Interview Tips

What a hectic working life last week! pfff~


Last Friday, i got a meeting at the meeting room level. While waiting others to come to the meeting, i walked around the floor and passed by two ladies and a guy. Looking at their dress up, I guess they were coming for interview.

Suddenly the guy hi to me and said "takutnya nak interview. tangan dah sejuk ni". I just said "deep breath and relax. Btw, good luck!"

Yeah. Easy to say ha. Hahaha. Padahal masa i interview dulu pun nervous sesangat. Tipu lah kalau tak nervous. But I have a few tips to hentikan that butterfly berterbangan in the stomach.

Here i would love to share Interview Tips that i had practiced it throughout the phase of job hunting-interview thing. Alhamdulillah, so far it works for me. Hope it works for you too.

I think this tips is really makes sense and reliable.


Before the interview


1. Prepare :

| Do a little homework prior to the interview | Browse employers' website and note the important thing about the company i.e. core business, etc. | Review your work experiences | Try to remember/list down your best accomplishment in your career | Do bring a copy of your resume to the interview |


2. Rehearse :

| Try to run a mock interview session with others to practice on your public speaking | Be prepared on the FAQ by employers such as "Why should we hire you?" | Try to answer on information that your new employer will want to know |

If there’s no one can you practice with, practice in front of the mirror. Serious. At least.


3. Rest

| Make sure you get enough rest the night before | You’ll want to be mentally alert | If possible, get a leave for the whole day on your interview day if you are currently working |

I had experienced for an interview which I totally exhausted that day as I had a meeting in the morning before the interview session. I was in a big rush to the interview and got tired. So during the interview, I was too tired to talk. Every question follows with very short answer. The result? Yes, I didn’t get that job! (-_-)


The day of the interview


1. First Impression Counts!

| Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression! | Dress professionally and appropriately | Flip-flop sandals and jeans a big NO| Please don’t wear tight outfit| For men, advisable to wear button down shirt with tie |


2. Be early.

| If possible, try getting to the venue before the actual interview day to see how long it will take you to reach the venue |

For me, public transport may not be reliable at this time. You may have been stuck in heavy traffic. However reasonable your excuses are, they won't change the fact that your chances are reduced if you are late. Remember that first impression counts!

If you are going to be late in case there is an emergency happen, ring your interviewer and let them know. It is a matter of courtesy.


3. Be Positive!

| Don't criticize past employers | Avoid negative comments about past employers. And don't talk too much! You may be shooting yourself in your foot (literally) when you disclose too much of information that you do not wish to be known in the first place |


4. Perform

| Get eye contact with your interviewer | Seat straight and confidently | Take your time to answer | Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat a question | Relax and be calmly confident of your abilities |

It’s all right to be nervous, but let your personality and passion still shine through.


5. Be honest!

| No point lying about your background and/or skills |


Finally, don't give up!

The fact is that you will not be offered every job you applied for. Ask politely if the interviewer can give feedback on you. It may be valuable for improving your skill. Always remember that there is a job out there for you somewhere.

Tips to reduce nervous - As muslim, recite Al-fatihah as many as you can until you feel calm. insyaAllah it helps. Tawakal.

Good luck everyone. Be yourself and be confident!

AA