What Company Looking For?

1. This survey is regarding the fresh graduate are still unemployed due to certain circumstances.

Section A: Personal Details

1.      Name: Ahmad Hishamuddin Mohammed Salleh        

2.      Position: Head, Analytics, Customer Relationship Management

3.      Company: Maybank

Section B: Criteria

1.      What is actually company want or company aspect from the university graduates?

Bright talents that have passion on the things that they are doing and highly motivational personalities and able to be multi-tasking.

2.      What is the more important when company looking at the university graduates; CGPA or soft skills?

CGPA is a must since that reflects on the effort required to achieved that but additional of soft skill will a competitive edge as well.

3.      What type of employees is company looking for nowadays?

Same as 1.

4.      What makes company reject university graduates application?
Not fit to the job applied and also not be able to reflect self against the CV submitted.

5.      Does the company provide the problem solving question to candidate for examples case study?

In some occasion of employment, yes.

6.      Does the university graduates is qualified enough nowadays?

Depending on what are criteria required for a specific position. Very subjective

7.      Besides all the questions above, would you like to give some tips or share knowledge to university graduates?

Work hard to achieve high score which reflect how much effort did you put into, know your stuff meant not only know to score but also know what are you doing to achieve the high score, able to express yourself (strength and weaknesses) and also shown bold determination on what are you looking for in your career path.

2. Interviewed session with human resources manager of IIUM Entrepreneurship & Consultancies Sdn Bhd, Miss Noor Sara Binti Nazli.

Q: Based on your experienced as human resources manager, when you want to recruit an employee, what do you think about employee skills do employers (in this context is your company) want most?

A:  Naturally all employees need specific skills to succeed in the workplace. Same goes to an employer that always seeks an employee that have a lot of skills. There are several criteria that employer want most but the most desired employee skills which is means the skills that apply to most positions in all industries are multi tasking skills (flexibility and adaptability), good communication skills, interpersonal skills like have personal traits of honesty, reliability and cooperate well with co-workers, computer skills, leadership skills and etc.  For our company, the most skills that we want for the new employee is creativity and problem solving skills, analytical and research skills, leadership skills, collaborative skills and planning skills. It is because our company is a research company and these criteria will match and help the employee to achieve our goals, mission and vision.

Q: What do you think about potential of KENMS,IIUM student in their future careers?

A: I can see a big future for KENMS, IIUM student in their future careers because what they have learn, their subject and topic are very comprehensive that cover all aspect of life. The bachelor programs that offered are meeting the job market. But all of that is not enough if they do not know how to develop their skills. So, try to develop and find out your ‘secret’ skills to tackle your future employer.

How to Answer Difficult Job Interview Questions?

Assalamualaikum and a very good day to everyone. Today, we would like to share some Tips from other website about How to answer Difficult Job Interview Questions. Enjoy. :)

Job interviews manage to instil the fear of ‘Custard the cowardly dog' in us. Why do we all feel the same anxiety, stress and panic during job interviews? After asking several Job Seekers what they fear most about job interviews, the results all point to one universal fear. How to answer difficult job interview questions?

An interviewer's task is to get a feel for you as a person. Asking tricky questions during a job interview is a sure way to evaluate how well a candidate copes under pressure. High pressure questions and difficult interview questions are asked in an attempt to assess if a candidate is right for the available position or not. To eliminate fears about how to answer difficult job interview questions familiarise yourself with them. Ahead of your job interview, prepare answers to tricky job interview questions and don't get caught off guard. Check out the following tricky job interview questions and find easy was to answer them. Don't let fears of the unknown ruin your chances of landing a great job. Follow these simple job interview guidelines and answer difficult interview questions with ease.

1. What are your weaknesses and how do you remedy these?

We all have character defects and areas of our jobs that are weaker than others. While this is true to every worker, no one likes to admit to their imperfections. When an interviewer asks this difficult question, there are specific ways to answer. Never admit to weaknesses that will hinder you from performing your core role. Rather try to specify a defect that is a weakness but almost favours or benefits the company directly, should they hire you. An example of such a weakness is being a perfectionist. While being a perfectionist suggests you pay attention to detail, if not managed appropriately, this can sometimes slow your productivity down. To counter such a weakness, you could express how important time management is to you and how you apply this to your daily responsibilities. As mentioned before, prepare for this difficult interview question ahead of time so as to avoid being put on the spot.

2. Name a challenge you have had to overcome in your career and how did you do so?

The reason why interviewers ask this tricky job interview question is to directly assess how well you mange with adversity. By asking such a question, the interviewer is not so concerned with what the problem was, but more so how you managed to overcome this problem. To answer this difficult question, again hold back on getting too excited over your troubles. Highlight a situation that was challenging but not colossally damaging to your career. An example of an answer to this question would be; managing a difficult staff member and the innovative ways you implemented in order to remedy the situation. Again you don't want to confess that you make regular mistakes when facing challenges. Rather attempt to display your proactive stance in order to avoid such situations.

