How to prepare for an interview?

China
May 13, 2009 2:01am CST
Recently,I have just received an interview of PwC and it was really a hard one. It was my first time to get contacted with the professional officors and managers. I felt greatly nervous from the beginning. The moment when I was asked to introduce myself I even don't know how to speak……Do I need to be aggressive or humble? What kind of question should I prepare before the interview? How can I know if I have done well or not during the process? And of course, it comes the most inevasible problem---how can I overcome the nervous tension?
3 people like this
10 responses
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
14 May 09
This is a helpful topic and I wish to share the following information I found at http://hr.dop.wa.gov/jobtips/prepare.interview.htm. I actually shared this to my son when he was just looking for a job. "Preparation is key to a successful interview Does the idea of going to a job interview make you feel a little queasy? Many people find that it is the hardest part of the hiring process. But it doesn’t have to be. The more you prepare and practice, the more comfortable you will feel. Increase your odds of landing the job you want by brushing up on your interview skills. Prepare before you go. Find out all you can about the company before you go to the interview. Understand the products that they produce and/or the services that they provide. It’s also good to know who the customers are and who the major competitors are. Practice makes perfect. It will also make you feel more confident and relaxed. So, practice your answers to common questions. Make a list of questions to ask, too. Almost all interviewers will ask if you have questions. This is a great opportunity for you to show that you have done your homework and have put some thought into your questions Make a great impression. The interview is your chance to show that you are the best person for the job. Your application or resume has already exhibited that you are qualified. Now it ’s up to you to show how your skills and experience match this position and this company. The employer will be looking and listening to determine if you are a good fit. He/she will be looking for a number of different qualities, in addition to the skills that you possess. To make the best impression, dress appropriately; sell your strengths; arrive early, by about 10-15 minutes; be enthusiastic; shake hands firmly; be an active listener; sit up straight and maintain eye contact; ask questions. Say "thank you". After the interview, follow up with a thank-you note. This is a chance for you to restate your interest and how you can benefit the company. Your best bet is to try to time it so that the note gets there before the hiring decision is made. You should also follow up with a phone call if you don’t hear back from the employer within the specified time."
1 person likes this
• United States
13 May 09
Heres some tips on preparing for an interview that i used when i entered myself into the Interviewing field... 1.Practice on going on interviews even for jobs you have no intention of taking. 2.Research the company thoroughly. make sure they recognize you've done the homework and have taken interest. 3.Know the Companies market, products and goals. 4.memorize some facts about the company and prepare to cite them during the interview. 5. Formulate a list of intelligent questions to ask during the interview. 6. Talk to people who work or have worked at the company. 7. Hang around the building once before the interview to get an idea of how the staff dresses as well as their body language. I wish you luck! (http://www.e-how.com_1721_prepare-job-interview.html)
@kulotzki (61)
• Philippines
14 May 09
be realistic, answer only to what the question is. do not exagerate for answering because the interviewer always want to have your answer immediatey and directly.. maintain friendly looks and comportable as much as possible. say thank you to the interviewer for his/her time after the interview..
@Azaerus (820)
• Philippines
14 May 09
I've had gone through alot of interviews already and for sure I can remember the first time I've had it..ofcourse you can't expect your first to be a great one..mine was horrifying and completely heart stopping one..yikes..eversince,I've realized that if you just put in your mind that nothing will go wrong then you'll see that it'll turn out fine..just be confident,be yourself,be honest coz employers hate liers and be calm.. number one rule don't panic..:b
• India
14 May 09
For an interview always make an eye contact . Don't go gazing at them but yes even if you get wrong at any answer smartly tell them " Sorry sir , i don't know" . Making an eye contact is very important also sit smartly and comfortable at your seat , don't couch or shake your legs , they will notice your each move . Prepare all the general questions they might ask you . Always keep a smile .
@geniustiger (1694)
• Philippines
14 May 09
know everything about your personality. your background,education, expertise, skills and evrything about yourself. you should know what is your purpose why you applying the job and why you do that. be equipped and try your very best to impress the employer that will ask you then prepare all the original papers and photocopy with these papers in order they need it, you actually can give right way. pls be calm and control your feelings just make the situation just like with your friends hanging around or take it easy its gonna be alright.
@KrauseHome (36449)
• United States
14 May 09
What I have learned over time, is the Best thing to do is find out as much as you can about the Company before the interview, so when asked questions you can act like you know what they do, etc. You also might want to have someone help do some Mock interviews with you to help you be more prepared, and help you get over some of your nervousness as well. On the day of the interview just keep calm, remember to relax, and if you believe in Prayer, saying a Prayer will help as well. Even if you find yourself not getting this job, it should help you be a little more prepared for the next one you choose to interview for as well. Wishing you the Best.
• India
13 May 09
In order to succeed in an interview each individual must make an honest self-assessment and find out one's areas of strength and weakness. Knowledge of one's deficiencies is useful in overcoming weaknesses and unconscious bad habits of posture or speech can be improved by effort. Shortcomings which cannot be overcome can be accepted and acknowledged so that they do not lead to depression and embarrassment when others notice them. Therefore, coming to terms with oneself and knowing how to deal with one's faults, and how to make the best use of one's knowledge and skills, is another vital element in preparing for an interview.
• India
14 May 09
During in lifetime we have to face many examinations and interviews. So you take it easy, appreciate it cordially. There is nothing to do. After finishing the formal education or any course we have to face many examinations and interviews for jobs normally. So take it as usual, don't be nervous, think the interviewers as friend, avoid your hesitation, null lie speaking , be frank and optimistic. Wish your success and overcome.
@beamsey (425)
• Philippines
13 May 09
Well, I believe there is no one way to prepare for an interview. It also depends on who is being interviewed and for what job. It is good to be aggressive but not to the point that you come off as arrogant and insensitive. Just show the interviewee that you stand by your beliefs. Humility is always a good trait but be careful you do not seem self-demeaning or anything because that would show lack of self-confidence. Probably the best thing to do is not to psych yourself out. Try what I did for my medical school interview. A few days before your interview date, talk to yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you can do it and that you were right for the job. You should be feeling good and confident about yourself by the time of your interview. :) Goodluck!