USM Interview

10 Jul 2010 9 Comments

by tienhui in Experiences

For my application I put 3 pilihan (Communications, Graphic Communications, Interior Design), and all 3 courses had an interview.

So I received an SMS (which is usually really really late) saying that I’m called for the interview, and was asked to go check it out online. And when I did, I got all 3 choices, because it wrote all 3 interview sessions (where and when).

Of course I didn’t go for all 3 interviews, haha. Gila ah, they were all on different days. Somemore all the way up to Penang from Kluang, Johor. Hahha.

Proof that I was there! Haha. It was after the interview

But anyway, I Google-kan some interview tips and questions that they can ask, and just mentally prepare myself. There’s lots and lots of online tips and advice available, seriously.

Well, did they help? I would say yes, to some extend. Actually, the few months of applying for scholarships also helped, because I had to write a few 200 word essays on why I choose my course of study, what’s my future career plan, etc. That helped me to sort things out, know exactly in detail what I want and how I am to go about achieving it. So really know the what, why and how on your course of study and aspirations. Don’t tergagap-gagap on that one!

During the interview, they also asked world and nation issues, and also questions about USM, so read up!

Personally, I learnt 2 things through this interview:

1. Don’t be overwhelmed by the question I don’t know the answer to.
Try to reverse it like tell them that you don’t know, but you know some other thing about that topic.
E.g. I didn’t know what was the USM motto, but I told them I visited their faculty website and I know that Communications has been around since yada yada yada..
If really cannot think of an answer, then don’t just say “I don’t know” (which I did)..
Instead say “I don’t know, but I’ll find out”, stuff like that.

2. Don’t say or ask stupid things.
Lolz. But you wouldn’t really know how stupid they are until after that. Haha.
But seriously, don’t ask questions like, “Can I speak in Malay? Cos it’s easier for me to speak..”, when the question is posted to you in English!*
Or give sweeping statements like, “Information in the internet is not true..”
Surely kena kau kau one!
And no, I didn’t ask or say such stuff, but there were people who did!

*If question is posted in English, answer in English, if Malay, the same goes.

Oh well, that’s my take on this interview.
It’s always a good great experience to go for interviews =)