| You have produced the perfect CV and have that | | | | opportunity to use positive and praising words and |
| all-important interview, but your CV will count for | | | | comments, centered around a 'good team leader, |
| nothing if you have not prepared for it. This article | | | | excellent communication skills, truthful, decisive and |
| discusses common interview questions, the reasons | | | | sensible'. |
| behind asking them, and shows you how you should | | | | What are your salary requirements? This is a tricky |
| go about answering them. There are different types of | | | | question. You should know the market value of the job |
| interview questions, but to give yourself that extra | | | | you are being interviewed for. You can say something |
| edge above other candidates you should familiarize | | | | along the lines of expecting a salary based on you |
| yourself with all potential areas. | | | | responsibility, experience, qualifications and market |
| Example Interview Questions | | | | value. Personally, I would leave salary negotiations for |
| Why have you applied for this job? You should | | | | when a job offer has been made. |
| mention the positive aspects of joining the company, | | | | Why do you want to work for this company? Talk |
| and tell the interviewer/s about your relevant | | | | about the positive aspects of the company - you |
| experiences and qualifications. Employers are looking | | | | should always research the company before interview. |
| for the right candidate for the role, but one who will fit | | | | First place to go is the company's website. You can |
| into the team as well. | | | | talk about company turnover, products, policies and |
| Where do you see yourself in five years time? This | | | | services. |
| question is probing how dedicated you will be in the | | | | What do you know about this company? If you |
| role and company. But even if you are unsure, never | | | | haven't done any research it will tell - would you want |
| say you don't know or are unsure. | | | | to employ someone who hasn't bothered to do basic |
| What are your strengths? Use this opportunity to sell | | | | research? Line of business, shares, turnover, etc.. |
| yourself - stress skills and experience that are relevant | | | | Have you been interviewing for other jobs? You can |
| to the job. Tell them your ability to work under | | | | say 'yes', but state that you have given first choice to |
| pressure, inquisitiveness to learn new things, quick | | | | this company. |
| learning ability and good interpersonal skills. You can | | | | What do you think of your current boss? Never say |
| back this up with relevant examples. | | | | anything negative - find something good to say. |
| What is your weakness? This is a very popular and | | | | What is your code of conduct? You must be aware |
| common interview question - answer this with | | | | of the sense of rightness, fairness and goodness that |
| confidence and always turn the weakness into a | | | | are defined within the company. Instead of defining |
| strength. Pick a weakness that is harmless to your job. | | | | guidelines for conduct, you should define yourself as an |
| For example: emotional nature; never want to be a | | | | all rounder candidate who loves to work and enjoys |
| loser; highly ambitious etc.. | | | | the challenges. |
| What do you look for in a job? You can answer along | | | | Do you have any questions for me? This shows |
| the lines of wanting opportunities to grow | | | | interest in the job - you should always have at least |
| professionally and enable you to serve the | | | | one question to ask (always prepare a list before hand |
| organization. | | | | because invariably during the course of the interview |
| Can you cite an example when you have had to use | | | | the interviewer will answer some/most of your |
| initiative? This is an opportunity to prove that you have | | | | questions). You can ask anything about the job or |
| quick learning abilities, make the best impression in all | | | | company you are being interviewed for. |
| conditions and work effectively with staff members to | | | | Why do you want to leave your current job? Again, |
| achieve goals. | | | | this can be another tricky question. Don't say anything |
| How do you get along with your colleagues? This | | | | that could be interpreted as negative, angry or rude. |
| question looks at your working relationship with your | | | | Talk more of the future. |
| co-workers - are you able to build strong working | | | | By carefully thinking about and applying the above |
| relationships that mean you can achieve your goals. | | | | guidance, you will be well on your way to being |
| How would your colleagues describe you? Use this | | | | offered that new job. |