|
The Urbanwire Job Interview
Guide >>>
|
|
By Jolene Limuco • Urbanwire
|
Next month, thousands of Polytechnic leavers will find themselves free from academia and plunged into the working world. With the economic situation being what it is and a war raging on, the typically difficult time fresh grads have jostling for well-paying jobs that form the foundation for a life of employment is made even harder. The challenge of the job interview is the first and most important hurdle to cross. Don't know what to expect if you've been granted 1? Haven't got a clue what to wear? Don't worry. Urbanwire has put together a guide on gearing up for that all-important interview. The Importance of Nonverbal Communication >>> The
Straits Times Job Special article on Feb 3 told us what many
suspected, that Ngee
Ann Polytechnic lecturer, Mrs. Choo Cheh Hoon, who teaches Professional
Preparation, warns that since more people are chasing even fewer
jobs, job hunters should With unemployment at an all-time high, you may find yourself even competing with people with experience, and it's thus vital to project yourself as a superior candidate. Unless daddy owns the business, you're most likely to secure a job through an interview. The job interview is the crucial stage for the employer to determine if you're suited for the job. Mrs. Choo says that while an interview is a foot in the door, "You're being hired hinges on how well you perform at the interview according to the expectations of the interviewers, on how you handle the questions, and whether you have the personality that suits the corporate culture and job." After sending out countless resumes, you finally land an interview with a favourable company. So what next?
"Know yourself,
know your adversary and you'll win every battle," Chinese philosopher
Sun Tzu tells you in his famed strategy manual Art of War. In the
book Interview For Success by Caryl Rae Krannich and Ronald L. Krannich,
have interpreted this as identifying your strengths and weaknesses.
Your list will help you and your interviewer see how your You can review
your strengths and weaknesses by reading up on psychometric tests
or asking friends to objectively tell you your traits. You can also
try some psychometric tests online at MySkillsProfile.com
or you can take the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Test online at The other crucial part of the Sun Tzu equation is to do research on the company, although it isn't your enemy strictly, it's something you want to conquer by the end of your interview. This is one of the most important steps, you must know the background of the organisation and evaluate if you can assimilate into the company. Mrs. Choo
advises doing your homework to gain an advantage over the other
interview candidates, "Check out the company's background,
its size, type of ownership, corporate culture, products and services,
the job itself, the scope of work, routine, reporting structure,
skills needed. This shows how serious you are about the job and
also enables you to Being able to name someone in the company you have been talking to shows your resourcefulness, determination and gives them someone else whose opinions of you they can seek.
Another key preparation strategy is to practice answers to commonly asked questions. Most likely, the interviewer will ask you why you want the job and what you can offer to the company. You might also be asked to describe yourself and talk about your interests and hobbies. You should prepare answers and practise them, but don't memorise the answers, or you may come across as stiff and unnatural. There's also the possibility that your mind will go blank if you forget a word or 2 and hit the panic button. As Mrs. Choo puts it, "your answers might sound rather clichéd or fake, or you might ramble on or 'over-sell' yourself. You must learn to listen well, and answer to the point." ReachField
HR Group, a local recruitment agency, also said that an interview
is also your The Importance of Nonverbal Communication What you project through your body language is just as important as what you say. Your personality will radiate through your posture, gestures and overall presentation of yourself. Although some might argue that paralanguage is innate and hard to correct within a short span of time, the least you should do is arrive at the interview looking presentable. This doesn't
mean that you come in your weekend best, with high-heels, as a walking
fashion statement. There are specific guidelines for dressing appropriately
for an interview. First of all, you have to know the dress code
of the company you're applying to. Like it or not, your dressing
will tell them how well you'll fit in the corporate culture. For
example, if you're hoping to land a job in a bank, it's not advisable
to show up in bright colours and open-toed sandals. Because banks
are conservative, you should abide by the norms and expected dressing
styles so as not to look sloppy and inadequate. On the other hand,
if you're applying for a job in the creative field, you should play
up your individuality. You also want
the interviewer to like you, according to Interview for Success,
employers will hire people they like, and who can interact seamlessly
with them as well as other staff members. Follow simple tips
on making yourself more likeable; these are general rules of
any formal interaction. Another important point to note is listening to the interviewer. By giving him your full attention, the interviewer will appreciate that you are genuine and polite. One of the most
common misconceptions about getting the job is that the most
qualified person, with the best educational credentials and
work experience will be the first choice. Although, qualifications
are major criteria, employers hire for many different reasons
including emotional ones. According to Interview for Success,
employers want to know how Another myth not many are aware of is that there are interviews arranged to project an image that they are objectively selecting the right candidate. Adds, Mrs. Choo, "Some interviews are sheer whitewash. The man or the woman for the job has already been chosen, but most companies must appear to be objective, an ad is put up and candidates are called in for an interview following these so-called companies' SOPs (standard operating procedures)." If you have done your research on the organisation, and anticipated questions you will be asked, your job interview should be a breeze. However, most people get the heebie-jeebies right before meeting the employer or the interviewer. It's normal to feel nervous, so what do you do right before the interview? First of all,
never be late. If first impressions count, being late can be
the biggest mistake you'll make. If you don't know exactly where
the company is, leave your house at least half an hour before
the estimated travelling time you need. You might even want
to visit the location a day before to familiarise yourself with
the area. It is also advisable to visit the rest room before entering the office. Imagine having to excuse yourself during the interview or stay put with a look of agony on your face! While waiting
for the interview, try to talk to or observe the receptionist or
any of the staff in the organisation. You can find out more about
the company, and further assess the corporate environment. Likewise,
you might want to pick up company literature, or look at the trophies
or achievements that many companies showcase. You never know, the
bits trained, he will ease you into the interview with warm-up questions. If not, try to keep your cool, and remember your nonverbal communication. Keep in mind that an unsuccessful interview doesn't necessarily mean you're not qualified for the job. Different companies value different qualities when hiring. As Mrs. Choo explains, "[A successful interview is] one that matches the interviewee's and interviewer's expectations." At any rate, the experience should make the next interview even simpler. Here's a list of guides for further information on job interviews:
|
