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Interview Tips

A job interview is basically a conversation with a purpose. Your objective, as an interviewee, is twofold:
  • You must persuade the employer that you are capable of doing the job effectively.
  • You should gather as much information as you can about this job position, the company itself, and future career opportunities available in this company, so that you can determine if this is the right position and work environment for you.

Practice makes perfect.
There is no magic to interviewing effectively. It is a skill that can be learned and polished through practice. Treat every interview as a learning opportunity. An important key to a successful interview is preparation. We strongly suggest that you take a moment to read through the AsiaWIRED.com interview tips. This may very well be the factor that makes or breaks your job interview.

How early should I arrive for the interview?
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to appointment time. Arriving late creates a bad first impression, but by the same token, arriving too early may appear awkward. Anticipate that some companies require job applicants to complete questionnaires before interviewing. Finally, always ask for directions when making arrangement for the interview.

How should I dress for an interview?
For Man and Woman: "Conservative" is the key word to interview attire.Both men and women should wear conservative two-piece business suits, preferably in solid dark blue or gray, and matched with conservative long-sleeved shirts or blouses, white being the most suitable and pastel the next best. Wear clean and polished conservative shoes. Must have a well-groomed hairstyle and cleanly trimmed fingernails. Use minimal cologne or perfume, and allow absolutely no visible body piercing. Empty your pockets so as to rid bulges or jingling coins. Do not chew gum, eat candy, or smoke cigarettes at the interview. Carry only a light briefcase or a portfolio case.
For Man: Use a silk necktie with a conservative pattern. Wear a pair of dark-colored socks and lace-up shoes. Black is the popular choice. Shave and get a haircut; short hair works best for interviews. Beards are a minus, while mustaches, though unfitting can get by if neat and trimmed. Do not wear rings other than a wedding or class ring, and do not wear earrings. If you normally wear one, take them out.
For Woman: Women should always wear a suit with a jacket. Avoid wearing dresses. Do not wear high heels. Put on conservative hosiery at or near skin color and always check for runs. Do not carry small or large purses but opt to use a briefcase instead. It is not required to wear nail polish but if you do, use a clear or conservative color. Apply minimal makeup. It should not be too noticeable. Do not wear more than one ring on each hand and don only one set of earrings.

What should I bring with me to the interview?
Carry a light briefcase or a portfolio case. Bring extra resumes and a list of questions you need answered, but try not to preoccupy yourself with taking notes during the interview. Consider also putting together an interviewing kit. This kit should have wet napkins, facial tissue, a trial size mouthwash or breath spray, cologne or perfume, a nail file, an extra pair of hosiery, a small brush or comb, and a roll of masking tape for removing bits of dirt and lint from your clothing.

How do I give a good handshake?
When it comes to the handshake, apply the Handshake Matching Principle. The Handshake Matching Principle states that a truly effective handshake mirrors the handshake being offered. There is no absolute right or wrong way in handshaking because its effectiveness is defined by the recipient. Just start with a medium grip handshake and lighten or tighten accordingly.

How do I prepare for a telephone interview?
Although it may feel like just another telephone call, it is still an interview. In preparation for a telephone interview, there are several steps that you can take.

Preparing for an unexpected telephone interview.

  • Tape a copy of your resume to the wall in view of the telephone so that it is readily available for reference.
  • Keep all your job searching information and employer research materials within easy reach of the telephone.
  • Have a pen and pad handy to take notes.

Preparing for an arranged telephone interview.
  • Post a "Do Not Disturb" sign up on your door.
  • Turn off your television, radio, and anything else that may pose as a distraction.
  • Switch off call waiting on your telephone.
  • Warm up your voice while waiting for the call.
  • Have a glass of water ready so that you can wet your lips from time to time.
  • Use the restroom before the interview time as you will not have a chance to take a break during the call.
What should I know about lunch or dinner interviews?
It is not uncommon for your second interview to include lunch or dinner. This is also an integral part of the interviewing process. To prepare, brush up on your table etiquette and practice carrying your share of the conversation during the meal. Capable social skills can also be a deciding factor of the hiring decision.

Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions.
Do not just read over these questions. Take some time to prepare them. These are a few of the toughest interview questions most commonly asked.

  1. Tell me a little about yourself.
  2. How would you describe youself?
  3. Why do you want to work for us?
  4. What do you have to offer that other candidates don't?
  5. What is your career plan in the future?
  6. Are you a team player? how so?
  7. What is your strengths and weaknesses?
  8. Describe your jobs or projects done in the past that may be appicable to this job,
  9. What type of company are you looking for?
  10. What are you looking for in a job?
Relax
If you are nervous it will show on your face. Besides, the employer is just as concerned with impressing you as you are about him or her.

Be Yourself
Personality, enthusiasm, confidence, a positive attitude, and excellent interpersonal as well as communication skills are weighed quite heavily. Bear in mind that employers do not usually offer the job to the best candidate on merit alone, but rather to the qualified candidate whom he or she likes the best.

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