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After levelling up their LinkedIn game last year, Young SMOU (YSMOU) members returned, ready to unlock their next power skill — acing the interview. Held on 24 February 2026 at the Lifelong Learning Institute, the second instalment of the YSMOU Profile Building Series brought together 17 young seafarers eager to sharpen their edge in today’s competitive job market.
Designed to be hands-on and high-energy, the workshop focused on practical techniques to help participants present their experiences with confidence, structure their answers strategically, and stand out authentically.
The session was facilitated by Professional Career Coaches from NTUC PME, Sister Loh Pei Zhen and Brother Herjeet Singh, who kicked things off by inviting participants to share the toughest interview questions they had faced. From curveball scenarios to “tell me about yourself” dilemmas, the room quickly buzzed with relatable stories.
Sister Pei Zhen guided participants through the fundamentals of strong interview preparation — from choosing the right time slot and researching the company thoroughly, to dressing the part. She shared practical tips on professional attire, including suitable colour choices and what to avoid, while reinforcing the importance of interview etiquette before, during and after the session.
Building on that foundation, Brother Herjeet introduced the “Four Quadrants” framework — Technical Skills, Soft Skills, X-Factor, and Internal Considerations — giving participants a clear lens into what employers are truly assessing. He broke down common interview questions and demonstrated how to craft impactful responses that are structured, relevant and memorable.
Learning quickly turned into action. Participants were grouped to practise answering questions, simulate interview scenarios, and receive constructive feedback. They also explored thoughtful questions to ask interviewers — a simple yet powerful way to demonstrate initiative and genuine interest. The final segment tackled body language and posture, reinforcing how non-verbal cues can speak just as loudly as words.
THE WORKSHOP WRAPPED UP WITH FOUR KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. PREPARATION BUILD CONFIDENCE — Research and readiness make all the difference.
2. COMMUNICATION IS KEY — Clear, concise, and confident delivery wins attention.
3. PRACTICE SHARPENS PERFORMANCE — Rehearsal helps manage nerves and polish responses.
4. SKILLS UNLOCK OPPORTUNITIES — Mastering interviews opens doors to stronger career prospects.
By the end of the workshop, the youths walked away not just interview-ready, but future-ready — equipped with sharper self-awareness, practical strategies, and the confidence to step into any interview with purpose, professionalism and poise.
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