interviewing skills & self preparation during interview session

To help Participants learn Interviewing Skills with the right tips, techniques and advice on job interview preparation and polishing up techniques with strategies to enhance interview skills to overcome:

Interviewing Skills & Self Preparation during Interview Session

Course Outline

the nerve-wracking anxiety of feeling uncomfortable ‘selling yourself’or fielding unexpected questions and to….

:

become confident at sharing your value with potential employers, presenting yourself effectively at interviews, and getting the job you want.

Self Preparation during Interview Session Advice on job interview preparation, polishing your technique and calming your nerves… on What to expect Before the interview What to take How to make a good impression Tips for controlling your nerves Practice job interviews Phone & Video interviews Second interviews

Course Content10 strategies to enhance your interview skills 1. Practice Good Non verbal

Communication2. Dress for the Job or Company3. Listen4. Don't Talk Too Much5. Don't Be Too Familiar6. Use Appropriate Language7. Use Appropriate Language8. Take Care to Answer the Questions9. Ask Questions10.Don't Appear Desperate


Workshop on Interview Questions asked in an Interview


IntroductionAn interview gives a prospective employer the opportunity to speak with you and consider your appropriateness for the job in question.

Since most resume or job application has met the prerequisite for the desired job applied for, the interview will usually focus on those intangibles (such as your personality and style) that will help the employer decide whether or not you will fit into the company culture


However, interviewing is a skill you can learn.

With the right tips and techniques, you can become a master at sharing your value with potential employers, presenting yourself effectively at interviews, and getting the job you want.

Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews.

10 strategies to enhance your interview skills

Why, you ask? Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression.

That first non verbal impression can be a

great beginning or quick ending to your interview.

1.Practice Good Non verbal Communication


It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a firm handshake.

2.Dress for the Job or Company

Know what to wear to an interview and to be well-groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking.


Today's casual dress codes do not give you permission to dress as "they" do when you interview.

If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview.

3.Listen

If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace.


From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly.

4.Don't Talk Too Much

You may sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with the position's requirements and relating only that information.


Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake when you have not prepared ahead of time

5.Don't Be Too Familiar

Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.


The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend.

6.Use Appropriate Language

Be aware of any inappropriate slang

words or references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation-


It's a given that you should use professional language during the interview.

- these topics could send you out the door very quickly.

7.Don't Be Cocky Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There

is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty.


Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

8.Take Care to Answer the Questions

If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.


When interviewers ask for an example of a time when you did something, they are asking behavioral interview questions, which are designed to elicit a sample of your past behavior.

9.Ask Questions

Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what you're asked during the interview and asking for additional information.


When asked if you have any questions, most candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer. Part of knowing how to interview is being ready to ask questions that demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company.

10.Don't Appear Desperate

Reflect the three Cs during the interview: cool, calm and confidence. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.


When you interview with the "please, please hire me" approach, you appear desperate and less confident.

WORKSHOP on INTERVIEW

Tough Interview Questions with Smart answersSmart Answers

What to takeBefore the interview How to make a good impression Tips for controlling your nerves

Advice on job interview preparation, polishing your technique and calming your nerves… on

Practice job interviews Phone & Video interviews Second interviews

What to takeYour interview invitation should detail

everything that you need, but generally you should take:


your CV, letter of application and interview invitation; a bottle of water;your mobile phone.

an A-Z street map, or the postcode of the organization so that you can search Google Maps on your mobile phone;

What to take exam certificates, examples

of your work, and any further evidence of your past successes;

money; pen and notepad; photo ID (e.g. passport or

driving licence);


details of the person that you must ask for upon arrival; the job description and job specification of the post you are applying for

Before the interview

anticipate potential questions and prepare answers accordingly;

consider how you'll explain problematic aspects of your CV, such as leaving an employer;

Interviews require much research and planning. Generally, you should do the following when preparing for interview.




contact your references, alerting them that you'll be interviewing and that they may receive a call;

fully understand the role that you're applying for by revisiting the job description, identifying what skills, interests and experiences the employer is looking for;


Before the interview prepare questions to ask

the interviewer; read the organization's

website, social media profiles and key literature (e.g. business plan, financial reports and corporate social responsibility strategy), so that you are prepared to share your views and ideas;

research the news, trends, competitors, history and opportunities of the organization and its job sector;

review your CV and application form.



