Well you see, they wanted to enjoy a little bit more before starting work. And 1-2 of them wanted to go back Perth for holiday while having their convo there. So when I mentioned 'holiday' it's not 1-2 weeks but around 1 month+ So imagine which company would let their newly-hired staff to take 1 month+ leave?

Therefore they lurk around until after convo then only job hunt.

Generally 2nd interview is conducted by a different person. Eg. if 1st interview is by Human Resource, then 2nd interview could be the department head or manager - and this person could be your direct superior.

I believe that first half of the questions will not be different than from your 1st interview - tell me bout yourself, why do you choose our company? what do you know about us? why this position? etc. If your job involves technical part (eg. IT related positions) you can expect the interviewer to ask you more in depth about it.

Seriously? I was interviewed by the Human Resource Executive and Managers before in 1st round interviews. The hiring manager for all 3 companies were not present. However, they are the one who shortlist the candidates for a 2nd round.

I often believe that Human Resource filters the relevant and competent applicants. Upon the shortlist, these candidates will then proceed to 2nd level interview where they will finally meet the Hiring Manager/ Direct Superior. If there is a 3rd round then it's possible - with the Director itself.

I am realistic. What is not realistic?

I personally went through 3 interviews with HR in the 1st stage. To be honest, one of them is L'oreal and another is Sara Lee. The other one is... well, part of an MNC but not convenient to disclose. Are you saying this is not realistic even though it was a real experience?

Well it's fine if in your case you refused to attend such interview. Not the same for others though.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Feb 10 2010, 12:09 PM

If you're afraid of the above situation then it's best to double confirm the interview date, time and venue with the interviewer. You can call/ e-mail.

Thing is, if you're imagining too much - you might not be able to do your best due to clouded 'thinking' because you're having so much doubt and worries. Calm down and make sure all your flight details are confirmed.

Depends. Generally fresh graduates (degree) are employed for about RM1.6k - RM2.2k.

Disclaimer: It's just an estimated rough figure and I could be wrong.

If you go through page this thread from page 20-27, I'm sure you'll find it somewhere...

Hmmm preferably you give it at the start of the interview? Name card is like an identity so you can use it for self-introduction

Doesn't that obviously mean that he's not a fresh grad or has a part time job somewhere?

Not exactly. I hardly discuss the expected salary with the interviewer on 1st round interview. In my case, I would wait till the interviewer initiate the discussion about it first.

Sometimes they did not talk about it because they felt the expected salary is justifiable or it could be - they are interested in getting to know you rather than the pay which is could be negotiable (depending on individuals).

Vary case by case & individual. There are also people who would demand to talk about pay first before getting into the details.

siberfriend>> well we're not you nor the interviewer, so can't tell whether you stand a chance or not. Processing the documents take time and there may be several other potential candidates that they have yet to interview after you. Give and take another week. Or, you can always drop them another mail to check the status of your application.

Sorry to say, I don't know how to react either. But if I'm in your shoes, I will indeed be honest (it's fine if they don't want to hire me later on) and tell them what happened. However, I will also note to them on what I have learnt from my mistake, how to make-up for it and what are the practical solutions which could minimize the damage- just that the previous company did not give you the chance to fix it. Just don't be bitter... work is business.

I wouldn't go for fancy stuffs, but more to honesty. If you try to "lie" through it, not only will you feel discomfort but also in trouble if the company found out you did not tell the truth. Just by this matter alone (although you might be desperate), it tells a lot about your personality.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Mar 18 2010, 11:31 AM

+1. Good one

Those are the "standard" questions that interviewers ask. Really should have made preparations for it. But anyway let bygones be bygones.

Before adjourning to the next round, study the questions that interviewers usually ask and prepare your answer then get familiarize with it so that you won't be stumped or even stutter when you speak. I actually stutter here and there when I get super nervous

Wow RM 2500?

Well I'm not sure about locomotive industry but averagely a Degree holder earns about RM 1.8k - RM 2.3k. Some MNCs offer higher entry salary like BAT = RM 3,000 for their Management Trainee.

British American Tobacco.

Yeah, I did mention - on average right?

deeplyheartbroken>> booby is right, just be honest. tell the interviewer what motivates you to leave and look for a new job.

Don't be discouraged. It's a choice you see. I would avoid giving out my pay slip but I do not mind putting my current salary. As for someone like seantang (from previous posts), he chooses not to disclose payslip and current salary because he believes that that has nothing to do with expected salary (for a new position).

