Interview

I had an interview at a college in K.L last Thursday. This college is a well-recognized college and they have many branches. They also have a very interesting salary increment scheme with lots of benefits and allowances.

I am not prepared to leave the college I'm currently teaching at nor do I want to stay there. Indecision is a suicide tool.

A perfect job for me is a job that allows me to do what I like and at the same time being paid well for it. I like teaching at K* but I need security i.e. I need enough money to finance my studies and my other expenditures. Now I'm on the hunt...

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Tips for attending an interview:

Do beforehand:

- confirm the date, time and place with the interviewer
- confirm your attendance at least 3 days earlier. if something comes up, ask the interviewer to reschedule. some are reluctant to do so as they believe 'if you want the job, you have to MAKE TIME for it' - well I did get this kind of reply when I asked for reschedule, if they refuse, just apologise for the inconvenience and start looking for a new job ^__^.
- survey the place of interview at least 1-2 days earlier so that you know the possible and the fastest routes that will take you there.
- before applying for a job, you ought to read on the company's background and before the day of the interview refresh your memory by reading or finding extra info about the company.
- make copies of your original certificates as well as your resume. if you apply through online jobrecruiter, you are strongly recommended to bring the photostated copies as well as the original certificates on the day of interview. Arrange your certificates (according to the latest acquired) in a clear folder to make browsing easier.
- choose the right clothes. avoid striking and dark colours. if you're wearing a dark bottom, find something light for the top. if you intend to wear baju kurung, avoid wearing those with too many flowers, if possible wear abstract pattern, soft/pastel colours. avoid wearing clothes that shout 'look at me!'. Make sure the clothes are pressed. Wear suitable shoes, never wear sandals or flip flops.

On the day:

- Rise early in the morning.
- Take a shower!! Use deo and if you want to, put on some make up (minimal) and some perfume. Do not suffocate the interviewers with your overdose stinging perfume and do not give them a heart attack with your clown-like make up.
- Have some breakfast or lunch (depending on your interview session). Do not go with an empty stomach. I had my tummy parroting the Kombo RTM when I attended the interview last Thursday. I was lucky I sat about 1 metre away from the interviewers.
- Make sure you have the folder that holds your certificates (original and photostated) and your resume in your hands before leaving the house.
- Be at the interview location at least 20mins earlier so that you have some time to go to the gents/ladies to check on your appearance and fill what ever forms that they ask you to fill in.
- Sit down at the designated waiting area and be alert so that you'd hear when your name is called.
- Do not make repetitive movements like overtly clinching your fists, or moving your body forwad and backward, you should hide your nervousness.
- Smile a lot (when necessary).
- Walk into the interview room with confidence and not with a 'big head' and ballooned ego.
- Sit properly and imagine your mak mentua (mother-in-law) is observing you hahaha...just kidding. If there's a table in front of you, do not put your hands on it, but you can put your file/folder on it. If there's no table, hold the folder on your lap, and put your handbag on the floor, near to your chair.
- Do not argue with and be rude to the interviewers but when they 'provoke' you with funny2 questions, calm down and reply in the best manner. Remember, always remain calm and relaxed. They just want to see whether you are able to handle pressure and creative at solving 'problems' that they throw at you.
- Always be prepared to ask a question e.g. what are my chances of getting this job? how/when will i be notified of the outcome of this interview? or ask something about the company. jangan sembrono je, prepare...prepare...prepare!
- At the end of the interview, thank the interviewers and don't forget to take back your file/folder and/or your handbag.

Note: Some headhunters suggest that you call the company a week after the interview to find out the outcome of it. If they tell you, they'll notify you later, do not press on.

All the best for those who are in the hunt!

Enjoy your weekend people!