Make your interview a success

In multinational companies, where recruitment standards are high, job interviews are getting sophisticated. Besides interviews never get easier - even when you've sat through more than you can count. You must remember that you're meeting new people, selling not just your skills but also yourself.

From our experience in recruiting, we have found a lot of common reasons for failure, which can be overcome if interviewees prepare themselves. Here are some suggestions:

Find out all there is to know about the position and the firm you're applying at

Before going for an interview, you should learn and remember everything you can about the company. The interviewer expects you to arrive with enough knowledge of the organisation and the job you are applying for. If you're not prepared, you'll come across as not being interested in the job.

So, what you should do is visit the prospective employer's website and browse through the "About Us", "Careers" and "News" links. Then you should study the job description in the advertisement and make sure you have a good understanding about the job you're applying for.

Also, you should try to include your knowledge about the company in your answers, for instance, when discussing your accomplishments, try and match them with what the company is looking for. If it is a global company, make sure you learn about their business on the Net and from media clippings.

Avoid unclear and unstructured answers

Plan your strategy - prepare answers to all the questions you could possibly be asked and the challenges that might be thrown at you. Practise your best responses until they sound natural.

Moreover, listen very carefully to each question and give a thoughtful, to the point and honest answer. Ask for clarification if you don't understand. Stopping to gather your thoughts is not only helpful but also wise. Taking time to formulate your answers and solidify your thoughts will give you more poise and security during the actual interview.

Talking about your strengths and weaknesses

You are almost certain to be hit with questions pertaining to your strengths and weaknesses. Some interviewees fail because they can't express these in an appropriate manner.

Know your strengths and emphasise those that relate specifically to the position for which you are being considered. When asking about your weaknesses, the interviewer wants to learn specific things about you, such as whether you are arrogant or not, if you know yourself, and finally, if you know what you are going to do to eliminate these weaknesses.

Here are two ways to answer so that you leave a positive impression in the mind of the interviewer:

Making first impressions

It is important that you are on time for the interview. On time means five or ten minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.

Take extra care with your appearance. In many professional organisations, they encourage their employees to "always dress to impress". In order to make a good first impression, you should look professional and dress in simple business attire.

And here's a simple tip to overcoming common interview failures - prepare, prepare, prepare and never give up.

Career Development Section

Human Resources Department

HSBC (Thailand)