Interviews

Over my 26 years career, I have been on both sides of the interviewer/interviewee fence for countless times and I am still learning.

For a new graduate, some basic interviewee rules to follow would be to dress appropriately, never to be late, pay attention and try to do some homework on the company and if possible, the interviewer as well. Do also prepare some questions to ask to show your keen interest in bringing the discussions further along. Always aim to strike some form of chemistry with the interviewer (watch the body language) and be ready to engage in a common area of interest when the opportunity arises. It is never easy to try to second guess the person and don’t be afraid to ask for further clarification. The tone may be softened by saying : “I may be wrong, but can you elaborate further on ….”. The tricks of the trade are learned through experience and the more you practise, the better you can get.

On the other side, there is the interviewer. To me, it is common courtesy that I should prepare for each interview by making an effort to review the CV beforehand and take down a few pointers that I want to expand on or to clarify. I think it is downright rude whenever an interviewee realised that the person in front of him had not even bothered to read his well prepared CV prior to the meeting. The meeting is a waste of time when one realises that the interviewer is just going through the motion to get the meeting over with. The first round of shortlisted candidates is usually culled by the HR team. The line manager then reviews the list, usually no more than a few minutes per CV, before he agrees to meet up with a few chosen ones.

Like golf, there is never the perfect interview. Each is unique on its own. One should look at an interview as a new adventure and as an opportunity to hone and sharpen our communication skills.