Articles: Interviews: Useful hints and points to consider
Arriving for interview
- Be polite to everyone no matter who they are
- Smile
- Look your interviewer in the eye on meeting
- Shake hands warmly
- Dress appropriately, shirt and tie if you are a man, single tone tie if possible
- If you are a man do not wear aftershave
Body language
- Sit up straight
- Listen carefully
- Don't fold your arms in defensive mode
- Don't fidget
Have positive answers for the 'Why?' questions
- Why did you take these subjects?
- Why did you apply for this job?
- What are your main strengths and weaknesses?
- What do you look for in a job?
- What interests you about this job?
- You seem to have changed your job a lot. Why?
- You seem to have been in your present job for a long time. Why?
- What salary are you looking for?
- Where do you expect to be in five years time?
- Were you happy in your last job?
- Don't you think you are too young/old/inexperienced for this job?
- Tell me about yourself?
- What do you know about our company?
- What achievements outside of work would you like to tell us about?
- Is there any problem for you about moving house or relocating?
- What happens if you get married/start a family?
- What has been your greatest achievement in your working life?
- How would your best friend describe you?
- Why should we choose you for this job?
Prepare to give examples of times when you:
- Took the lead
- Worked in a team
- Organised something
- Persuaded others to do something
- Achieved a goal
Present yourself as a participant rather than a spectator, if the interviewer is talking more than you are something is wrong - figure out what it might be. Most importantly, give examples to bring it to life.
The CV will only get you an interview - your performance in the interview will determine your sutiability for the job.
Ask questions such as:
- Can you describe an ideal employee?
- Can you tell me about the competencies necessary to perform this job?
- How is performance measured and reviewed?
- Can you describe a typical day in this job?
- Can you portray the best and worst aspects of this job?
- Does the company have a generalist or specialist focus?
- How long do people usually stay in this job?
- Why did the last person leave this job?
- Could you explain your organizational structure to me?
- Where does this position fit in the organization?
- How many employees are in this department?
- How important does upper management consider the functions of this department?
- Are there any weaknesses in the department you're working on improving?
- Will I be able to meet the immediate supervisor for this role?
- How long have you been with the company?
- Why do people leave?
- What are the companies strengths and weaknesses as compared to the competition?
- Who are your major competitors?
- What is the vision of the company?
- What are the best opportunities in your company for new hires?
- What pending legislation could impact the company?
- What are the major changes in the industry, and how is the company responding?