Interviewing Tips (Play with your psychology)

As a candidate, do you actually realised that your psychology (mind) is being tested?
Most of us didn't realise that. Instead we thought that it's a meeting between us and future employer for the latter to get to know us better. Indirectly yes, but usually this is not the case. Some interviews lasted less than 10 minutes. Some more than 2 hours. Let me explain the motives behind these questions. Examples of common questions being asked :

1. Tell us about yourself
Obviously this is a psychology question. Interviewer wants to find out if we are extrovert or introvert, can you handle pressure or are you a talkative or a good listener. My advice would be, answer them in a way that this question will hit them back. Example : You may talk about your physical look. "As you can see, i have a big build". The interviewers will surely comment or smile at you. This is the catch-when they talk, the question hits back at them and they are replying their own question. If you get what i mean. Most interviewers don't expect us to give these kind of replies. You take this opportunity to relax, try to get hold of them, test their psychology, take control of situation. Always remember, interviewers don't know you'll play psychology. But if you do, they'll be stunned and then speechless. U got an advantage then. Do not touch about your family or job. They are not here wasting their time to listen about your family. You'll be asked of your job in a later stage when they view your resume. First question if you answer correctly, you take control over whole interview.

2. How do you see yourself in 5 years' time?
Never ever mention,"i want to have my own business" or "I hope to see myself to be a manager". Keep it to yourself even if you want to be a manager or have own business. No company would like to hire a candidate who is going to be temporary to acquire all skills then leave. Try not to give them such hints that you will be leaving. Instead, try give them some psychology answers that will play in their heads, like "to be very frank, i do not know what will happen in next 5 yrs or 10 yrs. But everyday as long as i could open my eyes, i will concentrate on the new day and perform my best for the company". This is a very open answer. Some interviewers might ask some questions out of it and in this case, it'll prolonged the interview time, or vice versa. This answer will make them think. This will give you more time to prepare yourself for next unpredictable question!

3. So how are you going to contribute to the company if you are hired since you do not have experience in this IT field?
This is the time when we talk about our pros. Try this ,"i graduated from IT field. Although my current job is INDIRECTLY linked to IT, but am also assisting my company to perform certain tasks related to IT. I believe that with my determination to rejoin IT field and what i've acquired so far, i will make sure my contribution to the company is make to the fullest. Given a chance, i will provide you result in 1 mth's time". By mentioning the last sentence, indirectly you tell them that you have self-confidence. Do not tell them so direct that " you are a very confident person". No one likes it.

4. Why do you want to leave your present company?
"I've some personal problem. And once i decided to leave a company, it's not my principle to talk about it anymore". You can't tell them everything. Try not to disclose to them too much about yourself. You are not applying for a midwive job or a reporter job. Sometimes interviewers might just want to test if you are able to handle P&C stuffs. An you'll be surprised if they keep pressuring you to say it out. Stand by your decision. Apologise that this is your stand and principle. Stress to them it's P&C. Remember-you are in control of situation! Do not be over-confident, but be smart and knowledgeable.

Honestly, i don't believe in smart dressing or bringing in thick files full of certificates to boost your confidence level.

To you know who you are..hopefully this helps! Do not panic and drink more water. Water plays an important role. Good luck!