Counting Down to the Big Day

Your interview for your first proper job is here! Breaking down the run-up to the interview into a series of manageable chunks and actions can really help a lot.

For gentlemen

• Quick grooming tips

• The clean-shaven look is always a safe bet. Get rid of stubble or wispy facial hair

• Keep your hair neat and make sure that your fringe does not spill past your eyebrows

• Do not be afraid to accessorise! Go for a solid watch or a simple pair of cufflinks to complement your outfit

• Do not overdo the cologne and aftershave

For ladies

• Keep your nails in neutral or natural colours – glaring colours or designs may unnecessarily distract interviewers

• Make sure to style your hair so that it stays in place and out of your face!

• If you plan on wearing jewellery and make-up, keep things subtle and simple. You want your personality – not you accessories

– to shine through!

Start by getting the dress code right

Objective: Figure out how to look the part of an impressive candidate. It does not matter if it is virtual or physical – your interview is a chance to show how you can fit into a company, and this includes your appearance. Your clothes should be clean, fitted and pressed. Be sure to cover up any tattoos, if you have any. If you drink a lot of coffee or smoke, make sure your teeth are stain-free.

The

Prepare everything needed in advance

Objective: Have everything you will need ready to go so you will not panic the next day.

Whether your interview will be inperson or over video call, hang your interview outfit out in the open so you will not have to waste time stressing out about what to wear on the day itself.

If you will be going for a face-toface interview, do not forget to pick a handy, compartmentalised document bag or folder to store your stuff in! Prepare two additional printed copies of your resume for additional interviewers who might show up unannounced, too.

Depart for your destination

Objective: Arrive at the interview venue with plenty of time to spare.

Traffic generally has a strange way of going against you when you need to get somewhere in a hurry.

Leave early to arrive at the location before your appointed time. Remember that when it comes to job interviews, arriving “on time” is tantamount to arriving late.

30 Minutes Before

Arrive at the premises and get comfortable with your surroundings/ Log on to the interview platform and get comfortable with the platform to be used

Objective: Decrease your initial stress and get into a positive frame of mind.

For a face-to-face interview, arriving a good 30 minutes before your appointment will afford enough time and space to draw breath and get to where you are supposed to be comfortably.

If your interview is set to take place virtually, get onto the chosen platform and familiarise yourself with it beforehand. After you have had a look at its features, practise how you would connect with your interviewer over the camera, such as making eye contact with the camera to speak instead of only focusing on the video feed.

10 Minutes Before

Face-to-face interview + video interview Crunch time

Meet and greet the interviewers

Objective: From the very start, treat the interview as a meeting between two parties, not a one-way interrogation.

There is usually a short explanation of how the interview will be structured. Commonly, the interviewers will begin with an overview of the company and the role you are being interviewed for.

This preamble is the most “non-judgemental” part of the interview, so enjoy it and take the opportunity to ask some smart questions.

Demonstrate your skills

Objective: Use your innate skills and experience, and put the know-how gained through this magazine and other sources to good effect.

Introductions are usually followed by the most timeconsuming part of the interview: questions to find out whether you can do the job and, just as importantly, whether you have the motivation to do a good job. Finally, you will get the chance to ask your own questions.

You may also be given a short test to complete before or after the interview. This could be to establish the level of your skills pertinent to the job, or a more general evaluation of your preferred working style. Follow any instructions carefully, work out how much time to allot to each part of the test and focus your whole attention on the task.