Latest news with #jobinterview
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Jobseeker confused after interviewers ask about blood type, zodiac sign and K-drama habits instead of her experience
SINGAPORE: A 27-year-old woman recently shared that she went through one of the strangest job interviews she's ever had. Posting on a local forum, she explained that she had applied to a well-known company and was initially impressed by how friendly the interviewers seemed. However, things quickly took a bizarre turn when the questions veered away from her résumé. Instead of focusing on her work experience or skills, the interviewers asked about her blood type, horoscope, Chinese zodiac sign, and even whether she watched Korean dramas. 'Apparently B+ blood type is favoured (luckily, I'm B+),' she wrote on the r/askSingapore subreddit on Thursday (Jun 26). This is the first time I've been asked such questions in an interview. We basically rushed through my CV and focused on these questions. I'm so confused.' She then asked other locals, 'What's the weirdest SG interview question you've been asked?' 'It's a vibe check. Hope you passed the vibes.' The post quickly gained traction on the platform. Some Singaporean Redditors joked that the interviewers seemed more interested in dating her than hiring her, which could explain all the personal questions. A few others also chimed in with their own stories of unusual interview experiences. One Redditor shared, 'In 2014, I went for an interview for the role of an engineer in an MNC. I was asked whether I preferred Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings.' Another wrote, 'Some years ago when I was about to grad I interviewed for this SME doing fireproof doors as an engineer. The foreign hiring manager asked me if I had went to ocs and what my parents did for a living. Crazy. I walked out.' Additionally, several Redditors shared their thoughts on why the woman's interviewers might have behaved that way. They suggested that the questions were probably meant to see if the interviewers could 'vibe' with the candidate and get a better sense of their personality. Some felt it was a way to figure out what kind of person the applicant really was, since most people tend to give rehearsed answers and put on a front during interviews. One shared, 'My ex manager would ask weird questions during interviews specifically to throw people off. It was actually low-key genius because I was on some interviews with him and you could see all the masks drop for a second and kinda tell who were good-natured about it and who were internally freaking out and couldn't push their way out of it.' Another simply stated, 'It's a vibe check. Hope you passed the vibes.' In related news, a job seeker was shocked when one of the panel members made an inappropriate comment about her marital status during a job interview. On March 11, she shared her experience on Reddit's 'Singapore Raw' forum, stating,'I had an interview this morning, and before it even started, one of the interview panel members asked if I was married. I said no, and then he looked at the other panel member and said, 'Aha! You bet wrongly!' I'm not sure if I'm overreacting, but is it just me, or was that a bit off-putting?' Read more: Female job seeker shocked by inappropriate comment during job interview, says panel members 'bet' on her marital status Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
Entrepreneur
2 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
The Job Interview Mistake That Causes Hiring Managers to Ghost
"Any questions for me?" Your answer could make or break an offer. These days, it takes an average of six months for job applicants to get hired for a new role, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report. Given that timeline — and the fact that some job-seekers might put in hundreds of applications before they receive an offer letter — it can pay, literally, to be strategic during the interview process. Many hiring managers will ask interviewees if they have any questions for them at the end of an interview. It's an opportunity for candidates to further express their interest in and qualifications for the role. Related: The Ultimate Guide on How to Prepare for a Job Interview There are a lot of great questions to ask in an interview — and some that might be best avoided, depending on your career goals. A new study from found that although pay transparency is the No. 1 most important thing gig workers look for in job listings, hiring managers will ghost one in 10 candidates who ask about pay during an interview. The lack of transparency around compensation can not only throw a wrench in an applicant's job search but also make it more difficult for employers to find the right talent. Related: 7 Mistakes to Avoid Making During a Job Interview, According to a Business Etiquette Expert One in four gig workers would never apply to jobs without listed pay, and 68% don't trust companies that hide pay information because they believe it means the job pays poorly (74%), has a high turnover rate (49%) or fosters a toxic culture (35%), according to the report. What's more, 20% of workers say that pay transparency in their industry has gotten worse, per SideHustles. Related: Why Do You Want to Work Here? Here's How You Can Ace the Question Every Time Hannah Williams, the Gen Z content creator behind the account Salary Transparent Street, told Entrepreneur that young professionals who want to make sure their salaries are fair should always be prepared to negotiate once they receive an offer — and wait 24 hours before accepting any new role. "Even if you're satisfied with the rate, tell them you need 24 hours to review the offer," Williams said. "This has not only helped me get more money in the final offer if the company is pressured to fill the role, but has also brought me peace of mind in thinking through and making my final decision."
