Jobsinmyanmar is pleased to be of service for some key pointers on handling job interviews. If you bear these in mind, you will stand a much better chance of getting the job! The majority of people are nervous about attending job interviews – but nerves can be a useful tool for sharpening up your performance. However, if your nerves take over to the extent that they affect your ability to come across well at interview, it’s clear that you need to calm down. The key to preventing pre-interview jitters is to prepare thoroughly in advance.

Organise Yourself
In most cases, you will be notified that you have got through to the interview stage a few days before the interview itself. You can use this time to prepare – and the better prepared you are, the fewer the reasons you will have to be nervous. Try to find out as much as you can about your prospective new employer. Reference libraries, your local careers centre and the Internet are all good sources of information. You should also read up on the type of job you are applying for. Go over the job description thoroughly and note down any questions you would like to ask at the interview.

Travel Arrangements

• Where the employer is based – it may seem obvious but if you need to get the train, find out where the nearest railway station is;
• When the interview is to be held – work out how long it will take you to get there and make sure that you leave in plenty of time (particularly if you are relying on public transport);
• Where the interview is taking place – if the employer occupies a number of rooms in different buildings, it is easy to end up in the wrong place;
• What your contact is called;
• Who exactly will be interviewing you

Expect the Unexpected

Bear in mind that interviews do vary enormously. You may be asked to sit a psychometric test or prove that you have the necessary skills for the job – a typing test for example. The interview itself may be a quick, informal chat in a crowded office or it could involve a panel of interviewers all firing questions at you. There may even be group activities with other candidates designed to see how well you perform in a team situation, or you may be called back for a further interview another day. Often, candidates fail to perform to the best of their abilities because they are thrown into a situation they are not expecting. The answer is to expect the unexpected. You cannot prepare for every eventuality but you can be aware that the format of the interview may come as a surprise. Have faith in your own skills and experience and allow the employer to see you at your very best.