A comprehensive guide to help job seekers in Oman and around the world succeed in difficult interview situations. This is part of www.jobibex.com, Oman's leading job portal, Employability Skills Training Program (Ibexperience)

1. Successful Interview
MEETING YOUR FUTURE EMPLOYER IN PERSON

2. About www.jobibex.com
A leading Omani job portal launched in 2012 and is used by more than 50,000 Omani and non
Omani job seekers and about 100 employers.

3. Purpose of the Interview
You have passed the initial screening and become an eligible candidate
The employer needs to find out if you are the best for the job
You need to find out if this is a good opportunity for you

4. Pre-Interview
PREPARATION

5. Know the organization
Website
Annual Report (if public)
Ask the person who calls for the interview
Find out who the interviewers are
www.LinkedIn.com

6. Know the opening
Department
Title
Required skills
Job responsibilities
Where it fits in the overall organization

7. Prepare answers to common questions
 Tell us about yourself
 Why do you want to work for us?
 What do you know about us?
 Why should we hire you?
 What are your career objectives?
 Your strengths and weaknesses
 Your expected salary
 Why do you want to leave your job?
 Do you have any questions?

8. Check Your Appearance
Male
Clean clothes
Matching colors (drop the yellow shoe)
Business attire
Clean shiny shoes
Well groomed

9. Check Your Appearance
Female
Conservative outfit
Decent choice of color
Business attire
Avoid heavy cologne
Avoid colored lenses

10. Last Minute Rehearsal
Practice in front of someone or a mirror
Ask yourself questions and answer them
Time your answer to avoid lengthy ones
Write expected questions and your answers to them
Make your answers spontaneous and avoid talking like a robot

11. Getting to the Venue
Arrive early (20 minutes)
Get a map/direction of the exact location
Obtain permit/gate pass
Arrange for someone to drop you if parking is an issue
Keep contact number

12. Interview
THE BATTLEFIELD

13. Getting into the Arena
Enter the room with a genuine smile
Introduce yourself clearly and loudly
If carrying a suitcase, hold it in your left hand and keep the right hand free for handshakes
Follow the handshake protocols
Eliminate possible distraction (mobile phone, sitting in front of the AC, low chair,….)

14. Become a Salesman
Present yourself as:
A friendly person (it matters a lot to employers)
A competent candidate

15. Handling Questions
Take the lead and start by thanking the audience for the opportunity, the just shut up and listen!
Take the questions patiently and tentatively
Mind your body language
Be sincere and never bluff, lie or exaggerate
Ask smart questions

16. Post-Interview
FOLLOWING UP

17. Show Interest in Following up
Once you are notified that the interview is over ask about standard procedures and whether you
need to do anything. Ask if there will be another round of interviews and what are the
recruitment process and if they have any deadline for selecting successful candidate. This will
help you know how long you have to wait until you know whether you are selected

18. Interview is Officially Over
Say thank you to everyone in the room and confirm to them that you have enjoyed the
interview regardless of the outcome of the interview
Greet everyone and leave immediately
Send additional information if required
Send a “thank you” email to those interviewed you. This will leave an impression and allows you
to mention any other achievements you missed during the interview
Offer a solution to a problem faced by the organization
Build contacts
Accept rejection

19. Thank YouFor jobs in Oman please visit:
www.jobibex.com