First of all, CONGRATUALATIONS to you if you have just been invited for a job interview!

Interviewing is never an easy process, no matter how many you have been to. You have to find out information about the job and company you’ve applied to, meet strangers with your best foot forward, and market yourself and your skills accordingly. Stressing and worrying about the interview won’t help us perform better. Thus, here are some tips for you to alleviate any unnecessary tension:

1. Try to find out more about the company before going down for the interview. The interviewer might question you about your knowledge about them, or you can ask them about your specific area of interest about the company during the Question & Answer session.

• It’s also a good way to find out the corporate culture of the company, and see how you can fit in.
• Try looking through the company’s website, annual report, and corporate brochures. You can even check out their competitors.

2. Get ready. Check your attire. Is it neat? This applies to the ‘First impressions always count’ theory.

• Your attire must be appropriate of the environment.
• Personal hygiene is of utmost importance; this applies to nails, hair, smell, teeth, and breath.
• Ladies should always have some light make-up on.
• And always wear clean footwear to interviews.
• The rule of thumb, always try to mirror what you think your interviewers will wear.

E.g. If you’re applying for a position in a bank, think of what a bank manager would wear when he meets you, and you try to wear like him. Or if you’re applying for a retail position with a fashion boutique, mirror what you think the HR manger will be wearing when she meets you.

3. Always bring extra copies of your resume, cover letters and portfolio of previous projects, even if you’ve already sent them to the company in your application package. It’s also important to bring along a pen and a notebook to take notes, this shows that your seriousness and keenness in the job.

4. Perfect your interview responses and practice answering common interview questions as confidently as you can. Remember, first impressions always count.

• Be proud of your achievements but do not boast.
• Do not rattle, answer to the point, and substantiate your answers with relevant and good examples.
• Refer to Common Interview Questions

5. Punctuality is very important to all companies, so remember to arrive at least 15 mins before the interview to freshen up or calm your nerves.

• Get your directions clear to prevent getting lost on your way to the company.
• Always allow a minimum of 45 minutes for the interview, and don’t plan other activities around your interview, so that you’ll not be caught checking your watch, speaking too fast, or tapping your foot. Don’t short-change yourself during the interview with unconscious body language.
• If you have to miss or be late at the interview, inform the interviewers as soon as possible, and ask for an alternative time suitable for both parties.

6. Learn to relax and stay calm during the interview. The interviewers are interested to know you, not intimidate you. It’s okay to express your excitement towards the job, or be humorous.

• But don’t slouch on your seat, slur your speech, or joke unnecessarily.
• Remember to smile.

7. Do not fidget around when facing the interviewer. It will make you seem unconfident or incompetent if you look nervous.

• Maintain eye contact and show your sincerity and eagerness in learning new stuff.
• Listen to the entire question before answering. It is rude to cut into someone’s speech.
• Ask the interviewer to repeat his/her question if you are unclear about what he/she wants.

8. After the interview, remember to thank each interviewer and if possible, send a thank-you note after the interview to emphasize your interest in the position.