Page 408 - PARAMETER B

INTERVIEW TIPS

1. Research about the company
The Employer- Find the type of company you would like to work for. Find the industry that you see

yourself not just starting a career at but seeing yourself ahead where you’ll grow as an employee,

contribute to your employer and be influential to your colleagues.
The Company– Make sure it is legal. Read their Company Profile. Know what they offer, who their

clients are and what their mission and vision is.

The Interviewer– It gives great pleasure for Employers/Interviewers to know that an applicant has
knowledge on their company. This gives an impression that the applicant has great interest not only

in just getting a job but for the company as well.

2. First Impression

Be at the office or meeting place 15 minutes before the schedule. Should there be an uncontrollable
situation for you to be late, apologize and explain the reason to the interviewer.

- Make sure that you have powdered your nose, fixed your hair, clothes etc. and look presentable. Be

courteous. Greet your interviewer (even the guards and the front desk officer) a “Good

morning/afternoon/evening”.
3. During the Interview

-Wear a pleasant face. Smile if necessary but not too hard.

-Don’t be stiff even if you’re nervous as this will have an effect to how you think. Try to be

comfortable but not too relaxed. Don’t slouch.
-Put you mobile phone on silent mode or turn it off.

-If you need something in your hands to make you feel at ease, use a handkerchief. Do not play

around with a pen, folder, bag or anything that will cause distraction.
-Be confident and don’t get intimated even if the interviewer seems like s/he’s going to eat you alive.

-Maintain eye contact.

-Don’t remove your shoes and play with it.

-After the interview, thank the interviewer for the time given to you and offer a handshake.

ANSWERING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

-Answer only what’s being asked. Do not beat around the bush and give direct answer.
-When faced with a negative question, answer honestly but always end it with a positive note.

-Organize your thoughts when answering trick questions. Think fast on your feet.

-Listen to the question and analyse carefully. Provide step by step solutions and think of options.

-Provide sample from your previous work to support your answers as these will determine your
future work behaviour.

-Align your answer with past behaviors and core competencies relevant to the opening as this will

determine if you have skills needed for the job.

-If you did not understand the question, ask the interviewer to rephrase it instead of you giving you
giving a wrong answer.

-When given an opportunity, ask questions about the job vacancy. You can ask about more

information on the job specification, how many headcount needed, where the person would be based,
what work schedule would be given and how urgent is the position.