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Interview candidates are an eager-to-please bunch. Because their future depends on the success of their job interview, Interviewees tend to think that the best way to a successful interview is by having the right answers to all the interview questions. A majority of interview preparations (because you should in fact, be preparing) is focussed heavily on responding to potential interview questions. While this is indeed a crucial element for a favourable interview, there’s another important aspect many people forget to prepare for: asking informed and thoughtful questions of your own. ...

So you’ve landed an interview for your dream job. Now what? Don’t just wing it! Be prepared. Here are 16 common interview mistakes to avoid: Dressing inappropriately. While there are some places where the dress code is casual, don’t assume you can show up in jeans and a t-shirt. A suit is really the only acceptable attire for a job interview. Even if the interviewer’s dress code is relaxed, wearing a suit will show that you are serious about the job.  ...

Hiring managers want to hear your story. They know past behaviour predicts future performance, so they ask for specific examples of times when you navigated office politics or delivered measurable results. The technique is called a behavioural job interview, and you know it is coming when you hear the prompt: “Tell me about a time when you … ” The next phrase can be almost anything: assumed a leadership role, saved your company money, disagreed with a boss, juggled multiple tasks or overcame an obstacle. ...

Preparation is the key to success in an interview. The better prepared you are, the more relaxed and comfortable you will be. Gather information about the company and try to relate your experience to the specific duties of the job opportunity available. Prepare questions about the position and the company. These can include:“Do you have a detailed job description?”; “Why is the position available?”; “What training and induction will be given?”; and “What prospects are there for professional development?” ...

The word “interview” conjures up feelings of apprehension, nervousness, and in some cases, downright fear. This is exacerbated by the fact that most people tend to find themselves in interview-preparation mode only when they are actively job searching, and so they feel additional pressure to make a positive impact. ...

根據多項調查研究，見工面試的頭五分鐘往往已決定了求職者是否得到面試官的信任，故此怎樣回答第一條問題更形重要。如果表現理想，能給對方一個良好的印象，同時也增加自信。 以下和大家談談最常見的第一個問題，就是：‘Tell me about yourself.’ 可從兩方面回答：第一是關於自己的資歷、工作能力或專長等，第二是你可以為公司帶來甚麼？ 自己的資歷和專長首先可簡要地介紹你的資歷和工作上的專長，讓面試官對你有初步的認識。請看一例：I got a diploma in hotel and tourism management from ABC University. I have been working as a front desk officer in DEF hotel for three years. I have developed my practical skills in hotel industry, and know how to deal with different types of people. I love to help people, enjoy meeting new friends. I’m hardworking and don’t mind working long hours. 如果現在沒有工作的話，可綜合描述工作上的專長。 ...

有讀者詢問有些求職專家建議在見工面試時，不應過於自大或誇張，以免令面試官覺得你自滿或言過其實。相反的一派則認為要表現出自信，才可留給對方積極正面的印象。究竟我們應該怎樣取捨呢？ 筆者覺得這是一個非常好的問題，也是面試的重要策略( interview strategy )。首先，我們要認清見工面試的目標是得到這份工作，並不是要和對方辯論，取得勝利，而是要說服面試官你是擔任這份工作的最佳人選( the best candidate )。因此，工作的性質和要求( nature and requirements of the job )至為關鍵。 列舉事實，證明論點例如工作要求具備流利英語，你可以說：‘I am good at English and I’ve won the prizes in many English speech contests.’這是自信的表現，也用了事實來證明。最好能結合工作要求：‘And so, I believe I can handle the requests from customers who speak English.’ ...

When preparing for an interview, most people go over education, work achievements, projects they have run, successes they have had, and challenges they have faced and overcome, writes Nick Wheatley. ...

Salary negotiations – often the final stage of the interview process – can also be one of the most uncomfortable, writes Katharine de Vaal. ...

If you want to appeal to employers, it is not just about offering the right skills, experience and cultural fit anymore, writes Marc Burrage. ...