The document provides tips for acing a job interview. It advises doing research on the company and role, dressing conservatively, being punctual, practicing answers to common questions, relating experiences to the position, maintaining good body language and eye contact, asking relevant questions, and following up with a thank you email. Interviews typically last 40 minutes, and interviewers know whether to hire within 90 seconds. Preparation, a good fit for the role, and enthusiasm are keys to success.

1. 
IIUM Science Students Society (SCIENCESS)
Career Workshop
13 April 2014
By Nur Haryati Hisham
Former Head of HR, Mesiniaga Berhad

2. What you should know about interviews..
 33% of interviewers claimed that they know whether to hire or
reject within 90 seconds into the interview.
 The average length of an interview is 40 minutes.
 47% of failed interviews is due to little or no knowledge of the
organisation.
 70% of interviewers prefer candidates who are not
fashionable or trendy.
 65% of interviewers said that clothes would be the deciding
factor between two similar candidates.

3. So you’ve landed an interview.What now?
 Do your homework. Find out
about the company and the
role you’re interviewing for.
 Find out about recent trends
within that industry.
 Remember the date and time
of the interview. Be punctual.
Find out the best route to get
there.
 Bring a complete set of
documentation. Make copies
for immediate submission.
 Choose the right attire. Dress
conservatively. Better be safe
than sorry.
 Know who you’re meeting.
Different roles look for
different things, will ask
different questions.
 Check out and clean up your
digital footprint.
 Practice, practice, practice.

4. What do interviewers look for?
 A good match between your qualifications, skills and
achievements vs. the position applied.
 Evidence of past success and achievements.
 Fluency and command of the language.
 “Positive” body language – sit up, body posture, eye contact &
active listening skills.
 How you plan to add value to the organisation.
 Enthusiasm, a sense of ambition and self-direction.
Source: http://holykaw.alltop.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/How-to-Ace-a-Job-Interview.png

5. Succeeding at the interview
 Be punctual. Be prepared for anything.
 Start with “Thank You”.
 Remember to turn your phone to “Silent”.
 Don’t rush to answer if you’re not sure. Ask for clarification.
 Keep it short and sweet. Do not ramble.
 Minimise your hand gestures.
 Try to always relate your response to how it relates to the
position you’re applying for.

6. Typical interview questions and what they really mean
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2014/01/15/how-to-ace-10-of-the-most-common-interview-questions/3/

7. Closing the interview
 Turn the tables and ask good, relevant questions.
 Company culture
 Leadership philosophy
 What excites you about coming to work?
 What does it take to succeed in this company?
 Thank the interviewer.
 Ask for “next steps..”
 Follow-up with an email. Summarise your take-away from the
interview. Reiterate your career aspirations and how you hope
to complement the goals of the organisation.

8. Conclusion
 No one aces an interview without preparation. Not even
the most qualified person for the job.
 Know what the interviewers are looking for. Be proactive.
 Sometimes, what is not said speak volumes. Be aware of
your habits and how you project yourself.
 Keep your answers brief and to the point. Do not ramble.
 Ask good and relevant questions. Do your homework.
 Start and end with “Thank you”.

9. Helping Customers Succeed