I went for a group interview once and few days before it I was super super nervous. It's my FIRST TIME! and noooooooooo to compete so openly with the other candidates!? what if they are so much more better and I look dumb?

surprisingly ... when I was there, I got called in together with 2 more girls (3 of us) and we sat down on a roundtable with the interviewer (only 1 person). No doubt, it was the standard questions : talk about yourself.

And as I was seated on far right, I allow the person on the left to start first. I guess it gives me time to workout my brain while someone else talks first. When we're done - to which the interviewer looks extremely bored (it's one-hour interview and i guess they're seeing like, 24 - 30 candidates per day). So i guess during times like these when its expected for everyone to blabber about themselves, SAY SOMETHING THAT TILL WAKE THEM UP.

After that - she gave us a question to discuss among ourselves - and she observes the way we speak. Each of us are expected to elaborate on our points when the discussion is over.

I find it fun, interesting and energizing. it's so much more better than personal interviews where the eyes are only focused on you. And I was less tense - and more relaxed.

I once read this book that says a lot of people comment that they will be honest in their interviews. Sure, no one's saying you shouldn't... but play smart. Interviews are basically a game, a test, and an entry ticket. A game to where both sides are trying to find out about each other. A test as to whether you meet their requirements and they meet yours. And it's also the ticket for you to get into your dream job - or whatever you are interviewing for. The interviewers are the gatekeepers

lol... it's Sara Lee. Pretty good but in the end it's down to sales - which i'm not really interested in. So i rejected the offer ^^;

yah, snowflower is right... diff interviewer seeks for different answers. I have personally job hunted for several months before able to land for a job that I want + in the industry i desired. and although i'm sure everyone here already knows that it's a highly competent market out there, i have to say it again, IT REALLY IS. I know it's tough getting a job, and people tell us not to be picky and all. Thing is, if you don't how are you going to achieve what you want?

So anyway, after being thru numerous interviews (group, 1 to 1, 2 to 1, 3 to 1 etc), the questions that they ask for beginner's level is indeed basic: Tell me about yourself, your education bla bla bla. Reason being, not all interviewers read your resume beforehand. I have met with those who goes thru my resume for the first time when he/ she is interviewing me.

And then wait for the cue. They will ask other questions like, what societies and clubs you joined/ what sort of projects you have done in coll or uni/ what is your strength or weakness/ have you shown leadership qualities/ difficulties encountered in projects/ how to handle stress etc. afterwards they'll go into their company. Eg. have you heard of our company/ what do you think of our brand/ have you tried our products/ how do you think we can improve/ what recommendations do you have etc etc

In few of my first few interviews, i did not expect these questions. So in times like these, we will have to think fast >__< and be prepared to say what you can remember.

My opinion is this: try not to boast.

Malaysians are humble. I have a Singaporean friend who told me to talk big. He said he told his interviewers that he is like Obama, with leadership skills but lack of experience - and he got the job. but I told him in Malaysia it don't work that way... unless you're interviewed by Westerners in MNCs, then it's a different story. I assume. lol

Agree!!!

Must always do "homework" eg. check their website, visit their outlet, try their products etc... at least, find out info about the industry. otherwise they deem you uninterested and wasting their time.

he caught you at the wrong timing >__< ... don't worry, it happens. don't be so down, there might be some hope.

Call him back again (if you have his number) and explain your situation. Tell him that you were over exhausted and seem to 'misheard' or 'misunderstood' some of his questions. Plus the phone wasn't very clear/ bad reception. Ask whether is it possible for him to interview you once again, and that you really really really want this job ... if you find it hard to say it on the phone, drop him an email on this.

whatever it may be, though sometimes it seem too late, don't give up yet. maybe the manager hasn't managed to get anyone. trying won't hurt and at the very least, you tried. if it's unsuccessful afterward, it's fine. you have done your best to save it, rather than leaving it as it is.

In most cases, they are only asking your basic... because allowances varies, they are not your salary. They are more like staff benefits that you get. For example, Sales Personnel get commissions which will then be added to their basic salary. Commission rate also varies from one company to another... as a matter of fact, some company don't even pay commissions, they provide fixed salary - regardless of whether staff achieve sales target or not. So i wouldn't categorize commission and allowances into "salary".

