Thanks for the information.

This post has been edited by forgetful: Nov 13 2009, 09:52 PM

So why?

1. Like the rest answered, it's pretty much to check if you have a relative/ family working within the same organization (for some reason, chances are slightly higher when it's true).

It doesn't really matter. I believe most of the other applicants' answer are "No" as well. Nothing to worry about~ I wouldn't choose a company where I have a relative/ family member working there. No specific reason, just don't feel like it.

2. You can honestly admit that you're not good with this technical side of it. But, you can stress it like this: I'm not good with xxx but I'm better with yyy... etc etc and I'm willing to learn all aspect of xxx that I'm not familiar with.

Willing to learn is a good trait. One reason employers like to hire fresh grad (apart from cheap labour) is that they are easier to 'mould'.

Thank You for the information.

I have another question from Interviewer, "Do you have any question to ask?"

I didn't ask any as I thought I have all the information I need during the interview process. So in the end I didn't ask any question..... This is because they tell me what kind of programs they run, how they handle a task together, Is it good for me not to ask any question after the interviewer ask "Do you have any question to ask?"

It depends. Some ppl have lots of questions while others have none. Although the complany explained their operations, nature of biz etc etc, they might have missed out what's your main responsibility in the company. Surely you've read some of them on the job posting but when the interviewer explains it to you, you'll get a better picture.

Usually I would ask, "May I know what's my job scope/ task for this position?" it's more like asking, "what do I do in your company?" and I would also ask about the pay if the interviewer did not bring it up. Lastly, I would check with him/ her what sort of career advancement and benefits the company offers.

Lastly, you can always use the opportunity posed by this question. For example, say you need to provide 2-3months notification (instead of the usual 1 month), so it's best to bring it up when this question is raised. That's just an example. You might have other concerns and you can use it to enquire further.

When you ask more, it shows that you're somewhat more enthusiastic and interested in the company. Just my POV.

Thanks.

I went interview and get the job. Thanks to this section creator I should have Read this section before I went to my first interview.... So regret didn't do it at the first place.

This section is great

lol great to hear that, congratulations!

Hi,

Hope all the experts out there can provide me some advice. I am a fresh graduate & have been looking for jobs about three months. I did attended few interviews recently and I was faced with this question during interview:

"What am I doing for this long 3 months?"

Sad to say, I only started applying for jobs after my graduation ceremony on Aug.

I appreciate all the advice out there!

Regards,
SmallFIsh

Smallfish I'll answer as I'm taking a break to enrich myself and prepare myself for the next milestone.

As alternative, you can tell them you have been looking for a job that really suits yourself and put what you learnt into use and tell them you hope this will be the job

Hi, I got a phone interview 3 weeks ago and it conducted by an HR personnel, I being informed that phone interview is the 1st stage followed by the face-to- face interview if selected.Basically he ask me the question about my skill sets,introduce about myself,my weakness and strength, my achievement, etc.... is takes around 25 minutes. After that, he email me a template which for me to key in my portfolio and ask me to email him back and attached along with all my edu cert.

After 3 weeks, i have been call to attend the interview in the same company next week and i being informed that the duration is 4hours. May i know is the face-to-face interview consider my 2nd interview? I really have no idea what will be the interview about which long for 4 hours. FYI, I'm in IT line. Thanks for anyone response.....

This post has been edited by firestar8888: Nov 29 2009, 12:58 AM

It must be an MNC, so many layers and hours. Lengthy process.

For IT line I'm not really sure. The phone interview is a preliminary selection process, to check for competent candidates and call them for an official interview.

My guess is that when it comes to your official interview (face 2 face), you'll be meeting with Dept Head. There's a possibility that there'll be at least 2-3ppl in the room to ask questions and you'll be grind in your technical skills. They might actually ask you to draw diagrams/ explain certain technical aspects. Maybe they'll ask you demonstrate certain things on a pc. When it involves something technical, there's a high chance.

I suggest you contact the HR and check with him/ her on what to expect for the interview. Ask whether there'll be any written assessment (some companies conduct them) and also ask for the names/ positions of the interviewers so you can address them accordingly. Do a little background check (if possible). Also probe the HR for any other info you can get~ You can email/ call directly, tho the latter works faster.

Thanks spishl for the advice.

If I were to say I have been resting & looking for jobs for 3 months, co's were like having doubts how come I m not working for so long......Will they be thinking that am I taking too long time to think wat really suits me?

Hi sweet_pez,

You've make a right guess, it indeed an MNC. Thanks for your helpful information. I will try to contact HR for more information about the interview.

can we ask question bac to the interviewer?
wil it a bit like throwing the question bac to him/her?

No problem, mostly are my speculations though it's definitely more accurate to check with the HR.

All the best!

There's no harm in asking. As a matter of fact, asking questions show that you have interest in the company and their operations. Ask with more enthusiasm. Thing is, when you want to ask something, check for the TIMING.

If the interviewer is talking halfway, do not interrupt. Only ask question when he/ she finished talking. And, it would be better if you can hold your question and wait till towards-the-end of the interview session. 99.9% of interviewers will say this: "Do you have any questions?" to end it. That's the time when you ask all you want.

Ask where it deemed needed to be asked.

Regards, Joey

In the US it is not okay to ask personal questions but is it okay here in Malaysia? For instance I"ve been to an interview with one bank where they asked where my husband works, what he does, if he travels, if I have kids etc. To me these questions are pointless as it has nothing to do with the position I applied for, unless of course they want to know if i'll be taking leave often. (which in any case is something we're all entitled to). What are your thoughts?

This post has been edited by Cas: Dec 4 2009, 01:16 PM

Cas>> Hmmmm that's really........... well I'm still single so I have not encountered anyone asking me such questions. I do remember 1 or 2 of them who asked about my father's occupation but they didn't prompt further. You have a point, maybe the interviewer was worried that you might need to take AL often or something. My colleagues who are married with children are more prone to take leave (esp Emergency Leave) in comparison to the others.

I'm not sure if M'sia has a restriction but it seems like no one cares about discrimination. In US, job advertisements cannot mention criterias like weight, height, gender, race etc. As a matter of fact, most of the applications do not include photos or personal questions as it might influence the recruitment process.

sweet_pez, if they think that way then its just wrong. I was so put off by their constant questions about my husband's job and how they kept asking which countries he travels to for work etc. It's none of their concern at all. My husband's friend had an interview with this same bank a few years ago and got asked about his skin color!! Unbelieveable I tell you.

If only that could be implemented here!

That's the thing about Malaysia, no one cares. What happened then? Did you answer his questions or did you tell the interviewer it's a personal matter? If you're annoyed to a certain extent, you can "politely" ask him, "Well... I was wondering if my husband's job and schedule has any affect on the company? If there's any concern on your side, I'd like to hear it." That'll pretty much blow your chance but if his attitude puts you off, I doubt you're interested to accept the job even if they offers it to you.

We're a long way from implementing policies like that. Even if it was implemented, I doubt companies will adhere to the rules.

Hi,
Hope all experts can give me some advice. I'm going to interview as underwriter next week. so is there anything special things need to know?

anyone can share?

Thanks,
chi3k