1. “Tell Me a Little About Yourself” – Simple yet tough to answer.  How can you sum up your entire life story in just a couple of minutes?   You don’t.  Instead, it’s a request for you to describe what you can offer the company.  Focus on:  (1) your key accomplishments at previous jobs.  (2)  The strengths demonstrated by those accomplishments. (3) How these relate to the job for which you’re applying.  Illustrate how you came to be interested in this particular company and job, and weave examples of past accomplishments throughout to demonstrate why you are the perfect candidate.
2. “Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?” — Did you resign? Get laid off? Get fired? Whatever that happened in the past when you leave your previous employer will have to explain here.  The key point, STAY POSITIVE.  The biggest sign of a troublemaker is when someone trashes his or her former boss or company during an interview. It doesn’t matter if your boss was a jerk or if you hated your co-workers — an interview is not the place to vent past frustrations.   Rather, the best way to answer this question is to stay positive and talk about your desire for growth opportunities. This will paint you as a proactive employee who enjoys responsibility and challenges.  The secret is to stay positive and discuss your desire for growth. Hiring managers love applicants who actively seek responsibility.
3. “What’s Your Biggest Weakness?” – The “weakness” question is popular with interviewers because they’re interested in hearing how you tackle challenges.   The most important thing to remember is that after you name your weakness, you MUST discuss what you have done to overcome it.   Pick a weakness that is real but understandable or relatively harmless. Whatever weakness you pick, be sure that it is work-related
4. “Do You Have Any Questions for Me?” — Yes, you definitely do. You should always try to ask a thoughtful question or two at the end of an interview. It shows that you’ve been listening and that you’ve done your research on the company.   What should you ask? Ask such questions: (1) does this job usually lead to other positions at the company? (2) What kind of positions?   (3) What do you like best about this company? Why? DO NOT ask about salary, vacation days, benefits or anything else that would make it look like you’re more interested in the compensation package than the company. Also, don’t ask too many questions; just a couple will be fine.   And the most important question of all: Don’t forget to ask for the job! “I’m very interested in this job. It’s exactly the kind of job that I’m looking for. What is the next step in the interview process?”

1. Look at all the sources for recruitment. They can be internet, recruitment firms, job agencies, newspaper classifieds, university job postings, individual company websites and even friends!
2. Next, beef up your resume and CV.  Without taking this very first step, you won’t be able to talk about the interview or what you should wear on the interview day.  Not even the possibility of discussion about the compensation package that is installed for you by your prospective employer. J
3. Send your resume and CV out to all the sources. If you get rejected, ask to find out what you are lacking.  Fine-tune it.
4. If you get into an interview,  the first thing you want to do is to impress the interviewer.  Don’t talk about the compensation package.  That will leave him a negative impression on you.  Leave it for the HR personnel to go through the compensation package when the time comes.
5. If you are really lucky, you get the job on the 1^st interview.  But on a cautious note, understand the reason that you are being offered a position.  Recap from your 1^st interview if there were anything mentioned about filling the position urgently or if someone is leaving the organisation.  They maybe offering you the position because they want to fill it urgently (desperately) and you will most likely be working like a mad dog when you join them!
6. If the HR department calls you up for a 2^nd interview to discuss about the compensation packages, you are in luck!  Before you go into the 2^nd interview with the HR department, go to the internet to find out more about how much you are paid.  Talk to friends who are of the same industry to advise you on the compensation package.  You want to be prepared to know where your baseline is for the discussion.
7. When you are at the 2^nd interview, be firm with your baseline.  However, leave room for negotiations.  You may want to go into the room with your minimum and maximum range first.  If you have other employers waiting for you to sign the offer, you definitely have an upper hand in the discussion!
8. Sign the offer when you are really comfortable with it.  Remember, if it is not something that you want, you have a choice to decline the offer!

Of course, there are interviews that can stretch for more than 2 sessions.  Even 5 sessions that can involve the CEO or directors.  Whatever the situation is, what is clear is they are keen to get you in and putting you through all the tests (interviews) to see your suitability.  Persevere and stay positive about these interviews!  With a positive attitude and right mind set, you will definitely see the light at the end of tunnel and get the job you want!

1. Understand and appreciate that the interviewer took out some of his precious time to meet you for the interview – At the baseline, do not waste each other time.  Both of you want to get something out of it!  Your employer is looking for a prospective staff and you are looking for a prospective employer.  So get down to business!
2. Be early – Most often said.  Be early.  Much early than your given time.  You need to factor the traveling time and maybe any traffic jams and glitches along the way.  Remember, both of your time is precious!
3. Wear appropriately but not overdress – Don’t wear a tux for an interview.  Nor should you wear long pants with sneakers.  First impression counts and your dressing will generalize your character.
4. Read up about the company that you applied for – Do a last minute research about the company.  Their industry, profit margin, cost model, markets.  This will show that you really care about the company!
5. Know the industry well relating to the company you applied for – Understand how the industry works.  Also find out about the challenges for companies that are operating in the industry. This will aid in the discussion during the interview.
6. Admit your lack of knowledge on the industry and company – You may have read up about the industry and company but of course you are not in it yet.  Therefore, admit honestly that you lack the in-depth knowledge of the industry and company.  Honesty here works better than knowledge.
7. Think carefully before you say anything – Always think carefully before you respond to your interviewer questions.  Your answers are being analyzed by the interviewer about your integrity and character.
8. Be relaxed but not let down your guard – Even if the conversation starts to transit into a friendly talk, do not let down your guard.  When you are relaxed, you may have the tendency of saying things that are not supposed to be heard.
9. Give positive gestures – Avoid the negative postures that illustrates over defensiveness.  Slouching positions should be avoided as well.  They are recruiting a professional, not a pizza boy.
10. Thank the interviewer for his time – At the end of the session, remember to thank him for his precious time again.