Job interviews can feel daunting but with proper preparation and practice, you can approach them with confidence. An interview is not just an assessment — it is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the company and determine if it aligns with your career goals.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
- Begin by researching the organisation’s background, mission, values and work on their website and LinkedIn page.
- Speak to your Industry Relations Consultants, seniors or mentors to gain deeper insights into the organisation and the industry.
- Read recent press releases, annual reports and industry news to understand the organisation’s direction and challenges.
- Research your interviewers on LinkedIn to understand their roles and personalise your questions.
- Prepare a list of thoughtful questions that show genuine curiosity about the company’s goals, work culture and expectations.
BE WELL PREPARED
- Prepare your outfit in advance and ensure it aligns with the company’s dress code.
- Pack necessary documents you need the day before, including extra printed copies of your resume.
- For in-person interviews, plan your route to the venue and arrive 15 minutes early. Factor in any potential delays and ensure that you have a few extra minutes to do a quick mirror check in the restroom and put yourself at ease.
- For virtual interviews, make sure you are ready and on standby at your computer before the interview is due to begin. Prepare all your technology needs and calm your nerves before the virtual interview.
SEE YOURSELF AS A GOOD FIT
- Review the job description carefully and align your skills, experiences and achievements to the role and the company’s needs.
- Prepare specific examples of how you have demonstrated relevant competencies or solved similar challenges.
- Reflect on how the role supports your career goals and values, so you can articulate this clearly.
During the interview, frame your responses using
the STAR approach.
SITUATION
Describe the situation you encountered.
TASK
Describe the task you were given.
ACTIONS
Explain what you did, how you overcame challenges and why you did it that way.
RESULTS
Highlight the positive outcomes of your actions, focusing on your accomplishments and lessons.
BE CONFIDENT AND ARTICULATE
- Practise answering common and behavioural interview questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Be ready for competency-based or case-style questions that assess your problem-solving and teamwork skills.
- Schedule mock interview sessions with your Industry Relations Consultant.
- Speak clearly, maintain good posture and make eye contact (in person or via camera).
BE PROFESSIONAL
- Dress to impress. Make sure you look sharp, neat and presentable for the interview.
- Arrive early. Being late is a sign of disrespect and an inability to manage your time.
- Use clear, professional English. Avoid using slang, Singlish and uncommon or inappropriate abbreviations during the interview.
- Show enthusiasm and respect by listening actively, smiling and maintaining a positive tone.
- Avoid sensitive topics such as age, race, religion, politics and personal matters.
- Close the interview by thanking the interviewers and expressing interest in next steps.
POST INTERVIEW
- Send a thank-you email to the interviewers within 24 hours to express appreciation and reaffirm your interest in the role.
- If you feel you did not answer a question well during the interview, use this opportunity to clarify.
- If you did not have an answer (or some data or statistics) to a question during the interview, use this opportunity to follow-up with the information.
- You may also connect on LinkedIn with interviewers or recruiters, accompanied by a short, professional note.
Attend CAO’s workshops for tips on how to ace job interviews. Your school-designated Career Coach can help you with mock interview practices. If you are preparing for an actual interview, you can also contact the Industry Relations Consultant in charge of the industry that you are interviewing for.