LIKE IT OR NOT, your performance in interviews will make or break your job search.
According to Howard Chan, consultant, finance, Michael Page International, the interview remains the primary method of selection. No matter how impressive your resume is, performing poorly in the interview will threaten your chances of success.
The questions that an interviewer asks are designed to cover three points. Can you do the job? (This relates to skills, qualifications, experience.) Will you do the job? (This relates to motivation, attitudes and career goals.) Will you fit into the team? (This is about cultural fit.)
The good news is that performing well in an interview is a matter of preparation.
This can involve researching the company, understanding the available position, finding answers to likely questions, being aware of ways in which you will add value to the role and the company, and working out open-ended questions to ask the employer at the end of the interview.
'My general advice would be to get a full understanding of the company. It is also important to tailor the answers and to give relevant examples. Also, understand yourself and your background so that you can sell yourself in a confident manner,' Mr Chan said.