Interview Advice (cont.)

3. Anticipating Questions

Interviews typically follow a standard format, allowing you to prepare a number of your responses beforehand.

• Common interview questions

• Asking your questions

Common Interview Questions

There are only so many questions that an interviewer can ask, so you may want to prepare answers to the following. And remember, you answers are your opportunity to highlight your key skills and abilities. Deliver them clearly and confidently and in an enthusiastic fashion, avoiding unappealing ‘robotic’ answers - many interviewers will be wary of stock or obviously prepared responses, so will often throw in unexpected or follow on queries, testing your ability to think on your feet. Answer these as quickly as possible without appearing to dither.

Some standard interview questions are:

• How much do you know about the job?

• What skills or experience do you have that make you right for the job?

• Why did you leave your last company?

(Note: Never appear vindictive or bitter about a former employer when asked this question. This only serves to highlight you as a petty or otherwise unprofessional individual. Constructive criticism is considered appropriate, and if prompted you may explain any suggestions you may have had to rectify the perceived problem.)

• What interests you about the job and this company?

• When have you had the opportunity to show initiative?

• Who and what were you responsible for in your last job?

• Can you give an example of when you coped well under pressure?

• Do you prefer to work as an individual or as part of a team?

• What are your three biggest career achievements so far?

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

(Note: If you feel you have weaknesses, it is better to be honest about them. Often a applicant’s acknowledgement of their weaknesses coupled with a clearly displayed resolve to correct them can be just as impressive as a strength. Employers are wary of people who consider themselves to be perfect.)

• What are your long-term goals and how are going to succeed in achieving them?

• Could you tell me more about your hobbies and interests?

• Are you considering any other jobs?