Job Interview

I am not an expert in this area.  Captured here are just things I learned over the years, from conversations with CEOs and Design Directors over the course of my work, as well as from other learning.

DO's

1.  Do your research on the company beforehand.  Understand and be familiar with their objective and philosophy, operations and products.

2.  Dress appropriately.  Be punctual.

3.  Greet.  Smile. 

4.  Show interests in the Organisation (through your questions about their operations, outreach program etc), instead of negotiating for salary or work benefits straight away.  It is about how you can contribute to them, instead of how they can reward you.  But yes, you can negotiate the salary towards the end of the interview, when more or less you know you have a good chance of getting the job.

5.  Push the chair back in before you take your leave.  Thank the interviewers for their time.

DON'Ts

1.   Do not speak badly about the company you are leaving.  Because if you can say bad things about your out-going boss/company, it means you are capable of saying the same thing about the company interviewing you now, further down the road.  Also, some industries are quite small, and the bosses may know each other, or may even be friends.

2.   Never say you will do anything, because it implies you are desperate for the job.  Specify your strengths, and support your claims with examples like process/outcome of past projects.  Talk about how you have done things, not how you would have.

3.   Never ask them :"What do you do here?".  This will only show that you didn't do your basic research.

4.   Never say: "I don't know how to do this.", or "I have never done this before.", even though they may be true.  Instead, say: "I have not experienced this, but I have done something similar.", and give examples, to show you understand the link.

5.   Never say: "This place is a bit far from my house.....".  What do you think the interviewer will ask next?

There are many other Dos and Don'ts.  We can search the internet for these.  There are even books on the topic.  But I feel that, knowing too many Dos and Don'ts will only make us more nervous as we try to recall them during the interview.  Just be yourself.  Be honest, and show keenness. Being knowledgeable helps. 

However, there is no need to tell the whole truth if you do not wish to say it (means be honest but skip some details), but try not to lie.  And, general rule is, always give examples to support/illustrate what you said, not just give generic statements which anyone can say.

Example of a generic statement:  I am very observant and this makes me having less errors.

Example of a illustrated statement:  I am very observant and meticulous.  For example, I usually spot errors in my subordinates' reports fast, thus reducing the need to redo the reports a few times, or the reports being rejected by management.   

Common Interview Questions:

1.  What are your strengths?  /  What are your weaknesses?

2.  Describe yourself in three words.

3.  What motivates you?