But then I realized, most of the advice you find on the web is actually too "advanced", and that common sense seems to be lacking quite a bit in Malaysia as far as job hunting is concerned (probably more).
For those of you who don't know who the fuck I am, allow me to give you some "credentials". I've been in senior management for more than 12 years. I've founded 3 companies, and I've also been a "career and educational advisor" as a side job for almost 10 years now, mostly with the University of Tokyo.
Okay, enough stupid shit about me. Let's get to my top 10. Before that, though, let's set some criteria.
- This is mostly meant for fresh graduates, but certainly applies to anyone who is serious about getting a job. Please read that again. "anyone who is serious about getting a job". If you're just out to randomly get interviews and hope one of them gives you a job, you can do whatever you want, and this list is not for you.
- This list is based on my experience in the past and certainly doesn't represent nearly everything you need to know about job interviews.
- Some of you will find this list to be so basic, you'll be shocked that anyone could need it. Trust me, I was shocked too.
- This list is based on the objective of succeeding in the interview and getting the position. Whether you actually want or like that position is up to your discretion. If you don't like the job, you shouldn't be going to the interview in the first place, but I understand there are other factors too. Like money. And money.
- This list is not for any specific industry, but assumes interviews for professional positions within an office. If you were going to a beach to apply for a lifeguard position, not all of the list may apply to you.
- If this list is too difficult or too much trouble for you to follow, I suggest you speak to your parents about being a bum for life.
1. Dress Appropriately
I've actually had people walk into my office in a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals for a job interview. If the company you're applying to is at all decent, they tell you to go home on the spot.
A long sleeve button shirt and slacks work for both men and women, and are always a safe bet. Women have more choices, but if you decide to wear a skirt, make sure that it's long enough to cover up to just above your knees at the shortest and that it's not flimsy -- the skirt from a suit works best. Baju kurung, kebaya, and other traditional wear are of course also acceptable (in fact, I look forward to seeing kebaya, but that's just a personal preference). Also remember to make sure your clothing is not too colorful or bright -- black, white, brown, grey, blue are all good choices.
Shoes make a huge impression on people. Make sure you're wearing proper leather shoes with socks. For women, a proper heel -- 3 to 5 cm -- is usually good for making a good impression. If you wear a skirt, it is highly advisable that you also wear stockings.
2. Be On Time
I can never stress enough how important punctuality is, and I can also never understand why so many people are not. Take a moment to think about it. Why would the busy boss of a company (the better the company, the more busy the boss) hire someone who wastes his/her time? By being late, you're essentially wasting people's time, and that helps no one.
Don't use traffic jams as an excuse. If you can't even predict a traffic jam and leave early to compensate for it, I sure as hell am not going to trust you with any serious job task. Even if you are late due to some completely unavoidable situation -- which is extremely rare --
3. Don't Make Excuses
If you think you're going to be late, call the company (speak directly to the interviewer if possible), and apologize. They don't need your excuses. The fact that you're going to be late is the only important point. Whether you got into an accident or had diarrhea (yes, someone used that on me), they don't need or want to know about it. The more you try to emphasize your excuse, the less trustworthy of a person you portray yourself to be.
Something to the effect of, "I'm so sorry, Sir/Madam. I don't think I can make it on time. Could we please delay the interview by 30 minutes?" is good. Don't forget to apologize! "Hello? I will be late. Jam." does not cut it. It'll get you cut though.
If you need to cancel the interview, call and apologize as well. Don't think that just because you got another seemingly better offer that you don't need to maintain good relationships with others. You never know when it'll come back and bite you in the ass in the future. It's a small world.
4. Stand The Fuck Up
Many times, you'll be asked to sit in a room and wait for the interviewer to join. When the interviewer comes, stand your ass up! Don't sit there like a sack of soggy potatoes and shake their hands like you're the boss; and don't sit until they sit, or until you're offered to sit.
5. Look Them In The Eyes
Yes, this is important. Someone who avoids looking at others in the eyes in a conversation or when being questioned shows lack of confidence, lack of respect, and lack of manners. Don't stare, though. There's a difference.
6. Don't Lie
The fact that I have to list this is sad, but I've found this to be a major issue. Don't lie about your work history or education or knowledge. You're not gonna get away with it, and it's going to cost you your job. You'd be lucky if you don't get hired, because getting fired for giving false information during the interview is not only embarrassing, but detrimental for your resume.
7. Don't Open Your Laptop
You shouldn't even be bringing one. I've had several experiences in which the candidate comes in for an interview, flops open his/her laptop, plugs it in without asking, and types away like I'm the one being interviewed. You shouldn't even be writing anything. You should only take out your pen and notebook and take notes when it is your turn to ask the interviewer about the company and the position you're applying for. Until then, sit still, answer the questions, and don't fidget!
8. Turn Your Phone Off
How hard can this be? At least make sure it's been put on silence mode. And for the love of professionalism, DON'T ANSWER YOUR PHONE during the interview! In fact, don't touch it at all! Even while waiting or the interviewer isn't there. Just sit! Chill! Don't start Candy Crushing. If I'm the interviewer, I'd send you packing immediately.
9. Ask Proper Questions
Ask about your job requirements. Ask about the company's background and what it does. Ask about the other employees. Don't ask about benefits or pay! You can negotiate on salary when you receive the offer, if you receive it at all. If you're asked about your expected salary, do answer (I advise against playing negotiation games. Just tell them the amount you think you're worth). If after you receive your job offer, and you feel the job description doesn't match the compensation (too much work for too little pay), then you can negotiate.
Just remember, it's not official until you accept, so no need to get into the details during the interview. Your objective in a job interview is to leave a good impression and get hired. Negotiate after you've been offered.
10. Smile
Not like a dork, but pleasantly. As much as possible. Trust me. It's important.
So there you have it. My recommended top 10 things you should do for a job interview. There are lots and lots more things I could give suggestions on, but that'll be for another day.
Just remember, respect the person who is going to decide whether you're getting a job or not. Don't think of job hopping as an option. Think of it as a last resort. Happy job hunting!
Oh. Follow me on Twitter if you'd like. @TheExBoss
Cheers!
