PURPOSE OF INTERVIEWS

Most people think that the purpose of the interview is to allow employer to see your suitability.

Yes. You are only 50% right. The other 50% is for you to see if you are really suitable for the job. Just as the employer can choose you, you are also in a position to see if the job is really what you want. So, interview is a two-way process and not a one way traffic.

INTERVIEWER TO KNOW YOU

As it is the employer who initiates the interview, the employer has a need to meet-that is to select from among a pool of candidates the one that is most suitable to fit into the job. Therefore, the interviewer will ask questions and constantly comparing you with other candidates to make his choice.

YOU TO KNOW THE ORGANIZATION & JOB

The other purpose of the interview is for you to ascertain the job nature, the work environment, test the chemistry with your potential employer. Therefore, it is crucial for you to prepare a list of questions to ask specifically about the jobs.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW - KNOW THE EMPLOYER

Once you are invited for an interview, you should spare no effort in preparing it well just like you had prepared for your examination.

First, find out as much as you can about the organization through company web site, annual reports, trade journal and ask for information from the company's PR department.

Next, try to find out about the job that you are going to be interviewed for. Again, you can search several sites from the world wide web for rich resources on the various jobs.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Prepare a list of questions and answer them yourself first. Get ready job specific questions.

REHEARSE YOUR INTERVIEW

Practice makes perfect. Rehearse out in front of a mirror the questions that you want to ask or the information that you are prepared to share for the interviews.

DURING THE INTERVIEW - GET READY DOCUMENTS

Bring at least three sets of your resumes or more to the interview as sometimes, there may be more than one interviewer. Get ready photocopies of your relevant certificates and bring along the original one too.

ARRIVING EARLY

Give yourself enough allowance and always arrive at least 10 minutes early. If you can, visit the washroom prior to the interview to "touch up" and look your best.

GREET THE RECEPTIONISTS

Be polite and courteous to any one that you come into contacts with. It is important to leave good impression with all personnel in the company.

FOLLOW THE PACE OF THE INTERVIEWER

Speak and follow the pace of the interviewer. Answer questions post to you first before you ask them questions. Do not take more than 10 minutes to answer each question.

ASK RELEVANT QUESTIONS

Speak with confidence and ask relevant job related questions before you leave. Failure to ask question may be interpreted as no interest for the job. On the other hand, it is not appropriate to ask about company benefits. Just take it that it is normal company benefits with annual leave, sick leave, etc.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW - EVALUATE PROS & CONS

Do a post-mortem analysis to see if you are really suitable for the jobs at hand before the company makes you an offer. The purpose of the interview is not just to jump at any job that comes your way. You have to find out if you are prepared to take up the ups and downs that this job entails.

WRITE OR EMAIL THANK YOU NOTE

It is a polite gesture to send a thank you note or email the interviewer for taking her time to see you. You can build good network with the hiring manager.

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