Be actively involved. Play your cards right!
Interview process has evolved a lot from what it used to be ten years ago. The conservative panel interview session will not be enough to know whether the candidate is the right person for the job. The purpose of having an interview is to observe certain competencies required by specific position. Interview process can include written test, case study presentation, group discussion, aptitude test, and in depth interview session. Different competencies are observed in different processes.
First and foremost before the interview start you are required to fill up an interview form. Before you start filling it up, you must go through the whole form first and understand the informations needed to avoid mistakes and waste of time. Don't forget to bring your own pen. The best is to invest on a nice stainless steel pen that will suit the whole corporate look.
Written test can be in many form; letter, report, proposal, or a case study. Make sure you know which is which. Understand the case study given. Then start drafting out your points. Get your points flow right and start writing. You can use SWOT analysis method to help you answer your case study questions. A case study will always have a follow up Q&A session. The questions given will be based on your writing so ALWAYS REMEMBER what you have written.
If you are required to do a presentation, understand the case study given first. Draft out your arguments. be careful with your voice volume and body language during the presentation. High pitched voice and repeating gestures can be annoying and distracting. You can improve on this by practicing in front of the mirror. That way you will be able to observe your body movement and make necessary improvements. Make sure whatever facts you are using are valid; NEVER EVER create your own facts.
When you are nervous and run out of words, the best thing to do is smile and take some time to catch your breath. It will help to ease the tense situation and give you time to think and gather your thoughts.
Fidgeting is a sign that you are nervous. It is OK to be nervous but you must know how to control it. Be aware of all your body parts. Do not shake your legs, rub your nose repeatedly, and play with your hair; it shows how uncomfortable you are. You hands should be on your lap, sit straight up, and try to be relax but not too relax that you treat the interview like a 'mamak session' with your friends.
It is the interviewers job to put you in a very uncomfortable situation just to see how you can handle the stress. Whatever it is REMEMBER not to engage in a fierce battle with the interviewers or be in a defensive mode. Stay calm and listen to what the interviewers have to say. Tell them that you understand where they are coming from but you have your reasons and stand firm with your opinions. Again SWOT analysis will be a good method to use to draft out your points for the presentation.
Different people act differently when they are nervous, some talk really fast, some shake their legs vigorously, and some constantly clicking their pen. Whatever it is that you are doing, STOP! Catch your breathe, gather your thoughts and start speaking again.
Your presentation should be clear and simple. You can use visual aid such as graph, flow chart, timeline, and mind mapping to help make your presentation easier to understand. Make sure your handwriting is clear and big enough for the interviewers to read. You can use different coloured markers but not too many (4 max) to help you differentiate your points.
In a group discussion it will be best if you act like a diplomat. REMEMBER true leaders will never dominate the team for the sake of getting sole credit or to shine. Be an idea contributor but give chance to other people to share their ideas as well. Stand firm on your opinions while respecting other people's opinions.
As for aptitude test. If it requires accuracy and speed, give accuracy and speed. If it requires speed give speed, if it requires accuracy give accuracy.
