Interview Guide - Part 1

And by now you should have decided how much is your worth, next is to convince the employer that you worth that much. Normally interview will have 2 or 3 phase:

• 1st phase is normally with the hiring manager, which he/she will try to find out more initial information from you, weather your work experience and technical knowledge match to the job and someone that can do the job, so the first impression is the most important. (be confident and be yourself, don't lie about your experience)
• 2nd phase is more technical where the hiring manager will invite couple of people from his/her team, to grill you further on the technical aspect of the job.
• 3rd phase, when you've been called for the 3rd phase the job is 90% yours, congrats!!! this is possible HR interview where they will find out what you are looking for in the job offered (career aspiration, salary, benefits) and they will go back and calculate, before offering you the job.
• It is possible for higher rank job you have one more layer of interview between phase 2 and 3, where you have to meet with higher management, sometimes is the director or even the board of directors.

Interview Preparation

• Ensure that you have a detailed understanding of the position description, the team environment and the organisation.
• Conduct additional research regarding the organisation through reading annual reports and researching on the Internet. Understand its products/services, size, locations, financial situation and growth potential.
• Make sure you know exactly where you’re going and always be on time.
• Dress conservatively and pay attention to all facets of your dress and grooming.
• Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer’s full name and the correct pronunciation and his/her title.
• Review your resume/ experience and its relevance to the position description. Identify the specific examples in your background that are directly relevant to the position description and that demonstrate your ability to do the job. Refresh your memory regarding details of present and past employers and your work history in their companies. You will be expected to know a lot about a company for which you have previously worked. Pay particular attention to how you will describe your most important achievements.
• Be prepared to convey to the interviewer: why this role appeals to you, why they should consider you for this role and what makes you a bit different from other candidates.
• Prepare the questions YOU will ask during the interview. Remember that an interview is a two-way street. The employer will try to determine through questioning if you have the qualifications necessary to do the job. You must determine through questioning whether the company will give you the opportunity for the growth and development you seek.

to be continued in next post.....