Interview tips: Impress your interviewer and land the job

Navigating the job market in Singapore often means facing numerous interviews. These interviews hold immense significance. Performing well in these meetings can set you apart and increase your chances of getting your dream job.

To ace an interview, you should understand the hiring process, prepare for potential questions, and follow up afterward. Mastering these steps can significantly increase your prospects in the country’s competitive job market.

In this article we will give you guidance on how to enhance your interview performance. You will get everything, from valuable insights and practical tips to strategies for securing your desired job position.

Here is what we will cover:

• Understanding the interview process
• How to prepare before an interview
• Making a great first impression
• Common mistakes interviewees make during an interview
• Top interview tips
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Understanding the interview process 

Here is a quick overview of what a typical interview process looks like:

What to expect in a job interview

Before the formal interview, someone might get in touch with you. This could happen in a couple of ways. 

Firstly, if someone inside the company knows about you and recommends you, they might ask you to interview. Alternatively, if you apply for a job online or elsewhere, a hiring manager might contact you to set up an interview. They are likely to get in touch by phone or email to schedule an interview. You could also reach out to them first to show your interest. The process can vary depending on the company's hiring practices and the job you are applying for.

During the job interview, there could be one or more people present. Be polite and ask for their names and titles.

Next, the interviewer will ask you to introduce yourself. This is your chance to give a brief overview of your background and highlight your key strengths. After that, they will ask more detailed questions about your experience and skills. These questions may cover general topics like your previous work history and specific skills relevant to the job. 

Prepare for the interview in advance. By answering the various questions, you can showcase your capabilities effectively.

When they finish, they will likely ask if you have any questions. It is a good idea to prepare questions beforehand by researching the company. Also, consider aspects like the job role, company culture, and potential career growth opportunities. This demonstrates your proactive approach and genuine interest in the job.

Before you go, thank the interviewer for their time. Depending on the job's importance, be prepared to undergo a few more rounds of interviews.

Different types of interviews

Employers use different interview types for hiring. Here are four you might encounter:

1. Virtual: Conducted over the phone or via video call, which is handy for distant candidates.
2. In-person: Both parties meet face-to-face, the most common method.
3. Panel: Involves multiple interviewers, often for senior roles.
4. Case challenge: Solve a business problem during the interview to showcase your skills.

How many rounds of interviews does a company have?

A company might have one or several rounds of interviews. The number can vary based on the company's hiring process, the significance of the job, and the number of applicants. Some companies conduct just one interview, while others may have multiple rounds to assess candidates thoroughly. 

It depends on the importance of the job, how many applicants they have, and the complexity of the job role. Positions requiring specialised skills may involve additional rounds to assess candidates thoroughly. Additionally, the hiring team's preferences and policies may play a role in determining the number of interview rounds.

How to prepare before an interview 

Here are some job interview tips to help you prepare beforehand:

Research the company and role

Get to know the company and the role you are applying for to ensure a good fit. 

Research the company's background, culture, and values. This may involve exploring its website, social media channels, and job forums. If the company is a multinational corporation (MNC) operating in Singapore, consider checking out company review websites specific to Singapore and their social media presence.

Stay updated on recent news or developments about the company, like new products or industry trends. This shows you're interested and informed during the interview.

Reread the job description

Before the interview, carefully review the job description to ensure a thorough understanding of the role's requirements.

Pay special attention to industry-specific requirements, as well as any technical skills or knowledge areas mentioned. 

This preparation will help you identify how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements. You can effectively demonstrate your suitability during the interview.

Practice common interview questions.

Preparing for potential interview questions helps you craft detailed, insightful responses. Organise your answers to highlight your skills effectively. 

Research typical interview queries online or seek advice from industry professionals. Practice your responses beforehand to feel confident during the interview.

Additionally, consider practicing behavioural interview questions, which focus on past experiences and how you handled specific situations. This type of practice can help you articulate your experiences and demonstrate your capabilities more effectively.

Review your resume and familiarise yourself with what you have written 

Consistency between your resume and interview responses is crucial. Interviewers typically review resumes before interviews. Any inconsistency may raise doubts about your honesty. It leads to a negative impression and hurts your chances of getting the job.

To ensure alignment, take some time to review your resume before the interview. Pay attention to the details of your experiences, skills, and achievements mentioned in your resume. This will help you confidently discuss and elaborate on your qualifications during the interview.

Making a great first impression 

Here are some tips to help you create a positive first impression:

Planning your first impression

Before the interview, research the company's values and recent achievements to gain insight into their priorities and direction. This can help you tailor your responses to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with their goals, making a positive impression during the interview.

Additionally, plan your route to the interview location in advance to ensure punctuality. Arriving early demonstrates your commitment and professionalism.