3. Why are you looking for a new job?

The most important thing to keep in mind when faced with this tricky interview question is never slate your previous employer. As tempting as this may be or as much as the job interviewer pry's, never ever bad mouth a previous employer. Although you may have valid reason to want to leave, it never looks professional when Job Seekers blame their employers for having to look for a new job. You are entitled to your opinion but remember to use tact and always be respectful. Try to answer this difficult job interview question with a positive statement such as seeking greater job satisfaction, career advancements or the desire to apply your skills to a new industry.

4. Yes or No questions.

Never answer a job interview question with only a yes or no answer. Closed ended answers are just as bad as the interviewer asking you a difficult, closed ended question. Always justify a yes or no answer with substantial back up. Give examples and display your comprehensive knowledge on the matter so as to ensure you are giving an impressionable answer.

5. Why should we hire you?

While no one likes to advertise where their weaknesses lie, society has also taught us to be modest and humble. When asked this difficult job interview question, the most important thing to remember is to sell yourself as best you can. When approached with such a question, this is your opportunity to blow your trumpet loud and clear. The pre job interview preparation will come in handy now, as you will need to be on your toes when answering such a tricky question. Highlight relevant accomplishments and abilities you possess that are specific to the interviewer's requirements. Be sure to assess the details of the job ad prior to your interview in order to answer this difficult question.

6. What salary expectations do you have?

Money matters are bound to come up during a job interview. One of the most difficult questions to answer during a job interview is what salary package you are looking to receive. Prior to your job interview research salary surveys so that you have a clear indication of what the industry standard is. Market related salaries are a good basis to motivate your salary requirements with. The more flexible you are and open to negotiations you are the better. Don't forget to take into account fringe benefits that may be offered to you. While fringe benefits may not be tangible funds, they do contribute significantly to your total cost to company.

That's all. Thank You for reading. :)
Wassalamualaikum w.b.t.

Sharing is caring (PART 1) (Ex-IIUM Student)

Crews of Falah Seekers had conducted several interviews to some graduated students from IIUM. The purpose of our interview is to know and share some experience on how they are recruited or enter to the job market. Enjoy the conversation.

This interview was done using online interview to minimize the time consuming.

Tuesday (4th October 2011):

Shida : Assalamualaikum brother, I’m conducting an interview for my management from an Islamic perspective subject regarding the fresh graduate student of KENMS. And I like to ask you several questions regarding your work and your experience during interview session.

Syafiq : Waalaikumussalam, Insyaallah I will try to answer your question.

Shida : What is your name and your course in study?

Syafiq : My name is Mohd Syafiq and I’m taking accounting as my major during my study.

Shida : What company are you working right now and what is your post in that company?

Syafiq : I’m working at Sime Darby Berhad and I’m working as Finance Executive.

Shida : So, can you share with me your experience during interview and what are the question that they asked at that time?

Syafiq : Actually I don’t have much experience for interview, because I’m one of the student that received scholarship from their company. The question that they asked is only the basic question like introduction, asking related to accounting field, more to job relates,expectation,how we see the next future, plan in the future ect.

Shida : Sounds easy. So what are you wearing during that time?

Syafiq : I’m wearing strike shirt but with a soft color.

Shida : In your opinion does the appearance important during the interview session?

Syafiq : Yes, of course. The first impression is always important.

Shida : Ok Syafiq, thank you for corporation.

Syafiq : You are welcome.

Next interview conversation is coming soon.Insya Allah.

Till then. Have a nice day.

Wassalamualaikum w.b.t.

Walk-In Interview. Are You Ready?

Walk-in Interview:

TIPS & Suggestions:

With a very little preparation anyone can perform well in Walk-In interviews. Here are some of the basic and most important tips for the interview success.

Preparation / Homework:

•First of all collect as much as information possible about the company you are hoping to join. Be ready for the most frequently asked questions like

oTell me about yourself?

oWhy should we hire you?

oWhat is your strengths and weakness?

Venue:

Reach Early:

Reach the venue early before the scheduled start time. Most of the companies start the interview process on first come first serve basis and the interviewer will be fresh and will remember you better.

Be Equipped:

Be equipped with your CV and all your required documents; also remember to carry a pen along with you.Be formally dressed.

Interview:

•When sent inside for the interview, do not grab the first seat available. Wait for the interviewer to ask you to sit down. First impression is the best impression, look confident but not over confident

•Be polite, calm, confident not arrogant, honest and answer to the point within the allotted time period. The interviewer will not be able to pull out all the information, make sure to tell them about your achievements professionally.

