|
Introduction
Interviews
can be nerve-racking, and can take place in a variety of different
styles. Ensure that you are well prepared for your interview
and practice beforehand with perhaps a family member or friend.
Find out
as much as you can about the company - i.e. turnover, other
business in addition to core business, culture etc. and also
about the position you have applied for.
The more
you prepare, the calmer you will be which will enhance your
performance in the interview.
What
Influences the Interviewer
The more you know about how you will be perceived, the more
you can prepare. From a survey of recruiters the qualities
which influenced them were, in priority order:
- Your
personality, how you present yourself in the interview;
- Your
experience;
- The
qualifications you have for the position;
- Your
background and references;
- The
enthusiasm you have towards the organisation and the job;
In brief
the 3 major concerns are:
- Can
this person do the job?
- Will
this person do the job?
- Will
this person fit in?
Types
of Interview
Interviews can take place in a variety of formats. Make sure
you know what kind of interview you will be having. For a
telephone interview make sure you have your CV to hand,
you are free from distractions, you have a pen and paper handy
and also your diary. A panel interview will involve
being interviewed by several people. Address your answers
to the chairperson unless you are asked a question by another
member of the panel. An assessment centre can involve
a wide range of tests and exercises - group exercises, psychometric
tests for example. The interviewer will be looking for personality
traits and how you relate to others.
Self Presentation
- Do's and Don'ts
- Do
make sure you and your clothes are clean and odour free;
- Do
dress suitably for the position - a suit being the most
formal and standard interview wear;
- Do
have plenty of eye contact with the interviewer;
- Do
be confident and well prepared;
- Do
make sure your speech is clear and audible;
- Don't
get flustered or panic;
- Don't
get frustrated with the interviewer if they don't understand
your answer;
- Don't
lie;
Frequently
Asked Interview Questions
Now you have more information on interviews, consider the following
interview questions and prepare answers for them.
- Tell
me about yourself;
- Tell
me about your current / most recent position;
- Why
are you looking for this change?
- What
functions and tasks do you enjoy the most?
- What
are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What
are your plans for the future?
- What
was your last manager like?
- What
is the hardest job you have ever had?
- How
would your colleagues describe you?
- If
you had to use five adjectives to describe yourself, what
would they be?
Now
consider some questions that you would ask the interviewer.
For
on-line access to services and resources to support your career,
click here
|