In your case, it's up to you. I personally feel that I'll blow my chance if I don't reveal my current salary because interviewers will think that you have 'something' to hide, especially when I'm still new in the job market. Assuming I'm "good enough" and is headhunted for a managerial position, I shall inform the HR that I'd like to keep them P&C.

There is no perfect answer in interview. Whichever question it is, it'll be answered differently based on each individual's experiences, situations and motivations.

Hmmm I don't get it... what did you answer that makes them say you're "lack of confidence" and then suddenly "over confident"?

I have to say, it depends on:

a) industry/ vacancy
b) interviewer

If you happen to apply for a job in a professional firm/ organization then coloured hair may not be such a good idea. Well it also depends on how 'badly' you dyed it. If it's on an even tone - dark brown, dark red etc I think you're alright.

I actually went for interviews with blonde highlights but it's not too bad. Most importantly you look style and suitable in whatever you're wearing.

Hmmm I guess not so much as to call it' defending' or 'surrender'. I suppose interviewers want clarity, explanations and details on why you said certain things. It's their only chance to get to know you better and understand the logic behind your actions/ statements.

you know, all 3 of your 'reasons' or logic is a big no-no when you go to interview. Sure, everyone thinks like that but they should not answer that way.

when u look on another perspective, if you're the boss - will you hire someone like yourself who gives such an answer? Honestly, I will not hire you

Employers pay money/ salary in exchange for employee's time, effort and ability in the company. Why should they pay you higher just because you do not have sufficient money to spend? A higher pay is only justifiable when you have some special skills, experience or profile, ability, knowledge etc to offer the company in exchange.

Sorry but no offense, I just seem to think you've gotta be a little realistic...

Only 2 days... don't worry about it. I simply means that the interviewer has other candidates to interview after you. then again it's understandable that you get anxious especially if you want the job pretty badly. it's fine to send them a mail and check on the status of your application. at best, I would also appreciate to be told if I pass or not ^^


Yup it's okay to say it's confidential. Payslip is sensitive and confidential so you have your 'rights' to not show. but when you say "i believe that is confidential" don't say it in a defensive way/ attitude.

Yeah chienta, it's fine. However most interviewers/ HR personnel will still throw you the question. It serves as a benchmark for them to check how much was your previous pay and how much you mark up for their company. Another note, once you refuse to disclose, most will see it as you have something to 'hide' or you're not being 'truthful'. Whatever it is, unless you are a highly sought-after candidate, you have a lower chance if someone with all the same/ better criteria than you steps up (and this person is willing to disclose his/ her pay). This is something common. Imagine yourself in the interviewer's position then you'll understand why.

I don't bring my payslip around as well. I would tell them what I earn in previous job if they ask but I will not show them my payslip. If they don't believe me, it's fine. I don't have to support it with my payslip.

It's a common problem ^^; my boss said he asks a candidate, "Why do you study Marketing?" and the guy replied, "Because my parents ask me to study it."

Apart from no passion, isn't it obvious this guy don't even know what he wants? It's because he doesn't know that he follows his parent's wish to take Marketing. Secondly, it appears that he doesn't really care about it.

Just 2 cents' worth of thought. Even if it's the truth (parents ask to take the subject), he don't have to be so direct about it Naive, perhaps? There's pros and cons to his characteristic though ^______^ it's easier to mold naive mindset into the company's way of thinking.

Interesting, isn't it?

Tommy>> It really depends on how one sees it. For my boss, it's really too much to receive such responses.

You could look it in a positive way - you're one of the few finalized candidate. It's also possible that he wanted to hire you right away but he would not be able to make a decision before reviewing the other candidates. It's only fair to go through all the interviews then decide on the best/ most suitable one.

It's normal - these days the job market is really competitive especially if it's a vacancy from a popular company. Be patient about it.

Interestingly, since you have his contact, do feel free to call/ email him if you have questions. With this, he'll be able to interact with you and know that you're highly interested in the position.

Hope you'll be offered for the position.


Some interviewer will give you his/ her namecard at the start of the interview. So for these cases you don't have to ask for them.

I'm not too sure about the thank you letter but if you wish to know the status of your application after a week or so, do contact the HR dept and not the interviewer. Usually it's HR who deals with these matters.