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 :)