No one particularly likes walking into a job interview. It can be a nerve racking experience, where even the slightest mistake can somehow feel like the world is ending.
Take a deep breath, because in part one of this two part article, we walk you through five of the top 10 questions asked by employers during interviews.
1) "Why do you want to work here?" “Tell me what you know about us?”
To answer this question, you will need to have researched the company and built a dossier. Reply with the company's attributes as you see them.
Cap your answer with reference to your belief that the company can provide you with a stable and happy work environment--the company has that reputation--and that such an atmosphere would encourage your best work.
You want to add value where you can.
"I'm not looking for just another pay cheque. I enjoy my work and am proud of my profession. Your company produces a superior product/provides a superior service. I share the values that make this possible, which should enable me to fit in & complement the team."
2) "Tell me about yourself?"
This is not an invitation to dribble. If the context isn't clear, you need to know more about the question before giving an answer. In such a situation, you could ask, "Is there a particular aspect of my background that you would like more information on?"
This will enable the interviewer to help you find the appropriate focus and avoid discussing irrelevancies.
Whichever direction your answer ultimately takes, be sure that it has some relevance to the world of your professional endeavours.
The tale you tell should demonstrate, or refer to, one or more of your key behavioural profiles in action--perhaps honesty, integrity, being a team player, or determination. If you choose "team player" (maybe you're the star player on your team tennis group), you can tell a story about yourself outside of work that also speaks volumes about you at work.
In part, your answer should make the connection between the two, such as, "I put my heart into everything I do, whether it be sports or work. I find that getting along with teammates--or professional peers--makes life more enjoyable and productive."
Or you might describe yourself as someone who is able to communicate with a variety of people, so give an example from your personal life that indicates an ability to communicate also at work.
This isn't a question that you can answer effectively off the cuff. Take some time in advance to think about yourself and those aspects of your personality and/or background that you'd like to promote or feature for your interviewer.
3) Why should I hire you?
Your answer should be short and to the point. It should highlight the areas from your background that relate to current needs and problems.
Recap the interviewer's description of the job, meeting it point by point with your skills.
Finish your answer with: "I have the qualifications you need [itemize them], I'm a team player, I take direction, and I have the desire to make a thorough success."
4) "What did you like/dislike about your last job?"
The interviewer is looking for incompatibilities. Don’t run down your last employer or ex colleagues.
Most interviews start with a preamble by the interviewer about the company. Pay attention: That information will help you answer the question.
In fact, any statement the interviewers make about the job or corporation can be used to your advantage.
So, in answer, you liked everything about your last job. You might even say your company taught you the importance of certain keys from the business, achievement, or professional profile.
Criticising a prior employer is a warning flag that you could be a problem employee. No one intentionally hires trouble, and that's what's behind the question.
Keep your answer short and positive. You are allowed only one negative about past employers, and only then if your interviewer has a "hot button" about his or her department or company; if so, you will have written it down on your notepad.
For example, the only thing your past employer could not offer might be something like "the ability to contribute more in different areas"
You might continue with, "I really liked everything about the job. The reason I want to leave it is to find a position where I can make a greater contribution. You see, I worked for a large company that encourages specialisation of skills.
The smaller environment you have here will, allow me to contribute far more in different areas." Tell them what they want to hear--replay the hot button.
Of course, if you interview with a large company, turn it around. "I work for a small company and don't get the time to specialise in one or two major areas."
5) "What would you like to be doing five years from now?"
The safest answer contains a desire to be regarded as a true professional and team player. As far as promotion, that depends on finding a manager with whom you can grow.
Of course, you will ask what opportunities exist within the company before being any more specific: "From my research and what you have told me about the growth here, it seems operations is where the heavy emphasis is going to be.
"It seems that's where you need the effort and where I could contribute toward the company's goals." Or, "I have always felt that first-hand knowledge and experience open up opportunities that one might never have considered, so while at this point in time I plan to be a part of [e.g.] operations, it is reasonable to expect that other exciting opportunities will crop up in the meantime."
Make sure to check back in next week for the next five and more strategies for employment success.
