Interview Skills

Basically, there was a workshop today about “Writing Resumes and Interview Skills” but we didn’t get to cover Writing Resumes.

Some people didn’t show up so I’m compiling my notes for their benefit. :D

Before we start, you need to know that interviews are important because
- They help you get a place in University
- They help you get a Scholarship
- They help you get a Job

Process:
First impression > Handshake/Greeting > Small Talk/Introduction > SRSBSNS aka them asking you questions > you asking them questions > Handshake/Thanks > Exit

Now, you’ve applied for an interview. You probably submitted a form or an application. If you get a call or an email saying that you’ve been shortlisted, make sure to get the following details:

1. When is the interview? (Date, Day, Time)
2. Where is the interview? (Country, State, City, Area, Building, Floor, Landmarks)
3. Who is this? (The person who called you, the person who will interview you, the person in charge)
4. What should I wear? (School Uniform/Casual/Business/Formal)
5. Contact Number (Telephone/Fax/Email of the person who contacted you)
6. Name (Get the full name and get them to spell it properly)

Okay, you are going for an interview. What next? You have to do your homework. Do some research on the University/Company/Scholarship/Job. This will show that you’re interested in the Scholarship/University/Job. Information can be obtained from the Internet, Magazines, Books, Brochures and word of mouth. You should research the following areas:

1. Office Location. (Down to which room, which floor, landmarks and everything)
2. Product and Services/ Courses and Programmes (What do they offer, for how long, how much)
3. Customers/Students/Parents (Who they cater to and who’s their target audience)
4. Competitors (which you should avoid mentioning in the interview)
5. Philosophy
6. History
7. Recent News
8. Financial info (Salaries and Stocks/Allowances and Grants)

Sites you can use: http://www.google.com OR http://www.bing.com
If you can find any information at all, arrange to pay the other party a visit in person before the interview to find out what they do.

You’ve landed the interview and done your homework. Now you must prepare for the Questions

You should:

1. Practice your answers to FAQ
2. Prepare a list of Questions to Ask
3. Rehearse with a friend/parent/mirror/mentor/ghost

What are the FAQ I might be asked?

1. Tell me about yourself./Introduce yourself.
Appropriate answer should include Name > Age > Hometown > School > Family. These are basic need-to-know things about you. Star signs, blogs and what not are a no-no

2. What do you think are your Greatest Strengths?
Pick one or two and elaborate on them with examples. (EG I’m hardworking. Even though I was very bad in Math, I worked very hard and pulled my grades up to an A.) Do not repeat your virtues. (EG. I’m Hardworking. My friends say I’m hardworking. I work hard. If you give me something to do I’ll get to it straight away and work hard.)

3. What are your Major Weaknesses?
Pick one and don’t harp on it. (EG. I’ve been known to be slow to finish my work because I want it to be perfect.) NOT (I’m lazy.)

4. What mistakes have you make and what did you learn from them?
Pick one and preferably with a moral value.

5. Where do you see yourself in 5/10 yrs?
(In your seat/position) is not a good answer.

6. What are your Career goals?

7. Why should we give you this Job/Scholarship?

8. Tell me a personal achievement that makes you proud.

9. Tell me a big about the University/College/Programme/Job for which you applied.
This is where your research comes in handy.

Note: Interviewers will ask random questions so be prepared to answer anything. Take a moment to reflect on your answer but not more than 10 seconds. Do not giggle, Do not say ‘um’ or ‘er’ and Do not repeat yourself unless asked.

Questions I need to ask?

You should prepare about 5 questions about the University/College/Job/Company you applied for and these should not all be on the same topic.

Avoid warning flag questions, mentioning anything bad about your previous boss/teachers/classmates or saying anything about their competitors.

Be Precise and Clear. Watch out for these words: Sorry?/ I Beg your Pardon? Excuse me? Could you repeat that?

You may ask on the following topics: Students/ Lecturers/Additional Requirements/Facilities/Other Scholarships/How long till you know the result.



