Some tips and tricks for acing interviews. Relevant for fresh and experienced jobseekers. May you find this useful. :)

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