Attending a job interview is an integral part of your job-hunting journey. Wondering about the types of job interviews and how you can better prepare for these scenarios? Let’s get right into it.
Popular Types of Job Interviews in Malaysia
1. Traditional Face to Face Interview
A classic. The traditional face to face interview is one of the most common and effective types of job interviews in Malaysia, where you are interviewed by the business owner or manager of the job role that you are applying for.
This type of interview is effective because it allows the interviewer to get up close and personal with the interviewee. It provides a better understanding of who you are (physical impression, body language and tone) compared to interviewing through a computer screen or a phone call.
All sorts of interview questions could be asked, and it is an opportunity for you to showcase how calm and prepared you are by answering the interview questions fluently. Remember that first impressions matter, so dress accordingly and do not be late!
2. Video Interview
The pandemic has accelerated the transition from physical interviews to video interviews for all companies globally. Virtual types of job interviews are crucial when interviewers and candidates cannot meet in person due to distance.
Video interviews are conducted online via Google Meet, Skype, Zoom, FaceTime and more. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you are fully prepared or “set up” for a smooth online interview session.
Make sure that your webcam provides a clear image of you while your microphone delivers your voice clearly. Use an external webcam and microphone if better video and audio quality is needed.
Next, make sure that your background is not messy or unprofessional. Background noises such as conversations and notifications could also affect the interview experience. Lastly, do a trial run to check on your internet signal.
An important reminder – Treat this interview as if you are attending a physical interview. Yes, you’d still have to dress up appropriately.
3. Phone Interview
After applying for a position online, a phone interview is often the second step in the hiring process. Typically short and surprising in nature, it acts as a pre-screening step to gauge if you are worthy of an in-person or video interview.
You may have submitted an impressive resume, however, a phone interview allows hiring managers to quickly assess your tone of voice and personality. It speeds up the hiring process by focusing their time on high-quality candidates only.
How should you be fully prepared for this interview? Since you are selling yourself using only your voice, make sure to find a quiet place with minimal noise and distractions. Next, avoid mumbling, eating, drinking and chewing.
Be a good listener and speak clearly when you are required to. One hack is to prepare your elevator pitch and your resume around you for easy reference. After the interview, send an email or text and show appreciation for the interview opportunity.
4. Group Interview
Just the opposite of individual face to face interviews, you’ll be interviewed along with other candidates at the same time. This type of job interview is most common in industries such as hospitality and retail, where the company is hiring multiple people for the same job.
Interviewing with others may seem daunting as multiple candidates are competing to impress the interviewers in order to stand out from the crowd. Here are a few tips for you to ace group interviews.
Firstly, you should always remain calm and composed. Since opportunities to speak are scarcer than ever, always give your best answers and ask the best questions. Make sure that you fully understand the job requirement and position yourself as the perfect candidate for the job position.
Besides mentally preparing your answers beforehand, you should listen more to how other candidates are answering and customise your answers accordingly to gain the upper hand.
However, make sure that you answer with full honesty. In short, be yourself.
5. Career Fair Interview
Career fairs are an excellent opportunity for you to explore various careers and get in touch with your favourite employer. If you are attending career fairs to hunt for your dream job, you should be prepared for a sudden career fair interview.
Similar to phone interviews, these types of job interviews can function as pre-screening interviews. Performing well during a career fair interview is a must for you to secure a full interview with the hiring managers in the future.
How do you leave a good impression and convince the recruiter or hiring manager to consider you for an interview in just 10 to 15 minutes time?
For a start, dress well when attending career fairs. Next, make sure that you are able to confidently answer “Tell me about yourself” by presenting your outstanding qualifications, skills and achievements.
More importantly, be friendly and inquisitive. Show your interest in the company and your passion for the job role you’re talking about. With the right attitude and preparation, your subsequent interview slots will be immediately secured.
Conclusion
Different types of job interviews require different preparations, physically and mentally alike. Hence, understanding the most common types of job interviews in Malaysia could be your secret weapon to securing your dream job in Malaysia.
A final reminder – No matter what type of interview it may be, first impressions matter. The way you present yourself could be the determining factor in getting your desired job. Use the right tone and body language at the right time, and you’ll stand out amongst the crowd.
Read the Chinese version here: 马来西亚最常见的 5 种工作面试类型