Look at it this way... Salary is purely the basic/ money you will definitely get every month despite anything. Allowances and commissions are something extra on top of your basic. Company can forfeit, change, remain or add benefits anytime but they can't do that to you basic as they like [anything further gotta ask HR hahahahahaha]. Some company pays staff petrol in accordance to the mileage they claim, while others provide a fixed petrol card. Plus, some company allows RM0.30 per km while others range up to RM0.80 per km. So there's a distinction here that would be hard to justify.

Normally in the HR form they'll be a column that asks for your Salary, and sometimes another column that requires you to state any Benefits/ Allowances you receive from your current company. If that particular column is not there, then it is safe to assume that you should only put your Basic Salary. The benefits/ allowances would normally be discussed during the interview. Or, if the interviewer did not mention anything you can casually ask eg. "May I know what are the staff benefits or allowances that the company provide?" during the part where interviewer said to you: Do you have any questions?

Then again, it is not wrong for you to put the total but I believe the company will be skeptical. You can justify by saying that is total including allowances. However, i assure you that during the interview they will ask you to break them down: eg. how much is your petrol allowance, how much is your basic etc...

I guess i'd go with something like: I have experience in xxx and xxx etc, and I have passion for the industry which makes me work harder than anyone else etc

Yeah. The "Why do you choose this particular company" is very popular. Just tell the interviewer how reputable the company is, and how you wish to learn a lot of things from seniors in the company etc etc.

Hm? You're gonna take it from your annual leave right? Just mention that it's something personal/ family affair that you need to tend to. Otherwise, u can also mention you need to go to the bank to settle something etc. It's not hard to look for an excuse, but if it's constant, it'd be tough.

Previously I kept taking half days for interviews and I used my new house as excuse. Renovation, need to buy stuffs, see contractor etc etc ^^; and well, it's partly true. After interview I usually send my mum to check the place.


Surely you can joke. It's to break the 'awkward' or silence in the room and create a bond. Thing is, jokes can be really dangerous. First, never make any insensitive/ bias/ discriminating jokes. Second, the right timing. Third, make sure it's funny. There are times when interviewee failed to amuse the interviewer. It could backfire and you'll be seen as a nuisance.

In any case, smile happily/ broadly when you make your joke. Even if the interviewer doesn't laugh, he/ she will smile because you smiled.

Normally this question intends to know how ambitious you are. What do you see yourself as, in the next 4 years? As an Executive in a room? or still as your current position? Perhaps a manager in a Multinational company?

Asnwer more to a job-related scale. How do you answer in a personal scale anyway? ...to be married with 3 kids???

bpk>> Then mind me asking you're a degree holder for IT or for music?

I think if I am you - and I really want/ need this job for now - I would omit talking about music (as a career in future). You can say you love music and all, but since you're interviewing for an IT job - perhaps it's better to speak of the relevant?

It's merely my opinion ^___^

IT degree holder... how do you plan to switch to music? As a song writer or music producer......? hehe sorry, just curious ^^

Wow that's so cool! But it's a hassle to have to take exams and all isn't it?

I'm also planning to maybe go into teaching when I take my Masters in coming years... haha god knows when but I'm still interested to join the Edu line. Ah talking bout College/ Uni level ^____^

Neway, good luck in your interview and future undertakings! And remember to tell us whether it went well

Hi, though i'm not dreamer, but i guess i can give some comments ^^; ...i think you're really tough, to manage to 'resurrect' after such a terrible thing had happened. Some ppl might not be able to crossover the hardship and simply fell into depression. A thumbs-up to you for the optimistic thought.

You can try other recruitment sites like JenJobs.com as well.

There are other alternatives to submitting online. You can try recruiting agencies like Adecco, Kelly Services, Temp Girl, Ally Hunt etc. You can one of their offices for a visit. I was told that someone will give you a simple interview and perhaps undergo some tests (personality, typing etc). They will request for your resume and photos. So when any job(s) that fits your criteria/ what you're looking for - comes in, they will contact you for an interview.

Another one - you can check your target company and just send your resume over in hope that when they need ppl for that certain position, they'll give you a call.

A third one, which I use to obtain my current job (otherwise I wouldn't even come across it) is simply to go www.google.com.my and type on the search engine your desired position. For example, google: Sales Executive or Sales Representative

You will be surprised at what you missed. The hits that came back even gave some JobStreet/ JobsDB vacancy that I don't see up in their site/ under my subscribed list - but they are relevant to what i want.

