Interview ethiquette for job applicants
These past few days I had the opportunity to observe employment seekers attending job interviews. Basically an interview is just an opportunity for a prospective employer to judge you and evaluate you based on their gut instincts. They would probably already have an idea of what you can and cannot do and also your qualifications.
Come prepared. Bring all the relevant certificates etc. Be prepared to tell the interviewer what you can contribute to the organization. We are only interested in what you can bring to our orgnanization. If you are not interested in the job please do not waste the interviewers’ time. There are many more prospective applicants.
As for the interview itself, the important thing therefore is to stand out above the crowd. Unfortunately I noticed many interviewees came in jeans, casual apparel and one candidate even came in athletic shoes. The offered job required formal wear.
Mastery of English as a language was generally poor. Even though their paper qualifications for the language was ok with credits but most were unable to carry on a real conversation without making grammatical errors, wrong pronunciation, and exhibiting signs of limited vocabulary.
While it is ok to ask about the job, some cndidates weren’t really aware of the scope of the duties of the job they were applying for. One candidate tried to wrest control of the interview whilst another answered in monosyllables, yes or no etc. It lead me to wonder if he even understood the questions being asked.
Manners and courtesy are also important if you wish to make a good impression. Simple words of excuse me, thank you, may I would make a good impression. Pay attention to the inerviewer. One candidate even interrupted the interview to read an sms. Needless to say, the candidate was instantly rejected even though the interview carried on.
One candidate came late. He made no apologies nor gave any explanation. Another brought a friend for ‘company’ during the job interview. The friend got the job. The applicant didn’t get the job much to his dismay.
Who got the job? It wasn’t the most good-looking or most qualified. The successful candidate was chosen based on his prospective worth to the organization. Of course, the successful candidate had done a good job during the interview.
This is not a comprehensive post but just my two cents worth of opinion.
Well said. What you have said is correct. A fren of mine who work in HR dept has the same comments.
Imagine the dismal face of the applicant whose friend got the job. Poor fella… Your post reminded me of the English oral test that some of my colleagues are sitting for this Sat. Could hear nerves wrecking. Hehehe…
omg…. i could be the one mentions. ><”"
there was one guy who looked like u but nah..u r more hensem than him
joking onlylah. i didnt see u
In my previous job, I had many opportunities to conduct interviews. I remember this girl who came in and she was clutching her bag in front of her through the whole interview process. I think I may looked like a bag snatcher to her! On top of that, she was flipping her pen using her fingers.