CV Writing - Interview Guide
They are under pressure to fill the position so that they canget back to their own work. Therefore you are in a greater
position of strength than you think. Concentrate on what you
have to offer in the way of qualifications and experience
instead of feeling intimidated.
An interviewer has 3 aims:
1) To learn if you are the right person for the job
2) To assess your potential for promotion
3) To decide whether you will fit into the company environment
The key to a successful interview is in preparation
Be prepared: For the types of questions you will be asked
Be prepared: To ask questions yourself
Be prepared: To research the company
Be prepared: To look the part
Be prepared: To turn up on time
Questions you may be asked
Example question: How would you describe yourself?
Your answer: Should describe attributes that will enhance your
suitability for the position. Have some ready in advance.
Example question: What are your long-term goals?
Your answer: Should be career orientated. Make sure you have
goals to discuss.
Example question: Why did you leave your last job? Your answer:
Could be more responsibility; better opportunity; increased
income. Do not be detrimental to your previous employer. He
could be the interviewer"s golfing partner.
Example question: Why do you want this job?
Your answer: Your answer should be: more responsibility or
better opportunity or similar. Not: because it is closer to home
or the gym. Example question: What are your strengths? Your
answer: Should highlight accomplishments and experiences that
relate to the position for which you are applying. Also give
examples of situations where your strengths have been
demonstrated. Example question: What are your weaknesses?
Your answer: Should not be a list of deficiencies. Don"t mention
anything that could make the interviewer question your ability
to do the job, for example "I am always late for everything."
Instead, discuss a weakness that could also be a strength such
as "I am a workaholic!"
More Examples of Interview Questions
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Describe your current / most recent position.
What made you want to make this change?
What do you most enjoy doing in your current /most recent
position? Describe your future ambitions. How would you describe
yourself?
Questions for you to ask
Asking questions at interview has a number of positive effects:
It helps you find out more about the company and the position.
It can be used to divert the interviewer away from a subject you
may wish to avoid. It can help build a rapport with the
interviewer. It demonstrates an interest in the job and the
company. The questions must be about the position and the
company. Avoid questions about salary, benefits and facilities
until after you have been offered the job. You should already
have researched the company and it"s products and services. Your
questions should demonstrate knowledge of the company"s history,
successes and problems. If the interviewer is a representative
of the personnel department the questions should relate to the
company and be general. Specific questions relating to the
position should be kept for the line manager who will have a
more detailed knowledge.
Example questions relating to the position What are the main
responsibilities of the job? What are the most difficult aspects
of the job? How did the vacancy arise? What is the career path
relating to this position? How will my work be assessed?
Example questions relating to the company What is the company
hoping to achieve in the next 12 months? What new products are
the company planning to introduce in the future? Are any major
changes planned for the department/company? Who are your biggest
competitors?
Where to find company information Information relating to
companies, financial data, industries and business trends is
available in business magazines which often publish on the World
Wide Web and allow you to order Annual Reports relating to
specific companies. Companies often have their own web site.
Newspapers - search on-line press reports including archived
articles. Local library
Presentation Tips Obviously you should be clean and smart in
appearance but you should also dress appropriately for the
position, for example: a student placement that is more
expensively dressed than the Managing Director may have a
negative impact. Clothes should be on the conservative side,
which is more acceptable to people of all ages, cultures and
backgrounds. After all, you are asking to be accepted into the
company. Therefore always avoid extremes in hair, clothes,
make-up and jewellery. Taking trouble over your appearance shows
the employer that the job is important to you.
Travel tips Arrive 15 minutes early. Make sure you have the
correct address and know how you will get there: Parking? Public
transport access? Do a dummy run if you are not sure. Make sure
you have a mobile phone and a telephone number so that you can
ring ahead if circumstances beyond your control are making you
late. Be polite to everyone you speak to, it could be the
Managing Director"s cousin! Have a copy of your CV with you.
Summary You should show interest in all aspects of the job and
the company especially if shown around the premises. Do your
homework on the company and the nature of its business. Take
care in how you dress for the interview. First impressions still
count!
Some of the main influences on the interviewer are: Your
experience in other employment or life situations Your personal
presentation. How your personality comes across in the interview
Your background and references Your enthusiasm for both the job
and the organisation. Relevant qualifications for the position.
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