Equip Yourself Well for Interviews

Sooner or later, your effort in self-marketing will result in an invitation to an interview. As soon as you get this piece of good news, write down the following interview information on your notebook: date and time who you will see exact address and directions for finding the venue If you are unsure how to get there, make a trial run a day or two before. This will spare you the additional stress and panic that getting lost brings. telephone number Remember it is a basic courtesy to call the interviewer in case you are late or are unable to keep the appointment.

Before the interview

1. Company information search Do research and learn as much as you can about the company, so that you will be able to speak knowledgeably during the interview. Refer to Job Search Guide 8 for ways of doing a thorough search. 2. Self review Review your rsum, so that you can talk about your qualifications with ease. Contemplate why this employer should hire you, based on your experience and personal traits. Decide what information is relevant to this job. Consider what the employer is looking for in an employee. Do you match up with that? 3. Preparation for interview questions Think ahead of difficult questions you might be asked, and have your answers ready. Refer to the past interview questions available at Career Center and the attached interview questions, List A: "Questions Frequently Asked in Job Interviews." Prepare a few questions to ask the employer. This will show that you are informed, interested and that you put thoughts into applying for this position. Refer to the attached List B, "Questions You Can Ask in a Job Interview".

On the interview day

1. Basics of dressing Your dressing should be appropriate to the job you are applying for. It is better to look a little too formal than too casual. Keep your style simple--no extremes! All clothing should be clean and freshly ironed. 2. Punctuality, body language and manner Allow a generous amount of time for the interview. Arrive at least ten minutes earlier. Smile! Be pleasant, courteous and sincere with everyone in the office--even the receptionist. Be ready to shake hands with the employer (if he/ she offers) at both the beginning and the end of the interview. Maintain natural eye contact as much as you can. Don't sit down until you are offered a seat.

Job Search Guide 4-1 Revised edition 6/07

3. Listening and responding Listen carefully to what the interviewer is saying to find out as much as possible about the job for which you are applying. Don't be afraid to ask him/ her to rephrase a question you do not understand. If you need a few seconds to think about an unexpected or difficult question, ask for it politely. Point out connections between your capabilities and the employer's needs throughout the interview. Keep your answers clear, precise and concise. Don't agree with the interviewer on a major point if you honestly do not agree. 4. Making impression If you get the impression that the interview is not going well, don't let your discouragement show. Do not discuss salary and benefits during the first interview. If you are interested in the position, say so clearly and sincerely. Be alert for signs that the interview is about to end. Be prepared to thank the interviewer and sincerely shake hands. Ask when you will receive a reply.

Post-interview review
No matter how well or poorly you have performed, evaluate after the interview. View every interview as a learning experience. Your interviewing skills will improve with practice. Use the following questions to jog your memory: 1. What impressions did you make on the employer, both positive and negative? 2. Was there anything about yourself that you failed to communicate clearly enough? How did you "market" your skills and experience to the interviewer? 3. What questions should you have asked, but did not? 4. What questions did you not answer well? How would you answer them now? 5. What are the strengths or attributes that you would like to impress upon the employer more strongly? Make notes in your answers to these questions. Reread them before your next interview. If, after several interviews, you are still not successful in getting a job, be brave enough to call the interviewer and ask courteously and tactfully why you were not selected, so that you will not make the same mistakes again.

Job Search Guide 4-2 Revised edition 6/07

LIST A: Questions Frequently Asked in Job Interviews

About self Describe yourself. Tell me something about your family. Tell me something about your strengths and weaknesses. Are you a good team-player? How are you going to convince us to employ you? Capabilities and skills Do you think you have good leadership skills? Do you speak Mandarin?/ Introduce yourself in Mandarin. What computer softwares are you familiar with? Do you work well under pressure? What is your biggest accomplishment so far? What types of people do you find it most difficult to get along with? School-related Why do you choose to pursue your studies in HKUST? Why do you choose Biology as your major? How is HKUST different from other local universities? What have you gained from your tertiary education? Extracurricular activities What are your hobbies? How is your hall life? What have you learnt from your extracurricular activities/ summer jobs? How do you balance your time between studies and extra-curricular activities? Career aspiration What is your ideal job? What is your career plan in five years' time? What is your career goal? Why do you want to be a teacher? How long will you stay in this job if we hire you? What brings you greatest job satisfaction? Job-related or industry-related What do you think an auditor do? What do you think you will do in this position? Are you willing to work in China/work overtime? What is your view on the future retail banking industry in Hong Kong? What are the greatest difficulties that you will be facing in this position? How will you tackle them?

Job Search Guide 4-3 Revised edition 6/07

Company-related Why would you like to work with our firm? How much do you know about our company? Please comment on our recruitment talk. What criteria do you use to choose your employer? Situational * If you are asked to organize a badminton competition for our staff, how are you going to do it? What will you do if your client asks you to drink or dance with him? Current affairs Discuss a current affair which interests you most. What are your favorite newspapers and magazines? Others Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself? Do you have any questions? * For more information on Behavioral Interviewing, please refer to the website of SUNY Brockport at http://www.brockport.edu/career/behave.htm

LIST B: Questions You Can Ask in a Job Interview

Related to the organization Why was a certain place chosen for opening a new plant? How does the company deal with soaring operating cost? What makes a particular product remain competitive when new products are coming on the market all the time? What was the response of the market to a new product recently launched? What are the development plans for the company in the next three years? Related to the job What is a typical day in this job? What are the specific projects you will be called upon to undertake in the first year? Who would you be reporting to? What is the usual place of work? Related to training What on-the-job training is provided? Does the organization encourage further study or training? Related to conditions of employment and salary It is better to ask this type of question after you have been offered the job.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission from the Career Center, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology. Remark: Online version is accessible at Career Center Website <http://www.ab.ust.hk/sccs>
Job Search Guide 4-4 Revised edition 6/07

Career Planning