| The interviewer hopes that YOU are the right person | | | | demonstrate knowledge of the company's history, |
| for the job. They are under pressure to fill the position | | | | successes and problems. If the interviewer is a |
| so that they can get back to their own work. | | | | representative of the personnel department the |
| Therefore you are in a greater position of strength | | | | questions should relate to the company and be |
| than you think. Concentrate on what you have to offer | | | | general. Specific questions relating to the position |
| in the way of qualifications and experience instead of | | | | should be kept for the line manager who will have a |
| feeling intimidated. | | | | more detailed knowledge. |
| An interviewer has 3 aims: | | | | Example questions relating to the position |
| 1) To learn if you are the right person for the job. | | | | What are the main responsibilities of the job? |
| 2) To assess your potential for promotion | | | | What are the most difficult aspects of the job? |
| 3) To decide whether you will fit into the company | | | | How did the vacancy arise? |
| environment. | | | | What is the career path relating to this position? |
| The key to a successful interview is in preparation | | | | How will my work be assessed? |
| Be prepared: For the types of questions you will be | | | | Example questions relating to the company |
| asked | | | | What is the company hoping to achieve in the next 12 |
| Be prepared: To ask questions yourself | | | | months? |
| Be prepared: To research the company | | | | What new products are the company planning to |
| Be prepared: To look the part | | | | introduce in the future? |
| Be prepared: To turn up on time | | | | Are any major changes planned for the department |
| Questions you may be asked | | | | company? |
| Example question: How would you describe yourself? | | | | Who are your biggest competitors? |
| Your answer: Should describe attributes that will | | | | Where to find company information |
| enhance your suitability for the position. Have some | | | | Information relating to companies, financial data, |
| ready in advance. | | | | industries and business trends is available in business |
| Example question: What are your long-term goals? | | | | magazines which often publish on the World Wide |
| Your answer: Should be career orientated. Make sure | | | | Web and allow you to order |
| you have goals to discuss. | | | | Annual Reports relating to specific companies. |
| Example question: Why did you leave your last job? | | | | Companies often have their own web site. |
| Your answer: Could be more responsibility; better | | | | Newspapers - search on-line press reports including |
| opportunity; increased income. Do not be detrimental to | | | | archived articles. |
| your previous employer. He could be the interviewer's | | | | Local library |
| golfing partner. | | | | Presentation Tips |
| Example question: Why do you want this job? | | | | Obviously you should be clean and smart in |
| Your answer: Your answer should be: more | | | | appearance but you should also dress appropriately |
| responsibility or better opportunity or similar. Not: | | | | for the position, for example: a student placement that |
| because it is closer to home or the gym. | | | | is more expensively dressed than the Managing |
| Example question: What are your strengths? | | | | Director may have a negative impact. |
| Your answer: Should highlight accomplishments and | | | | Clothes should be on the conservative side, which is |
| experiences that relate to the position for which you | | | | more acceptable to people of all ages, cultures and |
| are applying. Also give examples of situations where | | | | backgrounds. After all, you are asking to be accepted |
| your strengths have been demonstrated. | | | | into the company. Therefore always avoid extremes |
| Example question: What are your weaknesses? | | | | in hair, clothes, make-up and jewellery. Taking trouble |
| Your answer: Should not be a list of deficiencies. Don't | | | | over your appearance shows the employer that the |
| mention anything that could make the interviewer | | | | job is important to you. |
| question your ability to do the job, for example "I am | | | | Travel tips |
| always late for everything." Instead, discuss a | | | | Arrive 15 minutes early. |
| weakness that could also be a strength such as "I am | | | | Make sure you have the correct address and know |
| a workaholic!" | | | | how you will get there: |
| More Examples of Interview Questions | | | | Parking? Public transport access? |
| Tell me a little bit about yourself. | | | | Do a dummy run if you are not sure. |
| Describe your current / most recent position. | | | | Make sure you have a mobile phone and a telephone |
| What made you want to make this change? | | | | number so that you can ring ahead if circumstances |
| What do you most enjoy doing in your current /most | | | | beyond your control are making you late. |
| recent position? | | | | Be polite to everyone you speak to, it could be the |
| Describe your future ambitions. | | | | Managing Director's cousin! |
| How would you describe yourself? | | | | Have a copy of your CV with you. |
| Questions for you to ask | | | | Summary |
| Asking questions at interview has a number of positive | | | | You should show interest in all aspects of the job and |
| effects: | | | | the company especially if shown around the premises. |
| It helps you find out more about the company and the | | | | Do your homework on the company and the nature of |
| position. | | | | its business. |
| It can be used to divert the interviewer away from a | | | | Take care in how you dress for the interview. First |
| subject you may wish to avoid. | | | | impressions still count! |
| It can help build a rapport with the interviewer. | | | | Some of the main influences on the interviewer are: |
| It demonstrates an interest in the job and the | | | | Your experience in other employment or life situations |
| company. | | | | Your personal presentation. |
| The questions must be about the position and the | | | | How your personality comes across in the interview |
| company. | | | | Your background and references |
| Avoid questions about salary, benefits and facilities until | | | | Your enthusiasm for both the job and the organisation. |
| after you have been offered the job. | | | | Relevant qualifications for the position. |
| You should already have researched the company | | | | E & O E - Copyright 2005 CVwriting. |
| and it's products and services. Your questions should | | | | |