Preparing
- Do research on the company
- Research on the functions of the position
- Know the jargon of the industry
- Read up on current events
What to bring
- Your professional license (driver’s, PRC, etc.)
- Two reliable ball pens
- Several valid IDs
- Several pictures
- Several resumes
- Recent NBI clearance
- Portfolio of your best work
- Safety pins, etc.
- Certifications
- Other relevant materials
Interview manners
- Be courteous to the staff
- Turn off your cell phone
- Wait to be seated
- Practice good posture
- Do not put your things on the interviewer’s table
- Avoid using jargon
- Answer clearly and audibly
- Respect the interviewer’s personal space
- Smile and avoid being poker face
- Avoid arguing with the interviewer
- Listen well!
How to listen effectively
- Give verbal ad visual feedback to the interviewer’s statements
- Read her/his body language
- Let the interviewer finish what she/he is saying
- Maintain eye contact without staring
- Make sure you understand the question asked
Types of interviews
- Behavioral interview (regular question and answer)
- Stress interview (tests your emotional responses)
- Panel interview (with a group of interviewers)
- Lunch interviews (for higher positions)
Building rapport with the interviewer
- Practice proper mirroring
- Give sincere compliments regarding the company
- Try to find things in common
Tips in constructing answers to interview questions
- Know and answer the purpose of the question
- Be original
- Be credible and quantify when possible
- Self-qualify your answer when in doubt
- Cite examples from your experience
- Be direct to the point
- Never criticize your previous boss or company
Manila Bulletin
