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Attending the interview

Interview is a two way process. To job seekers, interview is a good chance for them to "sell" themselves to the potential employers and get the job. To employers, it is the process to observe and to assess whether the candidates have the abilities to take up the job and whether they are suitable to work in their company. Also, job seekers can take the opportunity to know more about the duties of the post, the potential employers' expectations as well as the company culture. They can assess their suitability for the job and its compatibility with their expectations.

The fact that you are invited to attend an interview shows that your qualifications meet the basic requirements of the company. You should take the opportunity to make good preparation. You should present the best of you during the interview as your good performance would convince your interviewer that you are the most suitable candidate.

Format of the interview

Individual interview

-	It is the most common format of interview.
-	Interviewee will be interviewed by one or a group of interviewers.

Group interview

-	Several interviewees will be asked to discuss on some topics or to answer interviewers' questions one by one.
-	Discussion topics may not be related to the post you apply for. The discussion may focus on current affairs.
-	Potential employers aim at assessing candidates' analytical ability, presentation skills, ability to adapt themselves to changes as well as leadership etc.

Skills Test

-	To examine whether the candidates possess the knowledge and skills required for the job, tests on items such as Chinese and English typing, computer operation and a trial on some of the work procedures set out in the duties.
-	Usually in use for the posts which require practical skills.

Preparation for the Interview

"Inner" part

-	Collect information on the post and company, such as job nature and requirements, development and prospects of the trade etc.
-	Take a look at your personality, abilities, strengths and weaknesses with regard to the requirements of the post. Be prepared to answer questions which interviewers may raise, having regard to your strengths and weaknesses
-	Practice the skills which are relevant to the post you apply for (such as Chinese and English typing, computer software application, etc.)
-	Read again the information on the application letter and resume in order to avoid inconsistency.
-	Prepare for answers to questions commonly asked by interviewers. Frequent practice will enhance your confidence and reduce the chance of failures due to nervousness.
-	Pay attention to current affairs and hot topics.
-	Prepare some questions about the organization and the position, to be raised by you at the end of the interview.
-	Sleep early at the night before the date of interview. Sufficient sleep will keep you in good spirits, and enhance your confidence and ability to handle emergency
-	If you are late for the interview, it will adversely affect your state of mind and the impression which the interviewers form on you. You should plan the route for traveling to the location of the interview before hand, having regard to the traffic situation there. It is desirable to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time. It makes you feel relaxed and ready for the interview.

"Objects" part

To attend an interview you should bring:

-	Hong Kong Identity Card
-	Ball pen
-	Resume, both original and copies
-	Documents of academic qualifications , both original and copies
-	Proof of working experience, both original and copies (such as reference letter and resignation letter, etc)
-	Photographs of passport size
-	Employer's address and telephone number
-	Mobile phone

Main points

-	Prepare all the necessary documents such as proof of academic qualifications and working experience. Categorise them systematically.
	It makes you hand in the required documents in an orderly way to your interviewers.
-	Don't bring with you too many personal belongings or things which are not related to the interview.

Appearance

-	Neat and tidy
-	Dress code should be simple, appropriate, be commensurate with the job you apply for and the culture of the company
-	Should not dress too trendy or too colourful. The interviewers would think that you are immature and unstable.
-	Ladies should avoid too much make-up and dressing with too many accessories.
-	Gentlemen should shave before attending the interview.

Performance at Interview

When you arrive at the company...

-	Remember to turn off your mobile phone and pager.
-	Explain the purpose of your visit to the staff politely, and wait patiently.
-	If need to fill in the application form, please make reference to information in the resume and complete it carefully.
-	Don't wander around, and don't touch or use belongings of staff of the company.
-	Don't show your impatience and lack of spirits when waiting for the interview.

When you enter into the interview room...

-	Knock on the door before you come in. Keep smiling and greet the interviewers politely.
-	Whether to shake hands or not depends on the signal given by the interviewers. Shake hands with appropriate force.
-	You must not sit unless the interviewer invites you. Be seated properly.

When interviewing...

-	Keep calm and smiling. Don't be too reserved.
-	Be friendly and polite, but need not be too humble.
-	The tone, volume and pace of your speech should be proper. The pronunciation should be clear and the tone be affirmative.
-	Don't cross your arms in front of chest. Avoid letting people think you are defensive and protective
-	Keep appropriate eye contact with the interviewers. Maintain eye contact with the interviewers to show your confidence and your respect to them. Don't stare at interviewers. It makes people feel stressful.
-	Avoid actions such as playing with your fingers, rubbing hands, patting your hairs. It makes people think that you are immature, lack of patience and have little confidence
-	Listen to the questions of the interviewers carefully. Answer the questions precisely and clearly. Don't make it too simple by simply answering "yes" or "no". You should present the key points clearly.
-	You should nod where appropriate when listening to the interviewers to show your interest on the topic and agreement with the interviewers.
-	When in group discussion:
	Should join the discussion actively, don't be too passive
	Should listen carefully to what the others say, and ready to respond or answer their questions promptly.
-	Don't interrupt others' conversations or questions.
-	When introducing your abilities and experience, use concrete examples to strengthen your persuasiveness and credibility. Don't provide incorrect information to defraud the interviewer.
-	At the end of the interview, you can ask one to two question about job duties, training and promotion, showing that you have great interest in applying for the post.
-	At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer sand say goodbye to them before you leave.

Most frequently asked questions at the interview

Follow up and evaluation after interview

Beware of Employment Traps