Overcoming Job Interviews’ Anxiety & Pass with Flying Colours!

1. Pre-Interview

� What happens before interview

2. While Interview

� What might happen/ expected to happen

during interview

3. Post-Interview

� What should follow next

Phone interview- often considered as

‘screening interview’

- if the employer invited you to an interview,

take down important info about;

1. Date, day, time of interview

2. The address/ location for the interview and

the direction to reach it (if you are not

familiar with the place)

3. Name(s) of the interviewer(s) and person

you should meet before interview

EARLY PREPARATION IS KEY!1. Self-assessment – understand what you

have (qualification, exp, skills) and how they relate to the job you applied

2. Research – learn some info about the company (services, products, size, as well career opportunities they have to offer)

3. Mock-interview – practice with friend(s) on answering likely interview questions

FIRST IMPRESSION MATTERS!� Dress to impress, but don’t overdo it

� 2 types of clothing recommended for

interview;

1. Business Pro (common) – shirts, slacks, ties,

shoes

2. Business Casual (rare) – open-necked shirts

(collar) , pair of trousers

� Some final few reminders;

1. Arrive early before interview time

2. Don’t bring ‘excess luggage’ to the interview

– psychological & physical

3. Prepare clear leaf folder containing relevant

certs/ documents beforehand

4. Use the toilet efficiently before interview

5. Relax

� At the door – courtesy (greeting)

� Firm handshakes (men) vs ‘dead fish’

� Eye contact

� Smile occasionally

� Ask permission to be seated

� Address interviewer with title (Mr, Ms, Dr etc)

� Sit still and never slouch on the chair

� Avoid fidgeting

� When answering questions, speak in clear

tone, normal speed

� Avoid making jokes

� Look at the interviewer(s) in their face(s), not

other body parts!

� Don’t move too much

� Ask for clarification if you don’t understand

certain questions

� Ask for repeat if you didn’t get the question

TO AVOID DURING INTERVIEW!- Don’t take phone calls during interview- Don’t make excuses/ speak negatively of your

past experiences- Don’t speak negatively of your past

employers/ lecturers/ supervisors etc- Don’t falsify your answers – be honest- Don’t give impression you are interested with

the job because of the salary/ location

- Don’t treat interview casually (even if it is a

practice)

- Don’t ask about salary/ benefits unless

brought up by the interviewer

- Don’t show you are desperate for the job

- Don’t show frustration during interview

� Typical interview structure;

1. Small talk (5 mins) – random general

questions

2. Mutual discussion (15 mins) – questions

about your background and credentials

(qualification)

3. Interviewee ask question(s) (5 mins)

4. Conclusion of interview (5 mins)

� Mutual discussion – some common

questions;

1. “Tell me about yourself”

2. “Tell me about you most rewarding

experience”

3. “What are your strengths”

4. “What are your weaknesses”

5. “Why should we hire you?”

6. “What are your goals?”

7. “Why do you want to work here?”

8. “What salary are you seeking?”

9. “Describe yourself in one word”

10. “When could you start work?”

11. “Do you have any plan for further

education?”

12. “Is there anything else you’d like to tell me?”

� Interviewee questions – some examples;

1. “What are the main objectives of this

position?”

2. “What’s the best thing about working at your

company?”

3. “What kind of working environment your

company provides?”

4. “Does the company provide internal or

external training for the workers?”

5. “What career advancement opportunity

available for this position?”

6. “Can you describe the company’s

management style?”

7. “What are you looking for in a candidate?”

8. “How did the position become available?”

� Follow-up with ‘thank you’ note to the

interviewer

� After 2 or 3 weeks after interview and no

answer, call or write to ask the status

� Employer might ask you to provide additional

info (reference letter, transcripts) for follow

up

� If successful, you’ll be called for second

interview (good chance to get hired)