Jobs interviews can feel daunting for many. Just like taking your examinations, preparing early for an upcoming interview increases your chances of performing well. Here are some tips in prepping for your interview so that you can feel confident and secure that coveted job.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
- Begin by researching the organisation’s background, mission, values and work on their website.
- Speak to your Industry Relations Consultants, seniors or mentors to gain deeper insights into the organisation and the industry.
- Read press releases, news articles and annual reports to learn about the organisation’s recent performance and update yourself on industry trends.
- Learn about your interviewers and their backgrounds. This demonstrates your interest and helps you understand what your interviewers are looking for in a potential hire.
- Prepare a list of meaningful questions to ask the interviewers based on your research.
BE WELL-PREPARED
- Choose your interview outfit in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
- Pack necessary documents you need the day before, including extra printed copies of your resume.
- For in-person interviews, plan your route to the venue and arrive 15 minutes early. Factor in any potential delays and ensure that you have a few extra minutes to do a quick mirror check in the restroom and put yourself at ease.
- For virtual interviews, make sure you are ready and on standby at your computer before the interview is due to begin. Prepare all your technology needs and calm your nerves before the virtual interview.
SEE YOURSELF AS A GOOD FIT
- Examine the job description and review how your skills, experiences, abilities and strengths match the role before the interview.
- Identify concrete illustrations of how you can add value to the organisation and why you are a good fit for the role.
BE CONFIDENT AND ARTICULATE
- Prepare and rehearse answers to common interview questions so that you are comfortable with talking about yourself.
- Schedule mock interview sessions with your Career Coaches and Consultants to get feedback on how you answer interview questions, as well as your body language, mannerisms and facial expressions.
BE PROFESSIONAL
- Dress to impress. Make sure you look sharp, neat and presentable for the interview.
- Arrive early. Being late is a sign of disrespect and an inability to manage your time.
- Use professional language. Avoid using slang, Singlish and uncommon or inappropriate abbreviations during the interview.
- Do not make references to sensitive topics such as age, race, religion, politics, and sexual orientation.
- Be sincere and polite. Remember to smile and say thank you!
POST INTERVIEW
- Send a ‘thank you’ note to the interviewers. It is an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and explain why you are the best candidate.
- If you feel you did not answer a question well during the interview, use this opportunity to clarify.
- If you did not have an answer (or some data or statistics) to a question during the interview, use this opportunity to follow-up with the information.
Attend CAO’s workshops for tips on how to
ace job interviews. Your school-designated Career Coach can help you with mock interview practices. If you are preparing for an actual interview, you can also contact the Industry Relations Consultant in charge of the industry that you are interviewing for.