Have you prepared properly? Its time to go for the interview but wait! Before you go, you must be sure to make you have all the things you need.

1. Your certificates (Original Copy, undamaged and arranged in a clear file from most recent to the oldest. Students should only place certs from Form 2 and about into their file unless the achievement is truly outstanding like completing Diploma in Piano at age 12.)
2. Stationary. (Blue or black pen ONLY)
3. Resume (Summary of you)
4. Yourself.



Now you’ve got all that? We need to spruce you up so that you can make a good impression.

In general, you should dress professionally and comfortably. Conservative is best if you’re in doubt. Stick to dark neutral colours, white is also acceptable. Dress age appropriately if possible.



Ladies:
DOs
- Straightforward business attire
- Sensible pumps/ Flats/ School shoes
- Moderate make up and perfume/ None at all for students
- Well groomed hair and fingernails (Hair combed and tied back, transparent/soft nails)
- Simple and unobtrusive handbag/ Backpack slung over one shoulder
- Collared Shirts
- Simple/No Jewelry

DON’Ts
- Wild nail polish (Bright colours/patterns
- Dangling jewelry
- Open toed/backless shoes
- Bare legs
- Out-of-date suits
- Short skirts
- Leather jackets
- Printed/Trendy handbags
- Red briefcase
- Show Tattoos
- Cross-dressing

Men:
DOs
-Clean ironed shirt and conservative tie
-Jacket/Coat
-Polished shoes
-Clean Shaven
-Well groomed hair and fingernails (short spikes are okay)
-Aftershave/Cologne
-Belt
-Deodorant

DON’Ts
-Dirty nails
-Uncombed hair
-Unmatched socks
-Short sleeved shirt
-Leather pants
-Sport shoes
-Earrings
-Too long pants

In any case, avoid these at all costs
Jeans, T-shirts, Sports shoes, Sneakers, Bright colours, Jewelry, Leather anything, Unmatched anything, Baring skin

It is acceptable for ladies to wear pants to most interviews unless otherwise stated.


You’re dressed, prepared and you know where to go. What’s next? Planning. You must reach the venue at least 30 minutes beforehand in case there are any changes. This will give you time to calm down from your trip and rehearse one last time.

Before you enter, go to the toilet and dry your hands if you have sweaty palms. If you don’t feel like getting up, use a piece of tissue or a handkerchief to blot the dampness and then stow it in your pocket. (Do not let the interviewer see it!) Remember to switch off your cell phone! No, not silent! Switch off!

Be positive! Smile when you enter the room. Greet the Interviewer appropriately (Good day sir/M’am) and do NOT initiate a handshake unless the Interviewer does so. Make eye contact when you shake the Interviewer’s hand and make sure that your handshake is firm. Not too strong and not too weak. Shake hands only once. Once is enough.

Show self confidence, maintain eye contact and speak with a clear voice. When the interviewer speaks, Listen carefully. Reflect before you answer a question but don’t dally too long. Show interest in what you want!

Don’t slouch, Don’t sigh, Don’t cup your face, Don’t touch your upper body, Don’t cross your arms, Don’t put your hands on the desk and Don’t fidget.

Place your hands in your lap. If you brought a hand bag or back pack, it should go behind you on your chair or on the floor. It should not distract the Interviewer from the interview.



The Interview is over!
Get up, shake hands again! Make sure its firm and smile as you say thanks. Show that you’re interested and be sure to ask when the results will come out. Follow up two or three days later with a phone call to show your interest and that you’re serious. Do a post mortem on your interview. Ask yourself what you could have done better and learn from your mistakes. You may also update your resume.



If you didn’t get all that, here it is in a nut shell. The 12 things you should think about when you go for an interview
Dress Smart
Eye Contact
Handshake
Sell yourself
Listen
Don’t beat round the bush
Body Language
Questions
Smile
Punctuality
Preparation
Know your CV



I hope this helps!