Preparing for Interviews

Preparing for Interviews

This is an important process that many job seekers overlook. It is not a process that requires a lot of time but it does require some discipline. Often, the toughest part of getting any job is likely to be the interview—the moment when you come face to face with a prospective employer and just when you need all the confidence you can muster it seems to completely disappear. Getting through interviews and making them work effectively for you are something that everyone can do—it just takes careful planning. If you want to make a good impression, preparation is necessary.

Homework

In an interview has been set, you will know the name of the employer (company name). Do your homework; find out more about the employer. Find out as mush as you can about the job, analyze the job description, try and work out what sort of person is required and match that to your own strengths and skills. This information can be found using many sources. Business directories and listings and company websites are useful sources and full of information. Company profiles can also be found in their annual reports. You could also speak to friends, relatives and acquaintances that are working to find out what they know about a certain company or job.

If you are confident enough, you may also wish to call up the company and speak to their corporate communication or human resource department. Staffs in corporate communication or human resource are generally willing to assist by giving our non- sensitive information on their company provided you explain your purpose. Larger companies and foreign companies tend to be more open to giving information. Some questions you can ask—nature of business, where they are based or where they are based or where their headquarters is and what their main products are.

Time and place of interview

Take mental note of this information. Often people tend to forget or get flustered over last minute details. If necessary, check a street directory on the exact location of the building and the location of the stopping points of the public transport system nearest to the place of interview.

Attire

Plan what you are going to wear the day before the interview. Ensure your clothes clean, fresh and well pressed. Take cue from others you know in that profession or sector. It is better and safer to be slightly conservative. Some men wear suits for interviews. It is not really necessary unless it is a senior appointment. A conservative simple tie, a well pressed long sleeved shirt and dark trousers is adequate for men. For women, a dark jacket with a plain or light pastel shade blouse always gives a professional appearance. Skirts should be of an appropriate length. Jewelry and accessories must not be distracting to the interview. Avoid clothing that is ill-fitting, revealing, casual or unprofessional.

Ensure your hair is properly combed or brushed. If you wear aftershave or perfume, choose something with a light fragrance; avoid anything that is “overpowering”. For ladies, light make-up is permitted. Ensure you appear fresh and relaxed.

Documents

Be sure to place the important documents, references and information in a presentable well- organized folder. A folder wit clear plastic sheets is handy and you can display all your certificates nicely without having to take them in and out of an envelope. Some applicants bring their documents and references rolled up or all crumpled and folded—this creates an impression of a disorganized person. Make it easy for you to display all your documents easily to your prospective employer. Carry the folder in a presentable briefcase that makes you look professional. Avoid shopping and travel bags.

Mental preparation

Our minds need dressing up just like our physical bodies. Prepare yourself mentally. Spend some time to review your achievements and praise yourself for what you have done so far. This is not the time to be self- critical or compare yourself with others. Tell yourself that the fact they want to interview you means half the battle is won, you have gotten a foot in the door. Visualize yourself succeeding at the interview and being happy with how you performed. If necessary, practice and rehearse how you will respond and conduct yourself. Practice speaking out your answers to frequently asked questions at interviews so that you can do it naturally. If the interview is in the morning, try to have an early night the day before the interview. For an afternoon interview, avoid scheduling activities 2 to 3 hours before the interview in order to arrive at the interview clam and relaxed.

Timing

Allow sufficient time for travel so that you get there on time. Bring more than 15 minutes early is a little rude but being even a minute late is very rude. If your interview is in a large building, you may have to wait for elevators that may take a long time. Allow sufficient time, get there early and monitor the situation. Walk around if you are early but keep track of time. If you need to use the restroom, do so before you do for the interview.

Walking in the door

It’s hard to tell what to expect behind that door. It could be a busy office with many people, or a very quiet office where everyone looks up when you enter the door. Many people forget to smile as a result of nervousness. You cannot see your face but others can. Walk with a confident stride and a smile. Be nice to everyone, not just the interviewer. Do not touch anything in the interviewer’s office or in the open reception area. Just sit quietly and wait. If you are concerned about having to wait a long time, bring along a book to read. Some employers may make you wait on purpose to see how you react to those around you and if you get impatient. Sometimes you may have to wait because they may have a problem to solve. Remember that they do not interview people for a living, they have business as usual to conduct

Filling forms

Some employers may want you to fill a form before the interview. Do not attach the resume and write “refer to resume” on the form. If they wanted a resume, they would have asked you for it. If they want you to fill a form, complete it properly, include all information and check for accuracy. As tedious as it may be, form filling is a routine chore you have to come to terms with if you are a job seeker. Always bring your own pen that you are comfortable using, in case you have to fill a form.

Personality tests/ other tests

You may be asked to sit for a test or a series of tests. Do them willingly and do your best. Answer the question or do the exercises to the best of your ability. Do not panic if you cannot finish the test in the time specified or if you are unable to answer the questions or exercises. Read the instructions for the test carefully. If unsure, clarify before you commence the test. What matters is not how you perform but whether you are willing to give yourself a chance.

