For you to avoid stammering during your interview, you have to "master" some interview skills. The interview is one area where the universal Filipino mantra "bahala na" (come what may) does not save the day. It is not enough to show up for the meeting, hoping that inspiration will hit you. While a well-crafted resume will definitely help carry you to first base, it is the interview that will ultimately bring you to home base - or lead you to a strikeout.
Therefore, knowing how to play the interview cat-and-mouse game cannot be overemphasized. There are different forms of the interview but the basic principles of good interviewing remain the same. Dig up all you can about the hiring company and prepare ahead of time by anticipating questions and having ready answers in your head. During the interview, extend a warm handshake, show confidence and enthusiasm and flash your pearly whites. After the interview, don't forget to thank the interviewer and to inquire about what will happen next. Back home, draft and send a thank-you letter to the interviewer immediately.
A serious job seeker shouldn't have this crucial stage of the search process to chance or luck. Here are the 10 rules of thumb for a winning interview performance.
1. Come prepared. Research beforehand on the company's services, products and operations - get the details from their annual report or website. This way, you will be able to intelligently discuss how your talents, skills and experience can help reach their organizational goals. Bring along additional materials for a successful presentation, such as an extra resume and work samples.
2. Arrive early. The horrendous traffic is no excuse to be late to your appointment and thus earn debit points from the start. Leave for the interview at least 30 minutes earlier than necessary to cope with any contingency.
(to be continued on next post...)
