Nap Time Rocks!

as i was sitting at the table, pen and paper in hand, and trying to keep a straight face throughout the interview, simon cowell would’ve been proud of me. me and my colleague have been screening for brand assistants this past week and i tell you, with the different kinds of people i’ve encountered so far, it would’ve been just a little bit short of being a Pinoy Idol audition.

we don’t ask them to sing or dance of course. it’s the usual panel interview where we ask the applicants questions about themselves, their biggest contributions so far, their biggest challenges, things like that. maybe we were tough interviewers but hey, we’re just making sure we get the right person for the job. some did impress, but there were some that looked like they would rather be in bed than be right there convincing two perfect strangers why he/she is the perfect candidate for the job.

truth be told, i was kind of disappointed with the applicants i’ve had. either because of the physical disposition of the person (which doesn’t mean i’m being mean) or the way they answered. and in the tough competition of snagging the perfect job, it really does matter. some young people these days may think that they can come to an interview with spiky gelled hair. or it’s ok to just sport a laid back, too-cool-for-you attitude during an interview when the person you’re talking to is looking for the complete opposite. and while i’m not saying that you should lie or not be yourself, any person vying for a job must always put his/her best foot forward. here are some job interview tips for those who might need it:

• dress the part. your mom might have been your fashion consultant ever since, but it really wouldn’t hurt to dress to impress, you know. applicants who make an effort to look presentable will always win the first impression game. and being presentable means, wear at least a little makeup if you’re a girl. leave the just-came-out-of-bed look for your trips to the mall. never ever sport a spiky ‘do (for guys). it makes me raise an eyebrow and say “okaaay”, when you’re out of earshot after the interview.
  thing is, when you’re applying for a corporate job that just screams to be taken seriously, do the same.

• be prepared. bring an updated resume (if it’s your first interview), know your learnings from experiences, and know just how to deliver them. you don’t want to be rambling about your irritating boss instead of how you ‘managed’ him.

• set aside the speech mannerisms. if at all possible, avoid the “uhms”, “uhs”, “kasi” at the start of a sentence when you’re explaining in english. also rule of thumb is, if you’re asked in english, answer in english. if asked in filipino, answer in filipino if you’re comfortable with that.

• research about the company, please! i got a little turned off when one of the applicants said (when we asked which of our brands she knew, and seriously we have a dozen known brands) that she didn’t know any. zilch. i don’t care which cave you hail from, i just care if you made an effort to know what you’re getting into.

• do you really want the job? know if this is something you’d seriously pursue or at least consider. if suddenly someone from a call center calls you for a CSR position but deep inside your heart you know you want to be in corporate sales, believe me it will save you and the employer time if you politely decline the interview. it’s ok to ask about the position and a general overview of the job, really.

these are some of the things that people may be taking for granted. i’m not saying that it will always apply either. maybe some companies don’t care if you come to the interview in jeans and t-shirt. but maybe if you knew what the company is all about, you’d know how to dress and act accordingly, right?

i was very impressed though, by what one of the applicants answered when asked the “why should we hire you” question. and i really could tell that he was sincere about it since the beginning of the interview, which is what impressed me really. classic talaga.

us: so give us 3 reasons why we should hire you.

applicant: well first, i have the experience… and i am very flexible. and this is my dream job. i’ve always wanted to be part of this company ever since i was in college. if you want someone who has passion for the job, then count me in.

hanep. and this was the guy with the spiky hair.