HOW TO GET THE JOB
Banko from Japan asks: “I have been called for an interview. What must I do first?”
Reread the job description so you are clear about the job. Research the company and –if possible - the interviewer(s). Use the company website, social media posts and press releases. This information will enable you to fit your background, qualifications and experience to the company.
Emma from Germany asks: “What should I wear for an interview?”
Some companies – banks for example – usually expect a conservative look and a suit is probably a good idea and some companies – such as advertising agencies - are more casual. Whatever you wear, look clean and tidy.
Francisca from Brazil asks: “Should I take anything with me to an interview?”
Take a pen or pencil and a notepad so that you can take notes. Also a list of three or four questions you would like to ask and four or five copies of your CV (Curriculum Vitae) in case there is more than one interviewer. Highlight any special achievements on your CV so that you can refer to them during the interview. Prepare a list of references, which you can give to the interviewer if asked.
Chen from China asks: “How can I make a good impression?”
Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Dress smartly, but don’t forget the small things – shine your shoes, make sure your nails are clean and that your hair is neat and tidy. If shaking hands is culturally appropriate, the handshake should be firm but not crush the other person’s fingers. Sit back in the chair and keep your hands loosely clasped in your lap. Don’t slouch or cross your arms during the interview. Display confident body language, but do not show arrogance. In some cultures it is important to look the interviewer in the eye.
Pedro from Brazil asks: “How can I prepare for questions when I don’t know what I will be asked?”
Practice your answers to common interview questions. For example: ‘Tell me about yourself and why you are interested in working for this company?’ and ‘Tell me about your current job and describe your responsibilities’. Your answers should tell the interviewer who you are and how you can add value to the company. It’s a good idea to ask a friend to interview you so that you can practice your answers.
Jurgen from Germany asks: “A friend has told me to use the STAR method when answering questions during an interview, but I don’t know what this is.”
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result. During the interview expect to be asked about times in the past when you used a specific skill or had to solve a particular problem. Using the STAR method simply means you will answer by first describing the Situation, then explain what you had to do (Task), the Action you took to deal with the situation and, finally, the Result of your Action.
Zhang Wei from China asks: “What questions should I ask?”
Interviews are a two-way street. Interviewers want to know that you are thinking seriously about what it would be like to work in the company. They want and expect you to ask questions. You are usually invited to ask questions, but if not, politely ask your questions at the end of the interview. The kind of questions you can ask are things like, ‘Can you explain some of the day-to-day responsibilities the job entails?’, ‘What kind of person are you looking for?’, ‘What challenges would the person who is appointed to the role face?’ and ‘How would the company measure my performance, if I were fortunate enough to be appointed?’
Sakura from Japan asks: “Should I ask about salary?”
You should go to the interview prepared to discuss salary. If you are unsure, what the salary range is for the job, it is very important that do some research. Find out the pay range based upon the job location, the industry, and the qualifications and experience required. If asked, “What salary are you looking for?” NEVER say, “I don’t know.” You could say, “Given my qualifications and experience, I think a salary of xxx would be appropriate.”
Anna from Germany asks: “What should I do after the interview?”
At the end of the interview you can ask about the next steps. Ask for copies of the business cards of the interviewers so that you can send each one a personalised thank-you letter/email.
