One of the most difficult undertakings a job seeker may have is when facing a job interview. This is a common among our college graduates since they lack all the necessary skills whenever they are confronted with questions, they themselves had never encountered before. It is also their resentment that they have never been taught on how to embattled such a war of employment search after finishing their chosen courses.
Why is this so? Here are the DO's and DON'T's when applying for a job and preparing for an interview.
1. Prepare. Preparation matters prior to your actual interview. Do have sufficient copies of your updated resume. Apart from having your personal profile ready, be sure you also have reproduced important documents such as your barangay clearance, you government issued ID's such as SSS, PhilHealth, PagIBIG, Passport, Driver's License. Your Police and NBI clearances may also be required, so have them at hand. Have yourself groomed your general appearance as pleasant and presentable, from the hair and your total get-up.
2. Dress up to impress. Wear appropriate smart casual or business attire. The way you dress yourself up is just one way of impressing your would-be-employer. Keep in mind as well, simple is always beautiful. Wear comfortable dresses or suits.
3. Be prompt. It is disappointing at times when you set a meeting with someone in a specific time and place and that the person you are supposed to have an appointment arrives late. This is one way of losing your etiquette and professionalism. If your interview is scheduled at 8:00 am, be at the venue at least half an hour before your actual interview. This is for you to still have a chance to fix yourself up in case you will need to - your dress, your hair, your shoes (if left unpolished, nails, or even get over your notes to read some of the important details about the company where you wish to apply job to, etc.)
4. Be courteous at all times. One way of doing this is by smiling at everyone you meet along the way. This is free, so just give it away. Smile at all individuals you may meet in the hallway of the company or office where you are scheduled to have your interview. Remember, you may never know that the same kind of people whom you will work with in the future. In fact, this is now a good start in establishing rapport with them in advance.
5. Be enthusiastic. This is the way to show that you are interested in the job you are applying for. How to do it. During your job interview, sit up properly. Focus on the questions. Answer in forthright manner. Have an eye contact with the interviewer.
6. Be confident. Be confident but not that cocky. This is reflected through your voice, your posture, and your manner you behave during the interview. Avoid speaking in fillers to avoid disappointing the interviewer.
7. Speak clearly. By doing this, you are putting an impression upon the interviewer. Make your voice audible enough that even the person seated five meters apart can hear you plausibly.
8. Be honest. Your resume should reflect only what are the true and correct and that should be to the best of your knowledge. Check the date entries ( not overlapping especially employment dates ), personal details, and employment histories. Your resume may also be the soul reference of the interviewer in asking your questions.
9. Ask questions. Never lose the chance to ask your interviewer about the job you are applying for. Example, )what should the company expect of you when hired? 2)Why do they need people for the position? 3)Can you make a follow-up on the status of your application? This is to give yourself an idea of the kind of work you will have done once hired.
10. Thank the interviewer. A simple statement of "Thank you for your time" or "I have a great time with you" for the interviewer makes an interviewer smile and that it is worth both your appreciation.
About the author: Leynard B. Pascual has degrees in Development Administration and Educational Management with specialization in Human Resources Development Management and Educational Researches. He has an extensive background in Personnel Development and Management, Performance Evaluation for Training and Development and Corporate Management. He is currently the Human Resources for Corporate Affairs of EBC Group of Companies.
