interviews: how do I do it right?

After thorough research and countless blog reading on "how to ace your job interview?" Here are my biggest takeaways:

Always plan ahead, leave extra time before your scheduled interview time

Leave yourself some ample time to relax and get settled in at your interview venue. Plus, if you are unfamiliar with the company location, you will need time to look for the interview venue, instead of frantically looking around the area, adjust your timing so that you won't have to worry about being late.

Be presentable

First impressions last. Even before you speak, your future boss have probably judged you based solely on how you look and carry yourself. If you are applying for a customer-eccentric job, your appearance matters. You don't have to be pretty/handsome, you just have to look neat and tidy. Here are some pointers I followed:

• Wear neutral-coloured clothes: white/light blue/black

• Use appropriate footwear

• Do not wear jeans (!!!)

• Wear light make-up especially for ladies. At least you will look alive, less pale and nervous.

Bring extra copies of your Résumé and prepare your portfolio

It is still a good trait to be prepared, come what may. Better to be safe than sorry like they always say! I must say, in all those interviews I've been to, no one asked to see my portfolio (Why? It's because they trust you that whatever you've written on your application form is true)

Spot questions

Research on what are the commonly asked questions during an interview. With that, you won't be shocked or stunned by the questions thrown at you. It is safe to say that most of the questions asked by different companies are pretty standard (except for behavioural questions). Having the idea of possible questions, you can prepare answers (or even memorise them!) so that your interviewer will have an easier time understanding the gist of your answers.

Research about the company that you are applying for

Do a brief research about your future company, you wouldn;t want to go for an interview with zero knowledge on what your company does. Know the basics: what service/product they offer, the company mission/vision/goals and then use it to your advantage— align your values and personal goals with them.

Prepare questions for your interviewer as well

Now that you have the opportunity to ask them, please do so!! Not only it will show that you are actually interested in knowing more things about the company, you can also use this time to clarify any doubts that you might have. Here are some important questions you may wanna ask:

• When would I hear about the next step of hiring process?

• What are the staff benefits? (In case they have not shared to you)

• Ask them about the company culture/how it is like to work in the company (to gain first-hand knowledge)

BELIEVE AND JUST BE yourself

Everyone will have their "interview jitters" so it is totally normal for you to be nervous. No matter how prepared you think you are, you will always see yourself shaking, having panic attacks, difficulty in breathing, or even sweating excessively. Despite all of that, only you who know how to handle yourself and pressure. Trust yourself and the process. The more confident you project yourself, the easier it is for you to answer questions and for the interviewer to gauge your personality.

Disclaimer: it took me four job interviews before I got hired by my current company. There is no perfect formula. The more interviews you go through (and fail), the more you will know where you went wrong. It will help you to be more prepared for the next interviews that you will go for.

N.