The Prep
- Make sure your Resume is fully updated and all information needed is furnished with a copy of all the certificates. The best is get it bineded.(a professional outlook)
- Use a Black Pen.
- Make sure bring your originals as well
- Having your friends and family including your cousins as references are not advice-able. Use your Lectures, teachers, managers, instructors. a minimum of 3. The more the better as your resume will look beefy and reliable and ofcourse they can be contacted.
- We all have a past but still as a curtsy inform your reference nominees that you are putting them as references. Most of them will say the good unless you messed up real bad at work.
- Dress professionally best in office attire . A simple shirt tucked in slacks, good office shoes. A neck tie is optional but better worn then not. You are going to work not a party.
- A good cologne ,neat shave and a good haircut (proper grooming). looking like a rock-star does not necessarily work.
- All the above is just representing Discipline.
- Do small research on the company about the goods and also prep on the work related knowledge. What was thought in collage/Uni/School/ect are basic. Go through some journals if needed. Dig from some of your employed friends whom are working on the current on goings. If that friend is not giving you information , he/she is an asshole and not a friend.
- Never put high expectations and overconfidence. Trust me if it does not turn out rite it hurts as bad as a break up. Hope for the best expect the worst.
- Have a good rest no matter how nervous it could be. you need to be in full alert for your brain to function well.
- Avoid going for parties/ drinks/distractions a night before. you need your a game in the upcoming day. Set 30 alarms if you have to for the morning. you know your timing on how long it takes to get ready from bed to the interview avenue.
- If it helps psycho yourself like in even almighty at the mirror " I am Smart. I am Handsome. I am Intelligent. I will get this job" say it 3 times to yourself. Its sort of a self esteem boost.
- Be calm and collected.
- Before registering head to the washroom and freshen up. Adjust whatever needed. I have heard and seen enough people refreshing themselves up in the interview waiting room by digging their nose hair and doing all sorts. Its a horror show.
- Be a friendly. Greet with a smile and a firm handshake. It eases the anxiety level talk and meet the people next to you. They might be people whom you work with or worst employed workers "disguise" as interviewees.
- Be very careful what you say. It takes 3 seconds to build rapport among people. And the first thing they notice is your shoes.
- If can, share ideas and ask around what is to be expected from the interview. Although many are stingy in giving information but sharing will not kill you.Be a good soul and share.
The Interview Session
- Knock the door before entering when you are called upon.
- Ensure your palms are dry (squeeze a hankie or a tissue before going in)
- DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT CHEW GUM WHEN IN THE INTERVIEW
- Greet your interview panel and shake hands with all of them.
- Have eye contact with all of them.
- Place your File on the table and sit only when you are told to be seated.
- Sit firm avoid shaking legs or hands (shows your nervousness) and putting one leg over the other.
- Be confident. Not over confidence. Good confidence can help you get away with murder.
- The interviewers are friendly so they wont eat you but do not be overly relaxed its not a gathering. Be professional
- Introduce yourself. Stick to your self avoid bringing family (mum is a home maker, she has 4 siblings all of them are working in astro, malbro , luckystrke and ect)
- Try to follow your resume format.(Name, Age, Single/married, Mum work Dad / work brother/sister study/work, where you live,what you studied/ are you working)
- Do not overshare information. Do not Lie. Share only relevant information only. By doing so you will not put yourself in a pickle.
- If you are unsure about the answer if its correct or wrong ,just say you'll get back to them and make sure you do.
- Although the Panel has the information in the resume they want you to speak and wants to see if the information telly's.
- Questions like why you left your previous jobs will come up. Answer them the best you can as you know if a slight doubt comes up the reference is always a call away.
- "Why should I hire you" or "what can you contribute to the company " is a famous and common question but the answer is too general to answer . This is where the company background research helps.As for company contribution normally your skill set plays a role and whats your extras in the skill set.(Microsoft office is not an extra ordinary skill set. every Tom , Dick and Harry has them)
- When the panel asks you any questions. Dont be silly on asking if i am hired or why is the sky blue. Ask them feedback about your performance to improve. (This shows willingness in learning and potential) regardless if you are hired or not . Ask them about when can they get back to you about the result of the interview.
- DO NOT FLIRT AND BEING CHEEKY IN AN INTERVIEW its an interview not a partner finding session we have speed dating and tinder for that.
- Before leaving, tell the panel "thank you for the opportunity given and hope to work with you soon". Shake hands with all of them be for you leave.
- And be a good soul and share info with the guys after you. Yes by sharing you may lose out on your opportunity but all good deeds come back to you.
- Go home and forget about the interview and continue with life. If its meant for you, it is yours.
If the result is not up to what you expect, its OK!! Try again and Keep Moving Forward as "Meet the Robinsons" says and just keep swimming as Dory from "Finding Nemo". Its our perseverance is what makes us who we are and brings us to our destination or goals.