Interview Tips from Jobstreet

Here are some tips on how to leave a great impression on your potential employer (by Jobstreet)




Confidence

Nervousness or being jittery are common feelings experienced by a candidate during interview. Avoid feeling inadequate for the position you are applying to. The fact that you were requested for an interview means that you were pre-qualified by the recruiter based on your resume alone. It also means you have bested some of the other candidates for the position.

Another way to gain confidence is to research information about the company before your interview. Gaining knowledge about the company would give you the confidence when you are asked what you know about the company.

Learning opportunity and Improvement

Treat every interview as a learning experience and a way to improve. If you have not been successful from your previous interviews, do not let it frustrate you. Try to remember what questions you had difficulty answering, and learn how to come up with a better answer. When similar questions are again asked, you will be prepared to come up with a better answer.

Interviews can also be a way an opportunity to learn something about the company, other people and even your self. If you are given the chance to ask, do not be afraid to ask about the company or the position you are applying for. This will give the interviewer the impression that you are interested to learn more about their company.

Showing up for a confirmed interview

Being late for an appointment or failure to show up for an interview on an agreed time will create a negative impression against you. As a candidate, it is your responsibility to show up to an agreed schedule. If for some unforeseen reason, you will not be able to attend the interview, you must inform your interviewer 24 hours before the appointment. But make sure that you have a valid reason in resetting the appointment.

*The article is from Jobstreet
*The cartoon is not, but it's funny

4 Ways To Impress Your Interviewer. Typical Interview Questions All Applicants Should Know!

I have played the role of interviewer so many times while I was a recruitment staff for an international company as well as later on when I became a marketing manager for my next company. However I have also experience the flip side where I was the person being interviewed. Here are some of the things I learned on how to impress your interviewer

1. Be on time. There's nothing worse than arriving late for your interview. You create a bad impression for yourself as well as a bad precedence. If you're late for the interview, how will you fare when you get hired? Most likely the interviewer will assume you will also be frequently late. I for one, am not a fan of tardiness. As much as possible be on time for all your appointments. Don't waste other people's time please.
2. Dress to impress. Whatever the position you're applying for, always dress appropriately. Ask around if you don't know what the dress code is for the company you're applying or the position you desire. It's always best to know in advance. I had an interview once and failed in that area, good thing I was on my toes when answering all the questions. This is still not excuse though, I'm not saying you may get the job if you're dressed well but you have nothing in your head, but being dressed well will make a great first impression and the interviewer will note that.
3. Be prepared. Research the company. It's always good to know the basics. Know what the company is about and what job you're getting into. Interviewers are looking for the perfect fit for each position. The more you know about the position and the company, the more leverage you have versus other applicants.
   
4. Be attentive. Listen well to the questions and make sure you answer them concisely and correctly. At the start you will be asked the typical interview:

• Tell me something about yourself
• Why did you choose to apply for this position?
• Why do you want to work for us?
• How do you see yourself 3 years from now?
• How do you take criticism?
• Would you rather work alone or with a team?
• What is your basic experience relating to the position you are applying for?
• Why should we hire you?

In any or all cases, a few of these questions will pop up during the interview probably worded differently but those are the basics. The rest will probably be more position-related and probably technical in nature. So might as well get ready for those too