QUESTIONS COMMONLY ASKED Tell me about yourself? Describe your education and work history, any accomplishments and interests. What are your career goals? Express your goals based on what you know about the organisation. Why would you like to work for us? This is an opportunity to express what your have learnt about the organisation and why this is important for you. What are your greatest strengths? Have 3 or 4 in mind which apply to the position your are applying for. What are your weaknesses? Briefly describe 1 or 2 weaknesses but always add a more positive aspect to them. e.g. I am slow to make decisions at times and this can be difficult if a decision is required quickly. However, this also means that I consider decisions carefully and when I make a decision, I am usually happy with it. When a decision is required quickly it helps if I can talk it over with someone I trust. I’m sure this will improve with experience. Why should we employ you? This question is an opportunity to sell yourself, your strengths as related to the position, your personal attributes, and your transferable skills.
Find out as much as you can about the organisation and consider how its ethos applies to you. Anticipate questions they may ask and prepare answers for these. Dress well and conservatively. If in doubt, dress up. For males - a tie is appropriate, for females - dress or skirt, blouse and/or jacket. Arrive at least 15 mins before to give yourself time to park, find the room and settle yourself down. If possible do a practice drive to the interview venue prior to the actual interview to find out how much time you need to leave yourself to get there. Prepare a portfolio with original documents to offer to the interviewer(s) after you meet them. Prepare 2-3 questions to ask of the interviewer(s) e.g. information about the job or information regarding the outcome of the interview. Predict possible concerns of the employers (e.g. not enough experience) and develop appropriate responses. In this case you could tell the interviewers that your enthusiasm and ability to learn quickly will stand you in good stead. Visualise yourself coming out of the interview thinking positive messages like “That went well. I’m pleased with the way I presented myself”. If you are a smoker don’t smoke straight before the interview. Turn off your mobile phone.
ASKING QUESTIONS Employers often ask an interviewee if they have any questions. Asking 2 or 3 questions is valued positively in an interview. e.g. What are the greatest challenges that you see as facing a new graduate? What are the timelines for the selection process? Could you describe opportunities for professional development? What additional skills are most useful for this job?
DURING THE INTERVIEW First impressions are important. Be friendly and confident. Rehearse possible entry routines. Shake hands firmly and make eye contact with each interviewer as they are introduced.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
Remember – your body language will be talking to the employer too. Sit up straight. Do not fold your arms and keep your hands away from your face. Hold onto something if you are nervous (e.g. your other hand). Many employers use a panel for interviewing, consisting of at least three interviewers. Each interviewer has particular questions to ask. Always address your answer to the person who asked the question but try to maintain positive eye contact with all panel members. Use the opportunity of the interview to describe and demonstrate your skills, and how you can be an asset to the organisation. When leaving the interview thank the interviewers for their time and express once again your interest in the position.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW Debrief with a friend or family member. If you do not get the job, ring and ask for feedback from the interviewer on how you could improve your interviewing techniques.
NON VERBAL ASPECTS OF THE INTERVIEW The way you present yourself and the manner in which you project your personality is an important aspect of the interview. Interviewers consciously or unconsciously will be asking themselves “Do I like this person?” “Will this person fit in?” Know yourself and your personal attributes. Choose 3 – 5 attributes that are most like you and consider how you can not only refer to them in an interview, but also demonstrate them. e.g. flexibility, well organised, dependable, enthusiastic, genuine, decisive etc.. Ask family and friends to describe your most outstanding attribute(s). Listen attentively – use your body posture, your eye contact, your facial expressions and head movements to communicate that you are truly listening. Establish eye contact with each interviewer; shake hands with each as you are introduced if you feel comfortable. Be yourself.