Succeeding at interviews
Employers want to fill their vacancies with the best possible person, they hope this person is you, we hope these guidelines will help you present yourself in the best possible fashion.
Some of us are confident in an interview situation but some of us, however capable, dread the thought. There are so many different kinds of interview and, in fact, interviewers. You need to remember that the interview is a two way meeting; not only is it a chance for the company to find out about you, it is also for you to find out about the job on offer and the company.
Prepare for your interview
- It is important to do some preparation before attending the interview. The more you prepare the less likely you will need to think on your feet on the day.
- Gather as much information about the company as you can before attending the interview. Your consultant will be able to help you with a copy of the Job Description and the Company Profile. You can usually find more information about a company by visiting their website. Employers are usually impressed by people who find out about their services or products, their size, their culture and their reputation.
- Think about what skills or experience you may have that matches the job description and be prepared to highlight these on the day.
- Take a copy of your CV and any certificates or references with you. Not all employers will ask for them but it shows you are prepared.
- Please remember, PUNCTUALITY is of key importance. Aim to get to the interview 15 minutes early. Plan a route and start off early and be sure to do a dummy run beforehand if you are not sure.
- Should you be delayed in any way, ring your consultant or the company to keep everybody informed. Please note, if you decide not to go it is essential you let us know.
- Prepare some relevant questions.
- It is important to consider what is going to make YOU stand out in a crowd and to make sure the employer knows the benefits of employing you. Some of us find it more difficult to do than others but it is important that you sell yourself to an employer and show them what you can offer.
- Careful preperation will help you to succeed and will make your interview less stressful!
Some common interview questions
Traditional interviews focus on questions that are hypothetical, leading, open-ended and CV-based. The questions are focused on a candidate's personality, skills and experience. Below are some of the questions you should be prepared to answer.
- Why are you interested in this position? How much do you know about the job you've applied for?
- What do you like doing best/least in your current position?
- What do you consider to be your strengths/weaknesses?
- What skills could you bring to the job?
- What kind of people do you like to work with and what people do you find it difficult to work with?
- Do you prefer to work in a team or alone?
- What do you know about our company? What is your opinion about our company?
- Can you work under pressure? Describe any incident you’ve had to do so.
- How do you see your future?
- What was the most responsible duty you carried out in your job? Who did you report to?
- What is your health record?
- How would you handle difficult clients/customers?
- Why did you leave your last position? Why do you want to leave your present company?
- What salary are you looking for?
- What are your leisure interests?
- Why do you want this job?
- What motivates/de-motivates you?
- What is your greatest achievement?
- What is the biggest mistake you have ever made?
- What did you learn from this?
- Why have you moved employers a lot?
- Would you be prepared to relocate?
- How would your employees describe your management style?
- Why should I employ you in this position?
- What is the hardest thing you have ever had to overcome?
- What do you want to achieve in the next five years?
- How would you like to be managed?
