The Importance of Preparing for an Interview: Introduction
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate, you’d agree that job interviews are an essential and mandatory step in the larger journey of job-hunting for your dream jobs in Malaysia.
The job interview process would typically come after the initial screening by either recruiters and/or Applicant Tracking System (ATS), and you can expect an average of 2 to 3 job interviews before securing your next rice bowl.
With such a huge emphasis on job interviews, we’d understand why you’re here to learn more about the importance of preparing for an interview. Here’s Job Majestic’s take on this.
The Importance of Preparing For an Interview
1. Guarantee Excellent First Impressions
First impressions are crucial as the first step to establishing a good rapport between you, the interviewer, and the company. Studies have shown that it takes less than 1 second for people to form an opinion of you based on first impressions and mannerisms.
To guarantee good first impressions:
- Plan your route and journey to the company
- Always leave on time, as early as possible
- Do a trial run if possible to reduce potential blockers
- Keep your phone charged and prepare for Plan B
- Dress to impress, or at least appropriately
- No wrinkled shirt and dirty shoes!
When it comes to your outfit, ensure that you’ll be comfortable throughout the interview to avoid unnecessary distractions.
2. Gather Brilliant Answers
Having the best answers at your disposal is one of the importance of preparing for an interview. The best way to do so? Initiate comprehensive research.
For a start, read through the job advertisement and go through the company’s website or social media channels. Familiarise yourself with:
- Who are they & their history
- What they do – business model
- What are their vision and mission
- What are their values
There are a few benefits of doing the research. You’ll be able to get a good grasp of the nature of the company, their customers, achievements and how your expertise could best match the job.
Now, you’ll not only have solid answers on how you’ll bring value to the organisation and bring it closer to its goals, but it’ll show your passion and that you’ve taken the time and effort to understand the business and its environment (it’ll impress the interviewers).
Lastly, take the time to understand your interviewer. Depending on their role and seniority, the interview questions and tone will change accordingly. This should help to prepare you mentally for the kinds of questions you’ll need to prepare for.
3. Enter With Confidence
One of the importance of preparing for an interview is to increase your confidence before and during the interview. With enough confidence, you’ll be able to keep a steady head no matter what the circumstances or questions you face – increasing your chances of success.
- Understand the types of interview questions you may face
- Practise answering interview questions in the mirror or with your friends
- Get a good sense of your body language – and improve it
- Prepare all the relevant interview documents – certificates, resume or CV, licenses, reference list, etc.
- Refresh your memory by going through the company materials and job advertisement
- Familiar yourself with some of the hardest interview questions
4. Keep The Conversation Going
Remember that job interviews are a two-way street, and should not be one-sided at all times. If you aren’t the most extraverted person in the world, you may want to keep these tips in mind:
- You may want to simulate and plan your responses to your interviewer’s response
- Keep your tone positive and talk steadily
- Take note of your body language – don’t slouch and cross your arms
- Maintain eye contact and be friendly
- If you are nervous, remember to breathe and take a small break if you need to
Another method to keep the interview interactive is to ask them questions of your own. Be sure to prepare some questions beforehand to clarify your burning questions and show that you are truly interested in the job, team, and company.
The Importance of Preparing for an Interview: Final Thoughts
Now that you are fully equipped with the knowledge of the importance of preparing for an interview, our final advice would be for you to proofread your job application documents.
From cover letters to resumes and job recommendation letters, proofreading your documents could be the deciding factor on whether you deserve the job interviews in the first place due to the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
If you need more information about job-hunting and/or receive majestic career tips in general, visit our Job Majestic Blog today and don’t forget to sign up as a Job Majestic career seeker!
