Hi Mary,
It’s been quite a while since our last email. How’re you doing on your QF course? Managed to make some good friends there? I’ve got to know quite a few friends here, but most of them are girls! Just kidding. Philosophy, well, I can still scrape through its exams!
I’ve thought long and hard about how you can get the one-and-only-one “Part-time-Promoter” post in Motorola Ltd. With me, you won’t ever fail, don’t be nervous! (By the way, why don’t you concentrate on your studies first? You can get at least HK$50,000 per month right after your graduation!)
To prepare for an interview, what you must do in the first place is a one-min self intro. Though it’s quite obvious that you can make an impression as you’re extraordinarily outspoken, you need to try your best to extract the most important information you want others to know about you. (Don’t mention that you’re a QF student as it’s included in the resume you’ve sent me and it’s likely to be misunderstood that you’re arrogant!)
Next, it’s the research about the company – all the operations of the company, even a cough from the CEO, its financial position, its direction, its missions… etc. It’s advisable to browse the website up and down to take down all the key points about the company. It’s good if you could read through the company’s financial statements, but this isn’t a must. (It should be a piece of cake for a QF student, right?) The pay scale of the company is very very very very very important info as you’re likely to be asked about the desired wages. Having known Motorola inside and out can surely impress the interviewer and gain you an edge.
The last few things you need are a good sleep, a refreshed mind and a decent look on that day. Don’t stay up late the night before your interview.
Now, we can proceed to the interview.
You should be in a suit. Despite the fact that it’s just for the post of a promoter, it’s still a business sector interview. For the make-up, just the kind for a get-together with friends. Don’t smear your face with heavy make-up as it’ll make you look too mature for your age. (That time in our 6D reunion, your make-up was quite appropriate.)
Arrive 15 mins before the scheduled time. In other words, be there at 0845. You should wear a smile right after you depart from home. Maybe the interviewer is your neighbor, who knows? No rude manners and try your very best to be polite. It can please the interviewer a lot if you know how to say “please” and “thank you”.
It’s the time for the main part – the real group interview. Knock on the door and wait for a “come in” before getting inside. Hold the door for other interviewees for proper etiquette. Say “good morning, sir/madam” and bow your head. Sit only when instructed. Put your hands on the table (or knees if there’s no table) in a polite way. Don’t fidget; don’t “spin pens”. No irritable gestures. Also, no crossed legs!!!
When you speak, don’t just look at the interviewer, though I know you love him. Look at the interviewees in a friendly way, though I know you want to kill them instantly. When you cough, remember to say “excuse me”. Don’t panic if you‘ve spoken something incorrect. People in the room may not know you’re incorrect but they’ll certainly know if you panic.
For the content of your speech, whether in a group discussion, debate or conversation with the interviewer, you should firstly paraphrase the previous speaker’s ideas, add in your views and then invite others to speak. (All these things were taught in F.6. I still remember Ms. Young‘s funny yet proper demonstration. Dig out those oral materials for further studies.) No personal attack, no raised voice, but make more constructive suggestions. Still one more reminder: they may disapprove of you and your points, but you must keep smiling – it’s the basic requirement for the post.
After the interview, you should open the door for others to leave first. Then say goodbye to the interviewer and leave.
Oops! I ‘ve missed a few points.
1. Don’t show your mobile phone. (It’s a mobile phone company; no rival products.)
2. Don’t speak far too much (though you’re vocal).
3. Shake hands properly.
Here are a few useful websites for you:
www.how_to_shake_hands_properly.com
www.how_to_be_polite.com
www.proper_self_introduction.com
Good luck! (You owe me a meal for this e-mail!)
Best wishes,
Chris