I hate it when the excitement and novelty of working in your current company suddenly manifests itself because of reasons that are mainly; asshole/jerk superior and colleagues, financially unrewarding salary or the fun about your work runs out. What to do? Click on your jobstreet and jobsdb accounts and browse for that company that you think will provide you professional advancement and growth and of course, a much, much better salary.

I just had an interview with a trading company here in Ortigas and I can't help but think that I have been entertaining offers through these interviews for so long that its high time that I publish my own ala-"Job Hunting 101 - Interviews" myself. When I answered that I am really a shy person when asked to describe myself, the interviewer would not believe and said its not apparent based on the way the interview had gone. I just said "I am used to this." But I'm getting ahead of myself here so I'd rather have it as my blogspot post for the moment. If you're an applicant for the moment who might chanced upon this blog, hope this could help.

Do's and Don'ts Before and During the Interview:

1. Do yourself a favor and pamper yourself before the interview. Have a new haircut, foot spa, manicure/pedicure or facial to feel good about yourself. Iron your favorite slacks, long-sleeved polo and necktie for guys and dress, skirts and even slacks also for you career - oriented gals out there. Don't come to inteviews looking as if you need a week long bath to make yourself presentable. Dirty fingernails for guys is a definite no-no.
2. Don't hold back your answers to the interviewer's questions just because you are afraid they won't like your answers or you think its not the answers they are waiting to hear. An honest and spontaneous answers to questions, however unconventional they may be, will earn you points for having your own ideas and you can confidently get your message across. Avoid monotonous rehearsed answers like that of beauty pageant questions.
3. Don't answer in a monotonous, boring and nervous tone, you will see the interviewer's yawnings and ho-hums faster than you could say 'I got it!'. If you're really nervous, take deep breaths to calm your nerves. Be natural in delivering your thoughts. Make hand gestures and facial expressions if necessary. But never overdo your gestures and expressions for it will divert the attention of the interviewer from what you are saying.
4. Do elaborate your answers to questions starting with "Describe your...", "How do you see..." and "How do you go about..." phrases. These questions are usually asked to test your spontaneity and how well you know what you're talking about. Do not answer in single sentence responses, letting the interviewer do all the talking.
5. As much as possible, dodge those questions that you feel are too personal or inappropriate with regards to the interview being conducted unless you had let it slip and your interviewer wants an elaboration. If asked if you have a boyfriend/girlfriend or what is the status of your current employer financially and you really don't feel talking about it, start your answer with "If you'll excuse me Ma'am/Sir,I cannot answer your question because (your reason/s)".
6. Do know what you're talking about and make sure its true and you can back it up with facts once challenged. I do not believe in "Sell yourself" notion in getting a job. I think it only works for Americans/Brits working environment. Don't allow yourself to be viewed as mere commodity and not as a personnel. Do not over-emphasize on your strengths and accomplishments to the point of being arrogant and know-it-all.
7. Do stood up for yourself and answer in a little, just a little sarcastic when being underestimated or undermined by the interviewer. This may also apply if there's a good chance you won't be getting that job for some reasons unknown to you why the interviewers suddenly cuts your answers off and the expression on her face is a scowl or a smirk. You may not get the job but at least you kept your dignity intact and if you can, irritate those pathetic losers! Kudos for giving them a dose of their own medicine.

Post - Interview 101

1. I've read this in Jobstreet.com, which says that as a courtesy, send a thank you note or e-mail to the inteviewer. I did this one time and I was actually hired! An excerpt from the 'thank you' email I made below:

"Thank you for considering me worthy to be given that job interview and
as a potential candiate for the job."

2. Keep your communication lines open for possible update from the company you applied. Always have ample amount of battery hours if you're using mobile. If you had given your landline number, inform your household that the company where you just had an interview might be calling anytime and tell them to get the message for you when you're out of the residence.

3. Don't forget to give thanks to everyone in the company not just the one who interviewed you but also the receptionist or front desk people. You might be working with them in the future and establishing an early rapport is not a bad idea.

This might not be the perfect tips one can have regarding job interviews. But with my experience, it actually worked for me, and definitely - can work for you as well! Happy job hunting, hehehe!