It is not possible to guarantee questions in any interview, but you should consider asking yourself the following questions so that you will be fully prepared during the interview. You are best placed to know your own shortcomings and where you might fall below the expected standard, so it is important to anticipate and practice the answers. Focus on your strengths and what skills you can bring to a position. The interview is a prime opportunity for you to sell yourself to the interviewer.
The questions most typically asked at interviews have been grouped into the following topic areas (but are seldom as structured during the interview process). This list is not exhaustive but should provide food for thought. You should prepare for questions about your background, your aspirations, the potential employer and the position, your personality and your interests.
Potential Employer
- What do you know about our organisation?
- What interests you about the position?
- What do you think we have to offer you as a company?
Career Ambitions
- What are your long/short term goals?
- Tell me about your career aspirations
- What are you looking for in a career?
- Do you have plans to gain further qualifications?
- Where do you see yourself in 2/5 years time?
- Describe your ideal employer
Skills and Requirements
- Why should we hire you? – Give me three reasons
- What have you got to offer the company? – What skills will you bring?
- How do you work best? – Leading a group, in a team or alone?
- Are you prepared to travel?
- Are you looking for a position with training?
- What has been your main career achievement to date?
- What was the most difficult problem in your current/previous position – how did you find the solution?
- You say you have xxx skills…how did you demonstrate these in your previous position?
Personality
- Describe yourself – strengths/weaknesses?
- How would your friends describe you?
- What motivates you?
- What are your strengths/weaknesses?
- How do you spend your spare time?
Problem/Sticky Questions
What salary or benefits are you looking for ? (We can give you advice regarding how to deal with this question prior to your interview)
- Why are you changing your career?
- Explain the gap in your work history
- Given your career plans, how long do you expect to stay with our organisation?
- Can we contact your current employer for references ? (this question is usually only asked after an offer letter has been sent – nevertheless be prepared)
Questions to ask the Interviewer
- Why is the position available?
- What skills are needed to succeed?
- What are the initial priorities of the position?
- How does the position fit into the organisational structure?
- How much scope (autonomy, flexibility, career growth, responsibilities) is there within this position ?
- What is the company’s managerial style/culture ?
Prior to the Interview
- Prepare – Prepare for Interview Questions, have a few to ask the interviewer, dress well
- Identify – Who are you meeting? their titles, relationship to job
- Research – Find out what the job entails. A good agency will always provide you with a detailed job specification. Make sure you have all the information
- Plan Ahead – Get a location map, contact telephone numbers, have money, mobile phone if possible, allow yourself a good 30-60 minutes of additional time to arrive, etc.
- Check Out – Company brochures or website. Most companies today have a Web Site and they expect you to have researched their company. If going for a marketing/sales/finance position – research company products and the company potential (e.g. Annual review report, etc.)
Durign the Interview
- Smile and make eye contact
- Relax and be friendly
- Be positive and enthusiastic
- Think about your body language
- Don’t discuss salary until you’re offered the job
Remember
- 7-10% is what you say
- 20-30% is how you say it
- 60-80% is your image, your body language and the overall impression you create
Good Luck with your interviews and don’t forget you may not succeed the first time but practice makes perfect.
