| Questions Employers always ask- By Daena De | | | | do for the organization and identify how this may be a |
| Souza, Job interviews can be a nerve wrecking | | | | mutually beneficial relationship. |
| procedure; however the key to a successful interview | | | | Why did you leave your last job? |
| is preparation. This is your opportunity to make a great | | | | The employer wants to ensure that the reasons were |
| first impression. Hey, there is no guarantee in getting | | | | positive. Let them know you are interested in your |
| the job, but a great first impression may afford you a | | | | growth and development and the move was an |
| second interview or even consideration for another | | | | important career decision. Do not disclose unnecessary |
| position. So research the company, be prepared and | | | | negative information. |
| relax, you have nothing to loose! | | | | How would your co-workers or past employer |
| Interviews normally begin with the employer providing | | | | describe you? |
| an outline of the company and the job position. Listen | | | | Try not to be arrogant and boast about so many of |
| attentively; feel free to write brief notes or questions | | | | your good qualities. Be sincere and humble. Say "I |
| you may have and present these after the | | | | would hope they found me helpful and supportive as I |
| introduction. A clear understanding of the company can | | | | have done x on many occasions". Use examples to |
| help you structure quality questions for later in the | | | | support your claim and keep it believable. Remember |
| interview. It is a good idea to conduct a thorough | | | | the interviewer may call your last employer so you |
| search of the organization ranging from industry trends, | | | | want your answers to match up. |
| competition and recent company developments. | | | | Where do you see yourself in 5 years? |
| Creating an updated company profile would allow you | | | | The employer is attempting to gauge your ambitions |
| to speak knowledgably and confidently about the | | | | and career goals. Are you one to remain stagnant? |
| organization. So DO YOUR HOMEWORK! | | | | No, so give an answer that reflects what your next |
| Interviewers peruse your resume, so be prepared to | | | | educational goal may be or the key moves you intend |
| answer any aspect that can be interpreted as | | | | to make to develop your career and of course the |
| negative in a positive manner. | | | | organization. Don't forget it is not just about you, its |
| For those of you who wish to have a quick course in | | | | what you can do for the organization also. No |
| interview FAQs, I have compiled a list of questions | | | | company wants to invest in an employee who cannot |
| employers are guaranteed to ask. | | | | commit for at least 3 years. |
| What can you tell us about yourself? | | | | What are your salary expectations? |
| The interviewer is not interested in your personal | | | | Employers love to ask this. Your answer can reflect |
| information. Provide information on your professional | | | | how you value yourself and whether you have realistic |
| achievements, education and career goals. If you | | | | expectations. Employers may also use this to gauge |
| desire to mention your extra curricular activities, | | | | what salary range they should pay, especially in |
| disclose those that may strengthen your application | | | | instances where compensation depends on |
| such as community service, rotary club membership or | | | | qualifications. Your best bet is to research the job by |
| anything that the company may favor. | | | | enquiring what similar companies pay for that position. |
| Why do you wish to work for this organization? | | | | If it is difficult to obtain this information, you can also |
| If your main reason for applying is the salary, then | | | | say "Your organization is a leader in the industry and I |
| honesty may not be the best policy here. An employer | | | | am confident your salaries are competitively priced". |
| wishes to know that the candidate desires to add | | | | However, it is best to give an answer, at least what |
| value to the organization,is interested in company | | | | you expect or provide an average of at least 25% |
| growth and appreciates its culture and philosophy. This | | | | more than your last salary. |
| may be a good opportunity to express what you can | | | | |