Ronaldo (1)How to succesfully pass a job interview
It is job hunting season for most new Filipino college graduates. And with so many graduates as against available jobs (most notably, matched jobs), it is quite tough competition out there.
A job interview, apart from crafting a good-looking resume, is probably one of the most difficult challenges a job seeker faces during the job application process, regardless whether one is a fresh graduate or a job ‘hopper’ for sometime. I must admit that I do enjoy this part, but there’s no secret formula than just being yourself (don’t pretend to be someone else, worse an expert) and just great amount of self-confidence. With some mix of humility and straightforwardness, you are ready to face any job interview challenge, even the much dreaded panel interviews.
At a young age, I had the opportunity to actually went through an interview intensive job application. My first job application (I was a new graduate then) for a consulting position in an IBM Business Consulting partner was 10% written (just an IQ exam) and 90% interview. It was a 3-stage job interview process where the last phase was a panel interview.
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I still remember that panel interview, which I always share with my colleagues mostly in an anecdotal way. I was a new graduate, fresh from an Industrial Engineering degree in a university. Traditional jobs did not really enticed me. Could not imagine myself sitting for 8-hours doing some production planning, or inventory control, or doing some purchasing stuff. So I applied for a job with this announcement:
Business Consultant needed -
2-3 years experience in a Manufacturing setting;
Must have knowledge in IBM AS/400 system operations;
Experience with BPCS or any MRPII software is preferred;
Knowledge with MRPII is a must;
Must be hardworking and,
Must be a fast learner.
During the panel interview (which means, miraculously, I went past the IQ exam and hurdled through 2 interview stages), this Boss-looking guy asked me with a straight faced question, “So, what do you have that you think will make us consider your application?“.
For a moment, I paused, and with a straight face, I answered back, “Sirs and Madam, I am a new graduate, I don’t have any experience in a manufacturing company, except as an OJT; I don’t know anything about IBM AS/400 – haven’t seen one; BPCS and MRPII software are new to me, but, I am proud to say I know MRPII (we studied it in school), I am hardworking and most of all, I am a fast learner.”
After 3 days, somebody called me up to inform me I was hired. LOL.
Based on experience, the following is my personal guide to pass a job interview with confidence and ease:
- Know the trade. Learn how to conduct a job interview yourself. While this is mostly applicable to experienced job seekers, but fresh graduates will also find this very useful. There are a lot of publications about how to conduct an interview. Read. Google it. (Check out this great job interview reference).
- Prepare for it. Get enough sleep and be sure to look fresh and good during the job interview. It is always wise to have focus during the job interview and have that great state of mind and health.
- Dress smart. I usually wear a smart but simple business attire (in the Philippines, it is okay to wear long-sleeved polo and slacks – neck tie is optional). I choose pastel colors, or color combinations that looks cool and pleasant to the eyes.
- Wear your smile. I meant be natural with your smile. You can perfect this in front of the mirror. I could easily spot a natural smile and a fake one, worse, a nervous smile.
- Be straight to the point. Do not give answers to questions that were not directly asked. If you were asked how long you have been working, answer 5 years instead of answering you worked for 3 years, then stopped to study masters, then worked again for 2 years.
- Focus on your strength. You have to know (if you read and learn how to conduct a job interview yourself – you should already get this point) that job interviewers do not expect for a perfect match or a perfect employee. It is all about right attitude and your ability to recognize your strengths and weaknesses that really matter to most employers. If you are a fresh graduate, perhaps you can find my panel interview answer as a tip. Lastly, you have to successfully assure your prospect employer that you are trainable, and that you have the drive to learn new things.
- Do not lie. This is obviously a no-no in a job interview. Most job interviewers can distinguish a false answer. They study those things. It’s their job. So don’t be too smart to think you’re smarter than them.
- Ask the right questions. Most job interviewers may ask you if you have questions – but just limit your questions to the scope of the job, some clarifications about the nature of the job if some information were not clear to you, and what will be the next stage after the interview. While others suggest that you ask about the compensation package, I strongly suggest to defer this question until you are invited back to discuss about it. Avoid asking too much questions – only relevant ones as suggested above.
