Interviews. Ah. It’s like a breath of fresh air. It’s a chance to a new lease of career bliss. Prepare well for it, you will smoothly glide through it. Irrespective of the outcome, there’s always a lesson learnt.
Check list: the firm handshake. Dress code. Resume. Crucial basic grooming (Note: the nails!)
What works: Speaking in tongues (before the interview, under your breath) help calms the nerves and up the confidence.
1. “I hated my last boss.”
Okay, yes, statistics states that the no.1 reason people change jobs is to escape their current boss. If you have nothing nice to say about him / her, then don’t say much at all. To them, if you could relate this way about your ex-boss, you most likely will revert to this when you exit their company.
Tip: Be prepared to explain what type of organisation is right for you, and type of management style you best respond to.
2. “I don’t know anything about the company.”
In this age of technology, it’s no excuse not to find out more about the company. Google it, and chances are you will find a very updated website of the company. Huge possibility the interviewer will ask what you know about the company. If you say you don’t know anything about it, the interviewer will wonder why you’re applying for the job and will probably conclude you’re after money, position and not a career.
What works: Can’t find a particular info of the company? Try calling up and quizzing the receptionist for some As to Qs that you feel may come up during the interview!
3. “No, I don’t have any questions for you.”
Oops, many are guilty of this. It could just be our Asian culture. “Pai sieh lah”. Asking good question shows that you have done sufficient prep work before the interview. It also shows the employer just how keen you are in securing a job with them.
Tip: Know / prepare beforehand what you intend to ask. Any job-related question is a good filler for those silent awkward moments some might face during interviews.
4. “I’m going to need to take these days off.”
Work hard, play just as hard. However, requesting days off before being offered the job may trigger the lack-of-commitment alarm. Exercise wisdom when treading in this area. If it’s a prior commitment that you have signed up for, then rest assured it will work out. Somehow. All things work for the good of those who love the Lord!
5. “How long until I get a promotion?”
It’s good to show an employer you are ambitious and looking at the big picture. Let’s not come across as brass and arrogant. Engage in a tactful conversation about it. Reword it, diplomatically.
Tip #1: Ask the interviewer the typical career path for the position.
Tip #2: Ask the interviewer why the position is open. You might find out it’s due to a promotion and can use that information to learn more about career opportunities.
Remember: promotion comes from the Lord J
6. “I don’t have any extra curricular activities”
Employers love to know how you balance work with all the other responsibilities in life. Buzzword with multinationals now is community service. They are even offering their time hours to giving back to the community.
Tip: Passionately involved in church’s Community-focused arm / activity could work to be that icing on your resume.
Last but not least. Go for it!
All the best, *wernlu*
