7 Seconds!

7 SECONDS is all you need!

Check out this BNETvideo and let Carol Kinsey Goman, author of The Nonverbal Advantage, show you the path to successful interview, with just the right body language. 

You've got 7 seconds to make an impression, so make it count!

"Do" Or "Do or Die" Or "Die"!

While attending a job interview, take note of: 

Interview DOs and DON'Ts

DOs

• Arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled interview time
• Greet the interviewer before the interview starts and express your thanks at the end
• Pay attention and listen carefully to your interviewer
• Answer questions in a short and straightforward manner
• Be honest with your opinions and the facts you offer
• Show confidence: sit upright, smile, maintain eye contact and nod accordingly
• Dress appropriately
• Turn off or silence your mobile phone
• Address each interviewer equally if faced with a panel of interviewer

DON'Ts

• Make unnecessary jokes
• Ask about salary or benefits in the first interview
• Criticise your previous employer
• Show desperation for the job you applied for
• Display too dramatic action in gesturing
• Fidget or shake your legs or cross your arms in front of your chest

Interview DOs and DON'Ts

Dress For Success

Attire and appearance reflects who we are. This is especially true for job interviews. The way you dress and uphold yourself gives potential employers an idea of your personality and how serious you are towards getting the job. So, dress for success!

Here’s how:

Dressing and Grooming Tips for Men and Women Ready for Interview:

Men Interview Attire

• Solid colour, conservative suit
• Long sleeve shirt, preferably white
• Conservative tie
• Dark socks and business leather shoes
• Limited jewelry and accessories
• Neat, simple hairstyle
• Minimal perfume or aftershave

Women Interview Attire

• Solid colour, conservative skirt-suit or pantsuit
• Moderate pumps or shoes
• Tan or light hosiery
• Limited jewelry and accessories
• Neat and simple hairstyle
• Sparse make-up and perfume

Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Q&A Session is a must-go-through process in any job interview. However, it is normal for interviewees to be nervous due to lack of experience and preparation.

Take a look at these 10 killer job interview questions and the appropriate answers to each and nail that interview!

Help Is Here!

Clueless about job interviews? In need of help? We are your solution. Here at Job Interview Experts, our JIEs will provide you with all necessary information to guide you towards a successful job interview and get the job you desire most.

First, being an interviewee, you need to understand what a job interview is and how it is important to both you and your potential employer. Thereon, you may work hand-in-hand with our JIEs to make your job interview a successful one. 

Job interview is an evaluation on a potential employee conducted by the advisors for prospective employment in any company, organization or firm. 

So why are job interviews important?

• Employers can assess the background, knowledge and the possible contributions of the potential employee through resume, cover letter or job application. 
• Employers can determine the suitability of the applicant for the job applied. 
• Interview is the stepping stone for interviewees towards getting the job they have applied for. 
• A two-way process for information exchange between the potential employer and interviewee. 

Job Interview 101

Getting ready for a job interview but not sure what to expect?

Not to worry, we JIE -Job Interview Experts- are here to guide you through some simple tips to help you ace your interview and land that dream job.

Before the Interview

1.       Be prepared

-          How much do you know about the company that is about to conduct a job interview with you? Make sure you do your homework before attending the interview:

i.                     Collect information on the position you are applying for, such as the job nature and requirements.

ii.                   Do some research on the company’s profile, current and upcoming projects and get an insight of the company culture.

Don’t be lazy. The necessary information should all just be a few mouse clicks away!

-          Take some time to review potential interview questions and prepare possible answers. This should give you a framework of your responses and no doubt, it will help to ease your nerves during the interview.

-          Review the information on the application letter and your resume to avoid inconsistency.

-          Don’t forget you can ask questions during the interview. Prepare a few questions regarding the job or the organization. This will show that you are really interested in the job!

2.       Practice interviewing

Try role playing! Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time will actually help you cope better with the actual interview. This is especially useful if you are an interview-first-timer.  

3.       Skill Testing

Practice skills which are relevant to the post you are applying for eg. typing skills, computer software applications etc.

4.       Dress for success

Work on your first impression. The first judgment an interviewer is going to make is based on how you look and what you are wearing.

5.       Beauty sleep

Sleep early the night before the interview. You will want to look your best and be in good spirits.

During the Interview

1.       Arrive on time

No one wants to hire a person who is not punctual. Arrive on time for the interview, or even better, arrive at least 10 minutes earlier. This will give you a chance to collect yourself and compose your thoughts. Being on time shows the employer how serious you are in getting the job.

2.     Things to bring

When attending an interview, there are a few essentials you should have at the ready, especially if you stand a chance at being hired on the spot.

Checklist these essentials before you head off for your interview!

3.       Portray your confidence

Give the interviewer an impression that you are ready and confident. Here are a few ways how:

-          On the first encounter, offer your hand for a greetings handshake. Shake hands in a firm way.

-          When you are asked to take a seat, remain calm and hold your posture. 

-          Articulate and enunciate your words clearly

-          Maintain eye contact

-          Smile sincerely

-          Pay 100% attention and listen intently to what the interviewer has to say

-          Ask questions when in doubt or when necessary

After the Interview

-          Review on your interview performance. Although you may think you performed poorly, conduct a self-reflection. Make notes on how you can improve. That will be useful for your subsequent interviews.

-          You may consider sending a thank you card or email. In the thank you note, express to the employer that you are grateful for the application and interview opportunity. Emphasise on your interest in the job.

-          If a few days have passed after the interview and you have not heard from the employer, follow up with a phone call to see if the job is still available.

-          If you get called back for a second interview, then you’re on the home straight! You must have made quite an impression during the first interview. Avoid being overconfident though. You may need to further impress the interviewer(s) before they make the final decision.