- End with a smile and a handshake. Most people smile after the job interview process – again, give that natural smile. But some don’t bother to approach the job interviewer and give a warm ‘thank you’ and a handshake. Make the job interviewer feel that you mean business, and most business deals end with a nice handshake. Just do it.
This will be first of a series of posts regarding job interviews (both from an interviewer and an interviewee’s point of view). So check back again.
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Nice tips!
Nothing can really beat the power of preparation, confidence, and of course, a powerful brain. Heheh
I’m an undergrad, by the way, and not yet good in English but I passed 2 sets of hiring processes from 2 respected call center companies through a similar fashion.
bendz’s last blog post..Hot Job Hunting
nice one bro!!!I’m proud of you…
You’re right, we did post on the same thing. I did forget “End With a Smile and a Hand Shake” though. That is important, as I believe that it leaves a lasting impression and shows that you’re sincere. I also completely agree with not lying in an interview. Everybody gets caught sooner or later.
mikey777′s last blog post..Now You Can Have The Job You’ve Always Wanted
Start with a smile and end with a handshake is a pretty useful tip. It helps the interviewer feel that you are confident, professional and would help you leave them a good impression, and remember you.
I remember my first interview, whoaa.. I was also a fresh graduate by then. Nice tips!
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Great post. All your points are right to the point, I would add just one more. Companies are always looking for people who can multi task or have multi skills, so always remember to list all your skills before going into an interview.
thanks for that, i nearly give up because id been applying for a call center job. several times i passed all the exams but when it comes to final interview i always failed it. I know my english is not good. i had encounter a question “why work in makati”? because i am living in quezon city. I mumbled to answer that question. then the next thing i know i failed. now i am trying my luck again, id been a plain housewife for 20 years, i am now 40 years old and i think its not yet too late to have a career. can you please help me on how to answer in an interview. i have no work experience and applying in an office as administrative assistant is impossible considering that i am over age for an office job. thank you
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thanks for the tips!! actually i have my interview by next week or two. This is a good preparation on my second interview..
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I do agree with your tips…confidence and a right attitude always prevails…but, is it proper for a female interviewee to approach with a handshake, either in a one-on-one interview and what about being interview by a panel?..Do I shake all parties both male and females?
Be confident. Confidence is very important as it will tell your interviewer you are strong and confident enough for the possible. Don’t be too shy.
Great tips, by the way.
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Yours has helped me a lot during my lecture on “the process of personal interview” for our graduating students. Thank you and more power.
How to succesfully pass a job interview | Bloggista.com…
A job interview, apart from crafting a good-looking resume, is probably one of the most difficult challenges a job seeker faces during the job application process, regardless whether one is a fresh graduate or a job ‘hopper’ for sometime….
I recently went to a job interview with a financial advisory firm. It was a panel interview with the country CEO, 2 directors and 1 HR. I think though that I had a good take on it though they said that they are still pooling other candidates. I’m also including my blog in my resume when I apply for a job since I think it is a plus points for me. I am hoping to get a job abroad now as I submitted my resume to almost 100 finance companies and head hunters worldwide.
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Penelope Trunk, a career adviser, pointed out the importance of turning your blog into your resume. Most companies are taking their hiring to the next level by utilizing social media and it was a good initiative to put your resume on your blog. Good luck on your applications!
nice blog and sort of it gives me an idea…but wanna ask regarding my recent job hunting, I passed d exam,& n d afternun I was skeduled 4 an initial nterview and den d HR endorsed me 2 d department head n I got d 2nd nterview afterwards d chief told me dat her evaluation 4 me was o.k & told me dat I got her recommendation 4 d position & dat I dnt hav 2 go back 2 d HR.sabi nya ‘ok ka na’.d HR wuld jst called me back 4 da final nterview den medical exam so that I can start my work.But then I got confused does the chief were telling me all that staff wer n fact I stil hav 2 face another interview 4 d last tym.
Can anyboby pls help me figure it out.what do u think is d result of my application.?I’m waiting 4 dem 2 call me w/n ds week as wat the chief had promised me.
thank you and I’m waiting 4 ur opinion
Usually, the last interview will tackle on salary /job offer and other job conditions. So I must say, congratz! Just be optimistic.
When I interview people, if the applicant successfully hurdled the first and second interviews (assuming there are more than 2 interviews), I always consider the applicant OKAY NA.
