how to get yourself employed - fke.utm.my · predict some questions related to your job you are...
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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 ::