Yes, interviews can be nerve-wrecking, especially when it's your first. Nonetheless, congratulations on getting called up! That's a big step to landing your first job.
Well, you won't really know what to expect until you go through it. Your friends and family would have given you lots of input and even, a complete list of what-to-do and what-not-to-do during an interview.
Before you go for the interview, please do your research and find out more about the company. Visit the company's website (if there is one) or look it up in the internet to try to understand the basic services or products that the company is offering.
Can't seem to find any solid information about the company on the internet? Tells you that it's either the company is just starting up / does not believe in the wonders of internet marketing / has no use for a website / hoax? / part of a fast making-money scheme which is another hoax, etc. So, please find out more before you attend the interview to verify that the company does exist.
Once you've verified that it's an existing company which is doing fairly / very well / very successful, then you're off to the interview.
The following points are what I have learned from my working experience and from the many interviews that I have been to:
1.Dress to Fit Your Job (Advertised Position)
Okay, how you dress and what you wear is VERY dependent on the job position. If it's a position in sales & marketing, public relations, accounts, clerical, etc., then it's best to go with the Smart Corporate look.
Note: Absolutely no slippers, sandals, sports shoes, mini skirt, jeans, casual shirts and the likes.
Girls: You can opt for a blouse and skirt/slacks with covered heels. Just a dash of blusher and lip-gloss to look fresh will do!
Guys: Nothing out of the ordinary. Just keep it simple with collared shirt, belt and slacks. Best if you could match the color of your socks with the color of your shoes > something that not all guys pay attention to.
If it's a job with the advertising agency, design company, etc., then feel free to be bold and loud, with a hint of fun.
For me, I learned that it's better to feel comfortable during an interview. Uncomfortable clothing makes you fidget and sweat, and that is a no-no. Go for clothing or style that's comfortable. You don't have to wrap yourself in pvc or leather just to prove a point, alright?
2.Introduce Yourself
Politeness. That's really important. So, always introduce yourself to the interviewers. Give them a good and firm handshake. Be clear when you tell them your name. After introduction, proceed to sit down.
3.Good Sitting Posture
Sit upright and don't hunch. Your posture tells a lot about your attitude.
4. Q & A Session
Here comes the part that you've been playing over and over again in your head. Q & A.
Your interviewers are trying their best to make you feel comfortable and less nervous. After all, they need a new employee and you need of a job. So, start getting comfortable.
The best thing to do is to just be yourself and be truthful. By being yourself doesn't guarantee that you'll get the job, but it allows the interviewers to evaluate you better and if you're the right fit. Don't try to play the role of Mr Perfect/Ms Perfect. Interviewers can see right through you, in fact, they've seen lots of them. Pretense can only get you so far, but it's your true capability that gets you further.
Put your research on the company to some good use. It'll be great if you can throw in some thoughts or ideas based on the research you've done. Well, you may not be correct, but the management loves employees who are able to contribute. And depicting that you do want to contribute to the company is a plus.
You're not the only one on the pedal stool. Evaluate your interviewers, the job offer and what it entails. To some extent, you will be able to know if the company is ethical, responsible, fair, generous, etc. Ask questions related to the advertised job. You need to know what you're getting into. You can even ask them about possible opportunities in the future that they're not already offering. For example, you can ask if there's an opportunity to travel? Ask them about employee welfare and benefits. Always work with a company that treats its employees well.
When you're faced with a question that you don't have an answer to, it is perfectly alright to say "I don't know at this point of time, but I am willing to learn."
The whole idea of the Q & A session is for you to know more about the company, and for the company to know more about you.
After getting all the information you need about the job, it is okay to re-think if the job is indeed suitable for you. Despite it being your first, there's nothing wrong if you are picky. At the end of the day, you're the one getting the job, so why not find one that interests you?
5. Goodbye, Thank You and Handshake
Remember, politeness. After everything is said and done, thank your interviewers for the time taken to meet you. Give them another firm handshake and bid them goodbye! If you're really interested with the job scope and offer, just be cheeky and say "Hope to see you again soon!"
So here's my experience summed up in 5 points. I wish you all the best at your interview! ;)
If you have any comments or feedbacks, please leave a comment and I will reply as soon as I can.
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