If you got the skills and the HR guy saw your potentials (they are experts on this one), there’s no reason why waste so much time).
Send me the pizza on your first salary , okay? Hehe.
thank you for your reply.newez, hope magdilang anghel ka. tomorrow is my final interview.Wish me luck.
thank you and God bless us all.
wow tnx for the tips,,nadagdagan nmn ung self confidence ko to pass on a job interview… i also agree that d best thing to do is to prepare ur self.. xmpre lht tAu my weakness and to avoid failing an job interview OL we nid to do is to full-fille are weaknesses..
I just went through the interview process this semester, so this stuff is really fresh in my mind. Here is my .02:
1. Dress in something that makes you feel confident. I wore the same outfit to every interview: a red sweater, black skirt, and black heels. I felt very professional. Feeling good about myself allowed me to open up to my interviewers and be more friendly. You smile more and make better eye contact when you feel confident. People like that.
2. Get there early. Being early is better than being late. Plus, you have a few minutes to sit in your car and breath, pray, or practice some common interview questions without feeling rushed.
3. Show off your skills. I brought a mini-portfolio filled with a sample syllabus, procedure packet, a positive reinforcement worksheet I created, a lesson plan I created, a unit plan I created, some really great student work, and “report cards” my student wrote about me. The principals were really impressed with the material I brought, and 2 actually photocopied some of the material I created– with my permission, of course (those 2 principals offered me positions at their schools).
4. Be honest about yourself. Being honest is way less stressful than trying to come up with the answers you think your interviewers want to hear. Plus, if you do fib through the interview and get hired, you’ll spend the next year being someone you are not.
5. Research the school and district and create some questions and conversation starters based on your findings. Principals like to know that you made the effort to know their school, and it enables you to contribute to conversations in the interview. The best interviews I have participated in felt more like conversations than question-and-answer sessions.
6. Make sure you make eye contact and pay attention to each person at your interview. No one likes to be ignored.
this was great info. I’m going to pass it along to my friend who is currently job hunting and is having trouble with her interviewing skills!!
Thanks for the tips I’ve learn a lot from it. I have only one question, how could overcome my fear in an interviewer because i always felt nervous every time that i ‘am being interviewed and i think that is the main reason why i failed most of the time.
You know these interviewers have gone through series of panel interviews like you’re going through, too. They’re humans too so don’t be afraid. Smile and if they smile back, it would help ease the nervousness. You may be afraid because you’re not too confident about getting the job. Think of it as an opportunity to really reach your potential. Practice with a friend prior to the interview, practice in the mirror. Here’s what I usually do, I think of the job interview as the last interview I could ever have, that I really need to do my best. Na yun bang hindi ako pwedeng kumain ng mga 40 days kung hindi ko mapasa,haha. Seriously, I challenge myself. It’s not easy but it’s POSSIBLE. Hope that helps!
I love this page. I mean it is something new for me. I have never got to see this kind of conversation online before and I think it will be very helpful for me and others hunting for a job. I have not been very good in the interview. Even though I prepared enough, the very moment when I got to see the interviewer I lose my cool and almost my mind got drag out somewhere else, nervousness. Heh! Jaero that was a nice question. I myself would like to hear the same about overcoming nervousness.
Yes, agreed, one of the best interview tips you can get.
I was surprised that you landed the job. No, really, I thought they’re gonna turn you down. But I believe you answered without any hesitation and the fact that you’re a “fast learner” in most cases must have helped them consider you in the position. Most of the time, it’s not just the experience but most importantly, the attitude of the person towards the job helps him get the job. Trust me, I never had any job interview where I got turned down. Mainly because I really equip myself with the information about the job, the company and think of how I would handle situations when I eventually get hired. It is also very essential that after all the preparation, you lean not just on your own “understanding” and be faithful. Say a little prayer as it will create a big impact. Good luck everyone!
Good advice. It is crazy, how many people go into graduate jobs interviews without the slightest bit of preparation. They’d never have approached their degree in that way, so why a job interview?
Another thing I would add is to find out how long it is going to take you to get to the place where the interview will be held. And aim to be there with at least half an hour to spare. The worst that can happen is that you’ll have to sit in a cafe for a while but if something goes wrong, you won’t be late.