And no, for some reason I don't think it's wise to go running to the offices and ask whether they have a vacancy. You can ask friends and relatives whether their company has a vacancy and if yes, ask to contact the HR.

Hope it helps.


It depends. Mostly companies will notify 2-3 days in advance. MNCs - those that I attended before - notify 1 week in advance. They give sufficient time for you to get prepared.


Your work scope is similar to an Admin staff... and yes, the job involves a lot of data entry. It's not that you learn nothing, the thing is that you don't realize the skills that you pick up. Admin work is not easy, there's always dateline to meet and piles of data to be key-ed in.

So when met with the question on "what did you learn?" Tell them that you've learnt time management - because there's always datelines to meet and last minute requests, organization skills - organize your work to meet your datelines, communication skills - communicate well with colleagues, bosses and customers (sometimes), computer skills (you can use excel, word etc no problem), typing skills etc. Admin also needs high commitment - overtime, long working hours and committed to work.

Be confident. Everyone will pick up some skills eventually in his/ her field of work. You specialize in administration work and you can meet datelines/ work fast. Not everyone can do that. Polish your management skills from there. When you work long enough in the company you'll have other new admin staffs under you and if that happens, you'll get to learn new skills at work.

What i'm trying to convey is that whatever work we do - don't look down at it. Do a check to see what you've learnt. Many things we don't notice but we've actually acquired them.

Why you want to work for this company -> so why? What's your reason? Better pay? More glamour? Well everyone have their own reason so what's yours? Let's hear it before we give you a suggestion.

As for what you can contribute, it's simple. In reality, WHAT can you really contribute? If you have the necessary experience, you can say it's because you've been in the industry for quite some time and you understand the needs of the market/ customers. If you're in a managerial post (normally this question is more commonly asked for ppl who've worked in the workforce for at least several years... they'll hardly ask fresh grad this question), say that you have a clear idea of the company's objectives & goals (make sure you do) and you'll drive the company towards it.

WALK THE TALK and you'll be fine.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Feb 18 2009, 10:27 AM

I wonder what's your definition of "good"?

1. It will have to depend on you. Everyone develop different skills and possess different characteristics with different achievements. So that will have to depend on your 'achievement' so far and think deeply on how it turned you - for better (don't mention the worse if there's any!).

2 - 5. Also depends on you.

Alex, I can't give any suggestive answer to you because it varies with individuals. I similar questions in one of my interview and I answered them based on my university days when I had to undergo small-to-large scale group projects. For example, I was asked how I assume the position as a leader in any case. So first of all I explained the situation I was in:

There were 4 of us in a group, and we are required to work with another local firm who wanted to venture into Malaysia (back then I was in Australia). Their product is xxxxx and upon 2 rounds of meetings with the company director, we came out with a proposal for him.

Then I mention how I work as a leader in the group:

Groups require all of us to work closely and I usually delegate the work. I'd divide the portions of work upon discussion with my group members. We will agree on a dateline and meet up again for a follow-up discussion and each reports on the progress of their work, difficulty and we'll all solve it together. Upon completion I then compile everyone's portion and review, edit and call for a last meeting - to determine if there's any changes or that the project is done and up for submission.

Please note that this is the case for me. It may not be the same for you though - as everyone's method of working could be utterly different.

I'd say since you have enquiries like your questions, go and research it. What I mean by research is sit down and think back on how you can link the questions to you. Everything is about you in the interview, so relate the questions to high school activitity, Clubs/ Associations, College/ Uni projects, work colleagues/ group etc.

No problem! Don't be pessimistic. Everyone in life will have a turning point (I'm sure I'll do too) and that point will come when it has to. Though you'll feel terrible, also remember you have something else - the support of your beloved, family, relatives and friends.

Whenever you're feeling depress, talk to someone. If you feel you can't say it to your family for some reason, talk to a close friend or relative. When you've splatter all your trouble out, you'll feel much better. Give yourself a treat once in a while - do something you really want to do/ feel like doing, or something you never have the chance to do all these while due to busy schedule. Cheer up. We'll still have to face tomorrow whether we like it or not, so why should we go through it unhappy?

