Faculty of Electrical Engineering

How to Get Yourself Employed

Module 6

Facing the Interview

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Knowledge vs Experience

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Engineer

Professional Practitioner of Engineering Uses critical thinking, mathematics and established physical law Systematically develop a solution to a technical problem Considering the limitation imposed by regulations, health, safely and cost in the most optimal way

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Objectives

To enable the students to know:-

• The types of interview

• Preparation before the interview

• The FAQs from employers

• DOs and DON’Ts during interview

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Competition is stiff at all levels

. : :Rewards::.

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Your job competitors are everywhere ….

Your own classmates ( i.e. same graduating class of SEE)

Your faculty (SEI, SEM, SET, SEL, SEP, SEC, SEW of FKE)

Your university (all faculties in UTM)

Local universities/colleges • Government (IPTA)

• Private (IPTS)

Overseas graduates

Experienced people (with degrees or not)

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Types of Interviews

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Types of Interviews

Screening Interview

A preliminary interview either in person or by phone, in which a company representative determines whether you have the basic qualifications to warrant a subsequent interview

Walk-in interviews are of this type.

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Types of Interviews

Structured Interview

The interviewer explores certain predetermined areas using questions which have been in written in advance;

The interviewer has a written description of the experience, skills, and personality trait of an ideal candidate;

Your experience and skills are compared to the specific job tasks. This type of interview is very common and most traditional interviews are based on this format.

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Types of Interviews

Unstructured Interview

Although the interviewer is given a written description of the ideal candidate, in the unstructured interview, the interviewer is not given instruction on what specific areas to cover.

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Multiple Interviews Commonly used with professional jobs Involves a series of interviews in which you meet individually with

various representatives of the organization Initial interview – the representatives usually attempts to get basic

information on your skills and abilities Subsequent interview – the focus is on how you would perform the

job in relation to the company’s goals and objectives After the interviews are completed, the interviewers meet and pool

their information A variation on this approach involves a series of interviews in which

unsuitable candidates are screened out at each succeeding level

Types of Interviews

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Targeted Interview Although similar to the structured interview, the areas covered are much

more limited Key qualifications for success on the job are identified and relevant

questions are prepared in advance Situational Interview Situations are set up which simulate common problems you may

encounter on the job Your responses to these situations are measured against pre-determined

standards

Types of Interviews

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Group Interview You may be interviewed by two or more company representatives

simultaneously. Sometimes, one representative is designated to ask stress questions to see

how you respond under pressure A variation on this format is for two or more company representatives to

interview a group of candidates at the same time

Types of Interviews

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Compile necessary & relevant documents - create your cover letter,

resume, thank you letter etc.

Assess your overall appearance, and try to improve – grooming,

appropriate clothing, shoes, etc.

Assess your interviewing skills. What are your strengths and

weaknesses? Work on correcting your weaknesses, such as: speaking

rapidly, talking too loud or too soft etc.

Research the company & the applied job – the more you know about

the company, and the job you are applying for, the better you will do

in the interview

1. Preparation Before The Interview

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Predict some questions related to your job you are applying and prepare

answers to them. Practice giving answers which are brief but thorough

Practice tailoring your answers - to show how you meet the company’s

needs, if you have details about the specific job before the interview

Arrive early for the interview

– plan 10 to 15 minutes early, and have

time to find a restroom and check

your appearance.

1. Preparation Before The Interview

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Sample of Document Checklist

Cover Letter & Resume (several copies of them)

Supporting documents

Certifications

Licenses

Letter of recommendations

Relevant job experiences

Academic transcripts & degree

Portfolio holder Resource: www.interview-resource.com

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2. Research on the Company

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Do Your Research...

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What the company expects you to know…

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What the company values…

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Where the company operates…

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The company’s products…

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3. Research on Job Scope

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4. Understand Your Competitors

Identify the followings if you were to apply the job on the given

advertisement :

• Technical requirement needed for the job

• Responsibility & job scope

• Relevant skills that you have for the job

• Your strengths which differentiates you to your competitors

GROUP ACTIVITY

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5. Popular Interview Questions

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5. Popular Interview Questions

“Tell me about yourself ”

Brief background, education & work experience

(the interviewer is only interested in your goals,

experience, interests and communication skills)

one or more of your key behavioral profiles in action –

perhaps honesty, integrity, being a team player,

or determination

What are your strengths?

Emphasize your good traits and those that relate to the job for which you're interviewing.

You can mention an area that you're working to improve or have recently made great

strides. Give specific example to illustrate your point

What are your weaknesses?

Mention something actually your strength, e.g.: I’m a perfectionist or I am too

disciplined…or tell about your weakness that caused a positive impact to the company…

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5. Popular Interview Questions What do you know about the company?

Do your homework before the interview! Spend some time to collect information

including products, size, reputation, image, skills, history and philosophy of the company.

Project an informed interest; let the interviewer tell you about the company.

"Why do you want to work here?“

This is a good chance to mention how you can apply your skills,

interests and goals to the job

Reply with the company's attributes as you see them.

Cap your answer with reference to your belief that the

company can provide you with a stable and happy work

environment--the company has that reputation--and that such an atmosphere would

encourage your best work.

What do you look for in a job?

An opportunity to use your skills, to perform and be recognized.

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5. Popular Interview Questions

"What would you like to be doing five years from now?“

The safest answer contains a desire to be regarded as a true professional and team

player.

