How To Prepare For That Nerve-Racking Job Interview?

Employers are looking out for something specific when they conduct an interview. You need to ensure that you word your answer in a structured manner. Straight to the point, relevant and notable. You want to give a positive lasting impression.

  1. It is always ideal to treat every interview as your very first. You will have the right motivation to do as much preparation as possible.
  2. Have the “Study hard to excel” attitude. Research and understand extensively of the company before the interview. If possible, try to find out more about the interviewers it is always good to know their personality as well as working experience before meeting them. LinkedIn is a useful platform.
  3. Prepare approximately five questions to ask during the interview. It is to express genuine interest and seriousness in wanting the role. Questions should be relevant to the job scope, expectations of the position, about the company structure, and such. Do note that some questions may be sensitive and hence the need to phrase your sentences carefully.
  4. Plan your route down to the interview location and estimate the time duration. The last thing you want is to have difficulty locating the office. Do give yourself an additional 20 to 30 minutes for unforeseen traffic conditions or problems in finding the venue.
  5. Invest in a proper set of fitting formal outfit.

The first impression is likely made in the first thirty seconds. You do not want to give a negative impression to the interviewer before you even get a chance to share about your impressive work experience!

(See our other article: How to perform well on the actual day of the interview?)

Written by Gabriel

How To Perform Well On The Actual Day of The Interview?

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of preparation in nailing a job interview. Being well-prepared is just half the battle won. The other half comes when you enter the battlefield knowing what to expect, the strategies to win and to ace it.

  1.  Give yourself ample time to travel to the interview location. You will be able to stay relaxed and composed.
  2. Stand and greet the interviewer(s) with a smile and a firm handshake. An obvious point to make but sometimes it may just slip your mind.
  3. An interview is supposed to be a 2-way conversation. Slot in the questions that you have prepared when appropriate. It is rude to cut in when the other is talking.
  4.  At the end of the interview, the interviewer(s) will usually end off by asking if there are any other questions. Most candidates will say no and leave. Ideally, it would be good to keep one question for the end. If not, you can stick to “May I know if I have done well in this interview, and if not, do you have any advice for me to improve on?”.

The key takeaway point is that preparation and performance go hand-in-hand for a successful interview!

Written by Gabriel

The Importance of Interviews

In most companies, the Human Resources Department handles the initial stages of recruitment. Interviews allow both potential employers and employees to decide if the individual’s skills and character align with the firm’s needs and culture.

While it is a common belief that interviewees should prepare extensively for a work interview, HR should not be easing off on preparations. After all, HR is responsible for vetting and identifying the most potential.

Interviews are when you gather helpful knowledge about a potential colleague that you cannot get out of one’s resume.

You do not want your company to lose a potential talent because you came across as unprofessional or lack the proper etiquette and knowledge that an HR personnel should possess. The first impression is significant, and HR is likely the first point of contact for the interviewee and serves as a representative of the firm.

Recruiting a suitable candidate is vital to the success of the company. Preparation is crucial, and so is an unbiased comparison of candidates. It would be best to prepare a set of standard must-have questions, read through the resume thoroughly, and note down additional questions for every individual. It is also good to be aware of the different and unusual queries that interviewees ask!

Written by Rose
Corporate Communications Lead

Edited: 12 April 2022