The reason why a person is being interviewed is to know if they are the right one for the job. The employer wants to know more about you. So, try to share relevant information about yourself that will also give you an advantage to get the job.
1) Review your CV
- Most of the interviewers will based their questions on your CV.
- If you did not work for a while. you need to construct a perfect explanation as to why you haven't been working. Make it positive like moving to a new place, taking a Masteral, or taking care of a relative.
2) When asked to "Tell something about yourself."
Remember to write something about yourself beforehand then memorize it.
- Start with your name, age, where you were born, parents & their work, how many siblings you have. A family-oriented person is more likely to be hired. Be positive as you tell something about your family irregardless of your situation maybe. Like if your parents are separated, say something good about the ones that are taking care of you.
- Your educational background. If you haven't finished College yet, that can still work to your advantage especially if you have been a working student.
Even if you have already finished college, it will still be a plus if you have taken short courses in the past and still plan to take one in the future. This will show that you are still willing to learn or trainable.
- Your previous work. Yes, all of your work experience. Summarize it. Make it concise. Just get all the important details about your previous work.
3) Ready your answers for the commonly asked questions like,
Why should we hire you?
- You can based this on your previous work experience.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Turn your weakness into a strength, "My weakness is that I tend to be too kind, I always find goodness in others which can be abused at times." If asked why? "When someone is asking for help, I find it hard to turn them down. So, I sometimes sacrifice my own needs."
How do you see yourself 5 years from now?
- Best answer will be, "Still in the Company and promoted, I hope." Hoping for a promotion means that you are looking for a long term job.
What was the hardest situation you faced in your previous work?
- These can be the complaints you encountered and how you solved it. Always end it with something you've learned from the said situation.
- "Resigning." You may also say this, especially if the reason why you left the previous company was to take care of your family, move to another place and other similar reasons.
4) Ask for relevant questions
To do this, you need to learn about the company. Like, if it is a big company you can ask them how many branches they have and if there are any plans to open other branches anytime soon.
You can actually make your answer sounds like you've really researched details about the company. This will indicate that you are really interested in working for them.
Ask how long will it be before you will know about the result of the interview and who should you call, if you want to follow up on this.
WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR IN THE INTERVIEW
What to wear will depend on the company. To be sure, don't forget to ask the HR personnel you receive the call from. Once you know what the dress code will be, don't forget do the following as well.
- Boys, should look neat. Get a haircut, clean those nails, spray some perfume.
- Girls, proper hairdo, avoid high lights on your hair & shocking colors for your nails.
Make up and nail colors should be earth tone.
For your advantage, observe what their personnel looked like. Make your looks somewhat similar to those working for the company.
Wear a watch. This will make you look organized.
Wear a smile on your face.
HOW TO CARRY YOURSELF IN AN INTERVIEW
It is normal to feel nervous in an interview but make yourself look confident. By doing the following:
- Sit properly. Don't slouch.
- Maintain eye contact. This will show sincerity in your answers.
- Smile. This will make your interviewer at ease as well.
- You voice should be audible & modulated. The interviewer should be able to hear and understand your answers. Once you have written everything that might be asked on the interview try listening to yourself as well. The important thing is that you will sound credible and confident.
ONE LAST REMINDER, Don't be late on the interview. For an interviewer, first impression really last. So, don't be late.
I hope this helped you a lot.
