Tips on job interviews

Interview?? ARRGHH! I'm not the type that likes to be interviewed. However, interviews are the quickest and simplest method in evaluating 'potential's in order to employ workers. It may not be the best way, but it is also a great chance for job seekers (especially students) to reveal their skills and 'convince' their would be employers.

I have been to nearly 20 job interviews. It is not a huge amount, but it is a safe number that I feel confident enough to make a posting about this topic. Below are some tips & relevent inputs from me. It is very useful to fresh graduates (note: please read this article my students!) instead of senior & experienced people.

1. There is no fixed pattern/protocol/procedure for an interview. Each and every company or interviewer, even different departments within the same organization, has their own targets, standards and demands. You may face a very easy interview or a very hard, pressured and annoying one. So always be prepared for the worst!

2. The most vital thing in an interview is your communication skills. No matter how knowledgeable you are, if you can't speak up and convince your interviewers, you're done. A large number of people actually got employed not because of their academic excellences, but only because they can communicate effectively and create an interesting atmosphere around their personality in a short period of time during the interview.

3. Confidence. Do you expect a company will trust and hand over machineries to you if you can't even be confident enough to express yourself or share your knowledge? Speak with calm and with motivation. It is not that hard.

4. Only mention things that will help you in your interview. For example, if the interviewer asks you to tell about your background, focus directly on your academic & co-curriculum achievements. Do not waste time on irrelevent topics such as your number of siblings, your place of birth etc.

5. Identify your strong and weakness points. Try to show your advantages over other normal people. Tell them what you are capable of, but don't go too far to boast yourself. Don't be afraid to state a few of your weaknesses if it was asked for, but always cover them up with motivational steps to remedy them.

6. Show some flair/charisma. I believe that these skills do not necessarily come naturally. You can actually develop your sphere of influence through the way you speak and react. You can easily attract attention if you can get this right, if you want to...

7. Do some background studies on the company. This is a bonus.

8. Show patience. Sometimes you WILL be deliberately tested for your pressure handling skills. Don't lose control of yourself. Keep trying and if you're really are at a dead end, apologize politely.

9. Finally, prepare, prepare, prepare. Preparation is your best friend. Prepare smartly, not blindly. Make a strategy and practice on it.

10. Make supplications (doa') and put your trust in God. It is Allah that gives you everything, and it is Allah that will rise or lower your position.