Interviews are an integral part of your job search. You need to be well
prepared and presented and follow-up to increase your chances of success.
The interview is a forum to exchange information, fact finding and assessment
in an interactive, conversational matter.
The style and emphasis of an interview depends largely on the requirements
of the role and the nature of the interviewer/organisation.
Good interview technique is vital to securing your preferred job and can
be learned and practiced.
Some tips to help you maximize your performance during the interview are
listed below.
PREPARE YOURSELF
It is essential that you plan carefully for every interview. The following points may help you to prepare:
- Confirm the interview place, time, day and date.
- Ensure that you know whom you are meeting where and at what time.
- Make sure you know how to get there. Plan your journey.
- Be neatly groomed and conservatively dressed – suitable to the culture of the organisation and the image you wish to project.
- Research the organisation - its products, processes and services.
- Obtain a copy of the job description, if possible.
- Re-read the advertisement. Assess what you have to offer (relevant strengths, experience and skills) and memorise five or six of the key points to outline why you’re the right person for the job.
- Think over what would be an acceptable range for a financial package should this be raised in a first interview.
- Arrive with time to spare, so that you can be as relaxed as possible given the circumstances.
- Review your career to date and understand your key skills, strengths and accomplishments.
- Refresh your memory about present and former employers.
- Prepare yourself mentally so that you feel energized and motivated by the interview.
COMMONLY ASKED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Example questions commonly asked in interviews include:
- How much to you know about our organisation?
- What kind of position are your looking for?
- Why did you leave your last position?
- What did you accomplish in your previous position?
- How would you describe your own operating style?
- What are some of your strengths?
- What are your key weaknesses?
- What are your career goals over the next 3-5 years?
- How did you get along with your manager?
- What are the qualities you look for in a manager?
- What do you do outside of work? Why do you enjoy these?
- Can you give an example of when you worked with a team that had difficulty agreeing on a solution to a problem?
- Tell me about a time when you had conflict with a co-worker.
- Give an example of when targets were not being met and you were required to make changes in order to meet the targets?
- Is there anything you would have done differently in your current role?
- What are your salary expectations in your next role?
QUESTIONS TO ASK INTERVIEWERS
Prepare some questions to ask towards the end of the interview:
- Why is the position available?
- What are the responsibilities?
- What are the performance measurement criteria?
- What long term career opportunities are available?
- What is the next step in the selection process?
- Can you please tell me why you joined this organisation?
For more interview tips and assistance contact us.