me along then for auditions and what not. =p (later when u're really away from home) xD hahahaha

joshuaongys said...

lol totally agree with yuhhui here... go for modeling!!

[YeOp] said...

wah, very bersemangat to share all the job interview tips in your blog. good luck kulvinder! :D

Ohkulala said...

yuhhui: my parents can be very adamant about things. they dont even wanna come along when i asked them to see that there's really nothing bad in it! sigh...

azzam: lol. maybe la one day can ajak you along kot.

joshua: i would like to try but not allowed to. any ways you know which can make them change their mind? i'd love to hear them.

yeop: thanks yeop. all the best to you too.

Johnny Ong said...

i remembered i was asked this question on one occasion where i answered the best - why did u choose our oganisation?

the answer - i think it was yr organisation that headhunted me

Ohkulala said...

johnny ong: lol. and did you get the job? :)