JOB INTERVIEWS
There are literally hundreds of questions which occur with great regularity at interviews but there are only around half a dozen reasons behind all of them. Every potential employer has routine needs and these will underpin most questions. If you prepare for these are you will be pretty much in the driving seat.
THE INTERVIEW
Why are you actually applying for this job with this firm? Make sure you know in detail about the post and the employer
What can you do for the company?
What do they really want? Find out in advance and relate what you have to offer in terms of their real needs.
What sort of person are you and will you fit in here?
Personality is a big issue with many recruiters looking for a new member of a team. Assess yourself, your skills and personality and be prepared to discuss how they relate to the culture and demands of your potential employer and their team.
What makes you different from the rest of the interviewees?
You have to make yourself sound special without sounding arrogant. Remember you don't know any of the others properly so don't be rude about them. Be honest and blow your trumpet where you can back it up with facts. Skills and experience are usually dealt with elsewhere, so focus on personality attitude and aptitude here.
Questions to trip you up
With all responses always be as succinct as possible, if the interviewers want to know more they will ask. Always try and emphasise the positive and relate yourself to the post.
Tell us about yourself
Your personality and life outside of employment are important. Try to work in how your personality, passions and interests relate to work and will enhance your performance. Take a couple of minutes and advance chronologically through your private life but then shift to your employment history.
Why are you applying to this company in particular
You have got to know about the company and what they are doing - so research in advance.
Why did you leave/want to leave your last job?
Always put a positive spin on this and be gracious about your old employer and colleagues. Cite new horizons, new challenges and opportunities.
Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
You certainly don't want to appear to be staying still. Be specific and show that you have really thought about this in terms of your career development with the company. A little carefully thought out ambition never did any harm.
What is your greatest weakness?
Think positive, turn that weakness into a strength - e.g. being outspoken might upset other staff but ifs also a good, frank, no-nonsense attitude which goes down well in the work place - for some at least.
YOU’RE QUESTIONS
It is always a good idea to have questions prepared for an interview. It shows that you've thought carefully about what the job entails and are genuinely interested in it.
Be sure when deciding which questions to ask that they are not already answered in company literature or on the Web site. Asking the question will show a lack of preparation.
Questions need to be selected carefully, not sounding too trivial or too upfront. Whether there is a coffee machine may be important to you, but the interviewer won't be impressed, and NEVER raise the issue of pay, wait until the subject is brought up.
Your questions should be tailored to the individual job and company, but there are some which can be used in most situations:
- What are the most urgent duties?
- What are the day to day responsibilities of the post
- What are the company's plans for the next five years?
- What is the executive management structure of the company?
- Are there any arrangements for training and skill acquisition?
- Are there any opportunities to travel/transfer as part of the company?
- How often are performance reviews given and by whom?
Even when you've chosen your questions, the problems don't end there. You also need to be sure that the question hasn't been answered during the interview. If it has, don't be afraid to tell the interviewer so.
PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW
Candidates who do well in interview normally come across as confident and lacking anxiety. The fact is, they have probably taken care to prepare well and to avoid some of the pitfalls which can trip you up and make you nervous.
Prepare information
Research the company and find out how it is performing. Research the job you are applying for. Try to find out a bit more than the actual job specification. Make sure you have read and understand the specification and how it relates to your skills and experience. Prepare a few questions in advance for the end of the interview.
Prepare Yourself
The worst situation for an interviewee is rushing around at the last minute, arriving late, hot and bothered for an interview. This is confidence shaking and your mind will not be on the interview and your personal presentation will suffer.
Check time, date and location of the interview and name of interviewer(s) where appropriate.
Keep the phone number of the company handy so if problems arise you can call.
Plan travel arrangements and timing.
Check change for fares, parking, etc. if required.
Find out how you might be expected to dress, as not all expectations are the same.
Do a dummy run in advance if the location is unfamiliar. Plan to get there no earlier than twenty minutes before the interview time, anticipate delays and build in contingency plans.
Have what you are going to wear ready in advance.
Do not go to the interview laden down with baggage - psychological as well as physical. Take the bare minimum of belongings necessary.
If you are asked to bring certificates, references, etc., get them ready before the day.
Take your interview letter and any other information related to this.
On arrival, ensure the receptionist knows you are there.
Visit the toilets to tidy and freshen up.
Be well-groomed and clean; simple things like deodorant can boost your confidence.
Look calm and confident.
GOOD LUCK!
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