15 Tips for a Successful Job Interview in the Philippines

A job interview would probably be a nerve-racking situation for you. Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for it, because there are no second chances to make a great first impression. In order for you to lock in a job offer, a successful interview is essential and it is your only opportunity to impress the interviewer to hire you.

The main objective of the interview is to advertise yourself. Interviewers know how to draw information to identify the candidate who will match to their qualifications. They are already skilled in evaluating how an applicant thinks. Thus, you need to know the best strategy for a winning job interview.

Here are 15 tips to have a successful interview in the Philippines.

1. Do a research about the company.
One of the most important things you need to consider when applying for a job, is knowing their company background. Most of the applicants overestimate their knowledge about the corporation they’re aiming to join. Success in the job interview starts with a solid foundation of knowledge about the particular company you are applying for. The more research you conduct, the better you’ll be able to answer interview questions.

2. Review common interview questions.
Preparing responses to expected interview questions is another key for a successful interview. Common questions like, “Why should we hire you?”, “What can you contribute to the company?”, or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” You don’t have to memorize your responses; you just have to familiarize it. Your main objective here is to create a concise response that will awe the interviewer.

3. Wear your best formal outfit.
The way you wear clothes will always set the tone the moment you enter the interview room. This is also the best way to present yourself properly. Wear something that is clean and fits for you. Put limited jewelries only, and if possible eat right before the interview. You may also search online about the perfect clothes to put on when having a job interview.

4. Arrive early.
There is no excuse in arriving late to a job interview schedule. It is better to come early than to arrive late. Be there at least 15 to 20 minutes ahead of time. The day before the interview, prepare all your things immediately to avoid cramming moments.

5. Be courteous
Show everybody that you are nice and friendly. As much as possible, greet the people you meet or offer them a smile. Your smile is your logo and your personality serves as your business card, so how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark.

6. Make a good impression.
How are you going to make a strong first impression? Well, the first thing they do consider is how you dress, the time you arrived for the interview, the way you greet the interviewer and even the staffs. Having a positive attitude and expressing enthusiasm for the job and employer is the fundamental thing you need to think about in the initial stages of the interview.

7. Remember your body language.
It is not always what you say, but how you say it. During job interviews, avoid folding your arms, leaning back, or to look on the floor. Effective forms of body language include proper posture, active listening, eye contact, smiling, and nodding. While negative forms of body language are looking off in the distance, slouching, brushing back your hair, mumbling, playing with a pen and touching your face.

8. Don’t be cocky.
Your attitude plays an important role in your interview’s success. Balance things between confidence, professionalism, and modesty. Be confident but not overconfident, because it is bad, if not worse as being too reserved.

9. Use proper phrases.
Communicating clearly and appropriately will help you establish yourself as a confident professional. Try not to use phrases like, “I don’t think I’ve never had a failure”, “I never make mistakes” or” I always get the job done successfully.” Remember that you need to show the interviewer that you are capable of dealing with the situations where you are challenged. Instead, why not use phrases like, “I will try and put the right practice so that I won’t make mistakes in the future.” or” I stay focused on the job and try not to let myself distracted by unimportant stuff.”

10. Listen well.
If you think that answering questions is the only important thing to consider during interviews, well you’ve been missing the point. Listening is one of the most underused skills in a job interview. Most candidates often fail to listen, observe, and read between the lines. Thus, in order to impress the interviewer even when your mouth shut, start assuming that everything you are hearing is important.

11. Be direct to the point.
During interviews discussed only the significant details needed to answer the question. Don’t talk much, telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake. Avoid interrupting the interviewer as well; let him or her finish the question first before you answer. And always keep in mind that the best way to answer the questions is to be as direct and honest as you can.

12. Answer questions loud and clear.
In answering the question, do not mumble, just relax and show that you are confident. The more you murmur, the more the interviewer gets discourage by how you answer the questions. If you aren’t that confident, try to overcome that weakness and encourage yourself that you can do it.

13. Focus on the positive ideas.
As much as possible, do not criticize your previous employers. You don’t have to give them too many personal details. Just offer answers featuring your strengths or skills. So, set aside those negative ideas and just focus on the positive one because it won’t help you get the position you are applying for.

14. Clarify anything you’re unsure of.
If you are uncertain about the question, you may ask for clarification. Never be afraid to ask over because it is also for your own good. If you did not understand what he or she said, you have the free will to inquire again.

15. Send the interviewer a Thank you letter.
Common politeness goes far in interviewing. Hence, the importance of sending gratitude to the person who interviews you should come in no surprise. Writing a thank you notes or email shortly after the interview will not get you the job offer but it will give you the edge over the other candidates who didn’t bother to send a thank you note.

As a job-seeker, when presenting yourself for a job interview you still have to compose yourself and show your confidence no matter how stress out you are. It may be tough, most especially for fresh graduates out there but you are now facing the reality and this is how reality works. Thus, I hope these few tips will help you succeed in your future job interview.