Singapore Job Guide > Job Search Tips Practice makes perfect Research and rehearsals are crucial in preparing for your job interview Cats Recruit in The Straits Times - March 6, 2008 ............................................................................................... INTERVIEWS can be stressful situations. First, you have to conduct a challenging conversation with people you do not know. On top of this, you are being judged against the standards of the company and the qualifications of other applicants. An interview can make or break your chances of successfully securing a job. Understandably, the pressure to "get it right" can leave job-seekers feeling nervous and vulnerable. That is why, even if your credentials seem to make you a perfect match for the position, it is a good idea to prepare thoroughly for the interview. The following checklist is a useful guideline: 1. Make a practice trip. One aspect that is sometimes overlooked is the practice trip to the interview site. It can help to gauge the time needed to arrive at the venue and familiarise yourself with the facility and any security procedures you may encounter. You might also be able to pick up an annual report, marketing materials or even a copy of the application form so that you can complete it at home prior to the interview. 2. Manage pre-interview stress. This is something that most people experience, so be sure to take good care of yourself a few days before the interview. "Play" the interview out in your mind as you would like it to happen, and also use relaxation techniques to calm yourself. 3. Dress for the occasion. Be appropriately dressed for your interview, bearing in mind the organisation's culture, as well as the position for which you are interviewing. Ensure that your outfit reflects the image you would like to portray to the interviewer. Choose your clothes the day before the interview to avoid more stress on the day itself. 4. Practise your delivery. Consider capturing yourself on a video camera, with a friend or career coach playing the role of the interviewer. Or practise alone, in front of a mirror. The important thing is to have a "dry run", both verbally and visually, before the actual interview. This enables you to improve on aspects that you - or the person giving feedback - are not satisfied with. 5. Prepare your responses. One way to help minimise interview stress is to be prepared to field some of the more common questions that interviewers like to ask. Here are eight questions and their suggested responses: Tell me about yourself. Prepare a short summary of your education, personal strengths, hobbies, work history and recent career experience. What do you know about our organisation? Research thoroughly the company's products, services, reputation, culture, mission and goals. While your answer should show that you have researched the company, do not overwhelm the interviewer with your encyclopaedic knowledge of the organisation. Why do you want to work for us? Your answer should reflect your desire to contribute to the company and grow as a professional in a job that matches your skills, abilities and experience. Why are you leaving your present position? This question must be answered briefly but positively. You should say that you are looking for new challenges rather than lamenting on the negatives of previous positions. Why should we hire you? Talk about your record of getting things done in areas which relate directly to the most pressing needs in the department and organisation. Cite specific examples of accomplishments from your resumé. If you have a special skill that truly sets you apart from others, now is the time to mention it. What do you look for in a job? The interviewer wants to know if there is a good fit between your skills and interests and the job. Your answer should be made with this job in mind. Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision. What were the results of that decision? To answer this question, choose a decision that was indeed difficult and challenging. Also, be sure it is one that turned out reasonably well. Where do you see yourself in five years? It is best to start by saying that your immediate goal is to perform excellently in the position at hand, and that you hope to be able to grow as you prove yourself and as opportunities open up in the organisation. You might then ask the interviewer: "What kind of career path would be realistic for someone who performs well in this position?" An interview is really an exchange of information between you and the potential employer. It is a conversation during which you both have the opportunity to learn more about each other. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so keep this in mind during the process. If you have done all the preparation and hard work to get the interview, then you should walk into the meeting room with the confidence that you are the right person for the job. Article by Dr Sattar Bawany, head of Transition Coaching Practice at DBM Asia Pacific, a global human capital management firm that provides career management, executive coaching and talent management solutions to private and public companies, not-for-profits and governments. Website: www.dbm.com E-mail: sbawany@dbm.com Please feel free to share the URL of this article with your friends and colleagues.