This list will help give you that vital edge in interviews.
The trick, once again, is finding out what your client is looking for. Once you feel you know this, your confidence will grow.
Below is a list of questions employers often ask (including some nightmare ones). After each question we explain what information the interviewer is really looking for.
Remember to put yourself in the employer's shoes and think about what lies behind each line of questioning.
1. "Tell me about yourself"
Employers are looking for a quick snapshot of you (both your background and your personality) and how well you sell yourself and your capabilities. Don't ramble on.
2. "Why did you apply for the job?"
This looks at your levels of motivation and commitment. Make sure you research thoroughly what the job entails. State the benefits you feel you will gain and reinforce the benefits you can offer. Say why you want this job - not why you are leaving your present one.
3. "Tell me what you do in your spare time?"
This has a double purpose. To make sure that you have a fully-rounded personality - and ensure your hobbies won't interfere with your job. Go over your outside interests quickly, highlighting any job relevance and outlining the skills you have developed through them.
4. "When have you been involved in teams?"
Employers want a team player - so give examples of your role within teams (eg, creative, promoter, developer, organiser, producer, inspector, maintainer, adviser). Underline what you learned and how it has made you moreeffective in a team. Link your answers directly to the job you're after - check if they're looking for a creative, resourceful team member, a detail-orientated person who will see tasks through or a positive team leader.
5. "What are your main strengths and weaknesses?"
This revolves around self-awareness. Again, link your strengths to the particular job. Employers want someone who knows what they are good at and where they need to improve. Everybody has weaknesses but employers want to know what you are doing to improve. Choose positive weaknesses and turn them into strengths, eg 'I'm a bit of a perfectionist, – but that's good for quality'. 'My financial skills aren't as sharp as I'd like – but I'm attending a bookkeeping night class'.
6. "Why should we employ you?"
What skills could add value to the company? Make brief but telling comparisons between the job description and your ability to meet their needs. State briefly what you can offer and back up anything you say with facts.
7. "What has been your biggest achievement?"
This reveals what motivates you and what matters to you (family, work, education or leisure?) Choose something that makes you stand out and involves positive characteristics, eg you developed determination, strength of character.
8. "What have you learned from your past work experiences?"
This focuses on skills developed in previous jobs (vacation, part-time, full-time). Think about those jobs. Did you have any responsibility? Pull out the positive elements and focus on benefits to the employer.
9. "When did you last work under pressure or deal with conflict – and how did you cope?"
This focuses on skills developed in previous jobs (vacation, part-time, full-time). Think about those jobs. Did you have any responsibility? Pull out the positive elements and focus on benefits to the employer.
10. "What is the biggest problem/dilemma you have ever faced?"
Try to choose something that will show you in a positive light. How did you get over it? What did you learn? This will not only show how you cope under stress but also your decision-making ability and strength of character.
11. "What other career opportunities are you looking at?"
This will illustrate how well you have researched and thought through your chosen career area. It will also show an employer how much you really want the job.If you just list a long series of unrelated career options, it will cast doubt on your motivation.
12. "Where would you like to be in five or ten years time?"
Again, if you have a clear idea, it will show your commitment and vision. If you do have some insight into where you are heading, think of some of the functions and responsibilities you would hope to have.
13. "When have you had to .........?"
Employers want real-life evidence that clearly demonstrates you have particular skills. Draw up a list of key skills required for the position (found by dissecting the job ad, job description and personal specification) and highlight at least two situations or achievements that prove you have each skill. Practise talking through each example and present a concise, hard-hitting case. Avoid waffle and keep it sharp.
14. "What would you do in ........ situation?"
Situational questions are used to test your overall style and approach. Carefully prepare by listing all the roles you'll potentially undertake in the new position and think up awkward questions yourself.
15. "So sell me this product."
Role-play questions really make you think on your feet. Once again, do your homework. Be prepared to demonstrate your skills in action.
16. "What salary do you expect?"
Work out a salary range you consider reasonable – job ads in the national and local press will give you an idea. Don't undersell (or oversell) yourself. Give a range to indicate you're prepared to negotiate.
17. "How competent are you at.......?"
Many employers now like to assess candidates using scoring grids with a work-based framework. This makes it important to quote practical examples showing your level of competence.
18. "Are you pregnant/gay/etc?"
Yes it's an outrageous question – but always be on the alert for it. It may be designed to shock you and assess your reactions. It may equally reflect the fact that some employers lack formal training in interview techniques and fall back on crude stereotypes. Whatever the reason, it's vital not to lose your cool – just write it off to ignorance.
19. "You haven't been much of a success so far, have you?"
The aggressive approach may also throw you. The reasons could be the same but this time it is more likely to be a deliberate attempt to unnerve you. Again, keep your composure – it's probably the reaction they are looking for.
20. "Do you have any questions?"
Always expect this one – so prepare a list. Include a few probing questions to show you've done your research. Don't be afraid to write them down and take them to the interview with you.
Use your judgement here – never bring the subject up too soon. Your main priority is to promote yourself as the most suitable candidate in order to place you in a strong negotiating position. But be clear in your mind what you really want in terms of money as well as experience.
Seeking feedback
At the end of the interview seek permission (in a positive way) to ask for feedback at a later date. This provides you with a valuable 'hook' for future contact and ensures you leave the door open even if you're rejected.
© 2007 Windmills – University of Liverpool & Dr Peter Hawkins. All rights reserved.
Terms and Conditions. Site by Alexander MacGregor Ltd