Choose your outfit the night before, getting plenty of sleep and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Plan your journey, aiming to arrive ten minutes early.



Completing a 'dry run', if possible, also combats nerves. On the day, eat a good, healthy breakfast and avoid too much meat.

How to make a good impression

avoid talking about any personal problems;

be as enthusiastic as possible;


Generally, you should answer questions clearly and concisely; ask relevant, thought-provoking questions at appropriate moments, as this can show that you're genuinely interested in the role and really listening to the interviewer;

How to make a good impression be well-mannered with

any staff that you meet before the interview;

display positive body language, speaking clearly, smiling frequently and retaining eye-contact;

don't badmouth any previous employers;


How to make a good impression give a firm handshake to

your interviewer(s) before and after;

highlight your best attributes, experiences and achievements, based around the skills that you've identified as important to the organization, and evidencing them with practical examples;


How to make a good impression inform your

interviewer(s) that you're available to answer any follow-up questions;

let your personality shine;

relax and sit naturally, but without slouching in your chair or leaning on the desk;


How to make a good impression show your hands, as

this is a sign of honesty;

wear smart business attire with comfortable, polished shoes.


Tips for controlling your nerves Nerves can make you forget to do things as simple

as listen. This can result in you being thought of as unfriendly or inattentive. Some ideas for combating nerves include:


being aware of the interview's structure, and the fact that they often begin with easier questions such as 'tell us about your time at university';

exercising before your interview, as this burns off negative energy and creates feelings of wellbeing;

Tips for controlling your nerves

pausing before answering a difficult question to give yourself thinking time, or asking for clarification if, at first, you're unsure what the question means;


putting everything into perspective, reminding yourself that the worst thing that can happen is you not getting the job;


taking a toilet break before the interview;

taking deep breaths and not speaking too quickly;


taking notes with you, writing down cues to highlight examples that you want to draw upon;


thinking about positive and happy experiences before the interview starts, and visualizing yourself in complete control during the interview.


Practice job interviews

ask for advice and feedback after unsuccessful interviews;

practice and monitor your skills by treating interview-like scenarios such as discussions with your tutor as genuine interviews;


Your university careers and employability service is likely to provide practice job interview sessions. Alternatively, you could:

Practice job interviews record yourself in a mock

interview, playing it back to check how you did;

review the different types of possible questions, writing down your responses, taking notes and creating flash cards;


script and practice answers to anticipated questions with someone that you trust.

In this modern world of technology, it’s is common to find a QR code, new app for the tablet/phone, or some other incorporation of technology. Human Resource professionals are now modernizing their practices too in searching for the best recruits.


Telephone and Video interviews

Numerous HR recruiting officers are now using social media or other online resources to attract 21st Century literacy candidates to their company. This rings true for interviews as well.

It is not uncommon these days to hear about someone having a Skype (video) or phone interview rather than the traditional face-to-face interview. When thinking about being the interviewing via video or phone interview, would preparation differ? Would there be a high level of comfort?



Many people answer no. This mode of interviewing is somewhat new and there is important etiquette associated with a successful interview to set yourself apart from the competition.

Between phone and video interviews there are some different approaches to having a successful meeting with a potential employer..



Separated below are tips to consider when preparing for and participating in a video or phone interview

Telephone Interview - Initial employer call that eliminates candidates based on essential criteria. Successful applicants are usually invited to the one-to-one stage.

The several different types of interview

These are usually used for cost-efficient preliminary screening before the first one-to-one interview. They're often recorded and vary in length, but average around 20-30 minutes.