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why The Least Desperate Candidates Get The Job (And How To Be One)
In a sea of applicants, calm confidence cuts through. You've heard the phrase, 'The job goes to the person who wants it most.' But in reality, employers don't just want eager—they want confident. And here's the twist: the candidates who don't come across as desperate are often the ones who get hired. Not because they don't care, but because they carry themselves with self-assurance, clarity, and calm. That's the kind of energy hiring managers trust. If you've ever felt like you wanted a job too much, you're not alone. The pressure of needing work, financially, emotionally, or otherwise, can show up in subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways during interviews. But with the right mindset and strategies, you can present yourself as the strong, qualified candidate you are without ever appearing needy. Here's how. Show Confidence Without Overdoing It Confidence doesn't mean arrogance. It's about self-trust and how you carry yourself. In fact, nine out of ten global executives surveyed by LinkedIn agree that soft skills are more important than ever. In other words, how you talk and connect with people in interviews can be just as important as how much technical knowledge you have. Employers notice when you speak with clarity, maintain steady body language, and answer questions directly. Confident candidates don't try to oversell themselves or dominate the conversation. They listen, respond thoughtfully, and present their experience with calm certainty. Want to project confidence? Practice talking about your strengths as facts, not opinions. For example, instead of saying 'I think I'm a great team player,' say 'My last manager consistently relied on me to lead collaborative projects because I've shown I can bring people together.' Confidence is in the delivery: calm, prepared, and focused. Highlight Your Fit, Not Your Need It's tempting to say things like, 'I really need this job' or 'I'd do anything for this opportunity.' But language like that can signal desperation, and it shifts the conversation away from your strengths and toward your situation. Remember: the hiring manager is looking to solve a business need, not yours. Instead of highlighting how much you want the job, focus on why you're a great match for the role and the team. Talk about the challenges they're facing that you're excited to help with. Tailor your responses to the company's goals and values. When you align yourself with their mission, it's easier for them to see you as a natural fit and not someone just hoping for a lifeline. Mention Other Options Without Sounding Disinterested One way to show you're in demand without coming across as cocky is to be transparent—carefully. If you're interviewing elsewhere or have a competing offer, it's okay to mention it. Done well, this can actually strengthen your position and demonstrate that others see your value, too. Here's how to frame it: 'I'm currently exploring a few roles, but this position really stands out because of [reason that's specific to them]. I'm genuinely excited about the potential fit here.' This approach tells the employer that you're making an intentional choice, not just grabbing at the first opportunity. Follow Up with Intention Following up isn't desperate—it's smart. But there's a difference between chasing and checking in. When you follow up, do it with purpose. After the interview, send a thoughtful thank-you note. A week later, if you haven't heard back, send a short message reaffirming your interest and asking for an update. You can also use your follow-ups to share helpful information, such as an article you mentioned during your interview or a quick update about something relevant you've worked on. The goal is to stay top of mind without applying pressure. Each message should reflect calm interest, not urgency. Stay Calm and Patient Throughout the Process Hiring takes time, and delays don't always mean bad news. Maybe they're finalizing budgets, getting approvals, or waiting on internal alignment. If you panic every time the timeline stretches, you'll drain your energy, and it might show in your interactions. The best thing you can do? Keep your momentum going. Keep applying, keep networking, and keep interviewing. Knowing you have other irons in the fire helps you stay emotionally steady and less attached to any single outcome. It also ensures you don't lose valuable time waiting for one company to make a decision. The candidates who get hired aren't always the ones who try the hardest to please. They're often the ones who know their value and communicate it with clarity and calm. Employers want to hire people who are capable, reliable, and confident—people who can hit the ground running without needing to be rescued. That's why your mindset matters as much as your resume. Remind yourself that job searches are two-way streets. You're not just hoping someone picks you. You're evaluating whether this opportunity fits who you are and where you're going. When you approach each interview with that balance, you shift from hoping to win approval to showing what you truly bring to the table. Stay grounded. Stay intentional. And remember: your next opportunity is not just about luck—it's about showing up as someone who's ready, not needy. You've got this!
