Job interview can be both pleasing and nerve-wrecking because you are about to take the first step closer to your dream job. The interviewers will assess your self-presentation including performance, speaking skills and good manners.
The interview will be your first meeting with either HRD or the management team of the company. Thus, being well-prepared will help you leave a professional impression and further, double the chance of being accepted as their new hire.
However, having good communication and demonstrating a set of skills might be challenging when the nervousness strikes prior to the interview. Read the following tips for a successful interview.
Ways to Prepare for a Job Interview
Taking the time to prepare for your interview in advance can help you excel in the interview. Here are some tips to help you:
- Have a good understanding about the company and position you are applying for. Visit the company’s official websites to get more profile information and job description.
- Do mirror practice for your speaking skills, clear intonation, proper facial expression and body languages.
- Prepare answers for common interview questions
- Give your best performance
- Act politely and respectfully
- Remain calm
- Arrive early at the interview’s location
- Learn how to answer questions
- Ask a few questions
- Say thank you for the chance given while emphasizing your interest in the job before the interview ends
Common Reasons for Failing Job Interviews
There are several times that the interview result goes another way around, regardless of our good preparation and performance. Many candidates failed their job interviews and reasons vary for everyone. Some reasons for failing job interviews are:
- Running late for an interview
- Displaying bad attitude
- Wearing unsuitable attire
- Saying inappropriate things
- Exposing privacy excessively
- Overly confident
- Saying negative thing about former company or employer
- Not being prepared
Most Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Here are some frequently asked questions in an interview:
Tell me about yourself!
Tell your educational background, previous experiences (work, internship, competitions, organizations, volunteers) and abilities that complement the job qualifications.
What is your hobby?
Name some of your hobbies then relate them to certain soft skills that support the work.
How did you find out about this position?
Give your employer a straight answer. If you are recommended by a friend who is their current employee, make sure to tell them. This will give you credibility in networking.
What are your strengths?
Relate your strength with skills that are related to this position. Provide an example that proves you know how to work with your strength, based on your experiences.
What do you know about this position?
Do your research on the job description, main tasks, and required skills before applying. Make sure you learn about the position or question your friend who is working on the same position. You may tell your previous work experiences, if you have one.
Why did you apply for this position?
You could mention details about your skill/passion. Avoid saying “I’m just applying to what is available”
What do you know about this company?
Examine the company profile, work culture, content and related information to this position. If your friend is their employee, ask for their positive feedback for your reference.
What motivates you to work here?
Show your interest to the company. Explain briefly if the position is in line with your skills and educational background, or share your career goals. Avoid giving personal reason such “I need money”
Why should we hire you?
Describe your professional skills or personal qualities to show that you would be a better hire than other candidates. Never go with personal reasons such as “Because I need a job, so please hire me” or “Because I only experienced failure so far” and more.
What is your biggest achievement?
Share your best work in past jobs that your employer appreciates or rewards you. If you are a fresh graduate, tell your academic or non academic achievements during your college days.
We hope these tips about job interviews, reasons for failing and most common interview questions and answers will help you ace your next interview!