Choosing your interview attire

Choose an outfit that aligns with professional standards. Opt for clean, well-fitted attire that exudes professionalism. 

If possible, research the company's dress code beforehand, or err on the side of caution by choosing conservative attire such as a suit or business casual attire. Aim to present yourself as polished and well-groomed, regardless of the company culture.

The importance of arriving early

Being punctual shows respect for the interviewer's time and reflects positively on your professionalism. Arriving early provides you with valuable time to gather your thoughts, review any materials, and calm any nerves. 

Additionally, it shows your enthusiasm for the opportunity and sets a positive tone for the interview.

How to greet your interviewer when you first meet

Approach your interviewer with a warm and genuine smile. Make eye contact and extend a firm handshake while verbally greeting them with a simple 'Hello' or 'Good morning/afternoon.' 

Use the interviewer's last name if known, followed by a title such as 'Mr.,' 'Ms.,' or 'Dr.,' unless invited to use their first name. 

Maintain a confident posture and positive body language throughout the interaction.

Common mistakes candidates make during an interview 

Here are some common mistakes jobseekers make during an interview:

1. Not researching the company beforehand 
   ⁠It is crucial to research the company before the interview. Knowing about their values, culture, and recent achievements can help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your interest in the role.
2. Not knowing their CV well prior to the interview
   ⁠Familiarise yourself with your resume before the interview. Being able to discuss your experiences and accomplishments confidently can leave a positive impression on the interviewer.
3. Answering too quickly
   ⁠Take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding to questions. Structuring your answers in your mind beforehand can help you articulate them clearly and confidently.
4. Going to an interview late
   ⁠Punctuality is key. Plan your route in advance and aim to arrive early for the interview. Being late can create a negative impression and reflect poorly on your reliability.
5. Rambling during an interview
   ⁠Avoid talking excessively and stay focused on the topic at hand. Practice being concise in your responses, avoiding filler words like "so" and "like."

Common mistakes in non-verbal cues

1. Not maintaining proper eye contact: Make sure to maintain eye contact with the interviewer throughout the conversation. It shows attentiveness and confidence.
2. Too many hand gestures: While gestures can be expressive, excessive hand movements can be distracting. Keep your gestures natural and in moderation.
3. Using too many word fillers like “like..”: Minimise the use of filler words such as "like," "um," and "uh." Pausing briefly to collect your thoughts is preferable.
4. Interrupting the interviewer
   ⁠Allow the interviewer to finish speaking before responding. Interrupting can be perceived as rude and may disrupt the flow of the conversation. Showing respect for the interviewer demonstrates professionalism.

Top interview tips 

To boost your chances of success, here are some job interview tips you can use:

1. Tips to keep your answers concise during an interview

Structure your responses using the STAR method. This helps you organise your thoughts and provide clear and concise answers. Have examples ready from your past work experiences to support your answers. 

For example, if asked about a time when you resolved a difficult customer issue, describe the situation, the specific actions you took, and the positive outcome, such as retaining the customer's loyalty. This shows your ability to handle challenging situations effectively.

During the interview, provide specific examples of your work and the results you achieved. 

For instance, if discussing a successful project you led, mention the project's goals, your role and responsibilities, and the tangible results, such as meeting deadlines and exceeding performance targets. This showcases your practical experience and accomplishments to the interviewer.

2. Tips on handling difficult interview questions

Take a moment to think before answering difficult questions. It is okay to pause and give a well-thought-out response. If needed, ask the interviewer to clarify the question to ensure you understand it correctly.

Structure your response to guide the interviewer through your thought process. Be mindful of time and avoid rambling.

3. Demonstrating your fit for the role in an interview

Align your skills and experiences with the job requirements outlined in the job description. Discuss past experiences using real-life examples to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Ask the interviewer thoughtful questions, to show your interest in the position and engage with the interviewer.

4. Ensuring good non-verbal communication in an interview

Pay attention to your body language to convey a positive impact. Be aware of your non-verbal cues and habits during the interview.

Record your practice sessions to identify any distracting non-verbal cues and work on correcting them. Get feedback from friends and family on your non-verbal communication and take steps to improve based on their suggestions.

5. Interview tips for virtual interviews

Nowadays, virtual interviews have become increasingly common. But they offer some unique challenges. So, it is crucial to prepare adequately. 

Familiarise yourself with the video conferencing platform to navigate smoothly during the interview. Ensure your technical setup is in order, including a charged phone and other devices. Test your equipment beforehand to avoid technical issues during the interview.

Dress in professional attire to present yourself in a polished and business-like manner during the interview.

6. Tips on managing pre-interview nerves

Practice relaxation techniques to stay calm and focused before the interview. 