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
5 Tips For Ending A Job Interview On A High Note
Much of the advice doled out to entry-level graduates for job interviews is based on putting your ... More best foot forward at the beginning, but it's also important to know how to end the interview on a positive note. If you're a job seeker this graduation season, you've probably gotten a lot of suggestions on how to make the job search as successful as possible. Chances are the first piece of advice you get is how to complete a compelling application, followed by how to prepare for the job interview. You make sure to manage your jitters, dress the part and conduct yourself in a manner that helps you land the position. But one piece of advice that's often missing is tips for ending a job interview on an high note. Preparation Before, During And Ending A Job Interview If you're an entry-level applicant, worried about what's on the line before an upcoming job interview, it's only natural to feel some stress. Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius, says preparation is your biggest ally against stress. In the face of interview anxiety, she recommends making yourself feel as prepared as possible. 'The era of social media offers a unique opportunity to understand a company inside and out,' she notes, suggesting that you do a deep dive into the company's online presence, including social media and professional platforms like LinkedIn. "Get to know your interviewer's background and interests, as well. This level of preparation does more than just provide talking points; it'll empower you with the confidence that comes from being well-informed.' During the job interview, it's important to remember that you need to do more than just passively answer the interviewer's questions and present your qualifications. Don't forget that you're also interviewing the company to decide if it's a good option for you just as much as they're assessing you. This mindset can empower you from the beginning to the end of the interview. Instead of just answering questions, make sure you're actively asking them. Recruiters are impressed with candidates who show genuine interest in the position by asking thoughtful questions because it demonstrates an applicant's interest. Chan says these questions could relate to company culture, team dynamics, success metrics for the role or current challenges the company is facing. Ending A Job Interview With A Closing Statement Have you ever had that sinking feeling at the end of a conversation when it feels like words are left hanging in the air? When that happens, you can feel the tension, as if there's a comma instead of a period at the end of a sentence. In the 2025 job market, paying attention to how you finish the interview is like putting a period at the end of a sentence. You don't want the recruiter to forget you, so it's essential to let them know why they should hire you. The end of an interview is your last chance to leave a lasting impression. Think of ending the interview as putting a period at the end of a sentence that ties up the conversation. An effective closing statement is a positive and brief summary of your most compelling skills and experiences that demonstrate what you have to offer the employer, along with your genuine desire to be part of the company's team. Most interviewers expect your closing words to underscore your interest in the position and ways your skills and expertise align with the position and the company's goals. Tips For Ending A Job Interview On A High Note I spoke with Kara Ayers, senior vice president of global talent acquisition at Xplor Technologies, who shared five tips on how to finish your job interview on a high note. 1. End on an upbeat. Ayers emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude by thanking the interviewer for her/his time and the opportunity to learn more about the role and company. She stresses that you clearly state your excitement about the position and company culture and how it aligns with both your personal and career skills, competencies and goals. End with confidence, use a positive tone and a quick summary of why you're a strong fit and the impact you believe you could make. 2. Ask thoughtful questions. Ayers advises that you show curiosity and ask about the team, culture and future company goals. Then match your responses to how they align to your personal and professional goals and values. At the end, she says to remember to ask about timeline and what to expect after the interview. 3. Add in something the interviewer doesn't ask about. Ayers suggests that you have something in your back pocket (an experience, achievement or relevance to the role/culture of the company) to share at the end. She gives the example of saying something like, 'Before we wrap up, there's one more thing I would love to share that is relevant or important for you to know about me.' She mentions she also likes to ask, 'Is there anything that I didn't explain clearly about my experience that you have questions about?' or 'Is there anything that concerns you about my fit for this role?' Ayers explains that this allows you to follow up and ensure you're not walking away with any gaps in understanding. 