You should prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview and generally should:

direct the interviewer to your web portfolio or LinkedIn profile if possible, to demonstrate your work in practice;

find a quiet place for the interview where you'll be undisturbed;

Telephone Interviews

fully charge your mobile before the interview, and turn call waiting off;


get your main messages across quickly, by writing down your key attributes and having these at hand during the call;

have a glass of water available; have a pen and notepad within reach; have internet access; keep your CV, application and job description

in clear view;



Do not smoke, chew gum or eat;

Do not interrupt the interviewer;

take time to collect your thoughts, and give relatively short answers.


smile, as this projects a positive image and changes your tone of voice;

speak slowly and clearly;


The ever elusive video interview is very new. The entirety of the interview is conducted via Skype or some other form of video connection.


Video interviews

One thing to keep in mind is that this is still a real interview. There is a lot at hand and can be concerning. Hopefully these few steps can help put you in the spotlight.

Video interviews Video interviews are increasingly common,

especially if you're applying for overseas jobs.

Finally, ensure that your body language is positive; look directly into the camera and make eye contact, as this'll make you appear calm and confident.


Appearance - As mentioned before, this is a real interview! Dress as professional as you would for a face to face interview.


Video interviews

The typical rule of thumb is to dress nicer than you would daily for the position. In example, if it is a labor position, dress in business casual. If it is for an office position, be on the safe side and dress formal (suit).

Preparation- Still identify the various parts of successful preparation like you would for any interview.


Don’t have your notes within camera view!

Video interviews

Appear Location- This is one of the most important steps in the video interview. The backdrop of the interview reflects the applicant. responses. Do not sit on the couch

and throw the laptop up on your lap for the interview. It is best to be seated at a nice table with little in the background.


Video interviews

A cluttered camera view would be disturbing to the interviewer and take away attention of what is really important, your

This will show the employer the meaningfulness of receiving the position as well as an ability to be easily approached with various job responsibilities and projects.


Sincerity- With a video interview there is a lot more ability to display personality traits. Make sure to keep responses sincere.

Video interviews

Again, Relax- Interviews are all about the applicant. Through a video interview the applicant can be very defined and unique through their appearance, location, and preparedness.


Distinguishing personal traits should not only impress the employer, but also support a calm and relaxed interview.

Video interviews

Second interviews


A second interview means that you've made it through the initial screening and the interviewer is now looking for evidence of:

your fit in the role, existing team and organization; what separates you from other candidates; and what you can do for them.

Second interviews Generally, you should: ask the company for any feedback beforehand,

reviewing your performance from the first interview.


Note down and address any questions or situations that caused you difficulty;

find out what the agenda will be and whom you'll interview with;


Tips on Second interviews find out as much as possible about the

organization's challenges, priorities, markets and competitors, researching the company in even more detail than for the first interview;


Tips on Second interviews find ways to demonstrate enthusiasm for the

organization's goals;

give answers that are consistent with what the recruiter has previously heard;

Tips on Second interviews prepare examples of how your achievements

can apply to the organization;


talk with industry insiders and ensure that you're up to date with recent developments by reviewing trade publications.

Be Blessed!

Principal Consultant for Lean Management. Certified Kaizen Specialist & TPM with 30 over

years working experience. Provides Technical Consulting Services on

TPM, Kaizen, Cellular system & Moonshine set up.

An Innovator with Mechanical background that adopts Green Living. Innovates by Recycling and Reusing Idle resources to eliminate waste to add Value to promote Green.

Founder of Tim’s Waterfuel, an alternative Hydroxy fuel supplement using Water that adds power and reduce Co2 emission on automobiles.

An NGO Community worker for Prison, Drug Rehabilitation and CREST North (Crisis Relieve & Training) Malaysia, an organization that respond to Crisis & Flood.

Timothy Wooi

Add: 20C, Taman Bahagia, 06000, Jitra, KedahEmail: [email protected] H/p: 019 4514007 (Malaysia)

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interviewing skills & self preparation during interview session

Recruiting & HR