Job Interview

Preparation
 Job interviews Today : Self Research
Barnes, Blake. 2020. 5 things you must do to have a successful job interview on video during the COVID-19
outbreak. [online] Available at: https://www.fastcompany.com/90479058/5-things-you-must-do-to-have-a-
successful-job-interview-on-video-during-the-covid-19-outbreak [accessed on 14 April 2020].

Burry, Madeleine. 2017. Tips for Career Change Interviews: How to Ace Your Interview if You're Switching
Careers. (online). Available at: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/tips-for-career-change-interviews-
4144981 [accessed on 12 Nov 2018]

Doyle, Alison. 2018. Learn How to Ace a Job Interview (Online). Article from The Balance Careers. Available
at: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/job-interviews-4161912 [accessed on 12 Nov 2018]

Interview Success Inc. 2020. Preparing for a Virtual Job Interview. (online) Available at:
https://www.interviewsuccessformula.com/interview-preparation/preparing-for-a-virtual-job-
interview.php [accessed on 14 April 2020].

Madell, Robin. 2015. Top 5 Interviewing Tips for Experienced Employees: How senior professionals can
show their worth. (online) Available at: https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-
careers/2015/01/20/top-5-interviewing-tips-for-experienced-employees [accessed on 12 Nov 2018]
 Different Types of Interviews and their Purpose
Interview Purpose
Traditional To determine if the applicant is the ideal candidate for the post
Phone To screen and shortlist applicants for the interview
Video/Virtual To screen and shortlist applicants for the job - the “new normal” way to
Skype, Zoom, MS Teams interview applicants?
Case To assess how the applicant handles a scenario
Puzzle To determine how quickly the applicant thinks on his/her feet, approaches
and manages a challenging situation
Lunch To determine how the applicant behaves outside of the office environment
Group To assess how the applicant stands out in a group / relate to others in the
group
Working To see how effectively and confidently the applicant handles an assigned task
Career Fair To screen and shortlist applicants (impromptu) for the full interview
 Some Job Interview Skills Strategies
1. Confirm details of interview (date, time, venue, interviewers’ names and
designations, other relevant information)
2. Find out more about the company; research on the position applied for
3. Check whether there are standardised tests and how to prepare for them
4. Put together a professional portfolio to use during the interview
5. Come early to help you mentally prepare yourself
6. Do not speak too long for any of the questions
7. Find a way to connect with the interviewer
8. Show interest by asking appropriate questions
9. Seek to clarify the question when unclear
10. Ask for a minute to think if the question is too challenging to respond to
immediately
(Taken from CPF Lesson Materials on Maintain Personal Presentation and Employability at Operations Level)
 8 Tips for Acing A Virtual Interview
1. Test Your Technology
2. Update Your Login Information
3. Dress for Success
4. Create a Set / Suitable Background Setting
5. Monitor Your Body Language
6. Rid Yourself of Distractions
7. Practice Answers to Common Interview Questions
8. Don't Forget to Follow Up

(Source: 8 TIPS FOR ACING YOUR NEXT VIRTUAL INTERVIEW By Lauren Landry | February 1, 2018
Northeastern University Graduate Programs. Available at:
https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/virtual-interview-tips/ [accessed on 14 April 2020]
Asking questions at the end of the interview
1. When asking the interviewer a question, bear in mind:
• You want to show that you are interested in the job
• You wish to learn more about the company/position
• You plan to showcase your knowledge for the job or industry
• You hope to decide whether this is an opportunity you want to continue to
pursue
2. Read up on the company and its goals, the industry, the position you have applied
for to get ideas on what questions to ask.
3. Be mindful of questions you should NOT ask, for example:
• salary (you are not yet hired)
• sponsorship for further studies (you haven’t proven yourself in the company)
• leave and other benefits (it just makes you look self-centred)

(Adapted from CPF Lesson Materials on Maintain Personal Presentation and Employability at Operations Level)