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Preparing for a job interview can be pretty daunting. Everyone would have to go through a similar experience at some point in time. If it is not a job interview, it could be the first meeting with your future mother in-law, a dance audition or meeting your new date. Whatever it is, it can be really daunting and stressful if no proper measures are considered to overcome the fear of a job interview. Let’s face it. We are not born for job interviews. Everyone has to prepare themselves. Plus, given the fact that there are so many things to consider during an interview, it can be really confusing to the point that we forget certain things that we tend to do, unaware.

Imagine the number of things we have to consider for a job interview.

1. Dress for the job or company – Look professional at all times. Even when you’re allowed to wear t-shirt as a graphic designer at an advertising firm, appear professional in a shirt during the interview. Industries like hospitality and tourism, accounting, business and consultancies require candidates and employees to wear suits.

2. Practice good communication – Standing straight, making proper eye contact, firm handshake and even responding e-mails promptly projects efficiency and goes a long way.

3. Be a good listener – Listen and observe, answer questions adequately to match the style and pace.

4. Don’t talk too much – Talking too much would certainly not help. The more you say, the higher the chances of making mistakes and saying wrong things. One day, an employer asked, “So, tell me what kind of challenges or hardships have you faced in your entire lifetime so far?” to which the girl answered, “Well, I was badly abused by my father as a little girl.”The employer was stunned and this dampened the mood for the interview, totally. If I were the employer, I would feel sorry for that poor girl but I think it would be a risk to hire her because of her past in case she might not be able to hold herself well in my company. What if she is psychotic? Well, if things like these happen, it is just best not to mention.

5. Don’t be too familiar – Remember, your interviewer is not your new friend.

6. Use appropriate language – Use professional language. Don’t use slang words like “Lah… you know lah… like that wan mar, what to do, right?” Avoid references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation. What if you accidentally insult your interviewer who is homosexual?

7. Don’t be overconfident – There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty.

8. Take care while answering questions – Like for example, “What is your biggest weakness?” Here’s a good one – “My biggest weakness is my desire to please people.” This could actually turn out as something positive, in the eyes of the employer.

9. Ask questions – Ask questions and demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Of course, don’t ask this question!! – “So, can you tell me what your company actually does? How will I fit in?”

Sometimes we are so caught up at the interview we forget how we look because there are no mirrors around. Plus, there are so many factors that could possibly make us nervous. For example, a really large organisation you have been waiting to enter for the longest time looking all professional in its ambience, the interviewer might be really hot and distracting, the room could be too cold, the table is too large and long, seats are too big, whatever the reason may be!

These are some examples of what not to do at an interview.

 I chose to wear this to an interview at an advertising firm because it is not too professional-looking. For some reason, they don’t like suits! It is, of course inappropriate to wear jeans at the interview too, although jeans are common in the advertising industry. I’d carry a professional bag and also my three important items – pen, notebook, portfolio, a few printed copies of resumes + cover letter and certificate or academic transcripts. I was also given this tip before – to wear something that might be a talking point during the interview (especially in the creative industry). Items I have worn at an interview that showed the creative side of me – like coloured Chinese-pattern leggings (not overly funky but creative in style), red left shoe + green right shoe, different earrings on both side of my ears (above – too small to illustrate). Sometimes, it could be your lucky charm like a favourite bangle or ring.

When it comes to resume, it’s really not easy. It’s like blogging, it’s like writing a poem. How do you best illustrate this personality of yours to match the job you are looking for and not seem as if you’re a boring and nerdy person?

Remember that fonts, lines, colour play important roles in bringing the life out of the resume. Melissa Chen is a smart girl with a double degree and one with honours but this resume lacks life with fonts in italics looking rather out of the place. One big no-no is an unprofessional pseudonym for e-mail. Sure, the employer might just hire crazymellie!

As for Meihua’s resume, it is too short and simple. I am sure she has more information than this.

Ahh, such hassle it is to create the ultimate resume, isn’t it?

Plus, so many things to remember and go through when it comes to seeking and attending a job interview.

GradSolutions provides the service of resume refinement and cover letter writing by their professionals. They offer a professional development program which is a training program that prepares the candidate for work life, as well as for interviews. Besides that, GradSolutions also holds mock interview sessions to help candidates prepare for their actual interview. The best part is a guaranteed job interview for placement and the hiring will all depend on the candidate themselves but the skills learnt will be invaluable.

I did not know that there was such a service offered prior to this. Fortunately, I had received countless advice from the right people: my father, uncle and aunties in the professional industry, as well as the internet. However, what happens if you do not get pointed in the right direction?

Well, here is your solution – GradSolutions.

For students, graduates and jobseekers in Melbourne, here’s the place for you.

GradSolutions will be attending three university Career Fairs this year. Be sure to come, and bring your friends along! I will be there, so do come by and say hi! I will see you there!

RMIT University Career Fair
Date: 9th March 2010
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Venue: Victory Room, Etihad Stadium Melbourne Exhibition Centre

Melbourne University Career Fair
Date: 10th March 2010
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Venue: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens

Monash University Career Fair
Date: 11th March 2010
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Venue: Clayton Campus

For more information, visit www.GradSolutions.com.au or call (03) 9670 1311 to enquire NOW!
NOTE: All initial consultations are free of charge.

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