INTERVIEW TIPS

Here are some interview tips to help ensure the best results for you. These tips have been
carefully summarised based on feedback that we receive from employers.

1. Read the job description and company profile carefully so that you are aware of the job
details when an employer calls you about your application. If the job advertisement does
not contain enough information, ask the employer for more details.

2. Remember to write down the name & contact number of the recruiter in case you need
to call back later.

3. Prepare for the interview by finding out more about the company, the job and the
industry.

4. Be punctual for your interview. Bring your resume, transcripts, certificates and relevant
documents to the interview.

5. IMPORTANT: If you cannot attend the confirmed interview for whatever reason,
you must contact the employer at least one day beforehand to let them know.

Keeping a good interview attendance record will help to ensure opportunities for
interview in the future, as employers have the right to share their "No show" and late
cancellation records.

If you do not have the employer's contact details, look under the Company Profile in the
Application Status page of your MyJobStreet account or look in the telephone book or
Yellow Pages.

6. Send the employer a Thank You email after the interview.

7. Follow up with the employer on the status of the interview after two or three days. This
shows your interest for the job and may increase your chances of success.
Four Important Signals at Job Interviews
 
We have heard how important it is to be a good ‘sales person’ at a job interview by selling your
skills, experience, and ability. However it is just as important to be a fantastic listener so you can
gauge what the interviewer wants and where you are at in the interview.

In this ‘sales meeting’, how do you know when is the right time to ‘close the sales’ and land
yourself that job? Answer: listen closely to the five important signals at job interviews. They
usually come in the form of questions, comments and reactions to your answers.

Here are signals you need to keep an eye out for:

1. Comments & reactions

Watch out for indicators of interests from the interviewer’s comments and reactions. If you hear
comments like: “my thoughts exactly,” or “we were thinking of doing that too”, you should pick
up on these indicators and expound on your point or idea a little more.
2. Expected Salary

Now if the hiring manager asks “What’s your expected salary?” it’s another sure indicator that
they are attracted. You only ever ask for the ‘price’ if you are evaluating/deliberating on your
‘purchase’. The general rule of thumb is to give an expected salary that is at least 10% higher
than the salary you are comfortable with. For example if RM2,700 is your comfortable rate, give
an expected salary (say it’s negotiable) of around RM3,000. It’s always trickier to negotiate your
way up if you go too low.

3. Availability
If the hiring manager asks, “What’s the earliest date you can start work?”, you know they are
interested and are keen to hire. Also, it usually means they have an urgent position that needs
filling, and if they have two highly qualified candidates (including you), they will usually hire
the person who can start the earliest. So don’t even think about taking a week off your previous
job before going into your new one. Seal the deal by telling them that you can start in within
three to four weeks (if you have annual leaves left, use them so you may start earlier.)

4. Specifics

Keep an eye out for patterns in the interviewer’s questions. At times, questions on a current issue
the company faces will pop up, and if it does, you should stick to it and demonstrate that you’re
either an expert in that area or you’re willing to learn more. Play along and try to illustrate more
value by explaining how your previous experiences leave you better equipped to handle such
problems. You will drastically improve your chances and ensure that the job is in the bag.