Friday, 12 October 2007

Interviewing Skills 101 - Details

Here i am going to share with you on the details on maximizing your chances during a interview session:

A)Getting a Makeover:
You need to get yourself some proper working clothes that spell professionalism. Dont safe and borrrow your brother or sister's clothes unless he/she is the very same size as you. If you are re-entering the workforce, ndont assume that what you wore kast time fits or is in fashion. The same will go for your hair, make-up, shoes and bag. Make sure that they complement the professional look you want to achieve.

B)Come Prepared:
Before you go for the interview, do find out as much as you can about the company's history, organization chart structure, culture and future of the business. Prepare a list of answers to the most common int5erview questions mentally, so that you won't be at a complete loss when these questions pop out. Such questions can be easilly found in books in library. Do bring extra copies of your resume, references, original certificates and testimonials and sample of work you have done, if any.

C)Be Punctual
Give yourself extra time for getting lost, traffic jams, or bad weather. Arriving 10 minutes before your appointment will give you time to ctach your breath, freshen up and gather your thoughts.

D)Make a lasting first impression
The moment you step into the room, the interviewers will be silently evaluating how you can carry yourself, your body language and attire. Greet the interviewers with a hello and a firm handshake. Don't sit until your interviewers offer you a seat. Maintain a confident posture and minimize wild hand gestures and actions.

E)Listen
Keep your ears open during the interview. It can be frustrating for the interviewer to ask questions that are not answered properly. Some interviewers may drop hints about what they think about you in their conversation. If you liestenly attentively, the you can act on it and address their concerns.

F)Ask Questions
Lots of interviewees did not pat attention to this factor. An interview is a fact-finding mission for both you and the interviewers, so dont be afraid to ask questions. It's your chance to fill in any gaps in information and issues that have not been adequeately answered to date. It's also a chance to show off the homeowrk you have done with questions about the company's future and strategies.

G)Say "THANK YOU"
Thank the interviewers for the time spent talking to you with a smile and hand-shake. It's basic courtesy. Ask when they will be making their decisions and if yiu should follow up. Send a thank-you note or email when you get back home.

Hope this helps those that are going for interview soon.

Rgds
Sean Chua

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