Perhaps you are a fresh graduate eager to enter the workforce and start an exciting career. You may have crafted the perfect resume and uploaded copies to practically all employment websites you know that advertise Metro Manila jobs. And after weeks of anxiously waiting, you may have finally received a call for your first job interview. What are you going to do next?
For starters, make sure to avoid a common mistake many Filipino job seekers make—coming to the interview unprepared. Remember that even if you have the grades and skills, you will probably lose your chance to advance to the next step if you fail to convince the interviewer that you have what it takes.
Since you only have one chance to make a statement, be sure to make it count. Follow these job interview tips to make a good impression and increase the possibility of landing your first job:
Get to Know the Company Beforehand
While it may be understandable that you had to email your resume to numerous companies that you know nothing about, it is a grave mistake not to learn about the companies that call you in for an interview. Imagine how embarrassing it would be if the interviewer asked you some basic things about their organization and you had nothing to say.
This is why you must do a bit of research about the company before the interview schedule. At the very least, try knowing what the business is about and what the organization stands for. Visit their website and try searching for news stories and other third-party articles about them as well.
Take the Time to Practice
Treat the interview as an oral exam. Gather some of the most common interview questions, study them, and practice your answers. Questions like, “Can you tell me something about yourself?” or “What will you do if you get this job?” may seem pretty straightforward, but they can be unnerving when you answer them on the spot. Reduce the possibility that you will end up talking mindlessly in front of the interviewer by finding the time to practice.
Arrive Early
More than arriving on time, it is best to come to the meeting place earlier than your interview schedule. Besides showing that you are reliable, getting to the venue at least 30 minutes earlier will give you time to find the room, fix yourself, rehearse your introduction, and relax as you wait for your turn.
Note that being late to a job interview is completely unacceptable, especially for a fresh grad. Since you do not have much to offer in terms of work experience, the least you can do is show the recruitment personnel that you have the right attitude and potential to excel.
That said, you must plan your travel time accordingly. More than merely estimating the distance from your place to the interview site, make sure to take into account the day, time, and traffic flow in the area. Keep in mind that the Metro Manila traffic is the second-worst in the world, so make sure to leave as early as possible.
Dress Appropriately
Make sure to create a pleasant and lasting first impression by selecting your interview attire carefully. Although showing up in business clothes is the safest choice, you may want to consider the position and company you are applying for when picking out your outfit. For example, if you are vying for a creative post in an advertising firm known for its casual environment, wearing something that will express your style and personality instead of a formal suit could be more advantageous.
Nonetheless, it is always better to go the traditional route and wear a more formal attire when you are in doubt. After all, one study conducted by researchers from the California State University found that people who typically wear business clothes tend to be more confident and persuasive than individuals who wear informal clothing.
Be Polite
While it is essential to be confident during the interview, remember that there is a thin line between confidence and arrogance. So, be sure to mind your manners. Greet the interviewer politely by addressing them as “sir,” “ma’am,” or using their professional title, as is customary in the Philippines. Use such respectful terms during the interview unless the hiring manager corrects you and asks to be called something else.
Although some Philippine companies adopt a more western approach of calling each other on a first-name basis, most Filipino organizations remain observant of hierarchical structure and formality. Ultimately, you can never go wrong addressing the interviewer with the utmost respect as a job applicant.
Follow the Lead of the Interviewer
You must have heard stories about job applicants speaking in Filipino during the interview instead of English. If you are unsure which language to use during your turn, it is advisable to get your cue from the interviewer. If the hiring manager walks into the room and opens the interview with a question using straight English or Tagalog, respond in the same language.
If the hiring manager tries to make the interview light and informal by asking Taglish questions, you can follow their lead but exercise caution. As a rule of thumb, it is better to keep Taglish to a minimum since you can come out as too comfortable and laid-back during the interview session. At the end of the day, make sure to choose your words carefully before speaking.
Whether you realize it or not, the interview process can make or break your chances of landing a job. If you fail to impress, another candidate is ready to take the opportunity from you. Be sure to put your best foot forward during the job interview by following the tips mentioned above.