'If it is a lack of experience, you could always follow up with examples of how you have learned new skills quickly,' she adds. 4. Close the interview by sharing your interests and qualifications. You suggests saying something like, 'I'm even more excited about this role after our conversation," then explain why. 'Reinforce how your experience aligns to the role and do it with energy,' she recommends. 'Include 'I can't wait to start to contribute and make a meaningful impact to 'x' organization. Always leave with, 'I look forward to hearing from you and would appreciate any feedback, regardless of the decision/outcome," she advises. 5. Follow up after the interview. 'Always send a thank-you note after to the interviewer or team, handwritten, email, LinkedIn message or any other medium,' Ayers says. "If you forgot to mention something during the interview that is relevant, include it. It's easy to forget about accomplishments or even if you feel you didn't answer a question the best, follow up with, 'I don't feel I addressed your question about x, I wanted to follow back up on that to clarify.'' A Final Takeaway On Ending A Job Interview On A High Note Chan suggests that job seekers remember the interview is an opportunity for both job applicants and companies to assess compatibility. Her advice is that you, 'Approach the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation, where both parties explore the potential of a mutually beneficial relationship." When you shift your mindset from being solely evaluated to also evaluating the potential employer, it can help in diminishing your anxiety, transforming the conversation into one of mutual exploration and ending the job interview on a high note.
Forbes
18-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To Practice For High-Pressure Job Interviews, According To Science
Practice job interviews on video using a smartphone. Graduates from the class of 2025 are entering a tough job market as employers slow their hiring plans. While experts blame everything from economic uncertainty to the rise of AI, there's no question that young grads are facing an 'employment crisis' according to the Wall Street Journal. Recruiters say jobs are still available, but with more people vying for fewer openings, hiring managers are more selective and draw out the hiring process. So if you do land a coveted face-to-face job interview, you must take steps to be different, stand out, and rise above the competition. If you want to be the job candidate no employer can refuse, you'll have to be ready to perform your best when the stakes are high and the pressure is on. The good news is that you can meet the moment if you train like high-performance athletes get ready for big games. They don't just study game plans. They simulate the real thing. Cognitive psychologists call stress exposure training (SET) a proven method to help people perform under pressure. It involves exposing people to increased levels of stress during practice. Although stress exposure is typically used to train athletes, pilots, military and law enforcement professionals, it's an excellent strategy to alleviate anxiety and build confidence for presentations and job interviews. The goal is to mirror real-world conditions during practice. Don't confuse practice with preparation. Preparing for a job interview is what you do when you research the company, the role, and what the company is looking for. Preparation also includes identifying potential questions and developing the strongest answers. Once you've prepared, though, it's time to practice the right way. Recite the answers you've created for potential questions. Ahead of job interviews, most people think about what they'll say, but when they open their mouth they don't sound as good as they did in their head. It's like playing golf. In my head, I'm Tiger Woods…until I step up to the tee. How do your answers sound when you transfer them from your head to your mouth? There's only one way to find out, and it's out loud. Start adding a little pressure to your practice sessions. One way to crank up the nerves slightly is to use your phone to record your answers on video. As you watch your recording, you'll likely catch a few problems that are easy to fix. For example, you might be using too many filler words like 'uh,' 'um,' or 'you know?' Too many filler words can become an annoying distraction and diminish your ability to come across as competent and confidence. Catch them early. Turn up the pressure by asking a friend or peer to play the role of interviewer. Hand them the questions you expect to be asked in the real interview. Direct your friend to mix up the questions every time and to interrupt you from time to time. Give your friend permission to challenge you and make the interview as unpredictable as possible. Ask your friend to ask some tough questions, especially ones that you'd prefer to avoid. For example, 'Tell me more about the gap in your work experience' or 'Can you explain this poor performance review on your record?' Even if you know the hard questions that might be coming, your brain and body will respond as if they're under threat. Get in the habit of keeping your cool. Although I'd recommend that you practice for at least ten sessions, some studies find that just four to seven high-quality and thorough practice sessions can significantly boost your confidence and alleviate your anxiety. Mirror real-world conditions in practice and your body, voice, and mind will be ready to shine when it's time to perform for real.
