Everybody knows to prepare for your interview. Why? The preparation can increase your possibility to win the position. The reality is, more reality you know, the better possibility you will get. Here in our studio is Robert Parkinson, Founder and CEO of RMG Selection – a leading Asia focused executive search business. He’s going to tell us how to prepare a job interview today.

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1. Does appearance really matter?

I wouldn’t give a second chance to someone in jeans. Of course the appearance in a face to face interview does matter. The appearance includes everything that you bring with you. Not only the cloths, but also your hair style, your cell-phone, bag and so on. ? A navy blue, dark gray or black suit is appropriate for most positions. Be sure it’s cleaned and pressed. Shirts should be freshly laundered and well pressed ? Shoes that are black and freshly polished are a safe choice for an interview. Socks should be black or blue and worn over the calf. Ladies, avoid open-toed shoes. ? Fingernails should be short, clean, and freshly manicured if possible. Hair should be well-groomed and freshly trimmed. Avoid combing or brushing hair with your jacket on ? Jewelry should be limited and subtle. Avoid colognes or fragrances completely.

2. What is the “Must Have” in an interview?

? Printed directions to the interview, as well as (the recruiter’s) phone number and the client’s phone number ? A pad of paper and pen ? Three copies of your resume (make sure the resume is identical to the one supplied to the interviewer) ? Gum or mint – Prior to entering the building, chew mint gum or a breath mint, but do not chew gum during the interview ? If women, some products for freshen up. ? If you are applying some design/project, you could bring an album. Or even better, you build up a website to show your projects

3. I have known the company name and location, what else should I know before go there?

There are a lot! The more you know today, the better chance you will get tomorrow! Things to search: ? What’s the company? History, products, recent news, culture ? What’s the industry? Main competitors, features, future developments ? Who is the CEO or Founder? Name, bio and famous affaires ? What is the position doing? ? What’s the process of interview? How many rounds it will have? Do I need to prepare for paper test? How many interviewees? Way to search: ? At least company website – but not only the home page ? Baidu & Google – see any interesting news ? Everything is on Social Media – it’s a good place the find CEO or staffs of the company. Linked in is a very professional website where you can find career of CEO or the line manager. ? Search on your own networks, especially your headhunter friends. With them you can know the process of interview or main content of interview

4. Are there any special tips from headhunter?

? Plan your schedule for the interview day, leave double time to the interview. You don’t know what will happen. So you will be nervous if anything suddenly happen and you don’t have time to do. ? Go to the company one day before if you have time. Then you can have better control to time. And also, it helps you to be more relax when interview ? Make sure you arrive there 5 – 15 minutes before the interview time