Interview tips

• Pre-interview preparation
• During the Interview
• Closing the Interview
• The Offer

Pre-interview preparation
Preparation is critical for the achievement of a successful interview. To get the most from an interview, you must know what you want, what skills you are selling and who you are selling them to.

Nothing impresses the interviewer more than a candidate who is well-informed on the basic facts about the company and its range of products and services

Being familiar with the functions and responsibilities of the job you are applying for, as well as the critical success factors required for the job, distinguishes you from the rest of the candidates

Assess your strengths and weaknesses, so that you can market yourself well during the interview

Prepare some answers for common questions asked during the interview, so that you would not be caught off-guard

Prepare in advance a few questions to pose during the end of the interview to show your interest in the company

An innocent mistake on the venue, time of the interview and the interviewer's full name and designation is unforgivable

Prepare a list of important documents to bring along for the interview such as identity card, photographs, educational certificates, copies of resume, etc.

During the Interview
The interview is where the interviewer determines the right match for the job. It is the opportunity for you to present yourself in the best possible light.

To kick off an interview looking flustered does not impress the interviewer. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes earlier so that you can relax

Greet the interviewer with an enthusiastic smile

Offer a firm handshake and sit down only when invited

Sit upright and maintain good eye contact to convey sincerity, openness, self-confidence and interest

Listen to questions attentively and answer them directly. Be clear and concise

Show enthusiasm

Avoid unnecessary negative comments about your present or previous employers and co-workers

Describe your career aspirations, motivation and drive to show you possess more than a good academic record

Closing the Interview
The manner with which you end the interview should strengthen your position in the interviewer's mind.

Summarise your core competencies and strengths

Let the interviewer know if you are interested in the position

Request for a second interview (if any)

Don't be discouraged if no commitment is made. The interviewer will need to interview more candidates before making a decision

Thank the interviewer for his time and consideration

Send a Thank You letter immediately after every job interview. A follow-up letter should be more than a polite thank-you. Crafted properly, it can be a powerful selling tool. The letter should clearly outline your interest and ability to succeed in the new position

The Offer
Evaluate if you are still interested in the position

If yes, confirm your acceptance of the interviewer's job offer

If no, decide how to reject the offer tactfully. Maintaining a good relationship is helpful for future networking purpose

Don't be discouraged easily. It is extremely normal for an individual to attend a few interviews with different companies before being shortlisted by one. Treat every interview as a valuable lesson. Learn from your mistakes and improve. In no time, your will breeze through the interview that will land you your ideal job.