| Tell us a bit about yourself... | | | | this question. The first, and most important fact, is to |
| This will most likely be the first question you are asked | | | | ensure that the weaknesses you discuss are not vital |
| at an interview. It gives you a chance to highlight your | | | | to the job in question. Try to identify a weakness that |
| achievements and skills in both a personal and | | | | you are taking active steps to improve. For example, 'I |
| professional capacity. Give details of your educational | | | | did not feel I was particularly competent using this IT |
| and work achievements and also your reasons for | | | | software, but I have taken steps outside of work to |
| pursuing this job role; what gave you an interest in the | | | | improve this by researching and learning in my own |
| subject, as this will identify your passion. Don't talk for | | | | time.' This will show that you are capable of identifying |
| too long but ensure that you are giving the employer a | | | | your own faults but also emphasises your ability to |
| real insight into your strengths, as this is the perfect | | | | self-improve. |
| opportunity to shine. It is important to keep the job you | | | | What do you know about this company? |
| are applying for in mind, and tailor your responses to | | | | Use this opportunity to show the interviewer that you |
| the requirements of the job. | | | | are serious about this job and that you have taken the |
| How would your friends/ co-workers describe you? | | | | time to prepare. Find out about the company, their |
| This question enables you to highlight the qualities about | | | | goals, achievements and mission statements. Make |
| yourself that you are most proud of. Use positive | | | | sure you are aware of how the company works, the |
| words and phrases and if possible, tie them in to | | | | departments within the business, and if they have a |
| match the job you are going for. Things such as being | | | | particular stance on environmental, ethical issues. Pick |
| a hard worker, reliable and trustworthy are all valuable | | | | something about the company that really interests you |
| skills that you could bring to a workplace. | | | | and let them know that you have a shared interest. |
| Why do you want to work here? | | | | Why should we employ you? |
| 'I need a job' may be the worst possible thing you | | | | The best way to answer this question is to know your |
| could say at this point. This is your opportunity to show | | | | strengths, skills and accomplishments and relate these |
| the employer you have done your homework. Find out | | | | to the job description. You should emphasise any |
| as much as you can beforehand about the company, | | | | accomplishments you are particularly proud of in your |
| what their mission statement is, what values they | | | | previous roles and how these accomplishments would |
| uphold and what goals they wish to achieve. You | | | | translate to the new position and enable you to be |
| should be able to find this information on the company | | | | successful within the company. You should make |
| website, especially the 'About Us' section. Tell the | | | | positive, confident statements about what you can |
| employer what you hope to achieve within the | | | | bring to the company and emphasise your interest in |
| company, what you think you can do to help them | | | | the business and the job itself. |
| achieve their goals and emphasise why you have the | | | | Why did you leave your last job? |
| skills to be able to undertake this task. | | | | Explain that you are looking to the future and that your |
| What are your strengths? | | | | previous company did not offer you the best |
| Ensure that you give examples that are really relevant | | | | opportunity to further your career. Ensure that you do |
| to the post you are applying for. Things such as ability | | | | not openly criticise your previous employer and do not |
| to work well under pressure, being quick to learn new | | | | bring any personal grievances with you to the |
| things, and particular computer skills you may possess | | | | interview. Keep a professional head when answering |
| are all useful strengths for any job. Be prepared to | | | | questions that may concern personal issues. |
| think of examples of when you have displayed these | | | | These questions are just a starting point for you to |
| skills, as the employer may ask you to demonstrate an | | | | chew over. Remember, preparation is the key for the |
| example. | | | | perfect interview, and the ideal way to keep those |
| What are your weaknesses? | | | | nerves at bay! |
| There are two things to remember when approaching | | | | |