While there are plenty of sites online that give people pointers about what to do and say while being interviewed for your next career, it seems that some people are still clueless regarding some of the basic expectations.  I’ll admit that this will sometimes make the interviewer’s duty easier but, for anyone who is serious about finding employment, there are some basic things that you should know.

Before I get into some of the unsaid rules, I’d like to say that I just came from a morning-long group interview with a potential Japanese employer here in Vancouver.  There were eight candidates in total, some who had travelled quite some distance for the opportunity to work overseas.  The recommendations I’m about to write about were all the result of someone breaking these unsaid rules before, during, and after the interview.

Things You Should Try To Avoid:

  • Reading the Newspaper.  While this might make you look relaxed and literate, it’s seldom a good idea to spread the paper out across the table and ignore everyone around you.
  • Silence.  A quiet room is a room full of shy and nervous people.  Get up and make some friends!  I’m not saying that the group interview should be a party, however, it’s always good to break the ice early with your potential co-workers.  This will also show the interview organizer that you’re confident and approachable.
  • Writing Your Blog.  Just for the record, I did not write this while in the meeting room.  However, there was one person studiously taking notes for their blog.  Unfortunately, they didn’t have a site yet, so I couldn’t post a link.  But even still, don’t go off in your own little world when attending a group interview!
  • Incomplete Application Forms.  This is something that I’ve seen in all jobs.  From my time at Burger King right up to today, there are educated people that come to an interview with a half-completed application form.  These forms were emailed to us weeks before the meeting, and with only 4 pages to fill out (two pages of which were multiple choice) there should have been no reason for incomplete information.
  • Making Excuses.  I cannot stress this enough.  Never, ever, ever, ever make excuses for something.  If you’re late, or made a mistake, apologize and keep going forward.  Do not try to justify tardiness or an error, because we don’t care.  If you’re late, you’re late.  If you made a mistake, you’re human.  Nothing you say or do will change the fact, so don’t bore us with the details.
  • Making the Interviewer Do Work.  If you’re asked to fill out forms, be prepared to hand them to the interviewer.  Do not make the person reach across your table to collect the papers.  It’s always better to make things easier for your potential employer, and takes only a second.
  • Casual Dress.  I am not an expert on Japanese custom or fashion, but even I know that first impressions mean everything.  Jeans and a t-shirt might be acceptable when trying for a construction or warehouse job, but not when you’re trying to work at an asian company.  If you’re trying for a job in another country, try to dress as they would.  If you’re not sure, then you can never go wrong with a suit and tie (or business skirt, for the ladies).
  • Giving an Interviewer a Hard Time.  I could hardly believe my ears when someone gave the interviewer a hard time because they didn’t complete the application form.  Rather than apologizing and filling out the rest of the form, he decided to give reasons why he submitted an incomplete application, then went on to say the application form was not designed very well and should have offered more writing space.  For someone who is completely at the mercy of the interviewer, this was a very poor way to start the session.
  • Napping or Yawning.  We were asked to meet at 8:30, and started at 9:00 sharp.  To pass the time before the official start of the meeting, a recent bachelor’s graduate decided to take a nap.  This sends a very clear message to the interviewer, and should be avoided at all costs.
  • Complaining.  The meeting hadn’t even started yet, and one person was already complaining about things.  This was not their first interview with a foreign company, and they were not happy that it was so hard getting accepted by an Asian company.

What’s really amazing, is that all of these things happened in the first 30 minutes we were together, and before the interview officially started.  Oddly enough, the yawning, complaining, excuses and inability to hand the interviewer filled documents continued throughout the rest of the morning.

Things You Should Try to Do:

  • Relax.  You can’t be confident in yourself if you’re nervous or self-conscious.  Remember that everyone else is nervous, too.  Being an island of calm will allow you to pay more attention to the speakers and remember instructions, which is key to finding out more about the company and the role you can play.
  • Interact.  If you’re asked to take part in a group interview, you know there will be several other people applying for the job.  Rather than let an uncomfortable or boring silence descend, strike up a conversation.  Why do these people want to go to Japan?  How did they hear about the company?  There are many things you can talk about, and this will often help you relax and gain the confidence required for the actual interviews.
  • Laugh.  Laughter is the best medicine, and it is an instant relaxant for other people.  Laughing at a joke, or even at yourself will show people that you’re fun to be around.  Nobody wants to hire a grouch.
  • Smile.  This is similar to laughing, as it will show that you’re comfortable and approachable.  People with clearly forced smiles should work on this in the mirror before the big day.
  • Play the Roles.  If you’re asked to take part in a group activity, take part.  If you’re worried about acting silly or have some other hang-up about interacting with people, then perhaps this isn’t the job for you.
  • Use Confidence, Not Ego.  While the two are not always mutually exclusive, it’s best to be confident in yourself while also being a little humble.  Keep in mind that smart interviewers are trained to read people incredibly well.  If you don’t know something, say so.
  • Ask Questions.  Even if you already know the answer to something, have questions ready to ask.  This lets the interviewer know that you are genuinely interested in working for them.  According to some HR staff, people who don’t have questions are usually not very motivated.  Remember that these interviews are a chance for you to learn about the company as well, and the opportunity should be capitalized on.

I’d suggest taking this with a grain of salt, as I am not an expert on these things.  I have had many interviews over the years, and often times it’s best when you’re comfortable in your own skin and can focus on the other people rather than yourself.  Showing interest in a position or company is one of the most important factors when applying for a position.

Of the eight people that attended the group interview (not including myself), I think only two had what it takes to make it past this first test.  We’ll find out next week who, if anyone, was selected for the position.

Have you ever had a group interview?  Do you disagree with anything I suggested?  Let me know, and perhaps we can help other people who might want tips for this situation.