•Remember time is very precious; nobody is interested to hear about your family tree. Be very specific to your job.

•If the interviewer is noting down some point do not lean to see what is being written, it will make you more nervous.

•Make your exit confidently

•Do not speak anything bad about of the company, arrangements, infra structure or don"t gossip in the premises of the company. Your behavior can be judged there also.

We hope these tips help you in getting a new job.

All the very best!

Till then.See you again.

Thanks for reading.

Wassalamualaikum w.b.t.

Five Tips For A Top Interview

 (Credit Picture)

•Be prepared

Learn as much as you can about the company, who we are, our services and our strategic direction. Make sure you can articulate how your strengths and career goals align with ours, and why you think you’ll succeed in our organization.

•Be proactive

Prepare a list of questions to ask your interviewer(s) so you can assess whether that company is the right place to launch your career. Ask us questions about our organization, our clients, the opportunities we can offer you and what you can expect from us.

•Be yourself

Try to relax and remember that we’re interested in the real you. When preparing, it’s helpful to think about how you’d like to communicate certain points but avoid over-rehearsing, as it may come across as impersonal.

•Be professional

Take pride in your presentation. We will be looking for professionalism in how you dress, how you speak and what you tell us about yourself.

•Be punctual

Arrive at least five minutes early and if – for reasons out of your control– you’re running late, call your interviewer and explain why.

Summary – 5 uncommon interview tips:

If you Google the keywords “interview skills”, you will be presented with all the basic, which generally includes:

•Dress sharp

•Speak confidently

•Research the company

•Be polite

•Others

Can I suggest another few tips that may also help?

1) Talk to stranger.

Try this, get on a bus. It can be any bus. And immediately say hi to the stranger besides you. Please don’t just pick seats to flirt. The idea is not for you to flirt. It’s for you to practice your interview skill.

Expected results:

•You are no longer afraid to speak.

•You can generate question on the spot.

2) Redo a sketch of your favorite sitcom.

You will need the help of another fan for this. For example, you love “Friends” the sitcom. Pick one scene about 1 -2 minutes long and memorize the dialogue.

Now redo the whole scene without looking at the script. I’m very sure you will forget most of the line, so improvise. Make up your own line. It can become another story.

Expected results:

•You should be more confident in improvising your interview script whenever necessary.

•You will learn how to be witty with your words and make you memorable to the interviewer.

3) Go for a “mock” real interview.

Spend some time to go to a shopping mall and apply for a job there. Practice everything you have learned to get the job. You can try being very funny or very aggressive. It shouldn’t matter if you were accepted or not, this is just for you to practice. So go crazy

Expected results:

•You will get used to the whole interview scenario, it no longer terrifies you.

•You can actually ask the interviewer how you can actually improve yourself.

4) Help a friend to haggle.

You have a friend, and this friend wants to buy a laptop. You should follow him and do the haggling part for him. Haggle the price until you can get what you want. After all, you have the buying power. Why not get the most out of it.

Expected results:

•You will have more confident in discussing your salary or benefit.

•You will learn a few tips on how to haggle.

5) Monitor people being interviewed.

Assuming you has a friend of a friend who interview people. Why not ask him to let you in one of the interview session. You are not interviewing people; you are just going to watch how people are interviewed. Take note on what works and what’s not.

Expected results:

•You will have an updated and real version of interview skills.

•You will see that the interviewer is actually not that scary.

Conclusion :

Being interviewed is actually not that difficult. They are not going to ask you why you fail English, or make fun of the weird society you joined. They already have all the details in your resume. What they want to see is how you behave, what’s your attitude and motivation, and most importantly how you portray yourself.

The best part is they can only see all these via the way you express yourself (listening and speaking). Concentrate on those as suggested by the 5 items above. You will do fine. Insya Allah.

- I wonder -

Any other interview tips you would like to add?

Personal Note:

I still remember my first successful interview. To tell you the truth, I was not that prepared. I didn’t research the company, I have no idea what my job scope is, and I think I was very hungry at the time. It’s a difficult time then. I needed a job ASAP.

However I believe they accepted me to the company simply because of the following conversation that happened in the interview (written from memory)

Interviewer : So banji, do you have a girlfriend?

Banji: Yes, I do

Interviewer : I must inform you that this job will require you to be sent to Sabah and maybe Indonesia. Most girlfriends will not understand this. What would you do if you were sent there and your girlfriend doesn’t approve?

Banji : Hm I can always find a new girlfriend there

Interviewer :(Laughing out loud. Both of them)

That's all. Thank You. See you again.

Wassalamualaikum w.b.t.