Job interviews can be exciting or stressful, sometimes both. Even if you are confident, you can still experience interview anxiety, many people do. However, you can conquer it. The name of the game is preparation.
Here at Asia Recruit, since founding in 2003 we have talked to countless clients and candidates about their recruitment experiences. Here are our top tips and insights on how to stand out during job interviews.
Learning valuable information about your potential employer and the role you’re applying for is important. You don’t need to learn everything about the company, stick to details that can help you better understand your role. Learn about the company’s core services or products and evaluate how your skills can be great assets. Thoroughly read the job description. If anything is unclear, reach out to the recruiter.
Next, go through the company’s purpose or mission statement. Think about how your role and expertise can support these statements. Learn what the company stands for and what it wants to achieve for its stakeholders.
You can also learn key information and updates about your potential employers by visiting their company pages on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, etc. Thousands of companies post news and updates, press releases, events, anniversaries, and much more information daily on different social media platforms.
When answering questions about your skills and experiences, be authentic and straightforward. Pretending what you’re not and trying to sound smart can only disparage your chances of getting hired. Recruiters pick up genuine interactions and you will come across as someone who is positive, proactive, and driven.
If you have examples or experiences that complement your skills and answers, give them. Provide key highlights throughout your career. If interviewers ask you situational questions, respond with situational answers if you have them. False and misleading answers about your skills won’t do you and your employer any good. Be authentic, be confident.
Also, listen carefully to everything the interviewer is saying. For every question, think before you answer and don’t rush.
Make sure to clean yourself up, dress appropriately, and arrive early for your job interview. The same goes for virtual meetings with the addition of good virtual background, quiet room, and clear audio.
As you make your way to the office, hold your head high and don’t be afraid to greet people you see. The people you pass by can be your future colleagues, managers or clients. Don’t be afraid to engage in small talk if it is ideal to do so.
During the job interview, avoid bad-mouthing your previous employers and colleagues. No matter your experience with your former employers, it is never a good idea to share something negative with your potential employer about others. That is a red flag. Be positive and constructive.
Job interviews aren’t only for the recruiter to ask questions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the company and the role. It would be good to prepare your questions ahead of time. Asking questions will not only help you clear things up, but it will also convince the interviewer that you are interested and eventually, invested.
Lastly, the night before the interview, make sure that you get enough sleep to keep your mind sharp. Not enough sleep can defer your cognitive function which can lead to poor concentration, memory issues, and lack of critical thinking.
No matter the company or role you are applying for, always give it your best. Keep in mind that job interviews aren’t only an opportunity for you to get a job. It is also an opportunity for an employer to hire a competent and hardworking professional like yourself.
Written By Damien Lim
Damien Lim is the Managing Director of Asia Recruit. He’s been with the company since 2009, having joined the company as a Senior Recruitment Consultant, and went on to be the Consulting Manager, before assuming the role of Director in 2015. Apart from providing strategic guidance and leadership, Damien is committed to ensuring that the Company achieves its vision, mission and long term goals.
