Interview Techniques
1. Interview Tips
Preparing for an interview is just as important as the interview itself. People make up their mind about someone in the first 2 minutes of meeting them, so creating the right impression is vital.
RESEARCH
Research the company, visit their web site or get hold of company literature.
Ensure you know the exact location and how long the journey will take to arrive 10 mins early.
What do they do, how many employees do they have. Do they have subsidiaries?
Always wear a business suit or business dress unless you know their dress code.
PRESENTATION
When your interviewer greets you make sure your handshake is firm.
Make sure you make plenty of eye contact throughout the interview
Speak clearly and confidently, remember you are there because you can do the job!
QUESTIONS YOU MAY BE ASKED
- What are your strengths/weaknesses?
- If we asked your last boss to describe what type of person you are what would they say?
- In what way do you think you can make a contribution to the company?
- Did you hold any positions of responsibility?
- How do you perform under pressure?
- In what kind of environment are you most comfortable?
- Is there anything that you are particularly proud of Ë something you accomplished at work?
- It is quite common to be asked for examples of your strengths e.g. a) 'You list Customer Service as one of your strengths Ë can you give me an example of when your customer service skills directly avoided a difficult situation? b) you have said that you are a Team player Ë can you tell me about a successful team that you were a valuable part of and about your part in that team?
QUESTIONS YOU COULD ASK
- Will I be given training/what training do you offer?
- Who will I be working with/ How many people in the department?
- Does your company have any plans to expansion in the future?
- What are my future prospects if I was offered this position?
- Are there any areas you would like me to expand on?
- Why has the position become available?
- Will there be further interviews?
- When can I expect to hear your decision?
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Thank the interviewer(s) for their time and if you are interested Ë leave them in no doubt by telling them that you are extremely interested and look forward to hearing from them.
After the interview do call us with your feedback as soon as possible.
2. Interview Questions
Company knowledge and how you'd fit in
- What do you know about the organisation?
A: Show that you have done your homework, but acknowledge that some of the information might be out of date. You might mention company size, ownership, marketing information etc. Highlight the positive e.g. the organisation's successes. Ask if the information is correct and for the interviewer of fill in any gaps.
- Why should we employ you? What contribution can you make?
A: Return to the match between you and the needs of the employer, concentrating on their key needs. You also need to highlight ways in which you stand out (your unique selling position).
- What qualities would you say you could bring to this position?
A: Remember they are not just asking about your skills Ë it's your attitude, personality and values they want to know about as well. Concentrate on the benefits of you main characteristics, not just what they are and be positive.
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- What experience do you have of this type of work?
- What interests you in this job/position?
About yourself
A: Prepare a short outline of your career to date, but accent you current skills and experiences that best relate to the position. Four key selling points are experience (quality, type, depth, range etc), skills set ( technical, people, management), achievements and personal attributes (integrity, resilience, toughness etc). Explain any gaps briefly and positively.
- What are you good at? What are your strengths?
A: Focus on the strengths that will be of most benefit to the company, and give measurable indications (such as 'motivated my team so that sales increased by 15%). But don't give a strength that is irrelevant to the role.
- What are your weak spots? When are most vulnerable at work?
A: Most weaknesses are strengths in disguise, so think over your strengths and consider the impact if they are taken to extremes. For example 'I'm good at delegating but I may give my staff too much responsibility too quickly'. Also explain what measures you've taken to overcome you weaknesses. However do not mention any weakness that would be a major problem to your future employer.
- How do you handle criticism? Or describe a situation when your work was criticised.
- What three major qualities do you possess?
- What is the ideal job for you?
- How do you think you have changed over the last ten years?
- What do you see as the next step in your career?
- Are you interested in training?
- What kind of salary are you looking for?
How you see and interact with others
- How would you describe the best/worst boss you have worked with?
- What sort of people do you like working with?
- How do you get on with your colleagues?
- What contribution do you make to a team?
How do others see you?
- What would your last boss/colleagues say about/describe you?
- What will you be remembered for in your current job?
About your current/previous job
- What did you most like about your current/last job?
- What was the most rewarding or interesting job/assignment you have ever tackled?
- What do/did you least like about your current/last job?
- Why did you leave your last job?
A: Redundancy is not longer unmentionable, but be positive about your previous company, you could say 'Bloggs, as you may know, have had a major restructuring and my role was not longer needed, however I enjoyed working for them'.
Outside Work
- What are your hobbies and interests?
- What do you do to keep fit or alleviate stress?
Any last questions
- How has this vacancy arisen? What happened to the previous job holder?
- May I see the organisational chart? Where do I fit in?
- How do you see the job/Department organisation developing in the next...?
- Do you see the company growing in the future?
- Where does this job fit into the overall structure of the organisation?
- What is your policy on management development?
- Will I have the opportunity to undergo any extra training? (Keen to learn)
- What would be a typical day/ week be like?
Remember
The point of the interview is not to get to know you but how you will help the company.
Interviews also give you a chance to assess whether you truly want the job or to work for the company.
If you don't understand a question, ask for it to be clarified or reply 'Are you asking...?
Don't ask questions about holidays or hours, it will give the wrong impression.
3. Doing a good interview
It has been reported that interviewers make up their mind within the first five minutes of meeting someone and 55% of the decision is based on non-verbal communication body language.
With that in mind the following tips are essential:-
- You must look super smart.
- Remember an interview is a performance.
- You must exude enthusiasm
- Keep the interviewer fully engaged.
- By being enthusing and animating.
- You must have presence.
- Be charming.
- Use non-verbal communication hand movements help to engage a person and put you in control of the situation.
When asked what you like doing remember that these people are looking for a person that they could get one with the following answers are good:-
- Sport
- Social Time
- Going out with friends.
Try and pick activities that involve other people and show that you are a sociable person.
End on a positive note. Thank them for the interview and let them know that you are keen and would like the job.