Your superior indeed isn't friendly. Did anything happen between you and him that caused the spark? Truthfully, his personality speaks of him. Perhaps there's some communication problem between the two of you. Personally I would suggest knocking on his door someday and talk to him on his attitude towards you. Ask him nicely is there anything you've done that he isn't happy. And WHY did he said what he said (on "You think you're so special?" part).

Problems won't go away if you leave. Yes, you won't have to see him anymore but that's sort of like running away from your problem in one hand. But what if you're met with the same situation next time...? That'd really be a bother

On one hand, if I'm in your situation........ I'd also keep quiet for the time being and recite some mantra in my head when he's saying something mean. I would actually pity him. For him to be who he is - he might encounter similar/ same situation when he was younger and thus subconsciously got influenced by that person who had such a mean personality. He doesn't know how to take his frustrations out and he feels like in order to be popular, he had to take it on somebody.

Again, just my 2 cents ^^;;

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Feb 21 2009, 09:17 AM

Well what's your reason? Higher pay? Nearer to your house?

Those are part of the reason we shouldn't be telling our interviewers because it doesn't show your 'need' in getting the job. It sound more like, "Oh, I want the job coz it's nearer to my place and the pay's not too bad." Imagine how interviewers feel when they hear this answer.

So anyway, as usual, tho very textbook like - I'd say coz I want a different environment and wish for something more challenging. Also I'd like to learn bla bla bla, and hopefully will be able to contribute bla bla bla.

Now don't copy the reply, it's just some suggestions so think of what u wanna write on your own.

Well "What are you looking for?" meant - what's your expectation from the company and your superior. It's a much expected question because as they are demanding some sort of expectation for you to meet, the company also will need to know what you expect from them. For example, company's 'usual' expectations would be you contribute to sales (maybe sales position), meet target, be responsible, meet datelines etc (and these are merely trivial stuffs).

But what is your expectation over your company? Interviewers will need to know, otherwise you expected much higher than what they can offer, then the place might not be right for you.

So all in all, you can mention about obtaining knowledge and experience from the company. And maybe you'd like to learn how to multitask, understand operations etc etc.

...and do you have any questions? There's no right or wrong question either (as per no right or wrong answer). Feel free to ask something that was not mentioned in the interview or something you have doubt about. Ask about the benefits that the company offer, what is the future career path etc.

I wouldn't say that "it's normal to fail the 2nd & 3rd interview" and you're not a loser. Why look at it so pessimisticly? C'mon, you think I got my 'dream' job in the first try? I was obstinate about joining the industry I want that I went for at least 12 interviews alongside my jobhunt. There are times when I was offered the position but there are also times when I was rejected. So what? No big deal. Try again and again and again till you get what you want. I've lost before, so? Who didn't? And by that, I appreciate more than ever of the things I get.

There are so many things we can learn from failure. The more often you fail, the better it is. You ask why? I said it's because you've failed before, that you understand what "winning" really means. It's because you've tasted the bitterness that you know what sweetness means.

I really have to thank this motivational book by Paul Arden. His words resound in my ear and it made an impact in my life. If I hadn't read his book, I wouldn't have the optimism I have today (at times!).

Normally I would take that as a good sign... as milleu said, they just want to explain to you the condition of the company, working environment, nature of biz etc. When the interviewer wish to share them with you and accept your views, it's pretty much good news (then again, maybe he's just plain talkative? ).

When they talk proudly of their company, throw in a praise or two. For example, this person says: "We are the best in bla bla bla and our customers are bla bla bla etc etc" you can join in by showing some admiration/ awe like, "That's great!" "It's nice to hear that the company's really growing well!" or "That's really interesting!"
WARNING: Be very careful on the timing and words u wish to use to express you admiration. It might backfire!

In %? I would normally put in a figure in RM.

First of all, apologize and said that you have something very urgent to attend to and that you would love to reschedule the date. Let the other party propose a date/ time and make sure this time you can attend with no prob

Rescheduling with a valid reason will not give a bad impression. There are times when certain issues are urgent and last min. If the company is understanding, they will be willing to meet you at another date.

C'mon, didn't sound like you screw up. You just panicked and got really nervous.

Well yes, tell them about your edu - school, uni, extra curricular activities, perhaps about your family - number of siblings, internship (if any) etc. I hardly talk about my skills unless they ask me. Generally my introduction finish in about 1-2min I find there isn't much to talk about!

What I really dislike answering is when they ask: What's your strengths and weaknesses?