Telephone interviews

Some companies use telephone interviews to draw up their shortlist so it is worth giving some thought to how you would cope with this technique. In many ways you need to prepare for a phone interview in the same way as you would for a face-to face interview. In this instance it is particularly important to think of some questions that you may want to ask the interviewer. You should also try and ensure that you have some privacy—so try and find a quiet phone that you can use. Then you need to get yourself into interview ‘mode’. Try and imagine you are sitting in front of the interviewer and use facial expressions as you would in a one to one interview because your attitude and frame of mind is always reflected in your voice—so don’t forget to smile and be positive.

Don’t forget the 5W’s – Who, What, Where, Why and When

Prepare honest and persuasive answers to likely questions such as:

• Why do you want to join us?
• What can you bring to the job/ company?
• Why did you leave your last job or why are you leaving your present job?
• Tell me about your last/ present job?
• How will you set about tackling this job if you are successful?
• What do you think the main changes will be between your last/ present job and this one?

During the Interview

DOs

§ Be positive—watch your body language. E.g. don’t cross your arms (it gives the impression of putting up a barrier between you and the interviewer), make frequent eye contact, good posture is important

§ Listen—engage in active listening; acknowledge that you understand what is communicated by nodding your head or verbal acknowledgement

§ Reply to any questions clearly and concisely

§ Make note of points to return to

§ Be courteous to everyone you meet

§ Be honest

DON’Ts

§ Interrupt

§ Fidget

§ Shift or move about frequently on the chair you are seated

§ Let your mind wander

§ Be afraid to sell yourself

§ Just answer with a yes or no—expand

Remember to thank the interviewer for seeing you and again shake his/ her hand firmly and confirm that you want the job. Remember to believe in yourself, your skills and abilities. You wouldn’t have been selected for the interview in the first place if the company didn’t think you could be the right person for the job. Every interview is a learning experience and each one teaches you a little bit more about what to say and do and what to avoid. If you are unsuccessful then don’t be too dismayed—there is always a next time. The better your interview technique the more likely it is that you will succeed.

After the Interview

You need to take a systematic approach to this. Record your notes on each interview, for example, who you met, what they asked about you, what you feel about the job and the interview process. This will come in useful especially if you get offered the job. We often meet applicants who are torn between two jobs. Such is life: when you get offered one job, you usually get another one soon after! Your prospective employer will expect you to give them an answer soon. You need to make decisions based on your impressions and not the interviews you attend.

If the interviewer has requested you to call him/ her, make sure you do. Even if you have decided that you don’t want the job, it is only courteous to call the interviewer to inform him/ her of your decision. You may never know when you may need their assistance again.

Write a short thank you note to the interviewer for his/ her time and reiterate a couple of your strengths, which makes you a highly suitable candidate. Very few candidates do this. The discreet aim of the thank you note is to get him/ her to take a “second look” at your application and assist in “recalling” you as a short—listed candidate.

Some useful pointers to think about:

1. Do you like the job?

2. Do you like the company?

3. Can you do the job?

4. Do you think the company needs someone like you to do this job?

Why do you think they are hiring you?

5. Do your values match those of the company? Mentally put yourself through a day in the job in that company, what will your typical day be like?

TRUST YOUR GUT FEEL, your feelings about a situation or a job is probably right!

Do not compromise yourself and accept a job just for the sake of a job. You are going to spend a major part of your life working—make it work for you!

What if you get turned down?

Do not put yourself down. Remember that there will be something better waiting for you out there.

If you want to, you may wish to ring up the employer and ask him why you were not selected, but very few employers will be honest. You can only do this with those you feel comfortable with.

1. Think about possible areas that may have caused a problem for you at the interview. Could it be something you said or did during the interview?

2. Be in touch about how you feel about the rejection. Clear any negative feelings before you go to your next interview.

3. Speak to friends and ask for advice if you feel a need.

4. Engage a career coach for guidance.

5. Keep looking for your perfect job, never give up!

Preparing for Interview Checklist

1. Put your resume and certificates in a folder so that you can present these with ease.

2. Prepare yourself mentally; see yourself doing well at the interview.

3. For morning interview, have an early night before the interview. For an afternoon interview, avoid any activities to 2-3 hours before the interview so that you are calm and relaxed.

4. Get there on time; give allowance for elevator travel time if your interview is to be held in a larger building.

5. Walk into the prospective employer’s office with a smile and confident stride.

6. Be prepared to wait.

7. Be willing to do tests, if required.

8. Allow enough time for the interview. Try not to have other appointments on the same day, so that you can be available if they want to meet another person who makes the hiring decision.

9. Be prepared to attend more than one interview.

10. Be proud of your achievements and who you are. You deserve this job.

Think, Reflect, Choose

Dear fellow Filipinos,

Election is yet to come. We are again faced with one of the hardest decisions to take. This is not new to us anymore. Learn from our mistakes from the past and look ahead.

This upcoming election is neither about the people who will run nor their planned reforms. This is about politics per se. Their planned projects and reforms are less important until they succumb to the roots of the dilemma—unity amongst all players of politics and the people.

Fellow Filipino, we have a role in this election. Let us reflect on each candidate and weigh each of their competencies and capabilities to lead us and build a single community in which all of us will be in a common direction, in a common goal.

BusinessTrends (A Kelly Services Company) is one with the Filipino community in hoping for excellent choice and peaceful elections.