Practice deep breathing: Before the interview, practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves. 

Visualise success: Take a moment to visualise yourself succeeding in the interview. Visualising success can boost your confidence and help you stay focused during the interview. 

Stay positive: Maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview. Focus on your strengths and past accomplishments, rather than dwelling on potential mistakes or shortcomings. Positive thinking can help you approach the interview with confidence and resilience. 

Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. Mindfulness can help you stay calm, focused, and centred during challenging situations like interviews.

7. Tips on ending an interview and what to do after

Close the interview on a positive note by expressing gratitude for the opportunity. Maintaining professionalism and enthusiasm until the very end leaves a lasting impression on the interviewer. 

Before leaving, express your genuine enthusiasm for the position and the company. Highlight specific aspects of the role that excite you and reaffirm your commitment to contributing positively if selected. Inquire about the next steps in the hiring process and the expected timeline for decision-making. 

Send a thank-you email or note after the interview. Thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your interest in the position. Use this opportunity to briefly reaffirm your qualifications and why you are the right fit for the role. Personalise the message based on the specifics of your conversation during the interview.

Conclusion 

In this article we have covered the essentials of job interviews. But staying positive and sincere is just as crucial. Research the organisation and role to align with the interviewer's expectations. 

Personalise your responses—project confidence and professionalism to leave a lasting good impression. With the right mindset, job interviews become easier. They will bring you closer to your career goals.

FAQs 

1. How should I prepare for a job interview?
   To ace your job interview, it is crucial to take several key steps in preparation. Begin by thoroughly researching the company and role, then practice common interview questions, review your resume, and plan your first impression. This approach ensures you are fully equipped to impress your interviewer and demonstrate your suitability for the position.
   ⁠
2. What are some common job interview questions?
   Here are some common interview questions:
   What are your strengths and weaknesses?
   Why do you believe you're suitable for this position?
   Can you share a situation where you worked under pressure and how you handled it?
   Provide a brief self-introduction.
   Why do you think we should hire you?
   What are your salary expectations?
   ⁠
3. How can I make a good impression during a job interview?
   To make a positive impression during a job interview, follow these key steps:
   Arrive early to demonstrate punctuality and professionalism
   Dress appropriately. Choose an attire that aligns with professional standards and the company's culture. Opt for clean, well-fitted clothing that reflects professionalism
   Maintain eye contact to show attentiveness and confidence
   Listen actively to the interviewer's questions and respond thoughtfully
   Engage with the interviewer by asking insightful questions about the company or role
   ⁠
4. What should I wear to a job interview?
   Dress appropriately for the job interview. Choose an attire that aligns with professional standards and the company's culture. Opt for clean, well-fitted clothes, opt for professional and polished outfits to make a positive impression.
   ⁠
5. How would you describe yourself?
   Many interviewers appreciate hearing job seekers' stories. Also, provide details about your relevant education and experience. Highlight unique or relevant qualities matching the organisation's mission or your desired role. This sets you apart from other candidates.
   ⁠
6. What are some common mistakes to avoid in an interview?
   Common mistakes to avoid in an interview include:
   Not researching the company beforehand to understand its values, culture, and recent achievements
   Failing to thoroughly know your own CV, which can lead to inconsistencies and a lack of confidence during the interview
   Answering questions too quickly without taking a moment to gather your thoughts, resulting in unclear or rushed responses
   Arriving late for the interview, which reflects poorly on your professionalism and reliability
   Rambling during the interview instead of staying focused and providing concise answers
   Displaying common non-verbal cues such as lack of eye contact, excessive hand gestures, and using filler words like "um" or "like"
   Interrupting the interviewer, which can be perceived as rude and disrupts the flow of the conversation
   By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your interview performance and increase your chances of success.
   ⁠
7. How can I show that I am the right fit for the job?
   To show your fit for the job, align your skills and experiences with the job requirements outlined in the job description. Discuss past experiences using real-life examples to showcase your suitability for the role. Engage actively with the interviewer, ask thoughtful questions, and express genuine interest in the position and the company.
   ⁠
8. What should I do if I don't know the answer to a question?
   If you do not know the answer to a question, it is okay to pause and think before responding. If needed, ask for clarification or offer to provide the answer if you cannot immediately think of it. 
   ⁠
9. How important is body language in an interview?
   Body language plays a significant role in conveying confidence, professionalism, and engagement during an interview. Maintaining good posture, eye contact, and appropriate gestures can positively impact the interviewer's perception.
   ⁠
10. Can you negotiate salary during the first interview?
    It is generally not appropriate to negotiate salary during your initial interview. You can express interest in discussing compensation in subsequent interviews or after receiving a job offer.