advices from the experienced

there was a time, when poji emailed to TEKAD PERAK core team, asking for tips and guidance for his upcoming interview. and the responses he got was excellence. all those in the mailing lists, shared their experiences and tips for interview.

the tips given are priceless. as how they inspired me that day, and up till now, here i am, sharing with the readers, some of the tips that they shared.

big credits to aizan, anang, ray, lolyta, ca'aint, asma, and poji for these wonderful tips.

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"Tell me about yourself" is a very famous question. From my experience yang
tak seberapa ni, I think one way you can answer this is by relating your
capabilities with your past experience eg "I have strong communication
skills and I've proven this by ..... " or "I have strong leadership skills
which I've practiced in Projek Tekad etc...". Just remember, everytime you
say something about yourself, dont just say it, you must prove it to them.

Also, masa interview, be careful with your body gestures! Maintain eye
contact!

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Tips:
1.Datang awal - then you can relax, walk around or berbaris up and down -

2. Areas to "angkat bakul"
Leadership skills - now PETRONAS's focus is on developing leaders so show
your experience in leadership e.g. RC, TEKAD. (Photocopy article TEKAD
dalam SENADA and put in your CV)
Communication skills - again, showcase the programmes that you have
conducted in UTP and the skill and experience you got - project
management, team work, etc.
Community Service - PETRONAS is also focussin on CSR (Corporate Social
Responsibility) so show the community service work that you have done,
what areas you want to develop.

3. GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
Talk about them.

4. Talk with HEART, from the HEART
If you come from the heart, people get you and your sincerity, honesty.

5. Read up on Corporate Agenda, Brand Essence of PETRONAS
Relate yourself to these 2. How do you fit in within the big picture? How
can you internalise these values? Is it already in you?

6. The Soalan cepumas - Tell me about yourself
My take is start with your strengths and something unique about you that
will just "hook" the memory of the interviewer.
e.g. Mine - "I am a caring,loving, confident and determined person who
loves to climb mountains". What's yours, Poji?
DON'T GIVE BIODATA ie. nama,sekolah rendah, family....that is boring stuff!

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1. Show creativity - your answers should not be normal and skema esp when
asked on opinion about certain issues.

2. Be different - make yourself stands out from the crowd i.e. ur answers
should be different and unique from the average joe. (relates back to my
first point).

3. Be passionate - show that you have passion for whatever you do. This
will translate to eagerness to learn, which is usually what a company wants
from fresh grads.

4. Show the leader in you but also show that you're a team player - as
Benjamin Franklin say "Those who cannot follow, cannot lead".

5. Be open and be worldly - your answers should reflect vast knowledge that
are not limited to those that you learned from textbook. You need to show
that you are not "a hermit under tempurung UTP".

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1. First Things First- Appearance

Make sure your clothes are crisp and perfectly pressed. I recommend a
light coloured shirt with a darker coloured tie if you are conservative.
A light blue shirt with a dark blue tie would do. If possible a silk tie
(a bit expensive but worth it in the long run) and if it has some design
on it, even better.

If you are more experimental, a dark blue shirt and maroon tie should
also be a hit. Also a tie clip would go a long way.

Your pants should be dark coloured. Navy or black polyester. Leave your
cotton chinos at home.

Shoes must be polished.

If you have one, use a document bag for all your documents. Personally I
think you should not carry a backpack. And oh yes, a pen in your pocket
should also make an impression, but not the plastic type, any sort of
metal pen will do. Most probably you won't need to use it, it's just for
the look.


2. Be An Informed Candidate - Read up and form opinions.

Read all about Petronas, and identify how you can relate to the core
values. Slip in the core values in your answers. Also read up on the
petroleum industry and it's future not only in Malaysia but also world
wide. The important thing here is to show that you know about the
company and the industry.


3. Just Before the Interview - D'Day!!!

Come early and familiarise yourself with the place. It's best to go to
the restroom before the interview. Also I can't stress this enough, you
should greet the interviewer and have a FIRM handshake. I find it rather
a "turn-off" if someone has a limp handshake, it's as if the person
lacks energy. Also, look the interviewer in the eye when you shake
his/her hand.


4. Show Them the Other Side of You- Talk about your extra curricular
activities

When given a chance, talk all about your involvement outside the
classroom and what you have learned. Tell them you can be a leader and
at the same be lead as well. Use words like "team player" and
"leadership experience and ability." Tell them you'd be an asset to any
team.


5. Be Cool and Collected - Don't sweat it!

Try not to show your nervousness, be calm and answer honestly. Don't use
"ahhs" and "umms" when you are stuck, instead remain silent and
formulate the best answer. The interviewer does not expect you to know
all the answers, he/she is more interested in HOW you answer. Maintain
eye contact and try not to make any corny jokes.


6. Be Courteous - Mind your P's and Q's
Always answer politely and remember to thank the interviewer after the
meeting. Again another firm handshake.

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To answer the infamous question "Tell me about yourself"

Talk about you as a person, tell them things that may not be seen in
your resume. Use words like "enthusiastic", "driven", " quick learner",
"adaptable" and tell them that your values will make you a great
addition to the company.

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