"Can you work under pressure, deadlines, etc.?“

This is a close-ended question and does not give you the chance to elaborate.

Whenever you are asked a closed-ended question, mentally add: "Please give me a

brief yet comprehensive answer."

Give the information requested and seize an opportunity to sell yourself

Example: “Yes, it's a way of life in business especially in the present trend of

globalization.”

"What are your biggest accomplishments?“

Keep your answers job related.

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5. Popular Interview Questions

"How do you take direction?“

The interviewer wants to know whether you are open - minded and can be a team

player. Can you follow directions or are you a difficult, high-maintenance employee?

Can also be defined as "How do you take direction?" and "How do you accept

criticism?" Your answer should cover both points

"What is the most difficult situation you have faced?"

- How do you define difficult? What was your handling of the situation?

- You must have a story, one in which the situation was tough and one which will allow

you to show yourself in a good light.

"Do you prefer working with others or alone?“

- Before answering, however, be sure you know whether

the job requires you to work alone –

then answer appropriately.."

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5. Popular Interview Questions

“In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our

company? “

“Are you willing to travel? “

“Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you

“Why should we hire you?”

highlight the areas from your background that relate to current needs and

problems.

Take this opportunity to highlight the unique qualities you can bring to the job

Finish your answer with: "I have the qualifications you need [itemize them], I'm a

team player, I take direction, and I have the desire to make a thorough success."

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5. Popular Interview Questions

“Do you have any questions for me?”

Do not ask questions that are clearly answered on the employer's web site

and/or in any literature provided by the employer to you in advance..

Never ask about salary and benefits until it is raised by them

Your questions must show your own thought process.

Just prepare 2-3 questions for the company before interview. Just to show your

interest- ask intelligent question:-

1. What would I be expected to accomplish in this position?

2. What are the greatest challenges in this position?

3. How do you think I fit the position?

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5. Popular Interview Questions Why are you leaving your present job?

Refine your answer based on your comfort level and honesty. Give a "group" answer

if possible, e.g. our department was consolidated or eliminated.

Why do you need a change now?

…. to develop my potential, …..the opportunities in my present company are

limited …

How would you evaluate your present firm?

An excellent company that afforded me many fine experiences.

You may be overqualified for the position we have to offer.

Strong companies need strong people. A growing, energetic company is rarely

unable to use its people talents. Emphasize your interest in a long-term association,

pointing out that the employer will get a faster return on investment because you

have more experience than required.

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5. Popular Interview Questions

In your present position, what problems have you identified that had

previously been overlooked?

Keep it brief and don't brag.

Tell me about a problem you had in your last job and how you resolved it?

(this is assessing your analytical skills and see if you are a team player)

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6. Leverage Network

Consult friends/network within organization, consult mentors or successful

peers

Beth: worked in staffing, training, and employee relations in INTEL human resources

organization

“Be very flexible on times/dates for interview–make yourself available!”

“Be open to any location–Intel will assist you with relocation (Money and housing

assistance)”

“Provide positive examples of professional/school/volunteer work and emphasize the

work you’ve done with teams. Leadership is good too.”

Being Ready for INTEL

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6. Leverage Network

Consult friends/network within organization, consult mentors or successful peers

Cath, a Campus Relations Manager for five of Intel’s focus schools (MIT, University of

Michigan, Michigan State, Howard, and University of Maryland, College Park)

“Do your research on Intel – be prepared to ask several intelligent, well-prepared questions

on Intel or specifically the business group you are interviewing with. Don’t ask ‘What does

Intel do…?’”

“Be prepared to discuss examples that demonstrate strong leadership skills, multi-

tasking/prioritization, self-motivation, ability to work in an ever-changing environment and

ability to work well in a team.

Being Ready for INTEL

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Summary

Usually interviewer will notify when the decision will be

made

Candidate stand up and offer hand-shake (Optional).

Say thank you with proper smile

Say I look forward to hear from you soon.

Say good bye / salam

Do not linger

Do Don’t

Overall Interview Tips • Be sincere and direct • Be attentive and polite • Ask relevant questions • Answer questions concisely • Use specific examples to

illustrate points

• Try to control the entire interview • Be too serious • Show you are depressed or discouraged • Make negative comments about anyone or

your company • Looking at your watch • Take extensive notes • Talk about salary and benefits - best left

for a second interview, or, better yet, a job offer

• Answer your hand phone or SMS someone (put it aside on silent mode)

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Avoid the top 10 job interview mistakes

1. Not taking the interview seriously

2. Lack of enthusiasm

3. Not showing why you are the best choice

4. Say I think/you know..etc

5. Talking too much

6. Focusing on the emolument or pay

7. Trash talking

8. Failing to ask questions

9. Dressing down

10. Forgetting the follows up.

Distracting Mannerisms

Scratching or picking at yourself (your hair or your nose etc.)

Combing hair in public

Drumming fingers

Yawning

Clicking pens

Tapping feet

Mind your English

Try to pronounce the following words

Tomato

Banana

Papaya

Oh My English

Oh My English

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After attending the interview….

•Thank administrative assistants or someone

who assisted you on your arrival at the

interview venue;

•Good etiquette will push you one step

further

• Follow up by sending a thank you letter/

send a card thanking the interviewers etc.

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"To be a great champion, you must believe that you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are” :: Muhammad Ali ::