Today is sure one happening. I skipped school (4 hours of lecture) just to get prepared for my very first official interview at 2pm. I didn't sleep well last night either. Dreamt of "him" preparing for EE3001, giving "him" tips on the quiz, and dreaming that I was late for my interview!!!!

I reached my place of interview, Institute of Microelectronics, IME - a member of A*STAR, exactly 1 hour before my scheduled time! Miscalculation of time. Well, better early than late! >.<

Finally my interviewer arrived at 1.30pm. He was caught unguarded that I was already waiting for him since 1pm. He asked me if I wanted to start the interview at 1.30pm or at the scheduled time at 2pm instead. Well! I wasn't mentally prepared for the interview at 1.30pm! My mind was prepared at 2pm! So I replied, "I'm fine with both options. But if you're busy now, I can wait for the scheduled time." But since he was free, we proceeded to the interview.

In the conference room, I showed him my results ranging from secondary till university together with my testimonials. He just flipped through my documents, and looked at me, "So you know this project which you're applying for is to design a magnet that will magnetise pathogens in water so as to purify the water?" blah blah blah...

I had to show him that I am with him throughout the whole conversation with him. That's where my skill in paraphasing comes in handy. I paraphased and clarified and asked questions pertaining to the project. He was kinda taken aback when I asked him, "How long as this project been going on? Or is it a recently launched project?" Rule number 1, interview is a 2 way thing. You must ask the interviewer questions. So as to show that you are with him in the entire conversation and you're interested in the project.

He didn't even asked me what are my strengths, weaknessess, the usual bunch of interview questions which I prepared in the morning. I was geared up to answer any of his questions. But he didn't even pose me a single question! I'm not complaining!!!

The funny thing about this interviewer was that he asked me, "So when can you start? What's this industrial attachment about? Do you need to do a report or anything?" Which I replied, "Yes, I've do a report. How detailed the report is dependent on my supervisor." In which he said, "Oh! When you mean your supervisor, is it from IME or your school?"

I was a little shocked that he didn't know the whole procedure of this Industrial Attachment. I replied, "From what I heard from my seniors, is my school's supervisor." And here's the catch! "Ok. If you need any more details in your report, tell me. I'll help you to get a good grade."

This was my reaction -> !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally he said, "Well, I don't see any reasons to reject you." Upon saying that, he gave me his name card after that, telling me to send him an email when I'm done with my exams so that I can start on the project ASAP. I reminded him that he has to notify my school that he has decided to take me into his team, which he said he will do so.

Aaaahhhh!!! I cannot believe man! A*STAR!!! Such a prestigeous company!!! I'm soooo looking forward to Industrial Attachment! Learn to my heart's content!!!